Rusty Movies

Batman Returns - A Darker, Weirder Batman Rating - 7/10 “I am not a human being. I am an animal.”      Batman Returns embraces its gothic fairy tale identity with complete commitment, creating a sequel that is stranger, darker, and more stylized than the film that came before it. Tim Burton leans fully into his signature atmosphere, shaping Gotham into a snowy nightmare filled with twisted theatrics and tragic characters. It is a movie that feels like a storybook made from shadows and circus lights, and that bold tone is a major part of its lasting appeal. At the same time, this intensity can make the film feel a bit overwhelming for some viewers, especially with its surprisingly kinky undertones and heightened weirdness that push it far beyond a standard superhero movie.      Danny DeVito delivers a truly unforgettable performance as the Penguin. He plays the character with a level of grotesque commitment that turns Oswald Cobblepot into both a monster an...

Kung Fu Panda - Jack Black is our Dragon Warrior Rating - 8/10 “I'm THE big fat panda.”      Kung Fu Panda surprises you with just how confidently it brings everything together in such a strong entry for Dreamworks. The animation is vibrant and fluid, with action sequences that feel dynamic and carefully choreographed. Each fight scene pops with energy, blending martial arts style with DreamWorks charm in a way that feels both fun and genuinely impressive. The world itself is beautifully realized, full of color and personality.      The voice cast is stacked and everyone brings something memorable. Jack Black gives Po an infectious enthusiasm that makes the character instantly lovable, turning the underdog story into something heartfelt and sincere. Dustin Hoffman brings a perfect mix of grumpiness and wisdom to Shifu, anchoring the emotional arc with sharp timing and real depth. The Furious Five all add flavor to the ensemble, even if some get less screen...

Batman - The Classic Dark Knight Rating - 7/10 “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight”      Tim Burton’s Batman brings a darker and more stylized vision of Gotham to the screen, creating a world that feels heightened, gothic, and unmistakably unique. The film helped redefine what a superhero movie could look like, leaning into atmosphere and tone rather than the camp that had dominated previous adaptations. Its mood is striking from the first frame, giving Gotham a personality that feels dangerous and strangely beautiful all at once.      Michael Keaton delivers a surprisingly layered take on Bruce Wayne and Batman. His quiet intensity works far better than many expected at the time, and he brings a thoughtful, almost haunted energy that adds weight to the character. He may not be the most physically imposing version of Batman, but he captures the psychology of the role in a way that still holds up. His presence balances the film’s ec...

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - A Chaotic and Fun Mystery Rating - 8/10 “Truth is like glass, and the moment you think you see it clearly, it shatters”      Glass Onion takes the Benoit Blanc mystery formula and blows it up into a bigger, sillier, and flashier spectacle. While it is not quite as grounded or tightly woven as the original Knives Out, the movie embraces its heightened style with confidence and delivers a wildly entertaining ride. The tone leans more toward satire this time, poking fun at wealth, ego, and tech culture, and the humor lands consistently thanks to sharp writing and playful timing.      The ensemble cast is a major highlight, each actor bringing a distinct flavor to the chaos. Daniel Craig continues to shine as Blanc, giving the detective an even more flamboyant charm without losing the intelligence behind his drawl. Janelle Monáe stands out with one of the best performances in the film, adding emotional weight and mystery tha...

Inside Out 2 - An Emotional Sequel Rating - 8/10 “You have no idea what you are in for.”      Inside Out 2 returns to the world inside Riley’s mind with warmth, imagination, and a bold new emotional angle. The film expands on the foundation of the original while introducing a whirlwind of new emotions that immediately disrupt the familiar balance. This shift brings fresh energy and humor, and the movie wastes no time diving into the chaos of adolescence. The animation remains vibrant and expressive, bringing every corner of Riley’s inner world to life with visual creativity that keeps the story constantly engaging.      The returning emotions are just as charming and heartfelt as before, but it is the new additions that create the most memorable moments. Anxiety, in particular, steals the spotlight with an excellent performance that captures the overwhelming pressure and fear that come with growing up. The other new emotions add plenty of comedy and tensi...

The Batman - A Reboot Done Right Rating - 8/10 “I am vengeance”      The Batman dives deep into a detective driven vision of Gotham, delivering a moody and atmospheric take that stands apart from previous versions. From the opening moments, the film commits to its noir identity, pulling the audience into a city soaked in corruption, shadows, and dread. Matt Reeves crafts a world that feels lived in and unsettling, and his direction shapes every frame with intent. The cinematography is especially striking, capturing Gotham as a character in its own right with haunting lighting, rain swept streets, and bold visual contrasts that elevate the entire experience. The new musical theme adds weight to every scene, pulsing with a brooding presence that fits the film’s tone perfectly.      Robert Pattinson gives a standout performance as Batman, leaning into the early years of a hero who is still learning how to balance rage with responsibility. His version of Bruce...

Inside Out - Pixar's Emotional Rollercoaster Rating - 9/10 “Do you ever look at someone and wonder what is going on inside their head”      Inside Out delivers a heartfelt journey into the emotional landscape of growing up, and it does so with breathtaking imagination and sincerity. From the moment we meet Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, the film builds a world that reflects the complexity of childhood in a way that feels universal. The movie explores big feelings with warmth and humor, making it just as meaningful for adults as it is for kids.      What stands out most is the honesty with which the story treats the emotional challenges of change. Riley’s move, her shifting friendships, and her internal tug of war between positivity and melancholy form the heart of a narrative that treats emotional growth as both painful and beautiful. Joy’s arc in particular is powerful, as she learns that happiness is not the absence of sadness but the ability to...

The Flash - How to Ruin a Superhero Movie Rating - 2/10 “You in the suit. Yes, you. The future Flash.”      The Flash races out of the gate with one undeniable advantage. Michael Keaton’s return as Batman is a blast and delivers the kind of nostalgia that DC fans have been waiting to feel again. His action scene is easily the highlight of the entire movie, reminding everyone why his version of the character remains iconic. Supergirl also brings a spark of energy and hope, offering a performance that deserved a much better film to showcase her potential. These bright spots prove that there were pieces here that could have worked if the movie itself had been built on solid ground.      Unfortunately, everything surrounding those good moments collapses almost instantly. Ezra Miller’s real world controversies already made this film uncomfortable for many viewers, but their performance here does little to help. Playing two versions of Barry Allen only magnifie...

Billy Madison - Adam Sandler at his most Immature Rating - 4/10 “Stop looking at me swan.”      Billy Madison has carved out a place in comedy history through sheer absurdity, and it is easy to understand why certain moments have become endlessly quoted. The movie leans fully into nonsense, embracing a childlike sense of chaos that occasionally strikes gold. There are scenes that remain genuinely funny and lines that live on in the collective memory of anyone who grew up with Adam Sandler’s early work. That said, nostalgia can only do so much to cover up the rougher edges that make this comedy feel uneven.      Adam Sandler brings a committed performance, throwing himself into the role with a manic energy that defined his early career. His dedication to the bit is part of the charm, and it helps carry the film through its slower moments. Supporting actors like Bradley Whitford, Bridgette Wilson, and Norm Macdonald all contribute in their own amusing ways, ...

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom - A Watered-Down Sequel Rating - 4/10 “The sea brings life, but it also brings challenge.”      Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom arrives with the weight of expectation and the hope that it can build on what made the first movie such a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, this sequel struggles to recapture the energy, creativity, and sheer spectacle that defined the original adventure. What should feel like another bold dive into the depth of Atlantis instead feels surprisingly shallow, offering a familiar journey that rarely tries anything new. This movie never fully escapes the sense that it is simply repeating ideas rather than expanding on them.      Jason Momoa still brings charisma and warmth to the role of Arthur Curry. His natural charm makes even the slower moments watchable, and his physical presence remains perfect for the character. That said, he is not given nearly as much to play with this time. The script pulls back on e...

The Disaster Artist - A Great Film About A Terrible Film Rating - 9/10 “Oh hi, Mark.”      The Disaster Artist is a hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly inspiring look at the making of one of the worst movies ever created. Directed by and starring James Franco, this film chronicles the bizarre friendship between aspiring actor Greg Sestero and the mysterious Tommy Wiseau, the man behind The Room . What could have easily been a mocking parody turns out to be a touching story about ambition, friendship, and the strange beauty of failure. It is both a love letter to dreamers and a wink to everyone who has ever wondered how something so bad could become so beloved.      James Franco completely disappears into his role as Tommy Wiseau. His performance is uncanny, capturing every odd inflection, strange movement, and confusing piece of dialogue delivery that has made Wiseau a cult legend. Yet Franco never turns Tommy into a cruel caricature. Instead, he bring...

The Suicide Squad - James Gunn's Unhinged Masterpiece Rating - 9/10 “I cherish peace with all my heart. I don’t care how many men, women, and children I need to kill to get it.”      James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is a chaotic, blood-soaked, and wildly entertaining explosion of creativity that completely redeems this corner of the DC Universe. From the moment the movie begins, it is clear that Gunn has full creative control, and that freedom pays off in spades. This film is packed with brutal action, absurd humor, and genuine heart, blending them together in a way that feels effortless. It is unapologetically violent and ridiculous, but it also manages to make you care deeply for a team of complete misfits who have no business being heroes.      The cast is one of the strongest in any comic book film. Margot Robbie once again proves why she is the definitive Harley Quinn, balancing unhinged energy with surprising depth. Idris Elba brings his signature cha...

The Room - The Greatest Disaster-piece Ever Made Rating - 1/10 “You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!”      Oh hi Mark! The Room is a cinematic disaster of legendary proportions, a movie so astonishingly bad that it has earned a kind of immortality few films could ever hope for. Written, directed, and starring the infamous Tommy Wiseau, this movie is the definition of “so bad it’s good.” Every moment feels like it exists in a strange alternate universe where dialogue, acting, and basic storytelling logic simply do not apply.      The plot, if it can even be called that, follows Johnny, his fiancée Lisa, and his best friend Mark in a love triangle that plays out with all the emotional subtlety of a high school drama project gone horribly wrong. The performances are baffling, the editing is random, and the scenes often feel stitched together without purpose or connection. Tommy Wiseau’s portrayal of Johnny is so uniquely bizarre that it defies description, someh...

Blue Beetle - Fun and Forgettable Rating - 7/10 “The universe has sent you a gift, and you have to figure out what you're gonna do with it.”      Blue Beetle is a bright, energetic superhero movie that manages to balance humor, heart, and family while still being weighed down by some of the same formulaic trappings that have come to define the genre. It tells the story of Jaime Reyes, a young man who unexpectedly bonds with an alien scarab that grants him incredible powers, thrusting him into the role of reluctant hero.      Xolo Maridueña delivers a likable and grounded performance as Jaime, bringing real charm and warmth to the role. His chemistry with the rest of the Reyes family gives the movie its emotional core, setting it apart from many other superhero films that often sideline family dynamics. George Lopez, as Jaime’s eccentric uncle Rudy, steals nearly every scene he is in. His comedic timing, enthusiasm, and genuine affection for his family a...

This is the End - Fine Enough Rating - 6/10 “We should just stay in here, fortify this bitch, and take inventory of everything we have.”      This is the End is a bizarre, chaotic, and self-aware comedy that brings together a group of Hollywood friends playing exaggerated versions of themselves during the apocalypse. It is a movie built entirely around absurdity and celebrity parody, and while it is certainly funny in places, it often leans too heavily on its own gimmick to stay consistently entertaining.      The cast is what makes this film work as well as it does. Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, Jay Baruchel, and Craig Robinson all fully commit to the ridiculous premise, gleefully mocking their public images and each other. The chemistry between them feels natural, which helps carry the film through some of its weaker moments. The improvisational energy and outrageous banter are the heart of the comedy, even if some jokes oversta...

Shazam: Fury of the Gods - Absolutely Forgettable Rating - 3/10 “You’re like a bad guy convention in here.”      Shazam! Fury of the Gods  feels like it exists simply because a studio needed it to, not because anyone really had something new or exciting to say. It is a movie that tries to recapture the charm and humor of the first Shazam! but instead lands with a dull thud, offering a forgettable and empty experience that fails to justify its existence.      The story continues the adventures of Billy Batson and his foster siblings as they try to balance their superpowered lives with being regular teenagers. On paper, this premise should work again, but this time around the spark is gone. The heart that made the first movie such a pleasant surprise is buried under a pile of forgettable villains, weak humor, and a plot that feels like it was written by committee.      The new antagonists, played by Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel ...

Mortal Kombat - Good Enough, But the Games are More Fun Rating - 6/10 “Finish him.”      The 2021 Mortal Kombat movie is exactly what you would expect from an adaptation of one of gaming’s most over the top fighting franchises. It is brutal, loud, and packed with gory action sequences that deliver just enough for long time fans to have a good time. It is not a great movie, but it is fun enough if you know what you are walking into.      The story follows Cole Young, a new character created for the film, as he discovers his connection to the world of Mortal Kombat and prepares to face off against classic characters from the games. The plot is thin and mostly serves as a reason to move from one fight to another, but that is part of the appeal. Nobody comes to Mortal Kombat for deep storytelling, and the movie thankfully knows that.      The fight choreography is strong, with several standout sequences that highlight the powers and personal...

Black Adam - A Dumb, Fun, Antihero Bore Rating - 7/10 “The world needed a hero. It got me instead.”      Black Adam tries to bring a new edge to the DC universe, but ends up as little more than loud, flashy spectacle. It certainly has moments of fun chaos, with over the top action and some solid visual effects, but for all its noise, there is not much that sticks once the credits roll.      Dwayne Johnson steps into the role of Black Adam with his trademark intensity, but that also ends up being part of the problem. He never truly disappears into the character. Instead, it feels like The Rock dressed as a superhero rather than a fully realized antihero with depth or complexity. His stoic demeanor and dry delivery make sense for the role on paper, but in practice, it just feels flat.      Pierce Brosnan is easily the standout as Doctor Fate, bringing gravitas and class to every scene he is in. He feels like the one character who belongs in a...

Alita: Battle Angel - A Solid Adaptation Rating - 7/10 “I do not stand by in the presence of evil.”      Alita: Battle Angel is an ambitious and visually stunning sci fi adventure that feels both massive in scope and deeply personal at its core. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, the film delivers a world that is vibrant, dangerous, and full of wonder. The futuristic cityscapes and gritty underworlds are realized with impressive visual effects that make every frame feel alive.      Rosa Salazar brings heart and depth to Alita, giving her more humanity than most live action heroes manage. Her motion capture performance is expressive and layered, balancing childlike curiosity with fierce determination. She is the beating heart of the movie, and her journey of self discovery gives the film its emotional center. Christoph Waltz adds warmth and compassion as Dr. Ido, grounding the story with his calm presence, while Mahershala Ali and ...

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum - Endless, Action-Packed Fun Rating - 9/10 “Guns. Lots of guns.”      John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is another incredible entry in one of the most consistently thrilling action franchises of the modern era. It wastes no time throwing the audience straight into chaos, and from the first brutal fight scene, it is clear that the filmmakers are not slowing down. Every punch, gunshot, and knife throw feels meticulously crafted, and somehow each set piece manages to top the last.      Keanu Reeves continues to be the perfect embodiment of John Wick. His stoic intensity, physical commitment, and understated emotion make him endlessly compelling to watch. He moves with precision and purpose, turning every fight into a dance of controlled fury. Reeves makes you believe that Wick is both unstoppable and human at the same time, which is no easy feat.      The supporting cast shines as well. Halle Berry is a stando...