A Month in Film: June 2025John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
When that lit match is extinguished and the screen erupts into desert sun, à la Lawrence of Arabia, you already know: this is going to be a stone-cold classic.
That reference speaks to what makes these films so special; deeply indebted to, and reverent of, their spaghetti western, neo-noir, samurai, and gun-fu influences, all blended into something uniquely modern.
That's not a revelation here in Chapter 4, as the franchise had long since established its identity, but this entry puts it all on full display, at a scale almost unprecedented in action cinema.
The set-pieces, mythology, and hyper-stylized melodrama have evolved into something larger-than-life; a far cry from the humble, nearly direct-to-video beginnings of the series.
And sure, I'd concede to anyone who thinks the franchise has started to take itself a little too seriously...
But I'd counter: you and I left a good life behind a long time ago, my friend.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. The whole franchise is a must-watch in this format.
That reference speaks to what makes these films so special; deeply indebted to, and reverent of, their spaghetti western, neo-noir, samurai, and gun-fu influences, all blended into something uniquely modern.
That's not a revelation here in Chapter 4, as the franchise had long since established its identity, but this entry puts it all on full display, at a scale almost unprecedented in action cinema.
The set-pieces, mythology, and hyper-stylized melodrama have evolved into something larger-than-life; a far cry from the humble, nearly direct-to-video beginnings of the series.
And sure, I'd concede to anyone who thinks the franchise has started to take itself a little too seriously...
But I'd counter: you and I left a good life behind a long time ago, my friend.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. The whole franchise is a must-watch in this format.
Ballerina (2025)
With John Wick: Chapter 4 redefining the action genre on such an operatic scale, it was hard to gauge exactly where this spin-off would land. I was hoping for a result that would absorb the series' well-defined ethos, and for the most part, it does.
But it does so by playing it safe, leaving the grand-scale action and mythic sweep to the main series. The action is there, and it's competent, but the film doesn't quite tap into the expert genre orchestration the core series handles so effortlessly.
It's definitely more of a side quest than a true extension of the legend.
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver. Early access screening.
But it does so by playing it safe, leaving the grand-scale action and mythic sweep to the main series. The action is there, and it's competent, but the film doesn't quite tap into the expert genre orchestration the core series handles so effortlessly.
It's definitely more of a side quest than a true extension of the legend.
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver. Early access screening.
Night Moves (1975)
Understated, meandering, slow-burning… I would almost say it comes into focus in the expert final act, but there’s still such an intentionally devastating and inescapable energy to it — which really epitomizes the plight of Hackman’s character: his futile grasps for clarity in a world that has moved on without him. It’s got an undeniable sense of fatalism that stacks it up right against the best neo-noirs of its era (The Long Goodbye easily comes to mind). The final few shots here are haunting.
Watched on the Criterion Channel. Part of the series celebrating Gene Hackman this month.
Watched on the Criterion Channel. Part of the series celebrating Gene Hackman this month.
The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
I think it's fair to say we have reached terminal level Wes Anderson. I think we were already there with Asteroid City, and yet again I'm not getting much out of this. You can only bring back the same ensemble cast and quirky mannerisms before it gets old, especially for me, not being a huge fan of his style to begin with. That could work with directors whose work I lap up (Michael Mann), but it just doesn't for me with Wes.
Watched at the Park Theatre in Vancouver. A little single screen theatre, strangely enough operated by Cineplex.
Watched at the Park Theatre in Vancouver. A little single screen theatre, strangely enough operated by Cineplex.
Remember the Titans (2000)
Pretty by the numbers Disney drama, meaning it’s loaded with a healthy dose of self-righteousness. There’s nothing all that impressive here (other than Denzel, who doesn’t miss), but it features a young Ryan Gosling trying his best to play a jock, which I suppose is kinda funny.
Watched on blu-ray. Getting close to the bottom of the discount bin.
Watched on blu-ray. Getting close to the bottom of the discount bin.
Joy (2015)
I generally haven’t been a fan of David O’Russell’s work, but I have to say, this was the most bearable film of his I have seen. I genuinely thought it was a well-crafted deconstruction of the American Dream, at least in the first half… but then the ending happened. But what they pulled off here in making a domestic drama feel “big”, with anamorphic lenses and 35mm film, is fantastic. The level of detail is insane.
Watched on blu-ray. Officially reached the bottom of my discount pile from Amoeba last year. Now to figure out what to do with these, they won’t last on my shelf!
Watched on blu-ray. Officially reached the bottom of my discount pile from Amoeba last year. Now to figure out what to do with these, they won’t last on my shelf!
No Way Out (1987)
The kind of movie that your dad probably references, but you had no idea even existed and somehow has a bunch of A-listers. Destined to be forgotten, but at least must have meant something to moviegoers at the time. I had no idea that was Rachel from Blade Runner until afterwards, go figure.
Watched on the Criterion Channel. I admit I’m a sucker for these random American films they pull out, but this made sense with the series they are running featuring Gene Hackman. RIP.
Watched on the Criterion Channel. I admit I’m a sucker for these random American films they pull out, but this made sense with the series they are running featuring Gene Hackman. RIP.
L'Argent (1983)
I have no idea what happened to Robert Bresson between Pickpocket and this, but I need to know. Evidently his faith in humanity, in our ability to redeem our wrongdoings, in our worthiness of the forgiveness of God, dissipated or perhaps even shattered at some point. So much more meaningful when viewed within the larger context of his work.
Watched on the Criterion Channel. Picking up from the Cinematheque’s recent Robert Bresson programming.
Watched on the Criterion Channel. Picking up from the Cinematheque’s recent Robert Bresson programming.
Purple Noon (1960)
If you ever fancied yourself something Hitchcockian but French, here it is! A lot like the sun-drenched postcard that is To Catch a Thief. Alain Delon was incredible here as Tom Ripley, and honestly he was incredible in anything he did.
Watched on the Criterion Channel, part of their Tom Ripley series this month. Of note, The Talented Mr. Ripley is inaccessible on the channel here in Canada.
Watched on the Criterion Channel, part of their Tom Ripley series this month. Of note, The Talented Mr. Ripley is inaccessible on the channel here in Canada.
The Fall Guy (2024)
Been meaning to get to this one for a while (sorry for the delay Mr. Gosling). There's nothing particularly bad here, it's just pretty forgettable. Interesting premise, pedestrian execution. Cool stunt work, but the digital finish is kinda gross. Perhaps this is the formula for the David Leitch special.
Watched on a flight. Air Canada always has a decent selection of new-ish movies. I thank them for that, and nothing else.
Watched on a flight. Air Canada always has a decent selection of new-ish movies. I thank them for that, and nothing else.
Trap (2024)
M. Night Shyamalan is a total goofball... some people love him for that, others may not. I mostly belong to the latter group, but I was at least entertained by this one. Him using this as star vehicle for his daughter is hilarious, I can't knock the hustle. But the performances here, specifically Josh Hartnett, are just so unintentionally funny. I probably enjoyed this for all the wrong reasons, but hey, it’s all in the eye of the beholder!
Watched on a flight. I was pretty distracted trying to piece together what various Toronto landmarks were used to film this. The Skydome is definitely there, so I was quite chuffed to see that, literally watching this on a flight to Toronto to see Kendrick and SZA at the Skydome. You know what they say... movies imitate life! Or something like that.
Watched on a flight. I was pretty distracted trying to piece together what various Toronto landmarks were used to film this. The Skydome is definitely there, so I was quite chuffed to see that, literally watching this on a flight to Toronto to see Kendrick and SZA at the Skydome. You know what they say... movies imitate life! Or something like that.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)
Not too much more to say upon re-watch, but the ambition here continues to ring true, resulting in two of the most impressive set pieces in the franchise. But with all that ambition comes a bit of mess, weaseling away from the events of Dead Reckoning, and probably more characters than it knows what to do with, but these are minor complaints for a franchise that continues to prove its worth on the biggest screens possible.
Watched at the Cineplex on Carling in Ottawa.
Watched at the Cineplex on Carling in Ottawa.
Rain Man (1988)
My take on this is almost exactly the same as As Good as It Gets — both have aged like milk, making light of the disabilities they both claim to portray. What was done here with Hoffman's character was technically impressive but horrifying at the same time. And the expectation that I'm supposed to be won over by a proven asshole because of "reasons"... yeah, no thanks.
Watched on Tubi... yeah, Tubi. Streaming quality wasn't half bad though, not that it would make much of a difference on my old TV from high school.
Watched on Tubi... yeah, Tubi. Streaming quality wasn't half bad though, not that it would make much of a difference on my old TV from high school.
High Plains Drifter (1973)
Clint had years of working with some of the best in the game under his belt coming into this one, so it's no surprise that his first stab at directing a western comes in self-assured, like a grizzled vet. But what stands out here is just how dark it is, thematically speaking, quite literally burning in the flames of hell. There are no heroes here. This town is at the mercy of the West's most rotten. I love the ambiguity in the presentation of the stranger; if there's an argument to be made about the character's identity, I'd say it has roots in the supernatural.
Watched on DVD, from my parents' collection. You could call this a trial run for purchasing the film on 4K blu-ray, but man... this looked rough, even for DVD. That 4K upgrade must be night and day.
Watched on DVD, from my parents' collection. You could call this a trial run for purchasing the film on 4K blu-ray, but man... this looked rough, even for DVD. That 4K upgrade must be night and day.
Man on Fire (2004)
Scorsese and De Niro. PTA and DDL. I’d like to throw Tony Scott and Denzel into that conversation, the kings of 2000s-era movie rental store gems. High octane action, blown out saturation, chaotic jump cut heavy editing, 360 degree spins, flashy subtitles that have a pulse of their own... yeah, we've got all that here. Denzel doing typical legendary Denzel things. And a young Dakota Fanning with insane onscreen poise. The chemistry between them is really what makes this. And this might be an odd comparison, but I've watched some other films recently that cheaply attempt to redeem or soften a character (Rain Man, As Good as It Gets), but this is a reminder of how it's done — Creasy's transformation is raw and fully earned.
Watched on DVD. This might be the format personified.
Watched on DVD. This might be the format personified.
F1 (2025)
Yes, it goes beat for beat with every racing movie ever... no, it doesn't have the same sweeping, melodramatic momentum that Kosinski wielded to full effect in Top Gun: Maverick... BUT, it does feature Hans Zimmer going full synth mode, a Don Tolliver / Doja Cat synthwave banger, Max Verstappen randomly appears whenever the immersion starts to wane, and the racing sequences are pure AV bliss. Certainly enough here to make it a worthwhile theatrical experience.
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver in IMAX. Fan-first premiere, though in my case, being a "fan" really only applies to the filmmakers and the format. I don't know anything about F1 (oops).
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver in IMAX. Fan-first premiere, though in my case, being a "fan" really only applies to the filmmakers and the format. I don't know anything about F1 (oops).
M3GAN (2022)
Two and a half years since my first watch, and this thing still rips. Hits even harder now that I work in big tech, just a few hours north of where this story plays out, and have seen some truly insane AI truther behaviour — like someone earnestly tying the words "AI as a motherhood companion" together. So to see this kind of visceral, campy takedown of the shit I see myself on a daily basis... yes please!
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Prep for M3GAN 2.0, out later this week.
You know what you could do, Kurt, that would really benefit this discussion? Is if you could head out those double doors, take the elevator to the first floor and get me a fucking kombucha! Could you do that?
Two and a half years since my first watch, and this thing still rips. Hits even harder now that I work in big tech, just a few hours north of where this story plays out, and have seen some truly insane AI truther behaviour — like someone earnestly tying the words "AI as a motherhood companion" together. So to see this kind of visceral, campy takedown of the shit I see myself on a daily basis... yes please!
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Prep for M3GAN 2.0, out later this week.
28 Days Later (2002)
I first watched this during the early COVID days, and while it didn't leave much of an impression on me then, I chalk that up to not yet understanding what that period of time really meant in the grand scheme of things. Now, these images of a deserted London feel a lot more eerily lived in, with the micro-budget camcorder style doing a lot of heavy lifting crafting the perfect lo-fi aesthetic of this thing. It's so weird to say, but watching this made me miss London. It's only a matter of time before I visit again!
Rented on Apple TV. Planning to watch 28 Weeks Later as well before catching 28 Years Later in theatres.
Rented on Apple TV. Planning to watch 28 Weeks Later as well before catching 28 Years Later in theatres.
28 Weeks Later (2007)
The predecessor expertly focuses on survival through togetherness, but that's pretty much abandoned here — not by avoiding it, because it lamely cobbles together a family here to keep things going, but it's just blown out by all the military nonsense going on. Feels like a DTV continuation of the events of 28 Days Later, without much going on stylistically to give it an identity of its own. But that helicopter decapitation is very Xbox 360 coded, I'll give it that.
Rented on Apple TV. Officially ready for 28 Years Later.
Rented on Apple TV. Officially ready for 28 Years Later.
Showgirls (1995)
There's so many angles to view this thing from, but ultimately I do believe Verhoeven knows what he's doing here. I find it very hard to believe anyone could think of this as the worst film ever made... the sprawling, glamorous scale à la PTA or QT gives it a backbone, a baseline level of enjoyment. Then give or take the execution (which I find to be fascinating), there's a lot to chew on!
Watched on the Criterion Channel. Part of their "In the Deep End: Swimming Pools On-Screen" programming — pretty cheeky!
Watched on the Criterion Channel. Part of their "In the Deep End: Swimming Pools On-Screen" programming — pretty cheeky!
28 Years Later (2025)
The tonal shifts here are pretty wild, it kinda took me out of it. But it does have its moments, and at least captures the spirit of the original better than 28 Weeks Later did — not surprising with Danny Boyle / Alex Garland back at the helm. I will lament the fact that it is pretty obviously a part one in a new trilogy, making the pacing feel more like a TV series. Similar to Wicked last year, a lot remains to be judged based on where they take this.
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver in AVX.
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver in AVX.
The Swimming Pool (1969)
Alain Delon remains undefeated. I'd call this a mood piece — there's an unspoken tension that dominates the film, and even when it does bubble up, there's still a calm and cool pace to it.
Watched on the Criterion Channel, included in their "In the Deep End: Swimming Pools On-Screen" series.
Watched on the Criterion Channel, included in their "In the Deep End: Swimming Pools On-Screen" series.
Training Day (2001)
The iconic Denzel performance and star studded cameos really do define the legacy of this one. And it's a glimpse into an oft overlooked aspect of LA, a city that has been romanticized to the nth degree on the screen, examining primarily the underbelly of the LAPD, but also LA itself. There are some ridiculous one-liners that stuck out more to me on this watch, but ultimately none too distracting to take much away from this.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Decent transfer, nothing too crazy. There's a very 2000s look and feel to it, almost like it was destined to be watched on DVD, but I will definitely take the 4K blu-ray, being the best presentation this film will likely ever have.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Decent transfer, nothing too crazy. There's a very 2000s look and feel to it, almost like it was destined to be watched on DVD, but I will definitely take the 4K blu-ray, being the best presentation this film will likely ever have.
Casualties of War (1989)
Man, this is dark... I had similar thoughts coming out of another recent watch in High Plains Drifter. If that one is the western from hell, then this is the war film from hell. It's a total moral nightmare, made even more hellish when you pit the boyish Michael J. Fox against Sean Penn and his menacing performance. It's not typical De Palma, there's no Hitchcock pastiche here, making it all the more interesting of a detour in his filmography. It's still got hints of his style though — I guess he can't help himself from a split diopter shot, love it or hate it.
Watched on the Criterion Channel. Snuck it in right before it leaves the channel.
Watched on the Criterion Channel. Snuck it in right before it leaves the channel.
