A diverse group of 53 directors share their favorite films of 2025, highlighting a mix of experimental, indie, and mainstream movies, with standout mentions including Oliver Laxe's 'Sirāt', Avalon Fast's 'Camp', and Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein', reflecting a wide range of cinematic tastes and trends for the year.
The article lists and criticizes the ten worst movies of 2025, highlighting films like 'Flight Risk', 'Death of a Unicorn', and 'The Electric State', which are characterized by poor casting, weak storytelling, and lack of artistic integrity, reflecting a disappointing year for cinema amidst industry chaos.
The article primarily reports the death of actress Diane Keaton at 79, with tributes from stars like Jane Fonda and Bette Midler, and includes various entertainment news such as upcoming movies, TV shows, trailers, and reviews.
The new Spike Lee film starring Denzel Washington, 'Highest 2 Lowest,' has received mixed reviews, with critics praising its tension and visuals but noting it may not be Lee's best work. The film, a reinterpretation of Kurosawa's 'High and Low,' is set in modern New York and premieres in theaters on August 15 before arriving on Apple TV+ on September 5.
The article provides a roundup of recent entertainment news, including recaps of Squid Game episodes, a guide to The Bear's family tree, critiques of M3gan 2.0's ending, updates on the Diddy trial, and various lists and reviews of movies and TV shows, highlighting ongoing cultural conversations and industry updates.
Netflix's new holiday rom-com "Hot Frosty" is receiving positive reviews for its whimsical charm and emotional depth. Starring Lacey Chabert and Dustin Milligan, the film follows a widow who brings a snowman to life, leading to a heartwarming holiday romance. Critics appreciate its playful nature, though some find it formulaic. "Hot Frosty" is recommended for fans of Christmas rom-coms seeking a festive escape.
Critics have given mostly positive reviews to Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator II,' praising its epic battles and scope, though noting it feels like a rehash of the original. The film, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington, has a 77% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some critics find it a thrilling spectacle, others feel it lacks depth beyond its action sequences. 'Gladiator II' is set to release on November 22.
Critics are praising 'Gladiator II' ahead of its release, highlighting Paul Mescal's magnetic performance as Lucius and Denzel Washington's charismatic portrayal of Macrinus. The film, which scores 67 on Metacritic and 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, is noted for its spectacle and operatic violence, though it lacks a protagonist like Russell Crowe's Maximus. It is set to hit theaters on November 22.
The holiday comedy "Red One," starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, has received poor reviews following its international release. Despite a $250 million budget, the film has scored only 37/100 on Metacritic and 35% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics describe it as a technically passable but uninspired action-comedy, lacking heart and humor, with some calling it formulaic and forgettable. The film is set to open in the U.S. on November 15th, with projected earnings between $20-40 million.
"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" had a slow start at the box office, earning $10.2 million from Friday and preview screenings, falling short of expectations. Despite positive reviews and premium large-format screenings, it struggled to match the success of its predecessor, "Mad Max: Fury Road." Competing with "The Garfield Movie," which is projected to earn over $31 million, "Furiosa" faces a tough debut. Other films like "IF," "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," and "The Fall Guy" also saw varied performances over the Memorial Day weekend.
Netflix's new $100 million blockbuster "Atlas," starring Jennifer Lopez, is receiving poor reviews, currently holding an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite Netflix's history of high viewership for big-budget films, "Atlas" is being criticized heavily, similar to the poorly received "Madame Web." The film's reception raises questions about its future and the effectiveness of Netflix's blockbuster strategy.
Netflix's release of Zack Snyder's "Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver" has garnered extremely low review scores, currently ranging between 8% and 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it Snyder's worst-rated film to date. Despite Snyder's plans for an R-rated director's cut, the PG-13 versions have failed to impress critics and audiences, raising questions about the future of the franchise. With Snyder hinting at the need for four to six films to tell the story, it remains uncertain if Netflix will greenlight a third installment, especially given the lackluster performance of the first film.
The remake of "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" featuring a mostly Black cast doesn't significantly enhance the underwhelming storyline of the original. Directed by Wade Allain-Marcus and with Tyra Banks as one of its executive producers, the film closely follows the original plot with minor changes and seems more suited for streaming than a theatrical release. Despite some amusing lines and the charms of lead actress Simone Joy Jones, the remake lacks the subversiveness that could have justified its existence, and even fans of the original may not find much to get excited about.
"Monkey Man," a new action movie produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Dev Patel, is receiving glowing reviews ahead of its April release, with critics comparing it to "The Raid" and "John Wick." The film follows a young man who seeks revenge on the corrupt leaders responsible for his mother's death by competing in an underground fight club. Critics praise Patel's directorial debut as visually spectacular, kinetic, and relentless, with bone-breaking violence and a heart-crushing story. The movie is set to be a bloodsoaked bonanza and is generating significant buzz ahead of its release.
Millie Bobby Brown's new Netflix movie "Damsel" is receiving poor reviews, with critics citing its lackluster storytelling and predictable moments. Instead of watching "Damsel," consider checking out these highly rated fantasy movies currently streaming on Netflix: "Everything Everywhere All At Once," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," and "Ready Player One."