Alien: Romulus (2024): You might be asking “hey, didn’t you just review this a couple of weeks ago?” and the answer would be “yes, but I’ve seen it twice since”. It’s not like my initial review has changed much, but the movie does deserve a correct quote – the one I used only appeared in the trailer. I could easily enjoy the two rewatches and the finale wore the whole experience down a bit less than on the first viewing. The visuals and sound design remain standouts, as does the lack of spatial awareness some of the characters have. Also, the dialogue shoehorns information excessively, even as the movie leaves (a few) things to the viewer’s imagination. Still a fun ride. 7
Aliens Expanded (2024): A 4hr+ documentary about the making of Aliens, with contributions from arguably all the key cast and crew members, what more could an Alien fan ask for? I quickly dished out to support the project when I first came across it and am satisfied to see how it has all come together. There is a lot of information, a lot of analysis and even some surprising trivia that flesh out the legacy that has kept Aliens relevant to this day. With so much to go through, the chapter structure buckles under the weight, but overall the movie flows well, at a good pace and keeps things interesting. If you ask me, I would generally prefer a shorter movie focusing on niche details rather than an all-encompassing tome, but as far as unearthing everything that is to do with one of the most exciting movies ever made, Aliens Expanded is absolutely commendable. 7
Beetlejuice (1988): I always thought Beetlejuice was a children’s movie that walked the line of adulthood pretty well. It’s also an early Tim Burton project, which starts to look like the more idiosyncratic Burton movies that were to come. Overall, the movie is neat and enjoyable, even though the finale feels a bit off. What makes it stand out is, of course, Michael Keaton’s over-the-top portrayal of the titular character, and there’s just enough of him in it so that he doesn’t overstay his welcome. That said, the cast is swell all around, with a couple of memorable scenes ensuring Beetlejuice’s survival over the years. 7
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024): The long awaited (?) sequel to Beetljuice was released last weekend and it’s been a major box office success. A bit hard to tell why, but it must be a mix of nostalgia and the Jenna Ortega factor. The movie has a different feel compared to the original and it doesn’t go too hard on recreating “legacy moments”- well, except for a dance-y incantation situation. With a mix of old and new characters, I think Burton finds a decent set-up to (re)introduce everyone. With obviously improved visual, but also reliance on practical effects, BB is cute and quaint all around. 7
Under the Influencer (2023): A small indie movie about a waning influencer looking to rediscover herself, UtI finds pockets of truth before descending in a fairytale finale that doesn’t do it much good. It does, however, provide some contrast to the differences between online personas and the people behind them, in a striking manner. The vapidness of the currency which rules the influencer-verse plays out both as truth and as sketch, as the movie generally doesn’t quite find the tone and balance to tell its story. Still, an engaging turn by Taylor Joree Scorse in the lead makes UtI content worth exploring. 6
tributary stu 