A24's Warfare is an immensely impressive war drama that delivers a visceral and unflinching look at the reality of soldiers on the ground in Iraq. Co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, the film draws from Mendoza’s own experiences during the battle of Ramadi, bringing an authenticity that permeates the film. The cast is stacked (with mostly British actors) and their chemistry and precision make them feel like a genuine military unit. The performances, combined with exceptional sound design and precisely executed tense sequences, create a 90 minute experience that pulls you in.

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With a live-action remake upon us, I guess there's no better time to revisit DreamWorks’ original animated How to Train Your Dragon. Even if it’s been 15 years since its release. A near-perfect example of a fun, breezy, and emotionally resonant animated adventure, the film follows young Viking Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) as he forms a heartwarming bond with the adorable/intimidating dragon Toothless, all while navigating a strained relationship with his father (Gerard Butler) which lies at film's core. Strong voice performances and stunning animation elevate what might be DreamWorks’ most beloved effort. Now with all that in mind, we just need to convince Liam it’s not mid. Then after the review, we discuss your hot takes on the most overrated animated franchises.

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David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence (2005) presents an intimate and unsettling story of a small town man, played by Viggo Mortensen, whose past comes violently back to haunt him after a heroic act puts him in the national spotlight. With Ed Harris delivering a menacing supporting performance, the film thrives in its tense moment. But there's also no shortage of ambiguity. Jayden expertly guides us through Cronenberg’s filmography and explores how this work fits into his broader cinematic style, marked by identity and the American Dream. While some performances feel deliberately stilted, we debate whether that’s a stylistic choice or a shortcoming. There’s a lot to unpack in the film’s themes, but with such a subdued ending, we wrestle with whether it leaves us with any meaningful resonance or simply more questions.

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