Rusty Movies

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) - This Title is Too Long Rating - 7/10 “Do you know what a harlequin is? A harlequin’s role is to serve.”      Birds of Prey is a chaotic burst of color and attitude that thrives on Margot Robbie’s unstoppable energy as Harley Quinn. It is loud, irreverent, and full of personality, carving out a unique space in the superhero genre that feels closer to a punk rock concert than a traditional comic book movie. While not perfect, it captures a spirit of rebellion and fun that fits Harley perfectly.      Margot Robbie once again proves she was born to play this role. Her comedic timing, manic energy, and flashes of vulnerability make Harley unpredictable and magnetic. She carries the film effortlessly, but the supporting cast deserves plenty of credit too. Jurnee Smollett brings edge and confidence to Black Canary, Mary Elizabeth Winstead is hilarious in her awkward seriousness as Huntress, a...

RRR - Pure, Intoxicating Awesomeness Rating - 10/10 “Friendship is the most powerful weapon.”      RRR is pure cinematic chaos in the most glorious way imaginable. It feels like every genre mashed into one, a historical epic, superhero film, musical, buddy comedy, and revenge drama all rolled together into an adrenaline-fueled masterpiece. Every scene is crafted with the energy of a finale, and somehow, it just keeps getting bigger, louder, and more exhilarating. From start to finish, it is a roaring celebration of cinema itself.      Director S. S. Rajamouli delivers a spectacle that feels both mythic and deeply human. The action sequences are jaw-dropping, defying logic in ways that would feel ridiculous anywhere else but here they work perfectly. Every punch, leap, and explosion feels charged with emotion and purpose. The visual effects enhance the story rather than overwhelm it, bringing the film’s wildest moments to life with dazzling precision. ...

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run - Running Out of Ideas Rating - 5/10 "The secret to the formula, is you."      The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is colorful, silly, and full of the usual SpongeBob charm, but it struggles to feel like a full-fledged movie. Instead, it comes across more like an extended episode of the beloved cartoon, stretched out with a few celebrity cameos and flashy animation that never quite captures the same heart or wit of earlier SpongeBob adventures. It has moments of fun and a few solid laughs, but overall it feels like the show’s formula has been diluted for the big screen.      The animation, done in full 3D this time, is polished and visually pleasing. The characters look great in motion, and the underwater world of Bikini Bottom has a playful new texture that keeps things lively. Still, the charm of the classic hand-drawn style is missed. There’s a certain warmth and expressiveness to the old animation that this gl...

Wonder Woman: 1984 - A Messy Change of Tone Rating - 4/10 “Nothing good is born from lies, and greatness is not what you think.”      Wonder Woman 1984 takes a sharp turn from the grounded tone and emotional power of the first film, and unfortunately, that change does not do it any favors. It tries to mix bright 80s nostalgia with a heartfelt story about truth and desire, but the end result is a confusing and bloated sequel that struggles to find its footing. The film feels uneven in nearly every way, jumping between campy humor, melodrama, and long stretches of dull exposition that drag down what could have been an exciting continuation of Diana Prince’s story.      Gal Gadot still carries the role with grace and presence. She remains one of the best parts of the film, giving Wonder Woman a sense of compassion and strength even when the script falters. Chris Pine’s return as Steve Trevor is charming at first, but his inclusion feels forced, and it raises...

Better Man - A Better Kind of Biopic Rating - 9/10 “If you’re going to tell my story, tell it the right way.”      Better Man is a powerful and emotional journey through the life and legacy of Robbie Williams, told with an honesty that few music biopics dare to reach. It captures both the wild energy of fame and the deep pain that can come with it, balancing spectacle with soul in a way that makes it stand out among recent biographical dramas. There is no monkeying around happening here.      The film’s strength lies in its willingness to show both sides of Williams, the larger-than-life performer adored by millions and the vulnerable man struggling beneath the surface. The direction brings a surreal but deeply human edge to his story, blending theatrical musical moments with raw, grounded emotion. It is a fascinating choice that mirrors Williams’ unpredictable career and personality, creating a film that feels as daring and alive as the artist himself. ...

Shazam! - DC becoming more like Marvel Rating - 8/10  “Say my name so my powers will become yours.”      Shazam is a rare kind of superhero movie that remembers to have fun. It trades the brooding seriousness that so many comic book films chase for a lighter, more heartfelt tone that works surprisingly well. While it may not reinvent the genre, it delivers a crowd-pleasing story full of humor, heart, and a strong sense of family that makes it stand out in its own way.      Zachary Levi absolutely shines as Shazam, bringing the energy and charm of a kid trapped in a superhero’s body. He plays the role with just the right amount of childlike wonder and clueless bravado, making his every scene entertaining. Asher Angel, who plays Billy Batson, gives the movie its emotional grounding. His struggles with belonging and finding his family add layers to what could have easily been just another flashy superhero origin story. The chemistry between Levi and A...

The Naked Gun - Good Comedies are Back! Rating - 8/10 "I want to be just like you, but at the same time be completely different and original."      The Naked Gun movies are comedy royalty, and it is no small task to revive a franchise that owes so much of its brilliance to the late Leslie Nielsen. The new Naked Gun film does not try to replace him so much as pay tribute, and in doing so, it finds its own groove. The result is a smart, silly, and consistently funny return to the kind of comedy Hollywood rarely makes anymore.      The performances are what really hold the film together. Liam Neeson, playing the iconic clueless detective role, strikes a surprisingly perfect balance between sincerity and absurdity. He never tries to imitate Nielsen, but channels that same fearless commitment to the joke. His delivery is dry, his reactions priceless, and his timing impeccable. Supporting actors also step up, with a standout mix of veterans and new faces who f...

 Aquaman - An Over-The-Top, Awesome Mess Rating - 7/10 “Permission to come aboard?”      Aquaman is one of those superhero films that thrives on pure spectacle. It is bright, loud, and endlessly ambitious, overflowing with energy and underwater action. The movie deserves credit for making Aquaman, a character long mocked in pop culture, into someone genuinely cool and commanding. Jason Momoa owns the role completely, bringing a swagger and humor that feels natural and helps carry the movie through some of its rougher waters.      Visually, the film is a feast. The underwater world of Atlantis is brought to life with striking detail and color, and while some of the effects can look cartoonish, the overall production design is wildly creative. Director James Wan builds a sprawling, almost fantasy-like world filled with glowing cities, sea creatures, and grand battles. The water effects are surprisingly strong for most of the film, making it one of the...

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water -  Nautical Nonsense Rating - 5/10 “Prepare yourself, SpongeBob. You’re about to be served… up!”      The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water is a strange and uneven sequel that never quite captures the same magic as the first film, though it still manages to deliver some fun moments and plenty of visual chaos. It tries to blend traditional animation with live action spectacle, and while the effort is ambitious, the end result feels like two different movies stitched together in a way that never fully gels.      The first half, set in Bikini Bottom, is where the movie shines brightest. The humor lands more naturally, the characters feel like their old selves, and the story follows a classic SpongeBob setup — absurd, random, and full of charm. The animation remains colorful and expressive, filled with that surreal energy that has made SpongeBob SquarePants such a beloved franchise for years. Even when the jo...

Zack Snyder's Justice League - The Mythical Film Brought to Life Rating - 7/10 “If you can’t bring down the charging bull, then don’t wave the red cape at it.”      Zack Snyder’s Justice League is the definition of a course correction. What was once a disjointed, hollow superhero mashup in 2017 has been transformed into a sprawling, cohesive epic that feels far more aligned with Snyder’s vision. It is a massive improvement on the theatrical cut in almost every possible way, offering the tone, style, and storytelling that fans were clamoring for. Whether you love or hate Snyder’s signature approach, there is no denying this is the movie he wanted to make, and it shows in every frame.      From the start, the action feels weightier and more cinematic. The battles are better choreographed, more visually coherent, and packed with meaning rather than chaos. Characters that were once shallow afterthoughts are now given room to breathe, especially Cyborg, whose ...

Zootopia  - A Fun Disney Film with a Strong Message Rating - 9/10 “Try everything.”      Zootopia is one of Disney’s smartest and most thoughtful animated films, blending a clever buddy-cop story with themes of prejudice, ambition, and identity. What could have been a simple talking-animal comedy instead becomes a surprisingly rich and layered film that works on multiple levels. It is funny, heartfelt, and deeply relevant, delivering a message that resonates with kids and adults alike without ever feeling heavy-handed.      The world of Zootopia is beautifully realized. Every corner of the city feels alive and filled with detail, from the icy tundra district to the lush rainforest to the bustling downtown. The animation is crisp and bursting with color, and the way each species interacts with the city’s design shows incredible attention to detail. It is a world that feels both imaginative and believable, and one that viewers of any age can easily ge...

Justice League - The Whedon Cut Rating - 3/10 “You can’t save the world alone.”      The 2017 theatrical version of Justice League is one of the most disappointing superhero films ever made. What was meant to be the grand uniting of DC’s most iconic heroes instead feels like a half-baked collection of mismatched tones, weak storytelling, and studio interference on full display. It is not entirely unwatchable, but it is painfully mediocre. The kind of movie that feels like it should be important yet somehow ends up meaning nothing at all.      The story follows Batman and Wonder Woman as they attempt to assemble a team of heroes to face Steppenwolf, an alien warlord seeking to unite three mystical boxes that could destroy the world. On paper, it sounds epic. In execution, it is flat and uninspired. The stakes never feel real, the characters rarely feel in danger, and the villain is so forgettable that his presence barely registers. Steppenwolf has no depth...

Ex Machina - One of the Decade's Best Sci-Fi Films Rating - 9/10 “One day the AIs are going to look back on us the same way we look at fossil skeletons on the plains of Africa.”      Ex Machina is a haunting and cerebral piece of science fiction that lingers long after it ends. Written and directed by Alex Garland, the film is a minimalist masterpiece, a quiet, claustrophobic exploration of power, manipulation, and what it truly means to be alive. It doesn’t rely on big effects or loud action sequences. Instead, it builds its tension through conversation, psychology, and the terrifying calm of inevitability.      The story follows Caleb, a young programmer invited to the isolated home of tech genius Nathan to perform a Turing test on Ava, a highly advanced AI. What unfolds is a fascinating triangle of control and deceit. Domhnall Gleeson brings a naïve earnestness to Caleb, while Oscar Isaac delivers a hypnotic performance as Nathan, equal parts genius, ...

Wonder Woman - The DCEU at it's Best Rating - 8/10 “It’s about what you believe. And I believe in love.”      Wonder Woman stands tall as one of the strongest superhero origin stories of the modern era. It manages to blend heart, humor, and heroism in a way that feels both epic and human. Gal Gadot brings grace and strength to Diana Prince, creating a hero who is not just powerful but deeply compassionate. Her performance carries the film with sincerity and conviction, making every scene she’s in shine brighter.      The first two acts are where the movie truly soars. From the breathtaking beauty of Themyscira to the chaos of World War I, the story strikes an impressive balance between myth and history. The fish-out-of-water moments as Diana enters the human world are genuinely funny and charming, and her wide-eyed belief in humanity gives the film a strong emotional core. Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor adds a grounded counterpoint to Diana’s idealism, and the...

Luca - A Pixar Coming of Age Story Rating - 8/10 “Silenzio, Bruno!”      Luca is one of Pixar’s most charming and easygoing films, a colorful seaside story that celebrates friendship, curiosity, and the joy of discovering the world for the first time. It very much is a fish out of water story. It might not reach the emotional heights or groundbreaking innovation of some of Pixar’s biggest hits, but it doesn’t really need to. The movie succeeds by embracing simplicity, focusing on heart, humor, and atmosphere rather than trying to outdo itself with complexity.      Set in a picturesque Italian Riviera town, the film follows Luca, a young sea creature who becomes fascinated by the human world and ventures onto land, disguising himself as a boy. Alongside his new best friend Alberto, he experiences the thrills and awkwardness of living among humans. The movie captures that perfect feeling of summer freedom, the kind where every day feels like an adventure, e...

Suicide Squad - Well, it Lives up to the Name Rating - 2/10 “ This is Katana. She's got my back. She can cut all of you in half with one sword stroke, just like mowing the lawn. I would advise not getting killed by her. Her sword traps the souls of its victims. ”      Suicide Squad is one of those movies that should have been a wild, chaotic blast of fun but somehow ends up collapsing under the weight of its own mess. The concept is gold, a team of villains forced to save the world, full of dark humor and morally gray chaos. Instead, what we got was a jumbled, tone-deaf, studio-mangled disaster that feels like three different movies competing for attention. You can practically see the editing scissors at work, slicing away any chance this film had at being coherent or consistent.      There are some bright spots that deserve credit. Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn is electric, perfectly embodying the manic charm and tragic edge of the character. Will Smith...

Bohemian Rhapsody - A Rockin' Good Time Rating - 7/10 “I’m not going to be just a star. I’m going to be a legend.”      Bohemian Rhapsody is a film that soars on the strength of its music and its leading performance, even when the storytelling plays things a little too safe. Rami Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury is magnetic, emotional, and completely transformative. He doesn’t just imitate Mercury, he channels his energy, his insecurities, and his bold charisma in a way that feels both respectful and raw. Every scene he’s in feels electric, and even when the script stumbles, Malek’s performance keeps you invested.      The film captures the spirit of Queen through its music more than its writing. The concert scenes, especially the recreation of Live Aid, are pure cinema magic. They remind you how timeless and powerful Queen’s sound truly is. The energy, the crowd, the vocals, it all comes together in a way that feels euphoric and nostalgic. Even if y...

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice   - The Movie Disaster that Tormented Fans and Critics Rating - 3/10 “Tell me, do you bleed?”      Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the definition of wasted potential. It brings together two of the most iconic characters in comic book history and somehow manages to make both of them dull, confusing, and unlikable. What should have been an epic showdown about ideology, morality, and legacy turns into a loud, joyless, and self-serious slog that mistakes grim tone for depth. Zack Snyder had all the right pieces to make something legendary, yet what we get feels bloated, incoherent, and utterly exhausting.      The tone of the film is suffocating. Every moment is drenched in darkness, not the cool kind of darkness that comes from tension and mystery, but the heavy, humorless kind that sucks the life out of everything. Superman is portrayed as a brooding and distant god rather than the hopeful symbol he is meant to ...

Encanto - An Enchanting Disney Film Rating - 9/10 “We don’t talk about Bruno.”      Disney’s Encanto is a vibrant and emotional celebration of family, identity, and acceptance. It stands apart from many of the studio’s recent offerings by leaning into personal conflict rather than a grand battle between good and evil. The story of the Madrigal family feels intimate and heartfelt, grounded in the everyday struggles of love, expectation, and the need to belong. From the first frame, the film bursts with color and movement, creating a world that feels alive and full of spirit.      The animation is nothing short of stunning. Every frame is filled with rich textures, lush details, and expressive character work. The setting of the magical house, Casita, is a character in its own right, full of charm and wonder. Each room reflects the personality of its inhabitant, and the visual creativity used to bring those powers to life is endlessly imaginative. It is one...

Man of Steel - Superman Deserves Better Rating - 5/10 “My father believed that if the world found out who I really was, they would reject me.”      Man of Steel is a strange contradiction. It is both a sweeping, grand reimagining of Superman and a cold, joyless experience that seems almost allergic to hope. Zack Snyder’s direction delivers a spectacle of incredible scale, but it also strips away the sense of optimism and humanity that define the character. The result is a film that looks powerful, feels important, and yet struggles to connect on an emotional level.      Henry Cavill gives a strong physical performance as Clark Kent. He clearly commits to the role and carries the weight of Superman’s legacy with sincerity. However, the script gives him little chance to show warmth or depth. Much of the movie feels like a prolonged exercise in brooding rather than a story about a hero inspiring humanity. Even when the action reaches its highest points, the e...

The Spongebob Movie - We're All Goofy Goobers  Rating - 8/10 "You don't need a license to drive a sandwich."      The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a perfect blend of absurd humor, childhood nostalgia, and surprisingly clever storytelling. Released at the height of the show’s popularity, it managed to capture everything that made the Nickelodeon series a cultural phenomenon while giving it a cinematic polish that still holds up. From the moment SpongeBob wakes up in his pineapple under the sea to the epic final showdown with Plankton, this film brims with personality, confidence, and heart.      One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is how it walks a fine line between chaos and structure. The jokes come fast and strange, from talking sea creatures in biker bars to David Hasselhoff appearing as himself in an unforgettable live-action sequence. Yet underneath the layers of silliness, there is a surprisingly solid story about self-belief and ...

Raya and the Last Dragon - Beautiful, but also Bland for Disney Rating - 7/10   “The world’s broken. You can’t trust anyone.”      Raya and the Last Dragon is a visually stunning journey through a world filled with vibrant colors, intricate details, and thrilling action sequences. Disney’s animation team delivers yet another feast for the eyes, crafting a universe that feels both ancient and futuristic, blending cultural influences into something uniquely their own. Every setting, from the shimmering waterways of Tail to the snowy peaks of Spine, shows remarkable artistry and care.      The story, however, doesn’t fully rise to match the beauty of its world. It follows a familiar arc of trust, redemption, and unity, but without the emotional depth or narrative surprises that mark Disney’s best work. The themes are strong and important, but the execution feels a bit safe, as if the movie is checking all the right boxes rather than breaking new ground...