No mythological legend in modern cinema looms larger over the past decade than John Wick. So when a spin-off like Ballerina emerges, expectations are high.

The first hour is rough. It feels rushed, poorly acted, and uninteresting...a dime-a-dozen revenge tale and a potential studio cash grab. But then it finds its groove.

A cleverly inverted action scene shifts the momentum. From there, the film re to have fun. Ice skate fights, town-wide assassin battles, and a flamethrower vs. firehose climax…

J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 is a pitch-perfect homage to the classic Spielberg era, with shades of E.T., Stand By Me, and The Goonies. The first two-thirds are fantastic. Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning give heartfelt performances, and the subplot of the kids making their own zombie movie adds charm and authenticity. It’s emotional, nostalgic, and full of genuine character moments. Unfortunately, the third act succumbs to modern movie-making, instead of the films it so brilliantly honored prior. What started as…

It’s hard to overstate Tom Cruise’s impact on Hollywood. A megastar, a master of his craft, and a man when it comes to Mission: Impossible. But with The Final Reckoning, the franchise doesn't go out with a bang. It sputters through nearly two hours of exposition before finally catching fire.

The third act delivers some of the best action the series has to offer, but the first two hours are a slog. Overcomplicated, bloated, and emotionally flat, it feels like…

“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”

There’s a reason this one still gets talked about. Sunset Boulevard is not just a film about Hollywood. It is about obsession, aging, and the crushing weight of being forgotten. Gloria Swanson gives one of the all-time great performances as Norma Desmond, a once-revered silent film star who lives in complete denial that the world has moved on without her. William Holden is the perfect contrast as a down-on-his-luck writer who…