Category: Reviews

The Outlaw King Review: A Gripping Tale of Scottish Independence

There’s something about medieval Scots fighting the English that warms the heart. “Freedom” sounds great, but any reason to fight the old enemy is good enough in truth. Well, from a film perspective. I love English people, really. So when I saw that this was available on Netflix, I pressed play.

The Outlaw King is an electrifying and emotionally resonant historical epic set in 1304 that brings Robert the Bruce’s story to life with striking authenticity and intensity. Directed by David Mackenzie and led by a commanding performance from Chris Pine, this film stands as a gripping portrayal of Scotland’s fight for independence — raw, human, and deeply inspiring.

From the very first frame, the film immerses viewers in the harsh, mud-soaked reality of medieval warfare. Unlike glossy historical dramas, The Outlaw King embraces realism. It also predates the CGI nonsense plaguing modern films. The battle sequences are visceral and unflinching, especially the climactic confrontation at the Battle of Loudoun Hill, which is staged with breathtaking choreography and tension. The long, chaotic tracking shots during combat create a sense of immediacy that makes you feel as if you’re right there on the battlefield.

Chris Pine delivers one of the strongest performances of his career. His portrayal of Robert the Bruce is layered and compelling — not a flawless hero, but a determined and conflicted leader who grows into his destiny. Pine captures the vulnerability, resolve, and quiet intensity of a man who risks everything for freedom. His Scottish accent is impressive, and his physical commitment to the role adds authenticity.

The supporting cast is equally strong, particularly Florence Pugh as Elizabeth de Burgh. Pugh brings intelligence and emotional weight to her role, portraying a woman whose strength matches the film’s epic scope. The chemistry between her and Pine adds heart to a story otherwise dominated by political tension and warfare.

Visually, the film is stunning. The rugged Scottish landscapes — sweeping highlands, mist-covered hills, and medieval castles — are captured with moody cinematography that enhances both the beauty and brutality of the setting. The natural lighting and muted color palette reinforce the grounded tone, making everything feel lived-in and historically authentic.

What truly sets The Outlaw King apart is its focus on resilience and leadership. Rather than romanticizing rebellion, the film shows the cost of resistance — betrayal, loss, hardship — and makes Robert’s eventual victories feel earned. It’s a story about persistence in the face of overwhelming odds, and it resonates far beyond its historical setting.

For fans of historical dramas, war epics, or character-driven storytelling, The Outlaw King is a must-watch. It’s bold, intense, and emotionally stirring — a film that honors its history while delivering cinematic excitement. A powerful reminder that freedom is rarely won without sacrifice.

The one drawback to the film, unlike the classic Braveheart, this feels like a war between nobles, the top tier in each country. It doesn’t feel to me, watching it, that this is a battle of your average Scot.

For that reason, it gets three stars out of five from me.

Unforgettable Performances: Jodie Foster’s Best Roles

My earliest memory of watching Jodie Foster was as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee in one of my favorite films of all time – The Silence of the Lambs. Her acting, and that of Anthony Hopkins, was unforgettable. In particular, the conversations between Clarice and Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

For many years, I had thought that was her breakout role. But I was wrong.

Foster first stunned audiences with her haunting performance in Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese, as a child prostitute. At just 14 years old, she delivered a performance of extraordinary emotional intelligence and control, earning an Academy Award nomination. It was immediately clear she was not a typical child actor but a serious dramatic force. Set in a decaying New York City following the Vietnam War, it stars Robert De Niro as veteran Marine and taxi driver Travis Bickle, whose mental state deteriorates as he works nights in the city.

Jodie Foster has since built one of the most intelligent, fearless, and enduring careers in modern cinema. From child prodigy to two-time Academy Award winner to respected director, her body of work reflects an artist who consistently chooses depth over glamour and complexity over cliché.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Foster solidified her reputation for portraying fiercely intelligent, resilient women. Her Oscar-winning role in The Accused showcased her extraordinary courage and vulnerability, anchoring a difficult, socially significant story with nuance and dignity. She followed that triumph with perhaps her most iconic performance as Clarice Starling in the previously mentioned The Silence of the Lambs.

What distinguishes Foster’s career is her commitment to intelligence—both her own and that of her audience. In films like Contact, directed by Robert Zemeckis, she brought emotional gravity to philosophical science fiction, grounding big ideas in human vulnerability. Even in high-concept thrillers such as Panic Room, she elevated genre material through subtle character work and psychological realism.

Beyond acting, Foster has also proven herself an accomplished director. With films like Little Man Tate and The Beaver, she demonstrated a thoughtful, character-driven approach behind the camera, often exploring themes of identity, intelligence, and emotional isolation—subjects that have consistently fascinated her throughout her career.

Another hallmark of Foster’s legacy is longevity. The most recent work I’ve seen her in was the fourth season of True Detective. It is set in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle, during polar night. It follows the investigation of the disappearance of eight men from a research station. The season stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro.

Foster’s character is central to each episode. Despite her increasing age, the inner beauty shines through in a determined, eerie performance.

Lets hope she keeps going for another few decades.

The Rise of Judit Polgár: Insights from ‘Queen of Chess’

My dear readers, anybody who knows me for real knows how much I love chess. And yes, it is a sport. Everyday, I go to Chess.com and make a few moves. So, I immediately felt upbeat when there was a chess documentary to watch.

Queen of Chess is a 2026 documentary film that explores the life and career of Hungarian chess grandmaster Judit Polgár. It focuses on her father’s efforts to train her and her two sisters to become chess grandmasters, and on the saga of her multiple and intense matches against the then-formidable world champion Garry Kasparov. It was directed by Rory Kennedy.

It is a captivating and inspiring documentary that transcends the world of competitive chess to tell a deeply human story about ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. From its opening moments, the film draws viewers into the intellectual intensity and emotional stakes of a game often misunderstood as purely cerebral, revealing instead a landscape rich with drama, creativity, and personal sacrifice.

One of the documentary’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. Rather than focusing solely on wins, rankings, and tournaments, it explores the protagonist’s journey with nuance and empathy. We see not just a brilliant strategist at the board, but a person navigating pressure, expectations, and identity in a field historically dominated by men. The film deftly balances moments of triumph with vulnerability, making the narrative both powerful and relatable.

A drawback for chess lovers is that it doesn’t go into the matches in detail. It does reference what openings are played, the fact that Kasparov almost always played the Sicilian, for instance.

The documentary gives a broad perspective. It contextualizes Judit Polgár’s achievements within the cultural and social realities of the chess world, touching on themes of gender, representation, and the cost of greatness. These elements elevate the film beyond a sports documentary, transforming it into a thoughtful reflection on what it means to challenge boundaries and redefine what is possible.

Four stars out of five from me.

M3GAN 2.0: Sequel Analysis and Performances

So, the other film I watched on a very busy Sunday was this gem, M3ghan 2.0. I have to be honest, I haven’t seen the original, but it looked like it would be worth watching. M3GAN 2.0 is a 2025 American science fiction action film written and directed by Gerard Johnstone from a story he co-wrote with Akela Cooper. A sequel to the 2022 film M3GAN and the second installment in the M3GAN franchise, the film stars Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ivanna Sakhno, and Jemaine Clement, with Amie Donald physically portraying M3GAN while Jenna Davis voices the character. Jason Blum and James Wan return as producers through their respective Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster.

What immediately stands out is how the film deals with its central ideas about artificial intelligence, control, and human dependence on technology. M3GAN is no longer just a creepy novelty; she’s a fully realized presence whose intelligence, adaptability, and unsettling logic drive the story forward. The screenplay smartly plays with shifting alliances and moral ambiguity, making the audience constantly reassess whether M3GAN is purely a villain—or something more complicated and unsettling than that.

U.S. Army colonel Sattler, head of a secret branch of the Pentagon specializing in new technologies, gives a demonstration of AMELIA,[a] an android designed for infiltration and assassination missions and built using technology copied from the original M3GAN. During her mission, however, AMELIA reveals to Sattler that she is self-aware and escapes from his control.

In a strange twist, M3ghan, who survived by making a backup in a smart home from the happenings of the first film. becomes the best hope of stopping her. This reminded me of the Terminator franchise and the idea that one could outgrow one’s original programming.

The performances remain a strong point. Allison Williams brings added emotional weight and maturity to her role, reflecting a character shaped by past trauma and hard-earned lessons. Violet McGraw continues to impress, grounding the story with genuine emotional stakes. And M3GAN herself—through a blend of physical performance, voice work, and effects—is sharper than ever: funny, menacing, and oddly charismatic in a way few horror icons manage.

Stylistically, M3GAN 2.0 is slick and energetic. The action sequences are confidently staged, the pacing rarely drags, and the film knows exactly when to lean into camp and when to pull back for tension. It embraces its identity unapologetically, delivering moments that are thrilling, darkly funny, and undeniably crowd-pleasing.

Four stars out of five from me.

Liam Neeson excels in the classic film Non-Stop

What better way to spend my Sunday, readers, than with Liam Neeson? Non-Stop is a 2014 action thriller film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, co-produced by Joel Silver, and starring Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore. I’m pretty sure I’d seen it before, but got roped into watching it again.

Liam Neeson is perfectly cast as Bill Marks, a flawed, weary air marshal whose personal demons make him both relatable and intriguingly unreliable. His performance grounds the film emotionally, adding depth to what could have been a straightforward action role. Neeson’s restrained intensity makes every decision feel risky, and the script smartly uses his character’s vulnerability to blur the line between hero and suspect. The supporting cast—including Julianne Moore and Michelle Dockery—adds further layers of suspicion, making nearly every passenger feel like a potential threat.

The high-altitude thriller proves how gripping a well-executed, old-school suspense film can still be. Set almost entirely aboard a transatlantic flight, the movie wastes no time pulling the audience into its central mystery: a U.S. air marshal receives anonymous messages threatening to kill a passenger every 20 minutes unless a massive ransom is paid. From that chilling premise, the film delivers relentless tension, clever twists, and a constant sense of paranoia that keeps you guessing right up to the end.

What truly elevates Non-Stop is its pacing and atmosphere. Director Jaume Collet-Serra expertly uses the confined airplane setting to amplify tension, turning everyday objects and casual interactions into sources of dread. The film balances smart plotting with visceral action, offering just enough misdirection to keep viewers engaged without feeling gimmicky. By the time the final revelations land, the payoff feels earned rather than forced.

Overall, Non-Stop is an entertaining, edge-of-your-seat thriller that understands exactly what it wants to be. It’s a sharp, suspenseful ride that showcases Liam Neeson at his best and proves that a single setting, when used creatively, can deliver big thrills.

It gets a score of four stars out of five from me. Keep an eye out for it.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Review – A New Era of Cadets

My dear readers, a new Star Trek series is here! Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the 12th Star Trek series and part of executive producer Alex Kurtzman’s expanded Star Trek Universe. Set in the 32nd century, the far-future time period that was introduced in the later seasons of the series Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024), Starfleet Academy follows the first new class of Starfleet cadets in over a century as they come of age and train to be officers. This is the period after “The Burn” that almost totally destroyed the Federation

Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, and Bella Shepard portray Starfleet Academy cadets, starring alongside Holly Hunter and Zoë Steiner, as well as Tig Notaro and Oded Fehr, who are reprising their roles from Discovery, and Robert Picardo returning as the character of the Doctor from other previous series.

So far, I’ve only watched the first episode, and I think it will gain traction. From a kind, non-violent Klingon to the first holographic cadet, it could get very interesting. The ensemble cast is introduced with care, giving each character a clear emotional hook without overwhelming the audience. Their interactions feel lived-in and sincere, suggesting long arcs of growth rather than quick archetypes. Importantly, the episode allows vulnerability to coexist with ambition; these cadets are capable and driven, but also uncertain, impulsive, and still figuring out who they want to be. That balance makes their journey immediately compelling.

One of the episode’s greatest strengths is its focus on perspective. By centering the story on cadets at the very beginning of their Starfleet journey, the show reclaims a sense of awe that longtime fans may remember from earlier Trek, while also making that wonder feel fresh. The Academy isn’t just a school—it’s presented as a crucible where personal histories, cultural differences, and ethical ideals collide. The premiere smartly uses this setting to explore what Starfleet represents in a changing galaxy, and why those values still matter.

On a more negative note, I feel the show could do with some eye candy. Most are plain, there is no seven of nine vibes, which I think is a pity.

Overall, the premiere succeeds because it’s hopeful. In a television landscape often dominated by cynicism, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy leans into the idea that learning, empathy, and shared ideals can genuinely shape a better future.

So far, I give the show three stars out of five. I’m looking forward to watching more.

Any other Trekkies out there? Leave a comment.

And don’t forget to subscribe.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Stunning Visuals and Storytelling

My dear readers, I have currently watched the first three episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. It’s a slow burner but it’s growing on me. It is a captivating return to the world of Westeros, offering a refreshing, character-driven story that proves the Game of Thrones universe (it is set one hundred years prior to the last series) still has rich tales left to tell. Rather than relying on massive battles and political spectacle alone, the series shines through its intimacy, emotional depth, and timeless sense of adventure.

Created by Ira Parker and George RR Martin, it is the third television series in Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire franchise and is an adaptation of the Tales of Dunk and Egg series of novellas, beginning with The Hedge Knight. It stars Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall, the titular hedge knight, and Dexter Sol Ansell as his squire Aegon “Egg” Targaryen.

At the heart of the story is the unlikely duo of Ser Duncan the Tall and his sharp-witted squire, Egg. Their relationship is the soul of the series—warm, humorous, and deeply human. Duncan’s sincerity and moral compass contrast beautifully with Egg’s intelligence and hidden nobility, creating a dynamic that feels both authentic and endearing. Watching their bond grow across each episode is as rewarding as any grand plot twist.

Visually, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is stunning. The cinematography captures the beauty and brutality of the medieval-inspired landscapes with remarkable detail. From dusty tournament fields to quiet country roads and imposing castles, every setting feels alive and immersive. The production design and costumes further enhance the authenticity of the era, grounding the fantasy in a tangible, believable world. Of particular note, the scenery is from Northern Ireland.

So far, I give it four stars out of five and was happy to hear its getting a second series. I just hope that the ending is better than Game of Thrones.

Review of Dhurandhar: A Gripping Thriller Experience

My dear readers, earlier today, I watched the highest grossing hindi film of all time. It exceeded all of my expectations. A grandiose three-and-a-half-hour tale of gangsters and spies set in Pakistan. Yes, that is long. I don’t know what happened to films becoming shorter due to our reduced attention spans. That joke is on us.

It is written, co-produced, and directed by Aditya Dhar. It is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar, and Lokesh Dhar under Jio Studios and B62 Studios. The film features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan, alongside several supporting actors.

Serving as the first instalment of a two-part film series, it centres on a high-stakes covert counter-terrorism operation. The film follows a very sexy undercover Indian intelligence agent (hey that’s what the men say in the film) who infiltrates Karachi’s criminal syndicates and political power structures in Pakistan in an effort to dismantle a terror network targeting India.

The level of violence and threat is high. It is not for the faint-hearted. It is a fictional story that weaves in real events beautifully..

Dhurandhar is a gripping cinematic experience that balances scale, emotion, and intelligence with impressive confidence. From the very first frame, the film pulls you into a world driven by ambition, strategy, and moral complexity, and it never loosens its grip.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its storytelling. The narrative unfolds with patience and purpose, layering tension and intrigue rather than relying on shortcuts. The screenplay is sharp and purposeful, allowing key moments to breathe while steadily building momentum. Every turn feels earned, and the film rewards viewers who pay attention to its subtleties and underlying themes.

Five stars out of five from me. All hail Netflix.

Exploring Humanity in _The Great Flood_: A Film Review

One of the best things about Netflix is that you get to watch films and documentaries from all over the world. One such film is The Great Flood from South Korea. It was co-written and directed by Kim Byung-woo.

An-na, an AI researcher and recent widow, played by Kim-Da-mi, wakes in her apartment to find floodwater rising in the thirty-floor complex. With her six-year-old son Ja-in, she attempts to reach safety.

However, they are no ordinary mother and child. The child is a robot designed to experience emotion. This is critical to the whole film. An asteroid has hit, and human extinction is imminent. World governments knew what was going to happen and funded secret efforts to survive, including a space station and research into the creation of engineered human bodies and consciousness. An-na’s employer is also revealed to be involved in these projects, putting her and her child central to humanity’s future.

What stands out most is the film’s balance between scale and humanity. While the flood itself is rendered with striking visual power—ominous skies, rising waters, and carefully staged moments of chaos—the story never loses sight of the people caught within it. The narrative lingers on personal choices, moral dilemmas, and quiet acts of courage, allowing the disaster to feel not just catastrophic, but deeply personal. This focus gives the film an emotional weight that elevates it beyond a standard disaster movie.

The performances are uniformly strong, grounded, and convincing. Rather than leaning into melodrama, the actors bring restraint and authenticity, making fear, grief, and resilience feel earned. Small gestures and silences often speak louder than dialogue, and those understated moments are some of the film’s most powerful.

Technically, The Great Flood is impressively crafted. The cinematography captures both the beauty and menace of nature, using light, color, and movement to heighten tension. The sound design is particularly effective—the rush of water, distant alarms, and sudden quiet all work together to create a visceral experience that keeps the audience on edge. The pacing is deliberate, allowing suspense to build naturally while still delivering moments of urgency and release.

Ultimately, The Great Flood is a film about survival in the broadest sense: not just surviving a natural catastrophe, but preserving compassion, responsibility, and hope when everything familiar is threatened.

If nothing else, it is a great story. With AI coming to the forefront of our lives, I expect more films of this nature in the future. Four out of five stars from me.

Be terrified of The Devil in Disguise: John Gacy

For those of my readers with a stronger disposition, I came across this docuseries that may be worth giving a watch. Beware, though, it can be horrific at times.

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy is an eight-episode, American true crime drama miniseries that premiered on October 16, 2025, on Peacock. You can currently watch it on RTE Player for those in Ireland. It dramatizes the life and crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who murdered dozens of young men and boys during the 1970s.

is a gripping and deeply unsettling docuseries that stands out for its thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth. Rather than simply recounting shocking crimes, the series carefully explores how John Gacy was able to hide behind a façade of normalcy, offering a chilling insight into the psychology of deception and the failures that allowed his crimes to go unnoticed for so long.

The pacing is excellent, balancing suspense with clarity, and the use of archival footage, interviews, and expert commentary feels both respectful and impactful. Particularly powerful are the perspectives of investigators and those affected by Gacy’s actions, which add a human dimension that elevates the series beyond typical true-crime narratives.

Michael Churnus gives a great performance as John Gacy, displaying all the traits that helped him evade capture. I was particularly fascinated by how he could talk himself out of getting caught.

I give it four stars out of five. You have been warned.