Bart Layton’s newest crime thriller, Crime 101, has nearly everything going for it. A stacked cast led by Chris Hemsworth, beautiful cinematography from Erik Wilson, an intriguing story adapted from Don Winslow’s novella,, and so much more.
Author: Marina Coates
Marina’s Favorite Films of 2025
I’m cutting it up to the last wire with my list of the top ten movies from 2025, and I know that immediately after it’s published, I’m going to wish I could change my list. But despite the question of “what’s your favorite movie” being every film critic’s worst nightmare and best dream, I need to commit sometimes. So here is my list of some of the best parts of 2025, no matter how hard it was to whittle down.
Paul Feig’s The Housemaid finds Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried entangled in a domestic thriller
The Housemaid delivers twists is over-the-top and dramatic, but director Paul Feig, working with a script by Rebecca Sonnenshine manages to fill the film with humor, cleverness, and a refreshingly feminist message.
Edgar Wright’s The Running Man flops toward the finish line
Edgar Wright’s latest project marks his first time adapting a book into a film, and it’s not what we hoped for. The Running Man is adapted from Stephen King’s novel of the same name and is the second time the story has been on the big screen, the first starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (who gets a fun “cameo” in this version). Wright, working with his Scott Pilgrim vs. the World collaborator Michael Bacall, stays closer to the novel than the original adaptation, but unfortunately, the story doesn’t receive the treatment it deserves.
An extraterrestrial warrior comes of age in Predator: Badlands
In a way, the Alien/Predator universe has been alive and well since Alien first debuted in 1979, but there’s no denying that the franchises have experienced a resurgence in recent years. Predator: Badlands is the perfect culmination of this revival and is sure to appeal to Predator fans, Alien enthusiasts, and newcomers alike.
In Good Fortune Keanu Reeves tries to save Aziz Ansari’s soul
Good Fortune, Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, is a tight 90 minutes of genuine laughs, relying primarily on well-timed line delivery rather than gimmicks or cheesy physical comedy.
Josh Duhamel is an unlikely babysitter in London Calling
In the opening scene of London Calling, we’re introduced to Tommy Ward (Josh Duhamel), a London-based hitman on a job at a nightclub where everyone is in costume. His mission is to find and kill a man in a horse mask, which he quickly does; however, this man isn’t actually wearing a horse mask, he’s wearing a donkey mask.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey overpromises, underdelivers
Indie auteur filmmaker Kogonada gained fame with thoughtful movies like Columbus and After Yang. Now, with A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, he’s trying his hand at a blockbuster romantic comedy. Starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, with The Menu writer Seth Reiss scripting, what could possibly go wrong? Sadly, it seems, quite a lot.
Austin Butler Anchors Caught Stealing, Aronofsky’s Fast-Paced, Chaotic Crime Film
Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing has all the ingredients of a great crime film: Russian mobsters, car chases, shifting allegiances, stolen money, and, of course, a cat who steals the show.
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life riffs on the classics.
Jane Austen has dominated the cinematic sphere for decades, inspiring everything from faithful period adaptations to quirky modern retellings—and even films that make Austen herself the object of obsession. Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is the latest installment in the seemingly endless Austen Boom, loosely riffing on Pride & Prejudice while fostering an easy kinship with its Austen-devoted protagonist.