The Film Scout Review

September

By John Houzer

As the curtain falls on this summer’s movie season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the cinematic ride we’ve been on. The popcorn’s been buttered, the theaters have been packed, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably seen your favorite movie four times just to catch all the Easter eggs. Theaters are buzzing again, and it’s not just because we’re all rediscovering the joy of overpriced concessions—even if those collectible popcorn buckets were the real MVPs. Who knew a “Dune: Part 2” bucket could spark a cultural renaissance? But I digress.

We’ve got a lot to look forward to with some major films still on the horizon, but before we get lost in the hype of what’s next, let’s hit pause. In this issue, I’m stepping back to give you a rundown of the movies that really stuck with me.

Let’s be honest—we all knew this movie would be big. But did we know it would be this big? “Deadpool and Wolverine” isn’t just another superhero flick; it’s a masterclass in blending comedy, drama, and action into a package so perfect, I’m surprised it didn’t come with its own Oscar nomination form. Hugh Jackman is, unsurprisingly, fantastic as Wolverine—so much so that I’m fully prepared to die on the hill that says he deserves an Oscar nod for this. The chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy is electric; you can tell these guys love what they do, and it shows in every frame. This movie is like a love letter to every superhero film that came before it, with a particular nod to the 20th Century Fox era.

Now, let’s get real for a second. Amidst all the cinematic triumphs, there’s one thing that’s been grating on me: Marvel’s baffling approach to spoilers. It’s like they’ve decided that the best way to handle the spoiler crisis is to embrace it—by incorporating them into their own ads less than three weeks after the film’s release. It’s as if they’re throwing up their hands and saying, “Hey, we’re just trying to stay ahead of social media!” Spoilers are now so rampant on TikTok that you might as well watch the whole movie there for free. As much as I appreciate a good plot twist, I’d rather experience it in the theater, not as a footnote in a promotional campaign. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor: go to a soldout screening, grab that overpriced popcorn, and have the time of your life.

Ah, the “Alien” franchise. It’s like that one friend who always manages to surprise you—sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a “did they really just do that?” kind of way. But “Alien: Romulus” is firmly in the former camp. I’ve been a fan of this franchise since before I probably should’ve been watching horror movies, and let me tell you, it’s still going strong. Ridley Scott, in a move that could only be described as genius, handed over the reins to Fede Alvarez, a director who knows how to squeeze every drop of tension out of a scene. This movie is a perfect blend of classic “Alien” terror and fresh, exciting new direction. Plus, the casting is on point—Cailee Spaeny is a powerhouse as the new lead, and David Jonsson is a revelation. If you’re still holding a grudge over “Alien 3,” it’s time to let it go and enjoy the ride.

I’m a simple person: I see a new Richard Linklater movie on Netflix, and I watch it. No questions asked. “Hitman” is one of those movies that makes me want to drop everything, open up my laptop, and start writing. Linklater’s script is razor-sharp, and the story, while simple on the surface, has layers that keep unfolding the more you think about it. The film is about a mild-mannered college professor who works as an undercover hitman for the police department, assisting in various sting-operations. Glenn Powell, who has been on a crazy movie run lately, not only stars in the film, but also helped co-write it. Along with being supremely funny, Linklater has a real talent for writing extremely realistic characters with smart, gripping dialogue. If you find yourself scrolling through Netflix trying to find something to watch, I highly recommend you check this one out.