Tag: 2025

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Movie Review

The Elixir (2025) Movie Review

The Elixir – Movie Review

The Elixir is a chaotic zombie film about a family's herbal medicine innovation causing an outbreak, forcing them to confront their dysfunction.

First Reaction – The Elixir is a brutal, chaotic onslaught of a zombie movie.

Director: Kimo Stamboel

Writer: Agasyah Karim, Khalid Kashogi, Kimo Stamboel (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Mikha Tambayong
  • Eva Celia Latjuba
  • Donny Damara
  • Marthino Lio
  • Dimas Anggara

Plot: A dysfunctional family running a renowned herbal medicine business. The owner of the company attempts to innovate by creating a new potion, which ends up triggering a zombie outbreak.

Runtime: 1 Hour 56 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Elixir begins when a dysfunctional family tries a new, innovative medicine. They hope it can breathe new life into their family business, but it comes with unexpected consequences. The side effects trigger a zombie outbreak, and the family is forced to put their differences aside to clean up the mess they created.

It becomes a race against time to find safety as the spread has taken over the local area. However, their true colour begins to take over as they must find the best way to escape the situation.

Verdict on The Elixir

Recap

The movie follows a family business specialising in herbal medicine as they try a new product. However, it turns people into zombies, and they must find a way to escape before they get attacked. It is a race against time for the best chance to escape.

Best Parts

The new origin for the zombie outbreak is interesting and offers a fresh reason for the spread. It is a chaotic outbreak situation, which reflects on everything happening. The environment is also great, as it keeps the open isolated locations the prime targets.

Worst Parts

The character decision-making is hilarious for all the wrong reasons. They have learnt the dangers and still decide to act naively when in danger. This includes making noises and driving without looking. When it comes to the attacks, they feel a bit too repetitive.

Final Thoughts –The Elixir is a chaotic, brutal zombie movie.

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Movie Review

Attack 13 (2025) Movie Review

Attack 13 – Movie Review

Attack 13 is a chaotic horror, with plenty of twists, turns and gore.

First Reaction – Attack 13 is a chaotic horror, with plenty of twists, turns and gore.

Director: Taweewat Wantha

Writer: Thammanana Chulaboriruk (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Korranid Laosubinpraspet
  • Veerinsara Tangkitsuvanich
  • Nichapalak Thongkham
  • Tarisa Preechatangkit
  • Nuttawatt Thanathaveeprasert

Plot: Bussaba, a volleyball player who enjoyed bullying others, was found dead by hanging in a gym, causing chaos and horror among other team members.

Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Attack 13 begins when high school volleyball player Jindahra finds herself targeted by the team bully, Bussaba. She quickly finds backup from people who have dealt with the bullying before. However, a surprise turn of events leaves Bussaba dead in the gym.

Jindahra decides to investigate what happened, leading her down the disturbing path of abuse. It puts her and the other players in danger as the team gets targeted by the people involved.

Verdict on Attack 13

Recap

The movie follows a team of high school volleyball players who witness a horrific death. However, they begin to be haunted by the spirit and try to understand what is going on in their lives. It becomes a race against time to understand what the spirit wants.

Best Parts

The mystery behind who was involved with the death and understanding the haunting is interesting. It has scary moments, as the targets experience different forms of scares from the spirit. This does keep us guessing, which is nice to see in a horror mystery.

Worst Parts

There are a few scares which go against the more traditional ones. This includes larger haunting moments, which are chaotic.

Final Thoughts –Attack 13 is a chaotic, wild horror movie.

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Movie Review

Love+War (2025) Movie Review

Love+War – Movie Review

The documentary "Love+War" explores photographer Lynsey Addario's balance between war reporting and family life, showcasing her impactful career and struggles.

First Reaction – Love+War is important, fascinating and eye-opening.

Director: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

Plot: Oscar winners Vasarhelyi and Chin follow photographer Lynsey Addario capturing the Ukraine war while reflecting on her Pulitzer-winning career.

Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Love+War

Recap

The documentary follows photographer Lynsey Addario and her journey through reporting. Elsewhere, she juggles family life and battles the modern society protecting her from the conflict photography she became famous for. The documentary follows her battle to show she is the best in the field and that she can handle herself and her family life.

Best Parts

Where the movie shines is by reflecting a modern question: ‘Would you let a new father go back to a dangerous job?’ This question is a big point in how hard Lynsey fights for her place in the field. Elsewhere, we see the amazing work she does and balance the dangers of her job with the comforts of her family life. This has importance for showing how small stories can change the world. It shows Lynsey’s ability to find the best shots, which helped highlight women’s rights in countries without the ones others take for granted. We get an important series of stories from her history of work, while her peaceful life at home shows a different world.

Final Thoughts – Love+War is a fascinating dive into a brilliant photographer’s life.

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Movie Review

Bad Boy (2025) Movie Review

Bad Boy – Movie Review

Bad Boy explores Jeremy Bailey's life amid police scrutiny following his wrongful suspicion in the UK's largest cash heist.

First Reaction – Bad Boy dives more into the life of Jeremy Bailey, rather than his potential involvement with the case.

Where to Watch

Bad Boy is on digital 20 October from Miracle Media.

Director: Terry Stone, Richard Turner

Plot: A gang of armed men raided the Securitas depot in Tonbridge – the robbery became the UK’s largest ever cash heist with £53 million stolen. Following the hit, 36 arrests were made, one of the accused was Jeremy Bailey. Following a gruelling four years of police questioning and trials, Bailey was dropped of all charges, but to this day, the robbery still casts a dark shadow over his life.

Runtime: 1 Hour 13 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Bad Boy

Recap

The documentary follows the life and times of Jeremy Bailey. He grew up in a rough neighbourhood, dealing with police brutality. However, he escaped that life and became an elite Prizefighter. Meanwhile, he gets accused of being part of one of the UK’s largest ever cash heists. We follow his battle with the law and find his place in the world. It highlights his lifestyle, which grabs the attention of the law and leaves him using the words to keep situations calm.  

Best Parts

This works well at showing both sides of the lifestyle of someone who gets put on the radar of the police. It shows how calm he was in dealing with the problems he faced over the years.

Worst Parts

The movie doesn’t put enough focus on why Jeremy was investigated for the robbery. This is the bigger story, why he was such a big person of interest and connections with the people involved. It puts a lot of focus on someone who lives life on the edge, and draws the attention of the police.

Final Thoughts –Bad Boy does examine the life of someone involved in attracting police attention.

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Movie Review

Réservée (2025) Movie Review

Réservée – Movie Review

Réservée is an emotional romantic film about Evan and Rhian's serendipitous encounters leading to a relatable relationship journey.

First Reaction – Réservée is a powerful and emotional romantic story.

Director: Robert Anthony Dunford

Writer: Robert Anthony Dunford (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: All planets in our solar system revolve around the sun. For Evan and Rhian, their universe revolves around table twelve at the Rainbow Inn on Mill Lane.

Runtime: 1 Hour 13 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Réservée starts when Evan (Pople) and Rhian (Cameron) meet on the opposite side of a double date. However, their relationships don’t work out, and after more chance meetings, they have a chance at a date together.

The sparks fly between them and leave them wanting to follow through with their relationship. However, it leads them down a road of wondering more about chance meetings through a lifetime and whether they are meant to be.

Verdict on Réservée

Recap

The movie follows a couple having a chance meeting and slowly letting the sparks fly. It follows their steps as they start their relationship and see people in their lives getting in their way.

Best Parts

The movie thrives on the chemistry between the leads. It also shines by keeping the relationship simple and easier to relate to. This feels like a natural relationship cycle following realistic ups and downs. It has a huge step away from the more cinematic romantic stories and it is refreshing to watch.

Worst Parts

Some of the comedy doesn’t click in the best way, even if it is designed to lighten the mood at times.

Final Thoughts –Réservée is a brilliant, emotional and powerful realistic love story.

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Movie Review

Down to the Felt (2025) Movie Review

Down to the Felt – Movie Review

Down to the Felt is the typical gambler trying to get another chance.

First Reaction – Down to the Felt is the typical gambler trying to get another chance.

Director: Jon Osbeck

Writer: Jon Osbeck, Ralph Scott, Dino Tripodis (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Michael Stahl-David (Cloverfield)
  • Scottie Thompson (12 Monkeys)
  • Michael Weston (Pathology)
  • Cullen Douglas
  • Jo-Ann Robinson (We Have a Ghost)

Plot: With options dwindling, a gambler makes a risky bargain with a hitman, but fate deals an unexpected twist.

Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Down to the Felt starts when gambling addict Paul (Stahl-David) faces a deepening amount of debt. He loses his job, his home and owes mobsters massive amounts of money. Paul must move back in with his mother and is running out of options.

However, a night out watching the game, Paul needs a hitman, David (Weston), who makes him an unusual deal. Paul knows what the future holds and must decide which direction to take before it is too late.

Verdict on Down to the Felt

Recap

The movie follows a gambling addict with a mountain of debt and mobsters after their share of his money. He makes an unusual deal to protect his loved ones, but finds himself changed forever by the decision he originally made.

Best Parts

The performances are the most interesting part of the movie. They keep us understanding the conflict the characters are going through from Paul’s decision making, David’s battle with going through with the deal and many others.

Worst Parts

Everything about the story reveals Paul’s selfish mentality and leaves you questioning whether the redemption story is engaging enough. It feels like Paul has gone too far over the line with his debts to get such a positive new look on life.

Final Thoughts – Down to the Felt is a by-the-book thriller through addiction.

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Movie Review

Forgive Us All (2025) Movie Review

Forgive Us All – Movie Review

"Forgive Us All" is a gripping horror film about survivors in an apocalyptic world, facing tough choices amidst a backdrop of infection and tragedy.

First Reaction – Forgive Us All is a solid late-night horror with a great environment for fear.

Where to Watch

Forgive Us All will have its UK Premiere at Grimmfest on 11th October, with a DVD & Digital release on 13th October.

Director: Jordana Stott

Writer: Jordana Stott, Lance Giles, Alex Makauskas (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A story of redemption in a world gone dark

Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Forgive Us All starts as Rory (Sullivan) and Otto (Roxburgh) take shelter in an apocalyptic world. They live with tragedy as an infection took their loved ones. When a stranger, Noah (Giles) arrives searching for help, they are left to make a difficult decision.

Elsewhere, Logan (Mulvey) is leading a dangerous group in search of survivors, playing judge, jury and executor if anyone gets in their way. Rory does everything he can to help Noah, knowing the fate he could suffer through if they clash with the wrong people.

Verdict on Forgive Us All

Recap

The movie follows survivors of an infection apocalypse trying to survive the days. However, they get caught in the middle of a battle between battle groups and must decide on who to support. It leads them down a dangerous path where they could face their previous demons.

Best Parts

The infected world shows the last effects of what has happened, highlighting the desperate situation to survive. It highlights the pain of losing someone after fighting for so long. The setting helps because the survivors are trying to remain off the grid, and the performances are good throughout.

Worst Parts

Where the movie can struggle is feeling unique, while it does try to focus more on the western aspects, over the zombie ones. However, it doesn’t make it clear enough what type of infection the survivors are facing, with them changing depending on the encounter.

Final Thoughts – Forgive Us All is a good late-night horror.

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Movie Review

Tron: Ares (2025) Movie Review

Tron: Ares – Movie Review

Tron: Ares explores AI's potential through a digital struggle, showcasing stunning visuals but lacking engagement in the human world.

First Reaction – Tron: Ares takes an interesting turn in search for the limits of AI.

Director: Joachim Rønning

Writer: Jesse Wigutow (Screenplay)

Writer: David DiGilio, Jesse Wigutow (Story)

Cast

Plot: A highly sophisticated Program, Ares, is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission.

Runtime: 1 Hour 59 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Tron: Ares starts when Julian Dillinger (Peters) and Eve Kim (Lee) face off in a race for control of the digital leadership. They run the leading companies and want to use AI for different reasons. However, they are missing the final component. Julian has created a new security program named Ares (Leto), which he wants to use to show off the power his AI has. Meanwhile, Eve wants to solve world problems.

When Eve makes the breakthrough, Julian decides to use his programs to chase down her answers. However, Ares begins to think for himself and shows signs of control, as he searches to find his place between the worlds.

Verdict on Tron: Ares

Recap

The movie follows the tech giants battling it out for control of a program which can break through AI. However, one uses his own security power to try and eliminate the other, only for his creations to have his own ability to think for himself.

Best Parts

Whenever we are in the programming world, we have a fantastic visual environment. The bigger story of what to use AI in life is the highlight of the story too. It uses the idea of both military and environmental changes.

Worst Parts

The weakest part of the movie comes from the programs in the human world. This is because the human world feels so empty and boring with the tech structures, and any action seems to happen with the world on pause.

Final Thoughts –Tron: Ares continues to evolve the beautiful program world, but struggles to make the human world feel interesting.

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Movie Review

Beneath the Light (2025) Movie Review

Beneath the Light – Movie Review

Beneath the Light reviews a man's haunting experiences in an isolated lighthouse, blending romance, mystery, and a struggle with reality and anxiety.

First Reaction – Beneath the Light has a creepy atmosphere and an isolated location.

Where to Watch

Beneath the Light (VOD Release 10/14/25).

Director: John Baumgartner

Writer: John Baumgartner, Cindy Davis Seng, Jonathan Charles (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Jacob takes a job at an isolated lighthouse, hoping to reconnect with a childhood friend. As strange events unfold, he grapples with reality, anxiety, and fractured memories while finding romance and an unexpected bond with the owner.

Runtime: 1 Hour 34 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Beneath the Light starts when Jacob (Tinker) takes a job on an isolated lighthouse. He wants to reconnect with a childhood friend, Olivia (Chavez), but strange events begin happening on the island. It begins with strange noises, before becoming more aggressive with the experiences Jacob goes through.

Jacob tries to learn more about the lighthouse, but the spirits are causing him trouble sleeping. However, the history of the lighthouse leads him down a dangerous path of knowing what could be waiting in the shadows.

Verdict on Beneath the Light

Recap

The movie follows a man who takes a job on a remote lighthouse. However, he quickly begins being haunted by the spirits of the island and must understand the history of the area before becoming the next victim.

Best Parts

The isolation factor is great, showing the horrors Jacob experiences without an easy escape route. Elsewhere, the mystery behind what the lighthouse holds is interesting. Meanwhile, flipping the normal damsel in distress to a male figure adds something different to the paranormal investigation of a ghost connection.

Worst Parts

The movie has all the best elements of isolation and being trapped. However, it lacks enough scares and leaves things waiting for the bigger shock value. There is one incident which seems to have a wonderful set-up, before falling a bit short at the end.

Final Thoughts – Beneath the Light has a creepy isolation but struggles with the scares.