DENNIS GAGLIARDOTTO
The Conjuring: Last Rites Review — A Culmination of James Wan's Decade With The Paranormal
It's bittersweet to see The Conjuring come to a close, and though that doesn't necessarily mean the universe won't continue to expand or Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson can't reprise their roles elsewhere, The Conjuring: Last Rites, while will likely be a divisive entry in the franchise, is still an emotional goodbye to a corner of horror that understood the psychological as well as the supernatural.
The Substance (2024) | Film Review
The Substance gives the message of societal pressures and what some are willing to do to counteract the downfall of a lack of attention and appreciation, all while touching on unrealistic expectations of beauty standards. Its craftsmanship as a film goes beyond what we typically see in any given year, and it’s absolutely one of the best films of 2024 and, arguably, ever, with outstanding imagery and performances that will forever be remembered.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) | Film Review
Though by now everyone and their mother has heard that Joker: Folie à Deux is a huge disappointment, it's worth noting that, predictably, the internet has exacerbated the nature of its faults, though that's not to say the anticipated sequel to the 2019 DC masterclass is any good. It has its heart in the right place, but actions speak louder than words as we're left with a film that's very little about Joker, and, in some cases, mocks fans of the original film.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) | Film Review
Deadpool & Wolverine marks a new direction for Deadpool that is surprisingly wholesome and well thought out, and with the return of Hugh Jackman as his iconic Wolverine, not a single frame is wasted as the film brings out what is arguably Marvel Studios' best work since the entire MCU began.
Borderlands (2024) | Film Review
Horrendous writing, poor character development, and an uninspired screenplay keep Borderlands from getting its due in what is undoubtedly an unfortunate series of events throughout its 100 minutes, but all in all it's also not the worst thing to come out of Hollywood in the last couple of years, or even this year.