Hellring

 Tom Hardy seems quite awkward and out of place as the protagonist.

 "The Drop" seems like one of the many undefined films devoid of a true soul.

The Drop, directed by Michael R. Roskam and based on a Dennis Lehane story, features a strong cast and noir atmosphere but suffers from a slow pace and predictable plot. Tom Hardy's performance as the protagonist is seen as awkward and unconvincing. Despite good cinematography and supporting roles, the film falls into genre clichés and fails to stand out meaningfully. Discover why The Drop struggles to deliver despite its cast and noir vibe — read the full review now!

 The peculiarity of the film lies in its being a horror entertainment shot with rare grace and with unusual elements for the horror of the time.

 Bernard Rose’s film is not a masterpiece, but it is one of those movies that deserves to be reconsidered in light of the evolution (or devolution?) of the genre in question.

Bernard Rose's Candyman is a distinctive 90s horror film blending folklore with social themes like racism. Noted for its atmospheric soundtrack by Philip Glass and unique urban setting, it stands out among slasher films. While some scenes verge on childishness, the film remains original and worthy of reconsideration. Explore Bernard Rose's Candyman and experience a haunting blend of horror, folklore, and social commentary from the 90s.

 Sword Songs is an extremely simple album, all song structure and lyrics in the style of 'viking metal - bring you to your knees... forged in iron, crowned in steel.'

 Grand Magus don’t take themselves too seriously and deliver an episode of old heavy that, even when listened to casually, manages to make you smile.

Grand Magus’s Sword Songs is a concise and epic classic heavy metal album that embraces retro 80s sounds and viking metal themes. The band, evolved from stoner rock roots, delivers a straightforward, unpolished, and powerful record. While not breaking new ground, the album oozes a rare basement-style epicness. It’s a refreshing, unapologetic return to fundamentals that offers memorable riffs and songcraft without compromising authenticity. Dive into Grand Magus’ Sword Songs for a powerful classic metal journey full of epic riffs and Viking spirit!

 The new GIAA album is a sweet return to the past.

 Helios/Erebus contains several interesting moments where the quality rises to deliver fragments of post rock that still manages to evoke some emotion.

God Is An Astronaut's Helios/Erebus marks a return to their classic post-rock sound after experimenting in their previous album, Origins. With a blend of ambient, metal, and progressive riffs, the album delivers 45 minutes of atmospheric music that evokes emotion. While it revisits familiar territory and avoids new experimentation, it offers fans a nostalgic and quality listening experience. The album is seen as a reset that reconnects with the band's original strengths. Discover the atmospheric journey of Helios/Erebus—listen now and experience God Is An Astronaut's return to classic post-rock.

 No “filters” to soften the vision but reality in its disturbing aseptic nature.

 Bitter beyond all limits, Polytechnique is an extraordinary exercise in style, directorially courageous and not redundant.

Denis Villeneuve’s Polytechnique is a stark, black-and-white cinematic portrayal of the 1989 Montreal massacre. The film avoids explanation, focusing instead on raw, unfiltered depiction of horror. Villeneuve’s formal and geometric visual style deepens the oppressive atmosphere. It’s a powerful, courageous work blending dramatic depth with artistic form. Watch Denis Villeneuve’s Polytechnique to experience a haunting and powerful cinematic retelling of a tragic event.

 High Noon is not only one of the most successful American films of the period but also one of the greatest examples of the western genre.

 Zinnemann’s direction creates this intense atmosphere with the alternation of close-ups and long shots typical of the western.

Fred Zinnemann’s High Noon is a landmark in classic American cinema, notable for its suspenseful narrative and modern staging. The film explores themes of morality, community, and Cold War anxiety through the story of Sheriff Kane. Praised for its direction, screenplay, and iconic performances by Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly, the film remains relevant decades after its release. It stands as a critical reflection of its historical context and the American genre tradition. Explore the timeless suspense and moral drama of High Noon—watch this classic western and experience cinema history at its finest.

 The gangster genre is experiencing a lull in cinema, with ideas lacking and a failure to offer sociological reflection.

 Some formal brilliance, a cast that manages to stay afloat, and little else.

Ariel Vromen's The Iceman attempts to tell the chilling story of contract killer Richard Kuklinski set within the classic New York mafia wars. Despite refined cinematography and a strong lead performance by Michael Shannon, the film suffers from a weak screenplay, lack of character depth, and unrealistic family dynamics. The gangster genre feels repetitive and uninspired here, with the movie failing to bring fresh sociological insights or emotional engagement. The result is a technically proficient but ultimately bland thriller. Discover the real story behind the infamous killer and see if The Iceman breaks new ground or just blends in with more gangster films.

 Theories of Flight is an extremely compact album, essentially free from smudges and drops in tone.

 Jim Matheos and Ray Alder have written another episode of classic metallic progressive, speaking of choices and decisions.

Fates Warning's twelfth album, Theories of Flight, delivers classic progressive metal marked by melodic vocals and technical precision. The band maintains their trademark sound with well-crafted compositions and a focus on atmosphere over solos. Production is clean, emphasizing sound detail, though some suites lack earlier emotional depth. Overall, the album confirms the band's solid standing in the genre without breaking new ground. Discover the precision and melody of Fates Warning's Theories of Flight—listen now and experience a classic prog metal journey.

 The latest effort by the Texans is a multifaceted CD, of great studio work on sounds and silences, but which leaves the doubt of being an exercise in style rather than a real and successful evolution.

 'The Wilderness' is the simplest and at the same time the most complex CD ever produced by Michael James and company.

The Wilderness sees Explosions in the Sky attempting a softer, more atmospheric approach by dialing back the guitars. Influences from their soundtrack work shape a more ambient, cinematic sound. While the effort to evolve is commendable, the result feels somewhat muffled and inconsistent, as if a work in progress. Certain tracks like 'Tangle Formations' stand out amid a mostly experimental album. Discover the atmospheric shift of Explosions in the Sky’s The Wilderness—listen now and experience their evolving soundscape.

 One of the darkest and most pessimistic episodes of Scorsese's long career.

 A disconnected picture emerges, full of half-things left somewhat unresolved.

The review appreciates Martin Scorsese's legacy and technical skill but finds Bringing Out the Dead a dark and somewhat disjointed film. It highlights the bleak depiction of New York and the troubled protagonist, while noting unresolved subplots and a lack of emotional engagement. Despite its formal qualities, the film is seen as one of Scorsese's less appreciated and less successful works. Discover the darker side of Scorsese’s filmography—watch Bringing Out the Dead and explore its gritty New York nights.