John Brown University's Student Newspaper
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” hit theaters on March 29, 2024, with director Adam Wingard returning after the success of “Godzilla vs. Kong” in 2021. Learning from audience feedback, Wingard delivered more monster fights and improved the human storyline in this anticipated sequel to the Monsterverse franchise.
“Monkey Man” is the next big action blockbuster to hit the big screen on April 5, 2024. From director, producer, and lead actor, Dev Patel, comes one of the best movies of the year so far. Easily receiving 89% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of 84%, this movie is the next John Wick-esk franchise to hit the movie screens. This movie will easily be worth the trip to cinemas alone. It has been one of my most expected films for this year, and I am so happy to say that it delivers in every way and more. Everything from the story, symbolism, ties to the real world, and the score truly make this movie a masterpiece.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” was released on March 22, by director Gil Kenan, as the latest movie in the Ghostbusters franchise. Following the previous film, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” this sequel follows the Spengler family as they return to the famed Big Apple for another spooky adventure as a strong return to the origins of the franchise. Reuniting with the original Ghostbusters from the ‘80s, the Spengler’s work to uncover the mysteries of an ancient evil locked in a prison before the entire city is plunged into the next Ice Age. Starring Paul Rudd, McKenna Grace and returning faces such as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson, this movie is a phenomenal sequel that delivers almost everything a Ghostbusters fan would want. With loads of ghoulish laughs and surprises, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” brings the greatest danger the Ghostbusters have encountered yet in an excellent combination of both humor and action on the big screen.
“Dune: Part Two” released March 1, 2024, as the long-awaited sequel to “Dune” from 2021. This interpretation from director Denis Villeneuve has left fans and critics alike in pure awe by capturing one of the most iconic science-fiction stories ever written. The first movie was met with high praise, yet “Dune: Part Two” has surpassed its predecessor in a rarely seen moment of cinema history that has drastically changed the world of film as we know it. Often being referred to as being a similar event to “Star Wars; The Empire Strikes Back,” and frankly that might be the greatest explanation I have heard and related to this entire time. There is just so much about this movie that this review will not do it enough justice so you should go see it for yourself.
“Argylle” is the latest action-comedy to hit the big-screen. Debuting on Feb. 2, 2024, the movie follows Elly, a writer, as she becomes entangled in a series of events that unfolds into a globe-trotting adventure filled with espionage and high-stakes action. “Argylle” is directed by Matthew Vaughn, well-known for his work on the Kingsman movies, which this film easily takes small inspirations from as it develops its own identity. The film also stars a heavy roster of famous actors with Henry Cavill, John Cena, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, and countless others lending their voices and abilities to the big-screen. This cast helps to deliver on the comedy aspect of the film, making it easily one of the most entertaining comedies in a while.
“Godzilla: Minus One” is a Japanese film from director Takashi Yamazaki that was released Dec. 1, 2023, in the US. This film was not only met with high praise from audiences, but also some of the highest praise from film critics for the movies that came out last year. This movie is easily a must-watch not only for monster movie fans, but also viewers that are interested in the aftermath of World War II and how people handle being emotionally knocked down.
As many people know and have come to realize, Marvel has been at a recent crossroads after “Avengers: Endgame,” which ushered in a new phase for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Most of this new phase has been extremely disappointing except for a few stand out films such as “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” As is the case, many fans have fallen off from keeping up with their favorite heroes, which is accurately shown in the lack of care for Marvel compared to just a few years ago. This all changed with the second season of “Loki.”
“The Creator” is the latest sci-fi, action, thriller of 2023 that hit theaters on Sept. 29. This latest adventure was directed by Gareth Edwards, most famously known for directing 2014’s “Godzilla” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” in 2016.
“A Haunting in Venice” is the latest installment by British actor and director Kenneth Branagh in his recent series of Agatha Christie novel adaptations. After his work in “Murder on the Orient Express” (2017) and “Death on the Nile” (2022), his latest work “A Haunting in Venice” (2023) adapts Agatha Christie’s novel “Hallowe’en Party.”
“Gran Turismo”, directed by Neill Blomkamp, tells the incredible tale of Jann Mardenborough, played by Archie Madekwe, a once gamer turned racer after winning a competition put on by Nissan. This captivating, under-dog story details Jann’s struggle with fulfilling his dream of driving race cars. While the story has a slow build-up, it ultimately helps to add to the emotions and feelings of triumph that follow Jann as he slowly becomes a real racer and his preparation for the competition, 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 2013.