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‘Mickey 17’…. not the Bong Hit I was expecting

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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.

Movie Reviews

Into the Unknown: Reviewing ‘From the Beyond: High Strangeness in the Bennington Triangle’

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In this video, we take a deep dive into the mysterious and unsettling documentary ‘From the Beyond: High Strangeness in the Bennington Triangle’.

Exploring one of America’s most infamous paranormal hotspots, this film examines eerie disappearances, strange sightings, and the chilling folklore surrounding Vermont’s Bennington Triangle. We break down the documentary’s storytelling, evidence, interviews, and overall atmosphere—does it truly uncover something unexplainable, or does it leave more questions than answers?

If you’re into unsolved mysteries, paranormal phenomena, and high strangeness, this one’s for you.


Synopsis: Since the mid twentieth century, a mysterious section of land in rural Vermont has been the home of untold strangeness. Rumors of UFOs, ghosts, phantom lights and mysterious creatures can all be found there in abundance, while verified reports of odd disappearances – many still unsolved – cast a shadow over Glastenbury Mountain. From the Beyond: High Strangeness in the Bennington Triangle goes beyond the rumors and campfire stories, while daring to ask what may be the most frightening question of all – why is Glastenbury Mountain so inexplicable, and what happened to those who have gone missing?

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Movie Reviews

THE SHITHEADS aka IDIOTS – Sticky, Icky, and Out of Control

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The Shitheads, now renamed Idiots, was showcased during the 2026 SXSW festival and is scheduled for a theatrical release in August of this year. The film is directed by Macon Blair which he co-wrote with Alex Orr, starring Dave Franco, O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Mason Thames. The plot is driven by a couple of underachievers taking on what should be an effortless task of transporting an affluent teen to a rehab center, but this intellectually predatory teen throws them off course.

It didn’t quite reach the heights it aimed for. I was anticipating this dark comedy to be an exciting adventure, bursting with laughs, but it was frustrating like your car getting a flat tire. The characters are defined by basic emotions-anger and confusion-but nothing beyond that. The movie never explores them, so it’s difficult to empathize. When faced with several misfortunes, they lack impact because the audience has no emotional connection.  The weak characters are just along for the ride, dictated by the script rather than the narrative cohesion, making that “road to nowhere” feel long and exhausting. It spends a lot of time lingering on repulsive comedy scenes that not even a jumbo roll of toilet paper could wipe up this mess. It can get sticky, icky and out of control.

Mason Thames, however, made chicken salad out of… well, you know. He impressed me with his performance, a revelation role of a charismatic irritant-sociopathic, spoiled, privileged brat. Thames could have elevated his character to higher levels and carry the film to the finish line. While critically acclaimed renowned actor Peter Dinklage had a brief cameo, it served as a tantalizing preview of the chemistry he might share with Mason Thames for a future team-up.

There is a much better movie buried somewhere inside the pile of Idiots. The underlying premise has potential, but the film eventually stalls under the coherent thematic arc and inconsistent pacing. It’s not a disaster by any means, but it is a disappointing work of inspired fragments rather than a cohesive narrative that falls short of being essential cinema.

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Movie Reviews

THE SEEING EYE DOG WHO SAW TOO MUCH – A Fun Hidden Short Mystery Gem

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A 1975 film by Enrico Januzzi The Seeing Eye Dog Who Saw Too Much has been exhumed by Eric Jackowitz who wrote, directed and stars as the Dog Scientist that brings a quirky invention to extract clues from the memory of the victim’s seeing eye dog to solve the mystery of the black-gloved killer at the Rome Symphony. The dog’s facial expression says it all… what the heck is happening here! It’s a short film that gives a fun experience to keep you guessing through the laughs and exaggerated slashing to the whodunit murder mystery.

Jackowitz used the limited time effectively giving it a similar resemblance to a grownup version of a Scooby Doo episode, but with classic cinematic style that blends sharp comedy with serious, dark themes, focusing on eccentric characters. This haunting film is all character driven with the intriguing, unusual suspects and victims compiling the pieces of the puzzle for the grand ruh-roh reveal.

The Seeing Eye Dog Who Saw Too Much had its world premiere at the 2026 SXSW Festival, and to no surprise it won the Audience Award. The small ensemble includes Ethan Edenburg (Maestro), Anna Garcia (Daria), Colton Eschief Mastro (Stelvio), Gabrielle Montes de Oca (Anne), Melissa Villaseñor (Cesar Salad Lady) and Tom Mcgovern (Angelo). Each actor was empowered to explore their roles freely, allowing them to immerse themselves in the joy of character creation making this an outrageously entertaining short film that I consider a fun hidden short mystery gem.

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