The Film Scout Review

November

By John Houzer

Before we get into what’s coming up, I want to revisit my August list of movies I was so excited to see. I’d like to start with a big congratulations to the team behind Terrifier 3. This hit film series has been literally built from the ground up, and while this grisly movie definitely isn’t for everyone, I had a lot of fun watching it and actually witnessed four people walk out of the theater. I don’t know what that says about me, but I enjoyed seeing it, and the practical effects are top notch. I’m looking forward to how they end this series.

Now I’d like to talk about Joker: Folie à Deux Firstly, sure, it wasn’t that great, but it definitely wasn’t as bad as people made it out to be in the reviews. Honestly, I think I was so sold on the first trailer that I didn’t even think about what story they were gonna tell. It seems as though a lot of people didn’t know it would be a musical, and I don’t think you would actually know that it would have musical elements to it from its original trailers. This was definitely a marketing problem on the studio’s end.

But I still feel the criticism was a bit much. One accusation I’ve seen is that the movie wasn’t inspired, and that Todd Phillips wrote this movie as a “middle finger” to everyone that liked the first one. I just don’t see it. The problem is that the movie really should not have been made in the first place, because there was only so much story left you could go. You couldn’t have possibly expected this to tie in to some other DC project, right?

Maybe I was so wrapped up in the news of a new joker movie that I didn’t even think of how they would reasonably continue a story like what the first movie gave us. I guess the moral of the story is that it’s really important to see movies for yourself and form your own opinions, rather than reading just what people talk about online.

November is the official start of “Oscar season,” and here are the films I’m looking forward to seeing.

Gladiator 2

Let’s take a moment to appreciate that we’re still getting films from the legendary Ridley Scott. His career has produced iconic masterpieces, and while some films have been hit or miss, when Scott is at his best, he truly excels. The buzz surrounding the new Gladiator film is palpable, and I have to admit, I was skeptical about a sequel to such an iconic original.

But c’mon, we all know the real reason why we’re excited for this film – Denzel freaking Washington! The goat of all goats! Love seeing him on the big screen, and can’t wait to see what he does in this role.

I’m curious to see how they will expand the Gladiator universe, exploring new themes while honoring the original. It’s also fascinating to consider Denzel’s potential return to the Oscars, as his performances often leave a lasting impression.

Here

Here is a drama directed by Robert Zemeckis, featuring the remarkable talents of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. The film explores the events which unfold in a single location, chronicling its inhabitants from the past through to the future. Zemeckis has given us some absolute classics over the years, including Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Forrest Gump What fascinates me about Here is its innovative approach to cinematography; the entire film is shot from a single camera angle. From a technical standpoint, I’m eager to see how this creative choice impacts the storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to films which employ unique stylistic techniques, such as Birdman, which is noted for its seamless, single-take presentation, or The Revenant, known for its immersive long takes. Another example is Baby Driver, where the action and music are intricately synchronized, creating a dynamic experience.

This blend of innovative storytelling and technical prowess is what excites me most about Here. I can’t wait to see how Zemeckis crafts a narrative which captivates audiences through this distinctive lens.

Juror #2

The legendary Clint Eastwood returns to the director’s chair with Juror #2 , a gripping drama featuring Nicholas Hoult alongside a powerhouse cast that includes J.K. Simmons, Toni Collette, and Kiefer Sutherland.

This film follows a family man serving as a juror in a high-profile murder trial. As the case unfolds, he grapples with a profound moral dilemma—one that could tip the scales of justice, potentially convicting or exonerating the wrong person.

Eastwood’s career is a masterclass in evolution; he’s one of the rare actors-turned-directors who consistently delivers a formidable array of films. His body of work oscillates between “pretty good” and “holy crap, that was amazing.” For every misstep like J. Edgar , there’s a triumph like Richard Jewell . One of my personal favorites, Gran Torino , showcases his deft touch in exploring complex characters and moral ambiguities. u