XD Now Playing
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
• 145
Insidious: Out of the Further
Cast: Amelia Eve, Island Austin, Lin Shaye, Sam Spruell, Brandon Perea
Director: Jacob Chase
• 106
Now Playing
The Odyssey
Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Himesh Patel
• 173
The End of Oak Street
Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Christian Convery, Maisy Stella, Jordan Alexa Davis
• 100
Mutiny
Jason Statham, Annabelle Wallis, Adrian Lester, Ramon Tikaram, Arnas Fedaravicius, Chaneil Kular
• 95
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
Carter Young, Hayden Chamberlen, Mckenna Grace, Rain Janjua, Henry Bolan
• 88
One Night Only
Monica Barbaro, Callum Turner, Maya Hawke, Julia Fox, Molly Ringwald
• 102
The Rivals of Amziah King
Matthew McConaughey, Angelina LookingGlass, Kurt Russell, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague
• 130
Tony
Dominic Sessa, Antonio Banderas, Emilia Jones, Leo Woodall, Stavros Halkias
• 106
The Magic Faraway Tree
Billie Gadsdon, Nicola Coughlan, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Phoenix Laroche, Nonso Anozie
• 110
Spa Weekend
Leslie Mann, Michelle Buteau, Anna Faris, Isla Fisher, Adam Demos
• 97
SIX: The Musical Live!
Jarneia Richard-Noel, Millie O'Connell, Natalie Paris, Alexia McIntosh, Aimie Atkinson
• 91
The Fast and the Furious
Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Rick Yune
• 106
Coming Soon
The Dog Stars
Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Allison Janney
Cliffhanger
Lily James, Pierce Brosnan, Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf
By Any Means
Mark Wahlberg, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Beharie, David Strathairn, Giancarlo Esposito
The Uprising
Andrew Garfield, Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, Tom Hollander, Cosmo Jarvis
Heart of the Beast
Brad Pitt, J.K. Simmons, Anna Lambe
Digger
Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg
Movie Guru's Current Movie Briefs
Since I write many of these briefs the day before the movies are released, what we have here are mostly ruminations on movies I have not yet seen. You will have to decide for yourself if these briefs have any value...
- The Magic Faraway Tree
Or is it The Faraway Magic Tree? Does it make a difference. Not at all. These small, lovingly made, based on a successful family book movies have no chance in the current movie market where it is big budget or bust, and even the big budgets fall through the cracks. Luckily there is streaming bringing back to life worthwhile films that fit nicely in your home.
- Spa Weekend
I recognize some of the names but cannot tell one from another. Each of the group seem to be enjoyable company. They seem to be worthy of a good time. However the preview seemed pretty tame.
- Mutiny
Jason Statham is at it again. This time avenging his bosses death by killing everyone on a cargo ship. Maybe not the women, if there are any in the film. But you never know. There doesn’t seem to be much of a plot here. That is a letdown because some of Statham’s B movie actioneers have been worthwhile endeavors.
- Tony
A very young Anthony Bourdain finds his way into a life of restaurant meanderings. This should be a great movie. Bourdain was a very special person until his untimely death. Hard not to miss him, even if you were not a follower.
- Insidious Out of the Further
I am just guessing that this is the title. I noticed it during the preview but it makes no sense to me so maybe I have it wrong. Insidious I know. There have been a bunch of these in my lifetime. None of them have ever interested me. To each his own (or her own).
- Six The Musical
A bit time hit in London telling the story of the six wives of Henry VIII. Without seeing it advertised and without following London theatrical openings, I will recommend this for filmed plays that reach our shores. See you there.
- The Brink of War
I don’t know why I haven’t seen a trailer for this Russian brink of war true story. There have been so many of these lately that they all a jumble. Just like Brendan Fraser playing General Dwight Eisenhower in Pressure, I need to take a peek at this one with Jeff Daniels as President Ronald Reagan.
- The Rivals of Amziah King
As much as I enjoy Matthew McConaughey performances, I hate having to spell his name in these briefs. I watched the preview but am drawing a blank trying to remember why the title is complicated. It is obviously an independent film that deserves our attention. I will definitely give it a try right after End of Oak Street and Paw Patrol Dino movie.
- The End of Oak Street
A fairly budgeted 98 minute mildly scary movie with Ann Hathaway and Ewan McGregor caught up in a 1980’s “are those dinosaurs in our back yard.” Produced by JJ Abrams so expect to have a fun time at the movie.
- Paw Patrol: Dino Movie
This looks great. The color presentation looks as good as it gets for these animated films. The plot has the little doggies teaming up as always. And they are dealing with dinosaurs. What a great idea. This is a sure thing for families.
- Super Troopers 3
Yep the first two could be called funny. I laughed. And any movie that is a break from Spider-Man and Odessey is a welcome relief.
- One Night Only
I believe that the previews are telling me over and over that this is a ripoff of the series of movies that allow killings of any one and everyone innocent or guilty on selected dates. In this version you can pick up anyone or everyone that does or does not want to have sex on that one night only. I get the feeling that it is a rom com and not a horror movie.
- Spiderman A Brand New Day
The movie business is finally resuscitated after Covid when attendance and movie grosses are breaking all time theater records and concession per cap is through the roof. I will see this film with the highest hopes, but its success is assured with $100 million in advance ticket sales already in the bank. The South Point has 16 theaters. We are playing five movies total. Spiderman. Odyssey. Moana. Minions and Monsters. Toy Story 5. That is weird. Very weird.
- The Odyssey
Written by Michael Harris
Facts do not make a story. The presentation of them does. The Odyssey (2026) is a film adaptation of an ancient Greek poem with the same name. It not only serves the purpose of recounting this tale for those who did not read the epic poem but offers a new way for people to enjoy the classic. Although the language and clothing portrayed may be historically inaccurate, it functions to allow the movie to feel accessible and cinematic. Utilizing animatronics, practical environments, terrific dialogue, and talented deliveries of lines by recognizable actors, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey meets all of the requirements for a well-made film. It ultimately poses the question, “Are those who are considered heroes actually villains?” Indeed, The Odyssey is an excellent film worth watching. - Young Washington
Written by Michael Harris
A legacy not only shapes the perception of a person, but illustrates what virtues a society values. Young Washington is a film that focuses on sacrifices, hope, and determination to spark national pride in American culture. Offering an inspirational, patriotic story about George Washington years before the American Revolution in honor of the United States’ 250th Anniversary, this movie succeeds in creating a dramatic atmosphere in which the viewers can align with the feelings of George Washington and what he represents. Indeed, Young Washington is an excellent choice for entertainment in honor of the Fourth of July. - Toy Story 5
Written by Michael Harris
Sequels function to explore new themes in their respective franchises using the audience’s preexisting knowledge. However, if a franchise goes on for an extended period of time, it becomes very difficult for writers to use already evolved characters without making their new developments feel dull or regressive. Toy Story 5 specifically faces this problem along with the issues of unoriginal character dynamics, predictable character arcs, and forced situations. However, it still is a quality film. It stays true to the franchise’s theme of adaptability, has a coherent plot, has a good deal of humor, introduces new and interesting characters, and is not dependent on information from earlier installments in the franchise. Thus, Toy Story 5 serves as Pixar’s newest success that tackles the modernization of how children interact in a way that is enjoyable for the entire family. - Disclosure Day
Written by Michael Harris
A belief only impacts the world if it is known and alters the way in which individuals live. Disclosure Day is a science fiction movie produced by Steven Spielberg that optimistically argues that a public revealing of alien life would be a positive event. It questions if truth could cause harm in an empathetic and fearless world. Although the movie successfully builds suspense and achieves its purpose, it faces certain flaws. In Disclosure Day, character arcs are limited, the slow release of information to the audience makes it hard to align oneself with a specific character’s perspective, and the run time makes it feel long. Overall, it is a fair option for those wanting to see Spielberg’s return to science fiction. - Obsession
Read the short short story The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs. 1906. It is published free of charge on the internet. Then go see Obsession, a modern riff on the story which is put together with care and carries the audience from start to finish. The difference is this version shows the horror while the book works on your imagination.
- Power Ballad
Written by Michael Harris
How can authenticity be obtained in a world where expectations stand at the forefront of people’s minds? Modern films often serve as cycles of the building and breaking of tension to allow for people to not only connect with themes but to release stress. However, in exchange for comfort and familiarity, they lose the honesty and originality that makes movies meaningful. Power Ballad, a sincere musical comedy starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, juxtaposes the beauty of ambition with the messiness of human relationships. Though, like all movies, it does have certain weaknesses. It faces a lack of substance due to songs cutting into the run time, rather predictable character arcs, and the absence of any true turning point. Overall, Power Ballad is a worthwhile watch for those who want an impactful but flawed film that seeks to discover the purpose of music. - Marty Supreme
Written By Michael Harris
Heroes are just villains who have their story told from their perspective. Marty Supreme offers the question of what it would be like if the protagonist does not participate in a fulfilling arch. What does it mean when someone sacrifices everything for an ending far from perfect? There is more to this movie than just table tennis. This film has consistent drama, painful events, and high stakes. However, because its goal was to be tense and chaotic, it was ugly and hard to watch. Its purpose is to show the lengths to which people go to chase their dreams and if their decisions are worth it. It definitely does not fulfill the role of being a feel-good sports movie in time for the holiday. I would recommend skipping this one, especially for families. - Avatar: Fire and Ash
Written by Michael Harris
Success has consequences. When a franchise grows, its freedom shrinks. Avatar: Fire and Ash has the defining characteristics of all of the other films in the series: emotional appeals, anti-imperalist themes, impressive visuals, and consistent action. Avatar movies are made for 3D viewing. Therefore, viewers who normally may not understand the purpose of this format may enjoy watching this film in 3D, due to its focus on immersion. However, the movie prioritizes making fans content and loses the sense of originality present in the first Avatar. The movie’s format bases itself on causation from previous establishments within the franchise, which makes it unenjoyable to newcomers to the series and decentralized. Too many plot lines become established, which prevents any real growth from being noticed in the characters. Still, Avatar: Fire and Ash’s serves as an agreeable and enjoyable film, making it a worthwhile watch for those wanting to see the next big budget movie. - Wicked For Good
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific is a classic American musical. The song Bali Hai is as good as it gets. If you are a musical aficionado and have not seen South Pacific, you are in for a treat. I have no opinion about Wicked and Wicked: For Good. In order to create a successful Broadway musical today, it is as much about the special effects as the actual music. I cannot criticize the Wicked duo when they are so beloved by fans of all types and ages. So be it, Enjoy the movies and ignore critics altogether.
- Superman
Written By Michael Harris
It feels like DC films have constantly been testing the waters lately. Due to the company’s many box office flops in recent years, DC decided that it would be in their best interests to reboot the franchise under James Gunn and Peter Safran. Superman plays it safe and uses what they know will work. With high stakes, honorable characters, and incredible graphics, the viewer is compelled to be invested in the story and its characters. However, the would-be dramatic scenes are undercut by the feeling that they were specifically made for the trailers, the main characters are seemingly one-dimensional even among moral dilemmas, and many subplots feel like they were cut. Still, Superman (2025) has a sort of originality that impresses me, even though its characters have been reused for decades. Overall, Superman is definitely a worthwhile watch for new and old fans alike as DC starts its new chapter. - F1
Written by Michael Harris
F1 does not recreate the wheel but refines it. It takes the successful pieces of other franchises and joins them together in order to appeal to a wide audience. The protagonist, Sunny Hayes (Brad Pitt), fills a John Wick archetype, where his growth to become the best at what he does is not shown, but left to imagination in the form of a legacy. Because the film was by the director of Top Gun Maverick, it was given the technical tools to make it appear accurate to real life Formula 1 racing. However, the movie still feels unrealistic due to its downplaying of the dangers of racing and a predictable story. Filled with unnecessary subplots and a long two and a half hour run time, F1 loses most of its emotional impact, but is still an overall good action movie that is worth watching. - Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
Tom Cruise is a brute. In his Mission Impossible movies his stunt work really is impossible. The movies themselves have deteriorated over time, but the action is young Jackie Chan but with millions of dollars in preparation and invention backing up every death defying moment. This “final” impossible and the one before ir are more than I can handle though I am sure I will leave the theater in awe of an old man astounding us all.
- The Surfer
Another Nick Cage movie comes out of nowhere. And I am glad. Cage continues to step up to the plate and hit homers in movie after movie surrounded by young filmmakers all putting forth maximum efforts creating low budget genre hybrids. I could tell you a little bit about this movie but, as always, the less you know the better.
- Top Gun: Maverick
Archetypal Hollywood film making where the special effects support the story as opposed to overwhelming the story. And the story is communal screen writing at its finest. Lots of writers immersing themselves in the original Top Gun and creating a team of characters, both new faces and old, all working selflessly without egos for the greater good of the film. Hats off to their Captain Tom Cruise. He cares about his audience.