Rusty Movies

 Ne Zha - A Chinese Animated Flick Worth Watching Rating - 8/10 “If you don’t define your destiny, others will define it for you.”      Ne Zha is a surprisingly emotional and visually stunning animated movie that takes the familiar legend and spins it into something bold and modern. The animation is beautiful with fast, fluid fight scenes that look absolutely incredible. The world design is imaginative and the character movements feel alive in every frame.      The story balances humor, heart, and action while exploring destiny, choice, and identity in a way that both kids and adults can connect with. Ne Zha himself is a fun and layered character who grows a lot throughout the film. The voice acting brings real energy and emotion to the characters which helps the story hit harder.      It is a little messy in tone at times and some of the humor misses, but it still manages to be thrilling and heartfelt. Ne Zha proves that China’s ani...

Madame Web  - The World's Worst Pepsi Ad Rating - 0/10 “He was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders right before she died.”      Madame Web is not just a bad movie. It’s a cinematic catastrophe. A disaster so bland, so uninspired, and so devoid of purpose that it makes Morbius look like The Dark Knight . There’s nothing redeeming here. Not the acting, not the story, not even the action (what little there is). It’s the kind of film that feels like it was made by a committee of people who’ve never actually watched a superhero movie, but have heard they’re profitable.      Dakota Johnson looks like she’s in a hostage situation every time she’s on screen. Her performance as Cassandra Webb has all the energy of someone reading cue cards for a corporate training video. The supporting cast isn’t much better, everyone feels lost, like they showed up expecting a different movie and decided to just roll with it.      The...

True Grit  - A Well-Done Remake Rating - 9/10 “I mean to kill you in one minute, Ned. Or see you hanged in Fort Smith at Judge Parker’s convenience. Which will it be?”      The Coen Brothers’ True Grit is a masterclass in modern western filmmaking. It might not carry the same nostalgic charm or legendary status as the John Wayne original, but it stands tall on its own as a gritty, beautifully crafted reimagining. The Coens take the classic revenge tale and infuse it with their signature wit, sharp dialogue, and an authenticity that feels both timeless and cinematic.      Jeff Bridges delivers a phenomenal performance as Rooster Cogburn, gruff and unpredictable yet strangely endearing. He doesn’t try to imitate Wayne’s version but instead brings a weary realism that fits perfectly within the Coens’ world. Hailee Steinfeld, in her breakout role as Mattie Ross, is equally outstanding—her determination and sharp tongue give the film its backbone. Matt D...

 Morbius - I Like the Part is When We Came Together and Pretended to Like this Movie Rating - 1/10 "It's Morbin' Time!"      Morbius is the kind of movie that makes you question every creative decision that went into making it. From start to finish, it feels like a studio experiment that escaped the lab before anyone remembered to give it a soul. Jared Leto, in all his method-acting glory, delivers a performance so dry it could turn a vampire back to dust. He walks through the role like he is too cool for it, yet somehow still manages to overact at every turn.      The story itself is an incoherent mess that tries to balance tragedy, science fiction, and superhero action but fails miserably at all three. Scenes jump around with no rhythm or emotional weight, and the dialogue sounds like something generated by a malfunctioning AI. The movie wants to be dark and edgy, but it ends up feeling like a parody of itself. Even the action scenes, which should ...

Toy Story 3 - A Perfect Trilogy Ending Rating - 9/10 "So long partner."      “Toy Story 3” hits with the emotional weight of growing up, letting go, and saying goodbye. Pixar managed to pull off the impossible, creating a third entry in a trilogy that not only lives up to its predecessors but arguably surpasses them in emotional depth. It’s a movie that balances heart, humor, and heartbreak perfectly, delivering one of the most touching finales in animation history.      The film’s opening is filled with the same sense of adventure that made the first two so iconic, but this time everything feels more mature. The toys, led by Woody and Buzz, face the reality that Andy has grown up and is heading to college. What follows is a beautifully told story about loyalty, fear of abandonment, and the bittersweet passage of time. The setting of Sunnyside Daycare gives the movie a great mix of fun and danger, and the introduction of Lotso as a smiling yet menacing vil...

Inglourious Basterds - Tarantino at His Best Rating - 9/10 "Buongiorno"      “Inglourious Basterds” opens with one of the most tense and masterfully directed scenes in film history. Quentin Tarantino crafts a war movie that throws away traditional expectations and instead tells a sprawling, dialogue-heavy story filled with dark humor, brutal violence, and unforgettable characters. It is a film that lingers not only because of its style but because of how bold and unpredictable it feels.      The standout performance is Christoph Waltz as Hans Landa. He is charming, terrifying, and magnetic every moment he is on screen. His presence looms over the entire movie and his role as “The Jew Hunter” is one of the most chilling villains ever put to film. Brad Pitt also delivers a wonderfully campy turn as Aldo Raine, a character whose exaggerated accent and brutal approach to warfare balance the menace of Landa with levity. The rest of the cast, from Mélanie Lauren...

Venom: The Last Dance - Hopefully That's True Rating - 4/10 "I won't forget you buddy."    Venom: The Last Dance is another stumble for Sony’s attempt at a Spider-Man villain universe, and it really shows just how hollow this franchise feels without Spider-Man himself. The lack of an R rating hurts it once again. For a character like Venom, whose stories often thrive on darker, more violent tones, keeping things watered down makes the action feel toothless and dull.      The biggest disappointment here is how little Knull is actually used. On paper, introducing the god of the symbiotes should have raised the stakes and turned this series into something truly epic. Instead, Knull barely makes an impression, shoved into the background of a messy story that never gives him the time or menace he deserves. It feels like Sony brought him in just to check a box without understanding what makes him such a terrifying figure in the comics.      Tom Hardy...

True Grit - John Wayne's Masterclass in Acting in a Western Rating - 9/10 “Fill your hand, you son of a…”      True Grit  perfectly balances grit, heart, and old-school charm. John Wayne delivers one of the greatest performances of his career as Rooster Cogburn, a one-eyed, drunken, and grizzled U.S. Marshal who still manages to carry a sense of honor beneath all his rough edges. This role earned Wayne his long-awaited Oscar, and it is easy to see why. He embodies Rooster with a mix of toughness and humor that feels effortless.      The story follows young Mattie Ross, played by Kim Darby, who hires Cogburn to track down the man who killed her father. What makes the movie so compelling is not just the chase itself but the dynamic between the characters. Mattie’s sharp intelligence and stubborn determination pair beautifully with Rooster’s rugged bravado. Their banter and evolving respect for one another give the film its heart. Glen Campbell as La Bo...

Venom: Let There Be Carnage  - But Not Too Much Since It's PG-13 Rating - 6/10 “Let there be carnage!”      Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a movie that feels like it leans into its own ridiculousness, for better and worse. On one hand, it is undeniably entertaining. The action sequences are solid, the effects are serviceable enough, and the bizarre buddy dynamic between Eddie and Venom continues to be the most enjoyable aspect of the franchise. Their back-and-forth banter gives the film an offbeat comedic energy that is unique, even if it can get a little overplayed.      The real draw here should have been Carnage, and while the character does bring some flashy moments, the PG-13 rating once again holds the story back. Carnage is a character that should be terrifying, brutal, and unhinged, yet the movie never lets him live up to his full potential. Instead of being horrifying, he comes across as another flashy but somewhat neutered villain. It is fr...

Toy Story 2 - Perfectly Building on the Original Rating - 9/10 "It's the Chicken Man!"      Toy Story 2 is not just a worthy sequel, it is one of the rare examples of a follow-up that expands on the original in nearly every way. It takes the humor, heart, and creativity that made the first film so special and adds even deeper themes, more memorable characters, and a story that feels bigger without ever losing the personal touch.      The film introduces Jessie, Bullseye, and Stinky Pete, who each bring new dynamics to the world of Andy’s toys. Jessie’s backstory is one of the most heartbreaking and powerful moments Pixar has ever delivered, reminding audiences that these films are just as much about loss and change as they are about fun adventures. Meanwhile, the return of Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang is handled perfectly. The characters feel even more fleshed out, and their relationships continue to evolve in natural and emotional ways.  ...

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - A Furious Spin-off Rating - 8/10 “Where are you going?” “Home.”      Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a worthy addition to George Miller’s wasteland, delivering a gritty and tragic origin story for one of the most memorable characters in the Fury Road universe. The movie works best as a character-driven epic, chronicling Furiosa’s journey from her stolen childhood to becoming the hardened warrior audiences know. It is not as relentlessly action-packed as Fury Road , but it makes up for it with scale, world-building, and strong performances.      Anya Taylor-Joy and Alyla Browne share the mantle of Furiosa, and together they create a layered portrait of survival and determination. Both manage to capture the strength and intelligence of the character while also reminding us of the humanity beneath all the grit. Chris Hemsworth is surprisingly great as Dementus, playing a flamboyant yet terrifying warlord who is both absurd and menacin...

Venom  - No Spider-Man to be Found Rating - 5/10 “We are Venom.”      Venom is a strange kind of superhero movie, one that has flashes of fun but never really comes together into something great. The film does deliver some decent action sequences, with Venom’s powers used in creative ways during fights and chases, and there is some dark humor sprinkled throughout that actually works. Tom Hardy commits fully to the role, and his bizarre, twitchy performance as Eddie Brock is oddly entertaining, even when the movie around him is not.      The biggest problem is the story. The plot feels extremely generic, running through all the familiar beats of a comic book origin movie without much personality. It plays things safe when it could have been bold, which is frustrating because Venom is a character who thrives on chaos. The decision to keep the movie PG-13 really hurts it too. Venom’s violent, brutal nature is toned down so much that the character never...

Rango - A Strange Gem of a Movie Rating - 8/10 “Don’t think you can charm your way out of this one.”      Rango is a weird, stylish, and surprisingly clever animated film that feels different from most family movies. It is part Western parody, part character study, and part oddball comedy, and somehow it all works. The animation is unique and richly detailed, giving every character a gritty, almost photorealistic texture that fits the dusty desert setting perfectly. The world feels lived in, and that attention to detail helps make the story more immersive.      Johnny Depp brings a quirky charm to Rango, a nervous and awkward chameleon who accidentally stumbles into becoming the sheriff of a rough little town called Dirt. The voice acting across the board is fantastic, with Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, and especially Ned Beatty all delivering standout performances that bring humor and weight to their roles. The cast really leans into the eccentricity o...

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - A Spider-Mess Rating - 5/10 “You want to be the hero. And now you gotta pay the price.”      The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a messy film that feels like it is trying to do way too much at once, and most of it does not land. The pacing is off, jumping between storylines without giving any of them enough time to breathe. Instead of focusing on one strong villain or arc, it piles on too many threads and ends up shortchanging them all.      The villains are the biggest problem. Green Goblin’s introduction feels rushed and underdeveloped, Rhino is more or less a useless cameo, and Electro, while visually interesting at times, is written in a strange way that makes him more goofy than threatening. None of them hit the mark, and that really drags the film down.      That being said, the acting is fine. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone continue to have great chemistry, and their relationship is easily the best part of the f...

Toy Story  - You Got A Friend in Me Rating - 9/10 “To infinity and beyond!”      Toy Story is one of those movies that feels timeless no matter how many times you revisit it. As Pixar’s very first feature film, it broke new ground in animation and storytelling, and it still holds up today as one of the most important animated movies ever made.      The story is clever and heartfelt, exploring jealousy, friendship, and learning to grow as people through the lens of toys. Woody and Buzz’s rivalry turning into a bond is both funny and moving, with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen giving pitch perfect voice performances that make the characters feel alive. The rest of the cast, from Mr. Potato Head to Rex to Slinky Dog, add humor and personality, making the world feel full of character.    T he animation might look a little dated compared to modern Pixar, but it was groundbreaking at the time and still has a charm that makes it fun to watch. More impo...

Mad Max: Fury Road - The Most Badass Oscar Nomination Ever Rating - 9/10 “Oh what a day… what a lovely day!”      Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the most thrilling action movies ever made, a relentless and stunning ride from beginning to end. While the actual plot is fairly thin, George Miller fills the world with such incredible lore and atmosphere that it feels rich with meaning and weight. The narrative may be simple, but the execution makes it unforgettable.      The performances are all excellent, with Tom Hardy stepping into the role of Max as a quiet yet commanding presence, while Charlize Theron absolutely steals the movie as Furiosa. Her arc gives the story its emotional center, making it more than just a chase across the wasteland. Nicholas Hoult also stands out with his wild and unhinged turn as Nux, providing both chaos and surprising heart.      What really makes this movie legendary though is the action. Every sequence is jaw-...

The Amazing Spider-Man - Not Amazing, but Good Enough Rating - 7/10 “You found my weakness. It’s small knives.”      The Amazing Spider-Man is a reboot that brings a fresh energy to the web-slinger, even if it does not always stick the landing. Andrew Garfield makes for a strong Spider-Man, giving the character a witty and playful edge that works really well. His chemistry with Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy is one of the highlights of the film, and their relationship feels more natural and charming than most superhero romances.      The supporting cast is solid, with Sally Field and Martin Sheen bringing warmth and heart as Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Their presence grounds the movie and gives it an emotional weight that helps balance out the action. The film also gives Peter Parker a little more grit and attitude, which makes him stand apart from Tobey Maguire’s version.      Where the movie stumbles is with its villain. The Lizard, played by Rhys I...

    The Banshees of Inisherin  - A Devastating Tale of Friendship Rating - 8/10 “I just don’t like you no more.”      The Banshees of Inisherin is a quiet and devastating film that manages to make something as simple as a friendship falling apart feel as heavy as the end of the world. Set on a remote Irish island, the movie follows two lifelong friends, Pádraic and Colm, as their relationship suddenly fractures. What begins as a confusing and almost comical breakup between friends quickly unravels into something darker and deeply tragic.      Colin Farrell delivers one of his best performances as Pádraic, a man who cannot understand why the bond he values so dearly has been ripped away. His mix of heartbreak, anger, and desperate attempts to fix things feels raw and relatable. Brendan Gleeson is equally excellent as Colm, bringing a cold detachment that hides a simmering inner torment. The chemistry between the two is magnetic even when th...

Spider-Man 3 - Come for Spider-Man, Stay for the Memes Rating - 6/10 “Now dig on this.”      Spider-Man 3 is the kind of movie that tries to do too much all at once and ends up tripping over itself. It wants to deliver the same emotional punch as the first two Raimi films while also cramming in more villains, more side plots, and more spectacle. The result is a film that is entertaining in parts but bloated overall.      The biggest issue is the overload of characters and storylines. Sandman has an emotional arc that could have worked on its own, but it gets lost in the shuffle. Harry Osborn’s return as the new Goblin has some good beats, but his story feels rushed. And then there is Venom, one of Spider-Man’s most iconic villains, who ends up feeling underdeveloped and unsatisfying. None of the antagonists are bad exactly, but when they are all mashed together they start to cancel each other out.      Then there is emo Peter Parker, also kn...

Anora - The Anti-Fairy Tale Rating - 7/10 “I’m no princess. This isn’t a fairy tale.”      Anora is a messy but engaging film that mixes romance, comedy, and drama in ways that are both compelling and frustrating. While it has some fantastic performances and standout moments, it also struggles with pacing and tone.      Mikey Madison is the heart of the movie and gives a performance that makes Ani feel completely real. She is funny, sharp, and vulnerable all at once, which keeps you invested even when the story starts to wobble. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast is strong, and the way her character shifts between confidence and fragility makes her unpredictable in the best way.      The story takes a modern fairy tale idea and flips it. Ani suddenly finds herself in a whirlwind marriage to the son of a Russian billionaire, only for his family to crash down on her in ways that are both darkly funny and genuinely stressful. The mix o...

Stranger Things: Season 5 - The Epic Conclusion Rating - 8/10 “I told you, to eat your damn pie.” (SPOILER WARNING!)     Another year has come and gone, and so does another season of the hit show  Stranger Things . Aside from the inevitable spinoffs we'll likely have to endure, this serves as the final season of the main show that many of us have come to know and love. While not perfect and not without flaws, it serves as a strong and emotional finale with loads of action and heart. From the iconic new characters, to the returning ones that stole us years ago, the Duffer Brothers continue to juggle an insane cast size to give everyone time to develop. Although it is crowded, everyone gets good ending for the most part.      Vecna has returned to Hawkins and is taking children to serve as vessels for his master plan to bring his dimension to the main world. The season starts off with all of our main characters united after a brief time jump where we se that...

Disney's A Christmas Carol - Too Bleak for Christmas Rating - 5/10 “I wear the chain I forged in life.”      Robert Zemeckis’ Disney’s A Christmas Carol from 2009 is a strange retelling of the classic Charles Dickens tale. On one hand, the story remains timeless, and the film benefits from strong performances, particularly from Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman. Carrey throws himself into multiple roles, including Scrooge and the three ghosts, while Oldman brings heart to Bob Cratchit and even manages to give Tiny Tim warmth in an otherwise cold-looking film.      The problem is the animation. The motion capture style lands squarely in the uncanny valley, making many of the characters unsettling to look at. The faces are stiff and odd, and instead of enhancing the performances, the technology distracts from them. On top of that, the overall tone is unusually grim for a Disney family release. While Dickens’ story is dark at its core, the presentation here leans ...

Spider-Man 2  - A Worthy Spider-Sequel Rating - 9/10 “Sometimes to do what is right we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most.”      Spider-Man 2 is a rare sequel that not only lives up to the original but surpasses it in nearly every way. Sam Raimi builds on the foundation of the first film with a more personal and emotionally rich story that makes Peter Parker’s struggles feel both epic and deeply human.      Tobey Maguire continues to shine as Peter, capturing the exhaustion and sacrifice of being Spider-Man while still showing his warmth and humor. Kirsten Dunst’s Mary Jane is more fleshed out this time, giving her stronger presence in the story, and James Franco’s Harry Osborn simmers with resentment as his father’s legacy weighs on him.      The real standout, though, is Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus. He is intimidating, tragic, and layered, making Otto Octavius one of the best villains in any superhero movie...