Expectations are sky high this weekend for Mickey 17 written and directed by multiple Oscar and Palme d’Or winning director Bong Joon-ho for his masterpiece “Parasite.” I am here to tell you to NOT lower your expectations but modify them and don’t make the classic mistake I made and many out there will also make! Luckily, I am here to set your expectations properly!

Mickey 17 is a Sci-fi dark comedy and the trailers do elude to this fact but if you went in blind/forgot what’s in trailer like myself it’s a bit of a shock and also refreshing. Bong Joon-ho does reference in interviews he was inspired by the John Carpenter film THE THING and many other very subtle nods to other Sci-fi/fantasy films also have a presence.

Bong Joon-ho’s direction and storytelling are solid without getting preachy about the absurdity of humanity that is on full display and unfortunately very relatable at this point in time. The story does feel very timely with an amazing coincidence involving an assassination attempt! The CGI is top notch with a film budget of $118 million. Creature design is also done very well with plushies created as seen on Bongs appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

The Sci-fi in this film may become Sci-non fiction in the very near future with space travel and the advances in 3D printing which gives the film a more grounded feel in comparison to older films in the genre.

Politics and religion are touched on in the universe of Mickey 17 in a comedic but sometimes all to frighteningly realistic way.

Robert Pattinson’s (Mickey 17) acting performance is arguably his best yet! From his voice change to having to act against himself in the film is just flawless and proves he is a top tier talent and one of the best actors working today! I really love how Pattinson is seeking out and working with the best directors of the era!

Naomi Ackie (Nasha) also shines in her fearless co-starring role proving she is up to the task against her co-star Pattinson. I really liked Bong Joon-ho’s direction and character type in that she plays against type in way.

Mark Ruffalo (Kenneth Marshall) almost steals the show by managing not to totally chew all the scenery as a dictator who if you follow Ruffalo in real life you know this was a role he knew he could emulate errr play.

Toni Collette (Ylfa) who is one of our most underrated and under awarded actresses gives a disturbing performance as Kenneth Marshall’s deranged and psychopathic wife.

Steven Yeun (Timo) is cast against his usual audience loving portrayal we usually associate him with. He plays a horrible friend well but surprisingly sparingly in the film.

All in all if you are a fan of Robert Pattinson, Bong, or any of the actors above, a SCI-FI fan, or a completionist you should check this film out in theaters March 7th.

I love it when a horror movie comes along and gives you something new. Fresh concepts are hard to come by in the horror genre but when they do, it’s something special. Bloody Axe Wound is a fun and original horror comedy that is supported by a young talented cast and witty humor. Hear my thoughts on the film and be sure to check it out starting March 21 on the Shudder streaming service.

SYNOPSIS: Abbie Bladecut is a teenager torn between the macabre traditions of her family’s bloody trade and the tender stirrings of her first crush. In the small town of Clover Falls, Abbie’s father, Roger Bladecut, has built an infamous legacy by capturing real-life killings on tape and selling them to eager customers, but as Abbie delves deeper into the grisly family business, she begins to wonder if it’s time to take the family tradition in a new direction. 

Immerse yourself into the deep sea where a team of expert divers face an impossible challenge to rescue their teammate Chris Lemons. Based on a true life event that occurred in 2012, where Lemons had his umbilical cable severed and became trapped around 300 feet under the North Sea without heat or light, and with only the small amount of breathing gas in his backup tank. Last Breath is absolutely an incredible story how a crew is up against time and severe weather to save Chris. This lifesaving effort puts their master skills and strong teamwork to the test.

Director Alex Parkinson, who directed the documentary of the same name, did remarkable work in recreating the details of the vessel’s equipment, the interior of the submersibles and the elaborate diving gear. Parkinson also takes the viewers down into the depths of the dark freezing water to get a better understanding of the highly dangerous conditions deep-sea saturation divers go through to complete underwater tasks. It appears actual footage of the 2012 accident was used in this film, which brings out the intense emotions that will leave you baffled on how Chris miraculously survived.

This film did not waste time with background stories or flashbacks, it goes straight into the dramatic fight for survival. The strong cast – starring Woody Harrelson as Duncan Allock, Simu Liu as Dave Yussa and Finn Cole as Chris Lemons – brought authenticity to the story. After watching the ending, with scenes of the actual real-life people from the incident, there was no doubt that Harrelson and Cole were the perfect fit to portray these amazing, courageous men.

Last Breath will leave you breathless with astonishment and admiration for these men that are devoted to their crew and their passion for being deep-sea saturation divers. Go watch it in theaters beginning February 28, 2025.