Films: December 22 - 28

Weapons (2025) 

Triangle (2009) 

The Gorge (2025) 

Oh. What. Fun.  (2025)

Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)

Materialists (2025) 

Eddington (2025) ///

Weapons (2025) Deceptively structured and mastered with smooth visuals, mystery of seventeen schoolchildren who disappear into the night dovetails overlapping viewpoints and builds uneasy tension. Even if eventual revelations fizzle, solid cast including anguished teacher Julia Garner and desperate father Josh Brolin aids delivery of brutal outcome.

Triangle (2009) Brightly staged mystery strands edgy Melissa George and friends at sea, seeking refuge on drifting ocean liner where a killer stalks the corridors as horror tropes fuse with time loop purgatory, narrative ricochets not quite resolved, though entertaining twists provide satisfying payoff.

The Gorge (2025) Embracing setup sees snipers Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller sent to solitary towers either side of mysterious abyss, contravening political orders to establish relationship. Unwieldy confusion of genres when duo find sci-fi conspiracy horrors below remains enticing without establishing cohesive thrills.

Oh. What. Fun. (2025) Waste of appealing talent ponderously mistimes tone and structure as dedicated Michelle Pfeiffer finally flips out when family takes herself and her Christmas plans for granted one too many times. Dim witted life lessons and confused resolutions allied to paucity of humor.

Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) Unfussy plotting sees Scarlett Johansson's team seeking dino DNA from research island and, along with family of attacked yacht, surviving usual threats as well as bio-engineered creatures. Dynamically paced set pieces dominate, though crunchy visuals feel set bound and allow only isolated moments of wonder.

Materialists (2025) Cynical veneer of modern dating seen through confident matchmaker Dakota Johnson, with relationships judged on commercial and social compatibility. Yet narrative revolves on more traditional dilemma between security with millionaire Pedro Pascal and love with struggling Chris Evans. Lacks emotional zip to engage beyond brittle observation.

Eddington (2025) Resolved as bloody western thriller, dark narrative operates mainly as riff on contemporary social breakdown as Covid-19 restrictions escalate enmity between short-fused sheriff Joaquin Phoenix and controlling mayor Pedro Pascal. Stellar cast yet satiric intent is blunt and extended melodrama fails to involve.