Saturday, 7 March 2026

Weapons (2025) - Dares to be different

Horror tends to be a genre that sometimes feels trapped in cycles of remakes, sequels and familiar tropes.  However, 'Weapons' is a refreshing reminder that horror can still surprise us. The 2025 film manages to take familiar  ingredients and assemble them in ways that feel new, unsettling and genuinely engaging.

One of the first things that stands out is how stylishly the film is shot. The cinematography has an  atmospheric quality that builds tension without constantly relying on cheap jump scares. Scenes linger just long enough to let dread creep in, creating a slow-burning sense of unease that pays off as the story unfolds.

The acting also deserves a lot of credit. The performances feel natural and grounded, which helps make the characters more than just typical horror-movie victims. Each person in the story has their own motivations and personality and the film takes its time developing them. That investment pays off because when things begin to spiral into darker territory, the audience actually cares about what happens.

Another strength is the way the story develops. Rather than following a straightforward, predictable structure, 'Weapons' reveals its narrative piece by piece. The film gradually shifts perspectives and layers information in a way that keeps viewers guessing about where things are heading. It’s a novel storytelling approach that keeps the tension alive throughout much of the runtime.

When the film finally reveals its true antagonist, the payoff is worth the wait. The character is genuinely creepy - not just because of how they look or behave, but because of the disturbing ideas surrounding them. The sense of menace builds slowly, making the eventual confrontation all the more unsettling.

That said, the film isn’t completely flawless. If you start pulling too hard at the plot near the end, a couple of holes begin to appear. Some of the explanations feel a little convenient and certain details may not fully hold up under close scrutiny. Thankfully, the film’s strong atmosphere and engaging characters help smooth over most of those issues.

Overall, 'Weapons' is a stylish, well-acted horror film that proves the genre still has room for fresh ideas. It may not be perfect, but it’s creative, creepy, and confident enough to stand out in a crowded field.

8/10

Sunday, 1 March 2026

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die - I definitely had fun

'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die' is completely bonkers, but in the best, most joyful way possible.  Late one night in your average American diner, Sam Rockwell enters wearing a plastic see-through coat and a bunch of wires, declaring he's from a dystopian future and needs the patrons' help to prevent humanity's destruction.  And some of them will probably die along the way.

It’s such a relief to watch something that isn’t a reboot, a sequel, or a “cinematic universe chapter,” but a genuinely original story that just goes for it. Sam Rockwell is awesome as always, carrying the film with that perfect mix of charm and chaos only he can pull off.  And honestly? Those two hours flew by.   If it had one minor flaw, there are a few flashbacks during the first third of the film which - although kind of necessary to explain the character's in the diner's backstory, sometimes they go on a bit too long and you find yourself desperate to get back to the 'meat' of the story involving Rockwell himself.  And, if you really want to nit-pick, some of the CGI effects in the final act may look a little janky, but there's insane enough to hopefully take your mind off it.

With it's - not that subtle - dose of social commentary we definitely need more movies like this, please.

9/10