#Drama | Scene Before

Maddie’s Secret (2025): John Early Cooks Up Something Good

“Maddie’s Secret” is the feature length directorial debut of comedian John Early (Search Party, DC League of Super Pets), who also wrote the film himself, and stars as its title character. The cast also includes Kate Berlant (The Moment, A League of Their Own), Eric Rahill (The Paper, Let’s Start a Cult), Kristen Johnston (3rd Rock from the Sun, The Exes), Claudia O’Doherty (Love, Killing It), Conner O’Malley (I Saw the TV Glow, Rap World), Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live, I Love That for You), and Chris Bauer (The Deuce, The Wire). This film is about a woman who is struggling with bulimia while also trying deal with her friendships, her past, and online fame due to her presence on a cooking program.

It is only appropriate that “Maddie’s Secret” goes by its particular title, because the film itself feels like a secret. Upon its release more than a month ago, “Maddie’s Secret” happened to only play in select locations, including the Boston area. As the movie happened to be playing near me, I thought I would check it out. After all, I have heard decent things about it, and I had no interest in seeing the new “Minions” movie.

“Maddie’s Secret” is no longer just a secret, it is a hidden gem. This movie rocks. If someone were to describe “Maddie’s Secret” to me on the spot and I had no idea what it was, part of me would assume that this film is not for me. Heck, even the name sounds like a straight to DVD title found in the middle of Walmart or a trashy Lifetime original. Do not judge this book by its cover.

This film stars John Early. When I was watching the opening credits, I was a tad confused, as I thought this film was about a woman, and yet a man is playing the lead. Turns out both of those things are true. Having watched enough “Saturday Night Live,” I cannot say that this is the first time I have seen someone playing a character of an identity that is different than their own. I am surprised to say Early shines as the lead. He does a fantastic job tapping into the character’s emotions, struggles, and occasional excitement. It is not to say the performance is going to win an Oscar, but I was shocked with how much I bought into it. Given the film’s particular lead and tone, I was especially delighted to notice how seriously it takes bulimia. Maybe such a sentiment is not as valid as can be, because, again, I do not have bulimia, nor do I know anyone in my life who does. Not that it is any of my business if I did know someone who secretly had it. But I would love to know what people who have bulimia would think of this film. From a dramatic point of view, this film excellently handles Maddie as she struggles with her eating disorder in more ways than one. This is true when talking about the effects of the disorder itself, her interacting with important characters along the way, and seeing her closest relationships develop, I would love to know how many people would relate to this character or see themselves in this character.

Tone-wise, part of me can imagine an alternate reality where this particular movie would fall apart like a house of cards. I did not see any trailers prior to watching “Maddie’s Secret,” so I was not entirely sure what to expect from this film, but it finds a fine line between comedy and drama. It is never laugh out loud funny, but it is often capable of delivering a chuckle. At other points, it is deeply moving and powerful. “Maddie’s Secret” finds a unique balance in its material, sort of like “Everything Everywhere All at Once” did several years back.

On the surface, this movie seems like it is about someone who finds a passion in cooking and uses it to better her life. To a certain degree, that is true. But as Maddie’s success is on the rise, she is also dealing with a home life that is maybe not all it is cracked to be. She has familial problems lingering in the background. Not to mention, she has bulimia, which is probably one of the most interesting sells one can have when pitching a movie like this. For the record, I have, to my surprise, not heard of the term bulimia nervosa prior to watching this movie. If anything, I am glad I watched “Maddie’s Secret” simply because it put a spotlight on the concept.

Speaking of characters I admire, another one in this film is Julie, played diligently by Vanessa Bayer. From scene one, she has a massive pinch of enthusiasm and often maintains a youthful spirit. She comes into the film at an integral point in Maddie’s journey, where things are not particularly going as great as they could be. Despite the movie getting serious at this point, Julie’s presence calmed the vibe down in a sense. Julie is a character that I could see certain viewers finding annoying, but that is not the case for yours truly.

This movie is a bit down to earth on its more dramatic moments, but tends to sometimes jump the shark in its more comedic scenes. The biggest example that comes to mind is when Maddie initially finds success on social media. Not that I have any problem with how the movie presented her success, but shortly after, she has a meeting with her boss, who tells Maddie that she breached her contract with the company. So, instead of being fired, Maddie becomes an on-camera personality within said company. Debatably, the movie jumps the shark just enough in this scene, if the company sees money, then why not follow it?

To my surprise, this film is also one of the more gorgeous-looking ones I have seen recently. For starters, some of the lighting really pops. There is one intimate scene in particular that is neatly colored. Also, this may be a tad unexpected to say because this project deals with an eating disorder, but with the story centering itself around food, it is not always easy to keep your mouth from watering, except for the occasional over the top, gross scene. This movie does not quite get as gross as say “The Substance,” but there are select visuals that are slightly off-putting. Even with a moment or two that made me want to look away, I could not keep my eyes off of “Maddie’s Secret.”

In the end, “Maddie’s Secret” is an engaging movie that delivers a one of a kind vision from John Early. While none of performances in “Maddie’s Secret” are going to win any major awards, each one fits perfectly within the context of the project. The dialogue is also often perfectly timed and realized. There is a perfect pace to many of the film’s lines. I have no idea if this is a film that is going to have any replay value down the line, but I do think it is worth watching at least once. “Maddie’s Secret” is, if nothing else, a totally unique dramedy, and I am going to give it a 7/10.

“Maddie’s Secret” is now available to rent or buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! Also, be sure to check out my latest episode of Movie Requests! It is an original video series where I ask your favorite stars what movies they think I should talk about! In this episode, I review Elijah Wood’s request, “Festen,” aka “The Celebration!” If you want to watch the episode, click the video above! Also, be sure to like the video on YouTube and subscribe to my channel if you want to see new episodes of Movie Requests as soon as they drop!

My next review is going to be for “Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass.” Stay tuned! Also, coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “The Odyssey,” “Her Private Hell,” “Haunted Heist,” “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” “I Want Your Sex,” and “The Invite.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Maddie’s Secret?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite movie revolving around food? One recommendation that comes to mind is “Chef.” It is a fantastic story with clever writing, good performances, and it makes you hungry. It is excellent. Check it out! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Toy Story 5 (2026): An Incredibly Relevant Fifth Entry to Pixar’s Flagship Franchise

Posted on July 24 by Jack Drees

Photo by Pixar/Pixar – © 2026 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

“Toy Story 5” is directed by Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL-E) and stars Tom Hanks (Cast Away, The Polar Express), Tim Allen (Last Man Standing, Home Improvement), Joan Cusack (Saturday Night Live, Toys), Conan O’Brien (Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Conan), Scarlett Spears (Wicked: For Good, General Hospital), Greta Lee (Russian Doll, The Morning Show), Shelby Rabara (Steven Universe, Goliath), Mykal-Michelle Harris (Mixed-ish, Raven’s Home), and Craig Robinson (The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). This film follows an eight-year old Bonnie as her toys watch her become obsessed with a tablet right before their eyes. The sudden shift prompts the toys to wonder about their future, as well as Bonnie’s.

I do not know about you, but to me, “Toy Story 5” felt inevitable. This was especially true when “Toy Story 4” came out in 2019, started its box office run with a bang, and ultimately become one of Disney’s several billion-dollar grossers that year. That said, there is something about this franchise that works just about every time. Each story, in some way, tends to justify its existence. Some more than others, but still.

The original “Andy trilogy” remains one of cinema’s most remarkable achievements through its technological feats, great storytelling, likable characters, and balanced presentation that is perfect for all ages. While I found “Toy Story 4” to be much weaker than the original three, I still found the film to be incredibly entertaining. It is also one of the best-looking animated films I have ever seen. There are one or two shots involving a cat that linger in my mind to this day.

When I heard Pixar was doing a “Toy Story 5,” I was onboard. Then I heard what it was about and I knew I was going to get my tickets ASAP. For those who need to know, “Toy Story 5” showcases what happens when modern technology plays an important role in Bonnie’s life, thus prompting her to abandon her toys. I do not have much of a connection to today’s youth, but I come across tons of younger people who, based on an initial impression, seem to be seriously attached to their electronics. Quite often, when I go out to a restaurant, I will find a family nearby whose children are staring at a tablet. I am not going to pretend I was not in the same boat as a child. I would occasionally bring my Game Boy Advance SP or Nintendo DS to a restaurant to kill time before food arrives. Heck, as an adult, I bring my laptop to a restaurant to write material for this blog.

Electronic addiction knows no age.

Overall, I thought “Toy Story 5,” much like “Toy Story 4,” is not quite in the same boat as the original Andy trilogy. But this is by all means a step up from the last movie.

This fifth installment starts off with a bang. There are a couple key moments that introduce major threads. Including one involving an army of Buzz Lightyears designed with a modern twist, and another where we see a ton of abandoned toys warning Bonnie’s toys about the dangers of tech. It was at this point that I was convinced that I was watching a horror flick. Then when we introduce Bonnie… We see this truly heart-shattering moment where she asks her parents why she does not have any friends. She asks such a question after the movie reveals she is still playing with traditional toys, but those around her are relying on LilyPads to entertain themselves.

I do think it is slightly interesting though that only now in the “Toy Story” universe we are seeing technology come to life. We have been through four movies and a ton of other electronics have been featured throughout. These include TVs, game systems, and phones. Now that a tablet has entered the chat, we have our first instance of a pure electronic device as we define it come alive. It is a bit odd as Andy had a gaming console in his room, something specifically designed for play, and we never saw that do the same. Then again, perhaps I am being a bit harsh. After all, it relies on various wired connections, whereas the LilyPad is a wireless tablet that does need charging, but its setup is friendlier for multi-purpose handheld use. So… Does that mean if Andy had a Game Boy growing up, that would come to life too? Would a Nintendo Switch come to life in this universe? That is a portable device to some degree. So many questions.

Though as I say that, the LilyPad, while it definitely behaves a lot like an iPad, has a design that appears to be more of a reference to LeapFrog devices, which are geared towards younger audiences. After all… LilyPad… LeapFrog… The two names are quite similar. Granted, LilyPads come in more colors than green, but still. Maybe the device is supposed to take elements from both LeapFrogs and more traditional, everyday tablets like iPads, as devices like iPads are more likely to be used for social purposes. Also, given Pixar’s connections to Apple, I am surprised they did not implement select Apple sound effects or Easter Eggs like they did at certain points in “WALL-E.”

Another thing I should note is that this is Jessie’s story. Not Woody’s. I have no problem with that. After all, when breaking down the “Toy Story” movies, it is not exactly about the toys themselves, but more so their relationship with whoever possesses them. With this being a “Toy Story” installment, it should not be a shock that there is some thread in the story having to do with “x toy” feeling apprehensive that “y person” will not play with them anymore. All of Bonnie’s toys, but Jessie most especially, is nervous that LilyPad is going to replace them for good. I like this obstacle. It taps into the fear that children could grow up without an imagination because they are staring at screens all day. In fact, there is a great scene where we see Bonnie, whose face is still as can be, staring at her tablet nonstop. One of my favorite moments involving Bonnie’s attachment to the device is seeing her dad come into her room. When Bonnie is communicating with her dad, she is not looking at him. She is looking at the device and talking at the same time. Bonnie is genuinely hooked.

If you ask me, I think there is a place for tech in younger people’s lives. We live in a world where not everyone has to be in the same room to socialize anymore. Of course, nothing can replace the in-person experience of hanging out, but it is cool to know that people can come together to play games online, chat online, and all other sorts of things. If anything, this film feels more like an anti-peer pressure movie as opposed to an anti-tech movie. The way the story plays out taps into Bonnie’s social life, and how the LilyPad has enhanced it significantly. She has always had the toys, but not anyone who wanted to play with her. It kind of reminded me of when I was a child and I was still playing Nintendo games whereas other people I knew were diving into first-person shooters.

Going back to Woody, while it definitely made for a good marketing push to have Woody and Buzz reunite, I think this movie did not necessarily need Woody in it for it to flow. Sure, Woody plays a bit of an essential role when he comes on screen and he is trying to save abandoned toys. But this is a story that probably could have been done almost as effectively without him. Of course, Tom Hanks does a good job with the role. No surprise there. That said, he has way less to do this time around than the other movies.

That said, I am glad Buzz has stuck around for this movie. This film dives further into an ongoing element of his story that has been touched in previous movies, and I thought they did a great job with it. By the end of the film, I was satisfied with where they took it.

Although this movie is not all tech… There is some play, and this film may have some of the coolest play scenes yet. It shows what is going on in the kid’s imagination while playing with the toys. It brings in some cool frames and backgrounds. This also unleashes a clever Easter Egg involving Conan O’Brien’s character, Smarty Pants (middle). As a human character plays with him, we see in their imagination that the character has a hat of reddish-orange hair, much like the actual Conan O’Brien.

Speaking of Smarty Pants, I do not think there is anyone else on earth more qualified to voice this character than Conan O’Brien. I say that not just because I am a fan of him as an entertainer, but during his late night hosting days, I have noticed that O’Brien has a unique ability to take the most terrible or odd bit and spin it in a way where it can be as entertaining as possible. In actuality, that is just a nice way of saying that I have mixed feelings about the character.

As a 26 year-old, toilet humor has not aged well with yours truly. Not to say it cannot work. In fact, it sometimes does in this movie. But it does feel a bit odd that Pixar decided to use toilet humor. They usually aim a little higher when it comes to attempts at humor. I was surprised to say I never gagged or cringed at any of the jokes from this character, but there are times that I wish I laughed just a little harder. Some of the jokes tend to repeat themselves or come off as some variation of a joke that has been told previously. Maybe it is to reflect the simplistic nature of the character compared to the LilyPad, which is the fancy dancy piece of modern technology, but some of the jokes got old fast.

Even with its flaws, “Toy Story 5” is worth watching. It is beautifully animated, as should be no surprise given how Pixar’s films are usually stunning. The voice cast all play off each other perfectly. The film is kind of sad to think about, because it reveals that technology is so integrated into people’s lives to the point where we cannot live without it. In some cases, we might not even have friends because of it. “Toy Story 5” is not necessarily a movie that begs its viewers to put down the tablet or step away from the computer, but more so reminds people to have a decent balance between technology and real life.

In the end, “Toy Story 5” is a fantastic movie. It is a perfect watch for the entire family. Is it the best “Toy Story” installment? No. But it does not mean that you should brush it aside. If anything, the most prominent critiques I have for this film are that some of the jokes are better than others, and as much fun as it is to see Woody and Buzz, much like old times, you could almost take Woody out of the movie and have it feel no different. Keep Buzz though. His presence is essential to the story. This movie showcases the ups and downs of technology in daily life. It serves as a cautionary tale as to what can happen with constant use of technology, but the movie does not suggest that tech should be destroyed in its entirety. Pixar is responsible for the two best animated films this year so far. This movie and “Hoppers.” The studio has been on fire lately. I am going to give “Toy Story 5” an 8/10.

“Toy Story 5” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! As a reminder, in honor of Scene Before’s 10th anniversary, I am currently working on an original web series called Movie Requests. It is a video series that sees me reviewing movies suggested by some of your favorite stars. Be sure to check out my latest episode featuring Sandi Harding, the owner of the last Blockbuster Video on the planet, located in Bend, Oregon. In this episode, Harding suggests I should talk about “The Goonies.” To hear my thoughts on the movie, click the video above! If you like the video and want to see more episodes of Movie Requests, hit the like button and subscribe to my YouTube channel! I also share the videos on this blog, but the fastest way to be alerted about them is to subscribe on YouTube!

My next review is going to be for “Supergirl.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Jackass: Best and Last,” “Obsession,” “Maddie’s Secret,” “Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass,” “The Odyssey,” and “Her Private Hell.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Toy Story 5?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite “Toy Story” movie? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Disclosure Day (2026): Spielberg’s Latest and Most Complex UFO Story

Posted on July 18 by Jack Drees

“Disclosure Day” is directed by Steven Spielberg (Close Encounters of the Third King, The Fabelmans) and stars Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, The Fall Guy), Josh O’Connor (Challengers, Emma.), Colin Firth (Love, Actually, Kingsman: The Secret Service), Eve Hewson (Bad Sisters, The Knick), and Colman Domingo (Sing Sing, Wicked: For Good). This film is about a meterologist and a cybersecurity expert who find themselves in the center of a movement to unveil government secrets about alien life.

© Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Sort of in the way that there are no two words in sports that seem to match the excitement of “Game 7,” there are no two words in cinema that seem to match the excitement of Steven Spielberg. Or… At least that seems to have been the case until recently. Prior to “Disclosure Day,” Spielberg’s two directorial outings post-COVID were “West Side Story” and “The Fabelmans.” Both films are astounding in their own way, but neither was a financial success. Sure, both came out at a time where moviegoers were staying home more and perhaps more selective with what they chose to see. But if the sales for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” say anything, we still live in a world where a director’s name can be a huge selling point for a film. Spielberg is one of the best in the industry, so of course I bought a ticket for “Disclosure Day” as soon as I could.

When I see a ton of actors I recognize in one movie, it often gets me excited to see how they play off each other. I always get the impression that these people know what they are doing and do it well. At the same time, it is a little distracting, because having seen this cast’s faces, I already have an idea of what to expect from them. Thankfully, everyone in this film is brilliant. From Josh O’Conner, who does a great job allowing the audience to feel the wonder of the story. To Colman Domingo, whose character’s direct mannerisms do a fantastic job balancing the film’s overall tone. To Emily Blunt, who… What can I say? Emily Blunt has never been better. And there is a chance she will never be better than she is in this film.

We are only halfway through 2026, but I hereby declare that the race for Best Actress is already over. If we get a performance that somehow surpasses the incredible talents and range on display from Emily Blunt, then this is likely going to be one of the greatest years for cinema ever. Blunt is tasked with so much throughout the film, some of which I downright refuse to spoil. I remember watching the trailer, and seeing that moment where she was speaking gibberish during a weather forecast. It is super engaging in the full context of the film. I was also shocked at how well the gibberish came across. When I heard it in the marketing, part of me thought, “Well, that’s probably gonna end up sounding like nails on a chalkboard.” I was delighted to be colossally wrong.

Speaking of surprises, John Williams has still got it. I really shouldn’t be surprised. It’s John Williams. He’s done some of the best film scores. But there was a magic to this one in particular. The dude is 94, which in my mind meant a couple things. Between his previous experience and his old age, he’s already done so much great work to the point where it makes me wonder if he’s possible to deliver something as memorable as he did back in the day. I was wondering if he was just going to phone it in. But at the same time, with age comes knowledge. And knowledge is power. Trust me when I say this score is mighty powerful.

Prior to seeing “Disclosure Day,” I heard from some people who had already seen it comparing it to Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” For the record, I have liked every film Christopher Nolan has helmed. “Tenet” included. It is not his easiest film to understand, even after several viewings, but it is an experience unto its own. There are few movies that gave me something akin to it. I can see why the two films share some similarities. Both feature clever sci-fi concepts, contain brilliant musical scores, and run at a rather quick pace. In fact, one thing I thought both movies did very well is that they set the tone and got straight to the action from the first minute. The movies may be long, but they do not waste time. Much like “Tenet,” I would also like to watch “Disclosure Day” a second, perhaps a third time. And unlike “Tenet,” one of those reasons is not because the sound mixing was sometimes terrible. The sound in this movie is actually quite great. In fact, technically, this film is one of the best overall cinematic experiences of the year. The color palette had this old school pop to it. The editing was impeccable. There is not one shot in the movie that I thought looked questionable.

Although like “Tenet,” “Disclosure Day” can sometimes feel clunky. “Tenet” is clunky in its complicated, confusing approach to its story and progression. “Disclosure Day” on the other hand feels a little more straightforward and easier to digest. Yet as the film enters its climax, it does sometimes feel riddled with conveniences. The climax is exciting and it did have me, at times, on the edge of my seat, but nevertheless. Am I rooting for the protagonists? Sure. Yet at the same time, there seems to be a lot of dumb luck that throws things off for me. Much like Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man,” the climax of “Disclosure Day” is most definitely the weak point. This film’s climax is much better. Despite its flaws and recently mentioned conveniences, it is undoubtedly entertaining and fits the flow and spirit of the story.

If I had to rank the Steven Spielberg-directed UFO films, I think I would put “Close Encounters” on the bottom. It is a good movie, but I like certain parts of it more than others. At the top, is “E.T.,” which has solid characters and an emotionally powerful ending. “Disclosure Day” is somewhere in between. It is good, but not fantastic. That said, I am curious to know if the ranking could change after multiple viewings. That said, figuring out my next viewing for this film is going to be tough. I have so many movies to watch, and so little time.

In the end, “Disclosure Day” is a thrilling, albeit confusing ride. Even with its flaws, I do think this movie is worth watching at least once. And depending on how that initial viewing goes, maybe it is worth watching again. Not necessarily because it could end up being your favorite movie on the first go. I say this because this comes off as a movie that I imagine getting better as I digest it and unpack it. Maybe the same could be true for you. Although if there is any reason to watch this movie at all, it is Emily Blunt, who gives a career-defining performance as Margaret Fairchild. Trust me, look forward to seeing some of the best acting of your life. I am going to give “Disclosure Day” a 7/10.

“Disclosure Day” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now!

Thanks for reading this review! In case you missed it, be sure to check out my latest episode of Movie Requests, featuring Sandi Harding, the owner of the last Blockbuster Video that is still open! She requested I should watch “The Goonies!” What did I think of it? Watch the video and find out! Be sure to like the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see new episodes of Movie Requests as soon as possible!

My next review is going to be for “Toy Story 5!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Supergirl,” “Jackass: Best and Last,” “Obsession,” “Maddie’s Secret,” “Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass,” and “The Odyssey!” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Disclosure Day?” What did you think about? Or, what is your favorite Steven Spielberg UFO film? Or even, your favorite film of his in general? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Marty Supreme (2025): Josh Safdie’s Fast-Paced Flick Following a Lean, Mean Ping Pong Machine

Posted on December 30 by Jack Drees

“Marty Supreme” is directed by Josh Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time) and stars Timothée Chalamet (Wonka, A Complete Unknown), Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man, Shakespeare in Love), Odessa A’zion (Until Dawn, She Rides Shotgun), Kevin O’Leary (Shark Tank, Project Earth), Tyler, the Creator (Piece by Piece, Jackass Forever), Abel Ferrara (Body Snatchers, Fear City), and Fran Drescher (The Nanny, Hotel Transylvania). Loosely inspired by true events, the film follows Marty Mauser, a shoe salesman who aspires to be a ping pong pro and will do anything, no matter the cost, to make his dream a reality.

The Safdie Brothers have quickly become two of the biggest names working in Hollywood today. Their work together behind the camera has brought forth some excitingly fast-paced films including “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems.” I had the pleasure of rewatching the latter earlier this year, and while it is sometimes hard to keep up with every minute, I appreciate the film’s commitment to delivering one of the most anxiety-inducing cinematic experiences of all time. It is not my favorite film of 2019, but it is certainly one of the most unique.

While the Safdie Brothers may not be working together this year as directors, it allows for both to release their own projects at different points of the year. “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie, released in October. I thought it could have been better. Fast forward a couple months later, that is when Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” hits the big screen. The two films have a couple things in common. Both star big name actors and involve sports. “The Smashing Machine” stars Dwayne Johnson and involves mixed martial arts. “Marty Supreme” on the other hand stars Timothée Chalamet and involves table tennis. These two films have some things in common.

Although one significant difference between “The Smashing Machine” and “Marty Supreme” is that the latter is a much better movie. I walked out of “Marty Supreme” feeling somewhat similar to how I walked out of “Uncut Gems” after seeing it for the first time. While it is not going to be my favorite film of the year, it will be remembered as a one of a kind adrenaline rush featuring a complicated protagonist.

To say Timothée Chalamet plays Marty Mauser would be a disservice because I think the more accurate thing to say is that Chalamet transforms into Marty Mauser. It is quite possible that Chalamet has given the performance of the year, and it is gratifying to end 2025 on such a high note. I had a conversation with a friend in recent weeks and we both agreed that Chalamet has undeniable range between his work in “Dune,” “Wonka,” and even more recently, “A Complete Unknown.” With each and every role he takes on, Chalamet continues to showcase an extreme sense of charisma. But if you go into “Marty Supreme” expecting Chalamet to deliver something as happy go lucky as his lead performance in “Wonka,” prepare to have those expectations subverted. Chalamet’s character is by no means a role model.

Through its marketing and execution, “Marty Supreme” sort of plays out like a classic hero’s journey. Marty wants to get out of his ordinary life as a shoe salesman and will stop at nothing to see his ping pong dreams through. He does not care who he has to push out of the way. He does not care how much money it costs to make something happen. Unlike a real hero, Marty is noticeably self-absorbed. If anything, Marty Mauser is the equivalent of Lightning McQueen from “Cars” if that movie were not filtered for a G-rating. He is a narcissistic brat who wants things to go his way. He clearly passionate about his dreams, but maybe to a sick degree.

As I watched “Marty Supreme,” I could not help but think about “All the Right Moves,” the 1983 film starring Tom Cruise as a high schooler looking for a football scholarship. I found some parallels in my experiences of watching both films. Not only are their protagonists athletic, but they are kind of bratty. That said, “Marty Supreme” manages to present a much more likable lead, at least to me. The protagonist from “All the Right Moves,” Stefen Djordjevic, comes off as a jerk on so many levels. Marty Mauser is also kind of a jerk, but there are moments that despite his selfish tendencies, he has a heart. Though even if he did not have a heart, the movie has such a wild immersion factor that enhances Marty’s journey, as well as those of the supporting characters. I felt completely invested in everything this film had to offer from start to finish.

Speaking of the supporting cast, that aspect of the movie stands out simply because there are some surprising names attached to the project like magician Penn Jillette and venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary (above), the latter of whom plays one of the most significant parts in the project. While “Marty Supreme” may not have my favorite cast of the year, I will give the film props for putting in some eccentric, but nevertheless spot on talent.

That said, while Kevin O’Leary does do an okay job in the film, if you know enough about Kevin O’Leary, chances are you are probably going to walk out of this movie thinking that he played an alternate version of himself. O’Leary’s character, Milton Rockwell, is an influential businessman.

Similarly, Gwyneth Paltrow is also in the film. She puts on a good show as Kay Stone, a retired actress. Paltrow’s role, like O’Leary’s, feels kind of derivative considering Paltrow herself took a break from acting. While O’Leary and Paltrow both play their parts well, they do not hold a candle to Chalamet as the lead, who, as I said earlier, basically transforms into Marty Mauser.

This film, from start to finish, maintains a consistent sense of atmosphere. This film is set in the 1950s, and the production design to match the time spares no expense. The movie is also shot mostly on 35mm film, giving it a somewhat dirty, but also neatly colored look. It kind of reminded me of the look of “Uncut Gems,” which again, Josh Safdie directed. Both films are even shot by the same cinematographer, Darius Khondji. I have to give credit to both of these people because they play a part in taking a sport as simple as ping pong and presenting it as if it happened to be a gladiator match. Not every shot showcases every little bit of action, but there is a breakneck pace to each of the film’s sporting events. I also have to give props, once again, to Timothée Chalamet. His talent leaps off the screen, and it should not be a surprise. Chalamet spent years training for this role by taking lessons and even replacing his living room furniture in his home with a table tennis setup.

On the surface, “Marty Supreme” seems like a sports drama about an aspiring ping pong player, and it is. But the reality is that the film is much more than that. It is about someone who thinks beyond reason. It is about someone whose aspirations are so high to the point where his behavior and actions to achieve the goals he wants to see through become unpredictable. If you want a role model protagonist, this might not be the movie for you. But if you are okay something rough and tough, “Marty Supreme” may be up your alley.

In the end, “Marty Supreme” is a fast-paced thrill of a flick featuring one of the best lead performances of the year. This may be Timothée Chalamet’s greatest demonstration of his acting chops to date, and that is saying something because his portrayal of Bob Dylan in last year’s “A Complete Unknown” is unbelievable. The film packs in a lot of threads, showcases a ton of characters, and never becomes boring throughout its two and a half hour runtime. That said, and not that this is a huge dealbreaker, I wish the movie maybe had a smidge more ping pong, but the ping pong we do get is kinetic and entertaining. That said, I will give credit to “Marty Supreme,” as far as this year’s sports movies go, this is much more of a ping pong movie than “Him” is a football movie. I am going to give “Marty Supreme” a 7/10.

“Marty Supreme” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! With my thoughts on this movie out of the way, that means my next posts are going to be for my top 10 BEST and WORST movies of 2025. I saw nearly all the movies I wanted to see this year. I still have not seen “Song Sung Blue,” “Ne Zha II,” “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” and “Blue Moon.” I only have so much time so I could not quite fit everything in. But some of the movies I did see will be acknowledged in the coming days. If you want to see posts like my upcoming countdowns and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Marty Supreme?” What did you think about it? Or, between Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” and Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” which film do you think is superior? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025): The Weakest Film of the Knives Out Trilogy

Posted on December 14 by Jack Drees

“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is directed by Rian Johnson and this is the third film in his ongoing “Knives Out” franchise. This film stars Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, Logan Lucky), Josh O’Connor (Challengers, The Crown), Glenn Close (The Wife, Fatal Attraction), Josh Brolin (Avengers: Infinity War, Weapons), Mila Kunis (Family Guy, Jupiter Ascending), Jeremy Renner (The Avengers, The Hurt Locker), Kerry Washington (Scandal, Little Fires Everywhere), Andrew Scott (Sherlock, Ripley), Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla, Civil War), Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Bad Sisters), and Thomas Haden Church (Spider-Man 3, Wings). This film shows what happens as Benoit Blanc investigates the death of priest who passed during a Good Friday service.

“Wake Up Dead Man” is one of those films that I really should be more excited about. I did not make a most anticipated films of the year list this past January. Frankly, I do not know if I ever will make one of those lists again. But if I did do one for this year, chances are I would have put “Wake Up Dead Man” on it. I really enjoyed the last couple of “Knives Out” movies, especially the original. This film franchise comes off as a passion project for Rian Johnson behind the camera and Daniel Craig in front of it. That said, I kept forgetting that this third film was happening. I knew that a third film would happen at some point. But I feel like the hype machine for this film was miniscule compared to the previous ones. The first film, while definitely somewhat familiar as far as the mystery genre goes, was one of 2019’s freshest and most exciting originals. “Glass Onion” appeared to piggyback off of the first film’s success while still delivering something new and what I thought to be a solid sequel. It also surprisingly implements the COVID-19 pandemic quite well. There were quite a few 2020-esque callbacks that had me laughing. I did not see that coming. “Glass Onion” even got a wider theatrical release than most Netflix projects, as it should have. I could not believe I had the opportunity to watch a Netflix movie at an AMC, but it happened!

Meanwhile, “Wake Up Dead Man” also had a release in theaters, but it appears to have similar treatment to a lot of Netflix’s other movies that end up in cinemas. “Wake Up Dead Man” ended up playing a few locations, but none of the major chains. Not AMC. Not Regal. Not Cinemark. I took advantage of the limited opportunity to catch “Wake Up Dead Man” in cinemas, and part of me is thankful for it. Like the past couple films, “Wake Up Dead Man” has plenty of laughs. It was exciting to see this film play in front of an occasionally audible crowd. That said, of the three “Knives Out” films, I found this one to be the least funny.

Courtesy of Netflix – © 2025 Netflix, Inc.

One of the biggest positives I can give “Wake Up Dead Man” just so happens to be one of the biggest positives I’ve acknowledged through the last couple of “Knives Out” movies. Daniel Craig looks like he is having a ball in every single scene. Benoit Blanc is a perfect balance between being a voice of reason while also teetering to a point where he is practically a complete goofball. He has such a knack for theatricality and a lust for shenanigans all the while being in complete focus to simply solve whatever case is in front of him. This is Craig’s third outing as Blanc and he continues to shine. Of course, Craig surrounds himself with plenty of star power. This film’s ensemble cast includes big names like Mila Kunis, Josh Brolin, Thomas Haden Church, Kerry Washington, and Josh O’Connor to name a few.

“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” feels the most Netflix-esque of the “Knives Out” movies so far. Granted, this statement may be unfair, considering the first one is not a Netflix original. It was distributed by Lionsgate. But of the three movies, this is the one that feels the most disposable of the bunch. I hate to stereotype Netflix films, but when I think of Netflix’s filmography, much of what comes to mind is “content.” These are stories designed to be consumed as soon as it drops, only for them to be quickly forgotten. “Wake Up Dead Man” undoubtedly has some memorable moments, but I would not be lying to say it is the most forgettable film of the trilogy so far.

That said, there are some things that this film does to separate itself from the previous two. Like the last couple of films, the story revolves around a large ensemble cast. However, this story involves a group of people who are to a certain degree, constantly in a tight knot, but we also see them constantly separated. Specifically, people who work within and go to a specific church. Sure, we see the cast of first film split up through town, but much of the picture sees a large family gathering in one home. The second film sees a big group of friends coming together at an unusual abode. This film goes bigger and many of the crucial story moments happen from one place, followed by another. It is not like multiple people are dying in the same home similar to the second movie.

“Knives Out” so far has remained a consistent franchise for the most part. All three films are directed by Rian Johnson, and his touch has been exquisite with each go. Every film to a certain degree feels like a throwback set in modern times. All the films run at a smooth pace and have laugh out loud humor. That said, this film let off a particular vibe that the other two did not. As this film reaches the end, it felt draggy. There is a moment in this film where this huge revelation is unveiled. Of course, it is eloquently explained by Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc. The film’s timing with its edits, shot choices, and music also play a role in such mastery. While Craig seems to be having fun on set, I had less fun watching him and the surrounding characters during this scene. The revelation is incredibly drawn out, perhaps on purpose. Regardless of the intent, watching this scene occasionally felt tedious. The climax of this film felt rather underwhelming compared to the other two.

All of the “Knives Out” films exceed a two hour runtime including credits. While “Wake Up Dead Man” is the longest “Knives Out” film statistically, it is perhaps the only “Knives Out” movie where I could feel the runtime, almost to the point where I thought the movie was longer than what the runtime said it was. This is the first time I watched a “Knives Out” movie wondering it would end. I was far less invested in this film than I was the other two. Is the film clever? Sure. Is it well made? Sure. But it lacks the oomph that the other two movies have delivered. This may be because I found the screenplay or characters to be less compelling this time around, or perhaps that the formula is not as novel as it was in 2019. As much as I respect Rian Johnson, I would be curious to see what another filmmaker could bring to this franchise in the future. I feel like they could bring a breath of fresh air. This is not a horrible movie, but it is the least palatable of the trilogy so far and by its conclusion, I kept wondering when it would roll the credits.

In the end, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” feels like a step down for the franchise. I walked out of the first couple of “Knives Out” movies buzzing. Even though I gave “Glass Onion,” a 7/10, which is good, not great, I found the film to be a memorable experience. The first two films had nonstop laughter, engaging plots, and likable characters. While there is still plenty of humor in “Wake Up Dead Man,” I found myself less attached to the story and cast. Sure, Jud is a solid protagonist, but I found the supporting cast to not stand out as much as those from the previous installments. There is no Chris Evans in the cast or Dave Bautista. I cannot name that one character who had one or two extremely quotable lines that I will be thinking about for a long time. Sure, this film gets plenty of big names, but I do not think they were used as well as the actors from the last movies. Maybe I will rewatch the film on Netflix one day and have a totally different opinion, but for now, I am going to give “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” a 6/10.

Little sidenote, this is not sponsored, but if anybody wants to watch a really fun “Knives Out” parody, this is your chance. Netflix, who not only distributes “Knives Out,” but also airs new episodes of “Sesame Street,” released a new short called “Forks Out.” The 5 minute story features the cast of “Sesame Street” trying to figure out who ate the Cookie Monster’s pie, with some help from Detective Beignet Blanc, inspired by Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc from the movies. Go check it out. It’s a take on “Knives Out” with puppets. How can this not be funny?

“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is now playing in select theaters and is available on Netflix for all subscribers.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Jay Kelly!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Bugonia,” “No Other Choice,” “Fackham Hall,” “Scarlet,” “The Secret Agent,” and “Hamnet.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite film in the “Knives Out” trilogy? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

The Smashing Machine (2025): Dwayne Johnson Stars in a Quirky Bore

Posted on November 16 by Jack Drees

“The Smashing Machine” is directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time) and stars Dwayne Johnson (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Central Intelligence), Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, The Girl on the Train), Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten (Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Kevin Can Wait), and Oleksandr Usyk. This film is about mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr and his life in and outside of the ring.

“The Smashing Machine” is maybe my most anticipated film starring Dwayne Johnson in a long time. I like The Rock, but he is not a thespian. He is beyond charismatic, but I never imagined him potentially holding an Academy Award in his hand. That is until this movie happened. If you are familiar with this film’s director, Benny Safdie, then this may remind you of one of his previous films.

Remember “Uncut Gems?” That film starred Adam Sandler, a talented comedian. However, when it comes to his film roles, he lacks range. The reception of his then recent films like “Pixels” or the “Grown Ups” franchise did not help things either. Having Johnson lead this film results in what one could describe as a departure from his typical fare where he simply plays himself.

This movie has a likable actor leading it, and a solid filmmaker directing it. So my question after seeing it is, “Why did I not enjoy this more?”

Admittedly, I am not much of a sports guy. And I do not know squat about MMA. Maybe that has something to do with it. But I am capable of enjoying other movies about combat sports like “Fighting with My Family,” which interesting enough, literally features The Rock playing himself… Or “Cinderella Man,” an engaging underdog story set during the Great Depression. So, what was missing with this flick? If I were to compare this film with those other two, the first thing that comes to mind is that the lead in this film is not exactly someone I cared for. Both “Fighting with My Family” and “Cinderella Man” have admirable lead characters that I could root for. Even if those films had some cliches, they felt like experiences.

Rather than experiencing “The Smashing Machine,” I felt like I was observing it. To my lack of surprise, Dwayne Johnson is excellent as Mark Kerr. It has to be his greatest performance to date and I can see him being nominated for an Oscar this season. But as I watched this character, very rarely was ever able to attach myself to him. The screenplay has the makings of a masterpiece on paper, but the execution sometimes feels flat. The film is based on true events and the story itself is intriguing as a concept, but it does not stick the landing.

That said, Johnson is not the only standout performance in this film. I came for “The Rock,” but you are like me, chances are you will stay for Emily Blunt, who has fantastic chemistry with her on-screen partner. This should not come as too much of a surprise because the two have previously starred alongside each other in Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” so they probably have a feel for each other’s rhythm. Thankfully, unlike “Jungle Cruise,” “The Smashing Machine” dives more into each star’s chops in conversational, sometimes heavily physical scenes, rather than having them play a small part in a special effects-heavy adventure.

Going to back “Uncut Gems,” if you really enjoyed the style in which that movie was presented, “The Smashing Machine” is not exactly presented in the same manner, but the two projects feel very similar. I say this because both films are not always the most comfortable to watch. When I watched “Uncut Gems” I found the film to be fun and hilarious despite its constant chaos and ridiculous pace. However, fun is not a word I would use to describe “The Smashing Machine.” Sure, like usual, The Rock has charisma, but the story is often serious. Mark Kerr spends quite a bit of time making those around him uncomfortable, and it thereby made me uncomfortable. Both films’ protagonists also have their clear vices, whether its Howard Ratner’s gambling, or Mark Kerr’s substance abuse.

The scores also feel like cousins. I cannot confirm that is a good thing, because this film’s musical score felt very out of place. Personally, I would have preferred something a bit more rock and roll or on the traditional orchestra side. Some of the tunes sound like they belong in a nightclub from another dimension. Overall, it would be inaccurate to call the music in “The Smashing Machine” incompetent, but it feels like it belongs in something much more psychedellic. Maybe it would work if someone were to make a more low budget version of “2001: A Space Odyssey” and shot it in 16mm instead of 65mm.

Speaking of which, much of this film was shot on 16mm film. I cannot say much of “The Smashing Machine” is ingrained in my memory, but I will remember this film because of its vibe. Even during scenes where things are supposed to feel big, the camera often helps bring things down to earth. Never once does this film feel overly explosive. Sometimes it works and lets the film shine in its core character moments. But things do not always work in the rest of the movie.

“The Smashing Machine” barely had an IMAX release, which kind of shocks me. Sure, “One Battle After Another” and “Tron: Ares” came out at similar times, and both are notable films. “One Battle After Another” has prestige and is shot in VistaVision, and “Tron: Ares” is a big budget Disney flick. But “The Smashing Machine” literally contains a scene shot in IMAX, and I know that from behind the scenes info, as well as watching the movie itself. As the film enters its final scene, the aspect ratio changes, even in regular theaters. Traditionally, when an IMAX-shot film changes to its namesake ratio, I find it to be incredibly riveting. But not this time.

Much of the film was shot in 1.85:1, which is close to the traditional 16:9 widescreen seen on most modern programming. To see the film cover my theater screen in this ratio for a majority of the runtime and then suddenly jump to 1.43:1 was completely jarring. Maybe if I watched this film in a proper IMAX I would have felt different, because those screens are designed for scenes like the one at the end of the film. But the transition in my traditional AMC screen made this scene feel less satisfying, and to add another dose of disappointment, less immersive. It is a small thing to point out, and from a character arc perspective, I feel like the film’s technical specs played a part in describing Mark Kerr’s mood at the time. From that point of view, I get why the film was shot and presented the way it was, but it does not change the fact that the on-screen result of all this feels poorly executed.

In the end, “The Smashing Machine” is one of the biggest disappointments of the year for me. I am probably not going to remember much about this movie in the coming months. And that is kind of sad, because this film could have represented something else for me. It could have simply represented a shift in Dwayne Johnson’s career. In the realm of cinema, Johnson is well known as the big, buff, blockbuster guy. Should he stick to that? Judging by how much money this movie made, he might end up doing that. Although, if he wins an Oscar, that could change. “The Smashing Machine” is by no means an incomprehensible mess. But this movie was not for me. Benny Safdie is by no means on my hate list. I cannot wait to see what he can bring to the table as Bowser Jr. in “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.” That said, this is not his best work. I am going to give “The Smashing Machine” a 4/10.

“The Smashing Machine” is now available to rent or buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for a movie I have been looking to talking about for the past four years, “Shelby Oaks,” directed by first time feature director Chris Stuckmann. If that name sounds familiar, then chances are you have seen him through his film reviews on YouTube. Stuckmann played a part in inspiring me to write on this blog, so I look forward to finally talking about this film. Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” “Good Fortune,” and “The Running Man.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Smashing Machine?” What did you think about it? Or, in the spirit of the Safdie brothers, are you looking forward to Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme?” The film looks as kinetic as can be and I am here for it. Let me know your thoughts down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

The Accountant 2 (2025): Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal Shine in Two Hours of Punches and Booms

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Jack Drees

“The Accountant 2” is directed by Gavin O’Connor, who also directed this film’s 2016 predecessor. This film stars Ben Affleck (Justice League, The Way Back), Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, The Punisher), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Spartacus, Arrow), Daniella Pineda (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, The Originals), and J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man, Whiplash). This film once again follows Christian Wolff who teams up with his brother, Braxton, to find mysterious assassins.

Before going to see “The Accountant 2” I made an effort to rewatch the original. If you remember my amateurish review you would know that I connected to the film at the time. This was mostly due to how the protagonist was written and executed. Ben Affleck plays an individual who has high functioning autism. I have grown up having many of the traits and quirks that we see from various stages of this character’s life such as his lack of urge to socialize with others. I also thought the film does a good job at providing a humanized portrayal of autism as opposed to a more stereotypical, robotic interpretation.

Is “The Accountant 2” as good as the first one? No, it is not. But is it still worth watching? Perhaps. My biggest problem with this film is that it feels less story-driven and a little more action driven. It’s like the writers listened to Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation” and suddenly thought, “We’ve cracked the code!”

Now I have no problem with good action. And to be honest, this movie has some good action. However, the action scenes sometimes lack the oomph of those in the original. Part of it is because the story here is rather convoluted. I am not going to pretend the story in the original riveted me all the way through. The movie relied way too much on flashbacks towards the end to the point of utter boredom. But this sequel at times feels overstuffed.

While the film may be slightly above average, one great thing about it is the chemistry between Christian (Affleck) and Braxton (Bernthal). The film spends lots of time putting these two in the same place, and every scene between them is worth the price of admission. There is a fantastic scene where Bernthal says he wants a dog and Affleck says everything possible to confirm that he is a cat person. The delivery between these two is on point each and every time.

Going back to how I relate to the characters in this franchise, I almost see Christian and Braxton as a personal representation of a conflict that has been circling in my mind nonstop throughout my young adult life. While these two bond as brothers, they have their differences. One key difference between these two is their individual wants in life. We see Braxton as a lone wolf, which I have always been throughout most of my life. If he puts his mind to something, he does it. He works on his own terms. But then we find out a little bit about Christian, who would like to have a partner he can check in on every once in a while. In this way, Christian, is a little more than meets the eye. You would not expect someone of his mannerisms to be interested in a relationship, but I buy his desire. As I watched this film I thought these character differences represented my personal yin and yang. Do I love being alone? Quite a bit, actually. But do I want someone to check in on? A part of me thinks about it every day.

Speaking of conflicts, I have a conflicting opinion regarding Christian Wolff in this film. Starting with the positives, I genuinely think Ben Affleck put a lot of effort into his performance and he is a standout as the character. Although some of the choices that were made in regard to the character threw me off. I get that Wolff has autism, but he comes off as a robot in this film, especially in comparison to the original. If anything, Wolff is sometimes a lackluster stereotype for people on the spectrum. For some reason, some of his line delivery and choice of words lack authenticity. I would not say that this film paints autism in the worst light, but sometimes his performance, particularly through his onslaught of stoicism, is overly emphasized. Sure, in the original, Wolff may be a bit robotic, but he also has a heart as well as feelings. In this sequel, he sounds more like the T-800. Sure, Affleck is not entirely robotic. When paired with Bernthal in this film, the two seem like genuine brothers. But if I were to judge Affleck by himself, he is sometimes soulless. Again, this is not an incompetent performance. I just think a little more depth and pizzazz could have been added to it.

“The Accountant 2” is not a movie I can see myself renting or buying to watch on my own schedule. To me, it is a cable movie. It is a movie that I would watch on a Sunday at home and eventually rely on for background noise. Now whether this movie will ever end up on cable is another story. The film is from Amazon after all and I doubt they want anybody leaving Prime or whatever the heck MGM+ is. Seriously, who uses MGM+? Anyone? If you have not seen the original “Accountant,” I much recommend that film over this one. It moves at a better pace, is less convoluted, and honestly does a much better job at characterization than the sequel. I enjoyed getting to know Christian Wolff not only through his profession but as someone who is on the spectrum. I thought the flashbacks during that film, most of them anyway, were used to its benefit. Like this sequel, the original has some decent action, but I cared more about what happened during those action scenes based on what I was learning about Christian as a character at the time. The sequel’s action is not bad, but it suffers from inferior character progression as well as storytelling. If it were not for the perfect chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal, I do not think I would be lending as much praise to this film.

In the end, “The Accountant 2” has its ups and downs. There are other recent films I would recommend watching before this one, especially in the action genre. Although if you are simply looking for good action, you will find it here. But this film is not a full meal. It satisfies in some ways and leaves a little to be desired in others. Do not get me wrong, Ben Affleck does not do a bad job in this film, and neither does Jon Bernthal. But I would not rush to see this film right away. I am going to give “The Accountant 2” a 6/10.

“The Accountant 2” is now playing in theaters and is available to stream on Prime Video.

Thanks for reading this review! My next reviews are going to be for “Bring Her Back,” “Friendship,” “Ballerina,” “The Phoenician Scheme,” and “The Life of Chuck.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Accountant 2?” What did you think about it? Or, which of the two “Accountant” films do you like better? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Sinners (2025): Michael B. Jordan Pulls Double Duty in This Solid Vampire Flick

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Jack Drees

“Sinners” is directed by Ryan Coogler (Creed, Black Panther) and stars Michael B. Jordan (Creed, Black Panther), Hailee Steinfeld (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Hawkeye), Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell (Back to Black, Skins), Wunmi Mosaku (Moses Jones, Vera), Jayme Lawson (How to Blow Up a Pipeline, The Batman), Omar Miller (Ballers, CSI: Miami), and Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods, The Good Fight). This film is about two criminal twin brothers who start over in their hometown, only to discover that a greater evil is about to welcome them back.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. – © Warner Bros.

I have been eager to see “Sinners” since the first trailer dropped last year. It did not explain a ton, but like a lot of good first trailers, it gave “enough” to sell me. And that is putting things lightly. Because I thought it was very well put together. The film had a lot to like behind the scenes. Michael B. Jordan playing two roles… Other great cast members like Hailee Steinfeld in the supporting roles… Ryan Coogler in the director’s chair… Things were lining up perfectly. And to later find out that the film was shot on IMAX cameras, I could not be more in if I tried. The hype I had for this film was through the roof. So was it worth the excitement? To a certain degree, yes.

This might shock some of you, “Sinners” is not necessarily my favorite film of the year so far. If I had to be honest, I think it had some minor pacing issues and I cannot say I walked out of the theater remembering every single character’s name. I was engaged with the film, but I have seen better this year when it comes to the story. It is hard to say the film is overrated though. I can totally see why other people would consider it to be a masterpiece. I do want to watch the film again at some point, and I genuinely think it would benefit from a second viewing.

That said, I think when it comes to pure experiences, there are few that compare to “Sinners.” For the record, I saw this film in IMAX 70mm, meaning I was able to experience “Sinners” in the most definitive way possible, with the finest detail and clearest sound, so there were definitely some enhancements. Regardless of however you see “Sinners,” do so on the biggest screen you can.

This film is shot entirely on 65mm film, some of it in IMAX. Every frame of this film looks immaculate. Several shots might as well be a painting. This movie also makes history, as it is also the first film shot in IMAX by a woman. Autumn Durald Arkapaw is behind the camera for this project and there is so much to love about how she handled the end product. Many of the exterior shots in particular are going to linger in my mind throughout the year.

Much like another one of Ryan Coogler’s films, “Black Panther,” “Sinners” is a great time. Also like “Black Panther,” this is a film perhaps best suited for Ryan Coogler’s voice. This is a film that I, a straight white male, would probably sully if I were to write or direct it myself. There is a sense of pride in each scene, each shot, each line, and that is because of Coogler’s touch. He clearly knows what he is doing. If you remember “Black Panther,” one of my favorite moments from that film is this one action scene in a casino where the camera navigates between levels to get a solid view of different things that are going down. I thought it was a flawless one take scene, but without going into detail, there is a one take scene during this film that might surpass that moment if you ask me when it comes to execution.

Not too surprisingly, I am quite impressed with the film’s cast. Of course, you have a talented actor in Michael B. Jordan who plays not just one, but two roles. He does a good job here. Both of his characters have charisma. Despite some differences, the two twins genuinely feel like the same person at times. That might have been the point because watching these two reminded me of my own interactions with twins in real life. Mainly because as much as I have built a bond with some of them, I will admit, despite them wearing different outfits and letting off slightly different mannerisms, it is occasionally hard to tell which one is which unless you are digging for certain features.

From mainstay talent to young talent, this film is also the acting debut of Miles Caton. After seeing this film, I am convinced that Caton is going to have a great career. Now he is at the helm of a terrific director, so part of his on-screen talent may be owed to Ryan Coogler. Even so, seeing what I have seen of him in this movie, it shocks me that this is his first role. If anything I would figure he would have a few under his belt. Maybe they were never documented on his IMDb page, I do not know.

While I cannot see it winning an Academy Award, the standout performance for me in this film is Hailee Steinfeld as Mary. I think of all the characters in this movie, she is the one written in the sense that allows for the most range. If you have seen the trailer, you can probably get a sense of where this character is going, where the narrative takes her. But when it gets to “that” point, it is satisfying. I have seen Hailee Steinfeld in other projects, but this is arguably the most fun she has been on screen. It is not my favorite role of Steinfeld’s, but if I were to determine which role of hers appears to be the most fun, I think it comes down to “Sinners” and “The Edge of Seventeen.”

“Sinners” is a vampire movie, and it is a good vampire movie at that. But it kind of gives you a little bit more than just vampires. It takes on concepts such as brotherly connections, music, and then it goes ahead and plops in vampires as a bonus. And when it gets to the vampires, it is a treat. The film has its scary moments. It has its fun moments. The action during the vampire-centered scenes is very well done. This is a film that if you are to see it, try do so on the big screen. The music in the film is also attention-grabbing from the foot-tappable soundtrack to Ludwig Göransson’s admirable score.

If I had anything else to say, and I hate to say this, but I will be real, I am going to remember this film more for its second half than its first. For me, this film took a bit to get going, and I do mean a bit. But when it gets into gear, it goes at lightspeed. That said, the entire film is worth watching. Check it out.

In the end, “Sinners” is a thumbs up. It is another solid outing from director Ryan Coogler. If the Oscars were tomorrow, I could totally see “Sinners” getting some awards attention, especially in the technical categories like film editing and cinematography. But again, I do want to emphasize that this film is one that starts off okay but gets better as it goes. I do not want to confuse anybody. I never said this film was bad, but the second half is much more inviting to me than the first. I might be alone in this statement. I have talked to friends who say that this film is peak cinema. If anything, I think it is a fine movie. I would watch it again. And I will say this again, maybe it would benefit from a second watch. I am going to give “Sinners” a 7/10.

“Sinners” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Marvel Studios/MARVEL STUDIOS – © 2025 MARVEL. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for Marvel’s latest project, “Thunderbolts*!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, look forward to my thoughts on “Rust,” “The Ruse,” “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” and “The Accountant 2.” If you want to see my thoughts on these films and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Sinners?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite film directed by Ryan Coogler? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

I’m Still Here (2024): Fernanda Torres Carries This Moving Drama

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Jack Drees

“I’m Still Here” is directed by Walter Salles (Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries) and stars Fernanda Torres (Love Me Forever or Never, The House of Sand), Selton Mello (A Dog’s Will, Lisbela and the Prisoner), and Fernanda Montenegro (Sweet Mother, Central Station). This film is based on a memoir of the same name and is about a mother who deals with the forced disappearance of her husband, former politician Rubens Paiva, who opposed Brazil’s military dictatorship.

In an effort to catch all of this year’s Best Picture nominees before the Oscars, I had to find a way to check “I’m Still Here” off my list. One key difference when it comes to this nominee in particular compared to say “Anora” or “Wicked” or “Dune: Part Two” is that I went into this film knowing nothing about it. All that I really knew was that it was a Brazilian movie, the characters speak Portuguese, and it was getting a lot of critical acclaim. I went in completely blind, having barely come across as much as a poster. Safe to say, I did not know what to expect.

Thankfully, I came out of this movie feeling satisfied.

“I’m Still Here” is not an easy watch. Some of my audience might think I say such a thing because this is a film not made in the United States or a film where English is not the primary language used in the dialogue.. That is not my point. Though I can see why those two things could turn some people off upon a first impression. Instead, this film deals with a serious subject matter that I imagine would be tough for some viewers. The film is dramatic, yet grounded at the same time. It is perfectly balanced in its attempt to be both an inviting slice of life story and an engaging political thriller. The film is like life itself. It has its happy moments. It has its sad moments. And in the long run, it is worth seeking out.

One of my favorite things about this film is how it handles the importance of family, especially when you consider the protagonist’s point of view, as well as the many obstacles she must face just to be with them, or do what is best for them. We see her trying to protect them under their respective political landscape, as well as do anything and everything she can to uncover her husband’s whereabouts. The film shows what it means to stay connected even in the darkest of times.

The family itself is well written and decently cast. There is not a single person on the lineup I found to be out of place, and I thought everyone’s personality shone through. Honestly, the entire cast of the film serves their purpose and does a good job. I cannot name a bad apple on the tree. But Fernanda Torres is on another level with her performance here.

There is a reason why Fernanda Torres was nominated for an Academy Award. She is the film’s soul and I cannot see anyone else playing her. Every moment, every line, every facial expression, she sold me. Torres is commanding in every scene. The movie gives her a lot to do and she handles all of her material very well. I have been doing some research online to see what everyone is saying about this film, and just about every other person I am coming across is losing their mind over Torres. I may not be adding anything new to the conversation that has not already been said, but she is easily the best part of the movie.

This film is based on true events. On that note, the story features real life politician Rubens Paiva (left). I do not know a ton about the real events that inspired this film, but I did some research on Paiva following the film and I have to say kudos to whoever cast Selton Mello, because he looks the part. Granted, acting ability is arguably more important, and thankfully, he has that in spades.

One of the reasons why I have come to realize “I’m Still Here” has some of the best collective acting in 2024 cinema is likely because of the way the film was shot. If you know how movie productions tend to work, not every project is shot in chronological order. “I’m Still Here” is an exception to the rule. I think this move paid off, because it allowed the talent to experience the sense of immersion in their story that viewers like I did while watching it unfold.

On that note, “I’m Still Here” is quite an immersive movie. “I’m Still Here” has more in common with a slice of life tale than a large scale epic, but the movie sometimes feels as large as life itself. Whether I was at a family gathering, the beach, or the inside of a home, I felt like I was a part of this film’s world. Such a sentiment is also true for a prison, which does not emit the most pleasant feeling, but every scene in this film, like it or not, had a sense of verisimilitude. The film takes time to showcase the beauty of life, but also keeps things real by reminding people of the extreme obstacles our characters constantly encounter.

At times, this movie is the definition of the idea that life goes on. An integral part of your life may cease to exist, but as long as you are still around, it is up to you to decide how to navigate things going forward. You could remember your past, run from it, choose to reinvent yourself. Sometimes that integral part may leave you in a literal sense, but deep down, it will always be with you.

The movie ends on a satisfying note. The final scene is exquisitely acted and well directed. It also goes to show the power of silence. Filmmaking is a visual medium, and any opportunity that can be taken to let the visuals do the talking allows for great scenes like this one. I will leave the details undisclosed for now and let you see the proper craftsmanship for yourself.

In the end, “I’m Still Here” was kind of a last minute purchase for me. I probably would not have seen this film if it were not for the word of mouth it racked up during this awards season. And I am happy to have added to it. This film is full of great performances, gripping scenes, and solid chemistry amongst its cast. Of course, Fernanda Torres is the standout, but the supporting actors also add quite a bit to the final product. It is not an easy watch, but I think if you can handle the material, this movie could be worth your time. I am going to give “I’m Still Here” a 7/10.

“I’m Still Here” is now playing in theaters and is available to rent or buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! I have reviews on the way for “Riff Raff,” “Nickel Boys,” “Mickey 17,” and “Locked.” Stay tuned!

And coming on March 30th, look forward to the 7th Annual Jack Awards! The most important awards show in the history of movie blogs! Why? Because I said so! This is a reminder that you have the power to vote for this year’s Best Picture! You can do so by clicking this link and choosing one of the ten nominees. And click this link if you want to know what films are nominated for this year’s ceremony! Unfortunately, “I’m Still Here” was not nominated for any awards this year, but if I were to add a sixth candidate for Best Actress, Fernanda Torres would probably earn that spot. It was a very close call. But rules are rules. I did see this movie before announcing the nominations last week, but Torres’ honestly goes to show how great acting has been across the board for several performers over the past year. If you want to see this upcoming show and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “I’m Still Here?” What did you think about it? Or, what is the saddest film you saw in the past year? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

The Colors Within (2024): A Poppy Ride Celebrating the Importance of Art

Posted on February 1, 2025 by Jack Drees

“The Colors Within” is directed by Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice: The Movie, K-On!) and stars Akari Takaishi (Watashi no Ichiban Saiakuna Tomodachi, Baby Assassins), Sayu Suzukawa (Cool Doji Danshi, Falling high school girl and Irresponsible teacher), Taisei Kido (First Love, Yuria-sensei no Akai Ito), and Yui Aragaki (Digimon Data Squad, Mixed Doubles). This film centers around a girl named Totsuko. She is in a band and can see the colors of other people.

January has been a very slow month for me in terms of movies. Granted, it is typically a slow month for movies in general. There really is not a lot coming out this month that caught my genuine interest. Although “The Colors Within” was an exception. The concept sounded rather intriguing, particularly in regards to how the movie seems to handle its protagonist. While the protagonist’s life could be ordinary, their extraordinary trait certainly stood out to me, particularly their ability to see color. Or, more accurately, to see color in a way that most people do not. I think that could make for not only an interesting story, but one that is visually inviting.

As expected, the animation style for “The Colors Within” is pleasant to the naked eye. Is it the best I have ever seen? No. However, it is still a style that pops and maintains a consistent bright palette to it. It is a welcoming look considering the movie, despite having occasional drama, always maintains a sense of lightheartedness. By the end of this movie, I left with a smile, and part of it may have been due to looking at something that appeared rather heavenly at times.

Color-wise, the movie tends to live up to its name, but I have to be frank. If I were to judge “The Colors Within” by its cover so to speak, I have to say that the concept at times feels gimmicky. When the movie tells its audience about its main character’s ability to see color, it sounds intriguing. But I feel like the movie minimizes its chances to show such an aspect in a visually stunning manner. Granted, I enjoyed seeing our main character use her unique trait as a point of inspiration in making music. In fact, if I had to name a favorite part of the movie, it would be getting to see a few artists coming together to get creative. “The Colors Within” reminds me of “Sing Sing,” which, spoiler, I think is a better movie. It is a movie about a bunch of people expressing themselves through art, and how art lets people forget their troubles. Again, going back to the animation of the film, I do think it looks nice. But I think the film’s animation barely enhances the story. Looking back, it barely feels different than if I were to see something more traditional within the anime medium. Does the film effectively convey the protagonist’s “power” so to speak? You could say that, yes. But it really does not add much to the overall experience if you ask me.

The film also features a list of original songs, all of which are at minimum, fun to listen to. There is one in particular that is repeated during the film that became rather catchy by the end. Also, as a piece of music, it was nice to see this one song evolve from a simple idea to something much bigger. It reminds me of some of my own projects. There was a short film that I created in college that I thought of based on one of my own weird interests. I made it with a couple other people who had their own ideas that they built on top of it. It was amazing to see this small idea develop. Seeing Totsuko brainstorm her own song and have it come to life kind of reminded me of the process of creating my own art.

This film mainly revolves around three main characters. Totsuko, Kimi, and Rui. The three come together to make music. I love seeing them all in the same room. Not only do they come off as genuine friends, but seeing them together allows each one to unleash the deepest part of themselves. That is when they are most honest about how they feel, what is going on in their lives. It allows for some of the film’s most emotionally hypnotic scenes. We find out not only do they enjoy making music, but how such a passion interferes with their personal lives.

We find out Rui loves making music, but his family expects him to become a doctor and take the next step in the family business. I think a good amount of people can relate to Rui’s dilemma. Rui seems so concerned with impressing his parents that he is having trouble accepting what he really wants to do. I am all the more invested in a character knowing not only is he having fun doing what he is doing, but he is feeling perhaps the freest he has felt in his life.

Kimi also has a problem where if she were to be honest about it, she could end up disappointing her own family. We find out Kimi dropped out of school and has yet to tell her grandmother about it. The film’s characters seem to share the commonality of holding something back, hiding their true thoughts, and maybe not being their full selves. When we see them make music however, that changes. We see them at their happiest, their liveliest. That happiness leaps off the screen to the point where I too am smiling.

To be real with you, while most of the movie revolves around Totsuko, I admittedly found myself latching more to the supporting characters in terms of their backstory. I found their presence to be more compelling. This is not to say Totsuko is a horribly written character. I do not hate her. Again, I think the “colors” aspect was not as well established as it could have been. It had potential, but I do not think all of it was unleashed properly. But I think Totsuko is a pleasant center to the film as she sees her two bandmates flesh themselves out.

In the end, “The Colors Within” is just plain fun. It took me awhile to take the anime medium seriously as someone who watches a lot of movies. While I never outright hated it, it was always hard to find a gateway to watching more of it. I am glad watching films like “Belle” a few years back have opened my eyes because it has allowed me to seek out great projects like this. If you are a creative individual, I highly recommend this film. I will be real, 2025 is off to a crazy start between the Los Angeles wildfires, the political division, the recent plane and helicopter collision in Washington, DC… I said earlier that this film highlights art’s abilities to make you forget your troubles. I think there is a case to be made that while “The Colors Within” will not make your problems in life disappear, they will be left in the background for sometime. I left this movie feeling giddy, and excited to watch it again at some point. I think some of you reading this review will feel the same way if you were to seek this movie out. I already watched this film in the Japanese language, and I am eager to check out the English dub when I get the chance. I am going to give “The Colors Within” a 7/10.

“The Colors Within” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! My next reviews are going to be for “Dog Man” and “Love Me.” Stay tuned! If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Colors Within?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a movie that you enjoy about artistic expression? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

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