Zane's take at the Cinema's

While I cannot guarantee that I will undertake this task on a monthly basis, given that I observed 17 new releases last month, I thought it would be an opportune moment to rank them from best to worst. Let us commence!

#17 ANIMAL FARM

It should not be surprising to anyone, yet it is truly remarkable how terrible Animal Farm actually was. Aside from my position on Angel Studious as an overall company, Animal Farm is one of the worst widely released animated films of all time. There is a great deal to analyze regarding the extent of the failure this adaptation represents, particularly considering that it diverges significantly from the intentions George Orwell had when he wrote his esteemed novel. I know today it’s very common to get big name talent instead of trained voice actors for your animated movie but the decision to have Seth Rogen, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons and many others was the wrong choice. That’s not to say it would have helped the movie overall, but it at least would have added some authenticity within the genre. Regarding the animation, it is utterly dreadful. I am not suggesting that all animated films must resemble those produced by Pixar or even Laika, but this particular animation is truly awful to behold.

#16 THE BREADWINNER

While Nate Bargatze undoubtedly has a following, he has not made a significant impact on me. I do not mean to imply that his comedic style lacks merit; rather, it simply does not resonate with me. Perhaps this is due to my preference for a more acerbic and unyielding brand of comedy, as opposed to one that opts for a safer approach. The Breadwinner is precisely what one would anticipate from a film featuring Nate Bargatze. It’s subpar, low-quality, and the humor is nearly excruciating to tolerate. One might contend that due to its cautious approach to the material, it will appeal to audiences who infrequently attend the cinema and may be linked to a more casual moviegoer mentality. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, it’s unfortunate that I don’t gravitate towards this as others might. I am not suggesting that I watched the entire film without any emotional response, as there were several moments that elicited a chuckle from me. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Will Forte and Colin Jost are consistently successful in the realm of comedy. Nevertheless, there’s a reason why The Breadwinner isn’t getting a lot of traction and it’s because it’s not really good.

#15 PASSENGER

In a month that has featured three outstanding horror films, there will inevitably be one that falls short in comparison, and that film is Passenger. Is Passenger the worst horror movie to exist? No. In fact, it surpasses several of the atrocious horror films we have encountered this year. However, it is still not particularly impressive either. It seems somewhat unjust to compare it with films released this year such as Obsession, Backrooms, or even Hokum, as each horror movie ought to be evaluated and appreciated based on its own criteria. The problem with Passenger and maybe certain recent examples of standardized horror movies is that a lot of the terror feels telegraphed. All the horror and tension is taken away because it’s about as predictable as you could get. Much of the fear and suspense was diminished due to the small baby teaser released months prior, which, in its own right, resembled a truly unique fan film. However, following that point, the horror becomes excessively monotonous, and the overarching concept fails to deliver effectively.

#14 IN THE GREY

Guy Ritchie is among my favorite directors who is actively working today. In recent years, he has been producing a significant number of films, and although the quality may vary, it is wonderful to witness his ongoing contributions to cinema. He’s even dipped his two in the TV realm with shows like Mobland and Young Sherlock. However, every esteemed director experiences an off day, and regrettably, Guy Ritchie has encountered two consecutive off days with last year’s Fountain of Youth and his most recent film, In the Grey. Granted, I will fully admit that In the Grey is a better movie than Fountain of Youth but not by that much. At first glance, everything regarding In the Grey showcases a vibrant array of Guy Ritchie’s cinematic techniques. The film captivates with its stunning visuals and boasts an exceptional cast that includes Cavill, Gyllenhaal, and Gonzalez. The action sequences are thrilling, and Chris Benstead provides remarkable musical compositions. Nonetheless, my concern regarding the viewing of In The Grey is that a considerable segment of this film is missing. Considering that it just surpasses the 90-minute duration, it appears to be a rushed and insufficiently developed heist film that concludes with one of the most unsatisfying endings I have experienced in quite a while. While this does nothing to taint my overall view of Guy Ritchie, it’s disappointing to see him turn out another dud.

#13 THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

Regardless of the circumstances, I will consistently attend the theater on opening night for any new Star Wars film. It is unfortunate that Star Wars has been relegated to television for the past seven years; however, despite this, I will always extend my support to Star Wars for the universe and characters it has developed. At this point, I believe it is reasonable to conclude that the third season of The Mandalorian was the least impressive of the series. While it certainly had its highlights, it pales in comparison to the first two seasons. In addition to being a rather mediocre season, The Mandalorian and Grogu were burdened by the current state of the Star Wars franchise. Although there is potential for improvement following season three, the subsequent releases such as The Acolyte, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett have not contributed positively to its standing. Even the critically acclaimed Andor did not help, as its tone was entirely different from what Star Wars has traditionally represented. The Mandalorian and Grogu turned out to be everything I had feared it would be, but I still departed with a small sense of satisfaction. The film serves as a weak rationale for cinematic art, given that its framework and content are akin to an exaggerated television episode. It’s great to see any Star Wars movie back on the big screen but after waiting so long for a new one they left us all pretty cold.

#12 ONE SPOON OF CHOCOLATE

RZA has consistently intrigued me, as he does not rank among the very best actors in the industry, nor is he considered one of the greatest directors of all time. That said, I tend to enjoy him no matter what I see him. His initial attempt as a director with The Man with the Iron Fists may not be considered a remarkable film; however, his passion for martial arts is thoroughly documented, and he typically creates some effectively executed action scenes. The inconsistency of his script and the quality of the performances may be a notable characteristic of his work; however, this does not imply that he cannot address this weakness if he persists in directing additional projects. This film showcases RZA’s interpretation of Walking Tall, and I must confess that it is rather remarkable. The action sequences are particularly well-crafted, and the storyline offers an engaging and compelling tale of vengeance. Although RZA could enhance his ability to express emotions and possibly adjust the pacing, this movie continues to be a delightful and entertaining action experience.

#11 DEEP WATER

After the atrocity that was the new Strangers trilogy, I was determined to throw Renny Harlin in director’s jail. He definitely had his day in the 90s with films like  Cliffhanger and Deep Blue Sea but lately he’s been slacking and the newest iteration of the Strangers is unforgivable. Currently, aside from Jaws, there are not many exceptional shark films. Besides the previously mentioned Deep Blue Sea, the only titles that come to mind are The Shallows and Open Water. Beyond these, the selection is quite limited, and even the so-called “better ones” fail to compare to the greatness of Jaws. In terms of Deep Water, it is recognized as the best shark movie in recent years. However, it is worth noting that this is not a particularly high bar to surpass. Having directed Deep Blue Sea, Harlin is well aware of the effective techniques to employ, and he once more demonstrates his ability to produce an entertaining shark film.

#10 MORTAL KOMBAT II

I am not asserting that Mortal Kombat II is the greatest sequel of all time; however, it is certainly a sequel that heeded the critiques directed at the initial film. It took those criticisms into account and ultimately produced a Mortal Kombat movie that should have been delivered from the outset. Admittedly, it continues to exhibit notable deficiencies in character development, inflexible writing, and clumsy dialogue. However, on this occasion, it seems that the filmmakers placed a greater emphasis on the tournament itself within the Mortal Kombat. The film presents remarkable action scenes, a thrilling sense of spectacle, excellent one-liners, and entertainment that resonates with a broad audience. The inclusion of Karl Urban was excellent and surprisingly aligned well with the character of Johnny Cage.

#9 THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

I must begin this selection by stating that I, personally, have no experience in fashion or any related knowledge at all. While I am not an ardent admirer, I hold a great deal of respect for the original Devil Wears Prada. So just getting right into it, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is an absolute blast. To be honest, I anticipated that it would match the quality and consistency of the original film, especially considering that the entire creative team had come together again. Nevertheless, it surpasses it in every possible way. The Devil Wears Prada 2 presents yet another fashionable and elegant perspective on the fashion industry, while also embracing more daring and somewhat unique strategies concerning the ideas of downsizing large corporations and the potential loss of personal significance. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci deliver outstanding performances in this film, showcasing their remarkable talents without missing a beat.

#8 I LOVE BOOSTERS

I hope Boots Riley makes more movies. Why? Because you can’t point me to any other director that even resembles his level of absurdity. With a rich history in hip-hop, he crafts and edits his films to mirror the rhythm, flow, and vibrant beats of music, while also taking visual cues from funk and timeless cartoons. Part of what makes his directorial debut Sorry to Bother You is that it’s a fearless take on social commentary. While I Love Boosters may lose a bit of its pace in the final act, it still stands out as an incredibly enjoyable and lively comedic performance. It appears to be a live-action version of Looney Tunes, but it seems like the imaginative styles of Tarantino and Spike Lee have come together to create this result.

#7 TUNER

Tuner may be the most significant surprise of the year to date. Occasionally, we encounter a film or two that, while not entirely unnoticed, receives an excellent reception from critics, yet may not necessarily deserve all the acclaim it garners. I was certainly aware of Tuner and had received positive feedback about it; however, I did not anticipate that I would hastily go to the theater to watch it upon its release. Tuner serves as additional evidence that regardless of a film’s size, experiencing a quality movie in a theater is among the most enjoyable experiences one can have, and this film exceeded my expectations significantly. Leo Woodall remains a relatively fresh presence in Hollywood; however, he delivers an outstanding performance in this role. One of the most commendable features of his character is the remarkable chemistry he exhibits with Havana Rose Liu. The inclusion of Dustin Hoffman and Jean Reno was truly a delight to witness. However, the standout feature of this film was undoubtedly its exceptional use of sound design.

#6 PRESSURE

It’s truly remarkable that we continue to see more films about World War II, considering the extensive coverage it has already received. Yet, it’s astonishing that there are still untold World War II stories waiting to be brought to life on the big screen. Although some people might find this material dull, I was enthralled right from the start. I might have a unique appreciation for stories that explore the context of certain historical events; gaining insight into the tension and substantial dangers that arose before the D-Day invasion is something I truly value. The performance was exceptional, enhanced by a superb score from Volker Bertelmann, creating an extraordinary educational experience.

#5 IS GOD IS

Is God Is stands out as one of the most audacious and impactful directorial debuts I’ve encountered in quite some time. Having not experienced the stage play, I approached this movie without any prior knowledge, which is a refreshing way to enjoy a brand new film. It’s intense, unique, and incredibly fashionable, with Kara Young and Mallori Johnson delivering outstanding performances. However, it is Sterling K. Brown who truly shines, giving the performance of a lifetime as one of the most terrifying and malevolent villains we’ve seen in recent times.

#4 HOKUM

If you watched Osgood Perkins’ film Keeper last fall, you experienced one of the most spine-chilling teaser trailers ever made for Damian McCarthy’s Hokum. The teaser reveals very little, aside from a creepy demon appearing in the first frame and an unsettling atmosphere. From the very first piece of marketing, I was instantly captivated, and that was the sole material I encountered prior to the movie’s release. Hokum is an experience that is intensely stressful, reaching cataclysmic heights. Damian McCarthy has crafted his best horror film yet, delivering a thrilling and eerie haunted house story centered around a witch as the embodiment of evil. The film includes a considerable amount of jump scares, all executed with remarkable effectiveness, but it is in the moments where tension and atmospheric pressure build that the film truly excels.

#3 BACKROOMS

I won’t pretend to be an expert on Backrooms. Therefore, as I approached the Backrooms movie, I was uncertain about what to anticipate. I was thrilled with the casting choices, especially featuring two Oscar-nominated actors, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. As a passionate advocate for the horror genre, I can confidently say that this is one of the most unusual and unsettling contemporary horror films I’ve ever seen in theaters. Backrooms masterfully explores its unique concept and tells its story in a refreshingly unconventional way. The true horror of this film stems from the ideas of the unknown and the enigmatic, and it is delivered with remarkable skill.

#2 OBSESSION

With Obsession and Backrooms, we are witnessing a pivotal moment in horror history. Not only are they achieving commercial success, but they also deserve recognition for the exceptional quality that has been invested in them. Not only is Obsession one of the best horror movies we’ve gotten, I think it’s the best horror movie from the beginning of 2020. This film is undeniably authentic, profoundly unsettling, and deeply sinister in ways that took me by surprise. It stands out as a truly innovative experiment within the horror genre. Initially, it presents itself as an awkward romantic comedy, but it quickly transforms into a terrifying nightmare, earning its place among the finest horror films of recent years. The extensive discussions surrounding it as the first major horror film of 2026 stem from its clever manipulation of a concept that has been revisited many times, skillfully reimagined to produce delightfully dark results. There is a wealth of content to analyze in this film, making it essential to view it multiple times. Our collective hope is for Inde Navarrette to rise as the next big star, as she showcases extraordinary talent in this movie.

#1 THE SHEEP DETECTIVES

Currently, The Sheep Detectives stands out as the finest film of 2026. I went into this movie expecting a fairly pleasant and harmless children’s film. The Sheep Detectives shares the same genre and caliber as the Paddington series. It is the most delightful, heartwarming, and inviting film I’ve seen in quite a while. Beyond being exceptionally cute, funny, and touching, it also masterfully weaves a murder mystery into its narrative. The ensemble includes outstanding voice performances from Bryan Cranston, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Chris O’Dowd. Hugh Jackman provides a sensational and engaging performance. With this and Project Hail Mary, Amazon is experiencing significant success, and I fully support it.