Ohad Mazaki

I don’t really have all that much to say about this film but one word: cowardly. Right down to the narrative choices— many of which are just nonsensical— The Rise of Skywalker is a film so concerned with appeasing everyone, that it basically ends up pleasing no one. A shallow, hollow paint-by-numbers fetch quest with nothing to offer but a desperate "This is what you wanted, right?", which is such a tragic ending to this grand, iconic, 9-film saga. Not every film in this franchise is perfect, but at least they aimed for bold, original storytelling. This, unfortunately, does not.

What happens when the stories we tell are exposed to the truth? What becomes of the legacy left behind by the people we’ve chosen to deify? What is Star Wars? What can Star Wars be? If The Force Awakens was like a big hug from an old friend, The Last Jedi is like an in-depth, profound conversation with a relative you never met that you only start to appreciate after some time. Basically the heart and soul of SW. Flawed, yes, but still the best modern project this franchise has offered. The balls Rian Johnson had in order to make something like this in a capitalist studio machine is absolutely insane. Reminds me why I fell in love with this franchise in the first place. A beautiful, mature take on the human identity, the inner conflicts and struggles, and the nature of legacy, all delivered through the vast and grand galaxy that is Star Wars. Arguably one of the most daring and ambitious studio films released by Disney, yet somehow, it feels completely earned. Top 3 SW oat. Lick me.

Freakier Friday— an inoffensive sequel that’s completely carried by its delightful, emotional, intimate moments. The first half had me concerned that all the charm of the original was long gone, but once the gags got going and the body swap madness began, it was a blast. Jamie Lee Curtis is having so much fun and it shows. Still charming. Still fun. Still freaky. Can’t wait for Freakiest Friday.

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is such a hilarious, wild ride that perfectly blends its creative kills, cleverness, silliness, and slapstick humor that genuinely hits the spot. A self-aware horror-comedy that had absolutely no business being this good. Oh hidy-ho officer, we've had a doozy of a day. There we were minding our own business, just doing chores around the house, when kids started killing themselves all over my property.