Movie
Kyle Gallner May I?
No Spoilers
In the modern world of horror with its ubiquitous jump scares and ultra-violence it’s nice to discover a quiet horror. A horror that is in fact barely a horror at all, this is Laurence Vannicelli’s; Mother May I?
The horrors genre’s nihilistic poster boy, the talented: Kyle Gallner stars as Emmett; the not-really bereft son of recently deceased Tracy (Robin Winn Moore). We find out that, although Tracy and Emmett had been estranged for many years, Tracy left Emmett her rather impressive country house in upstate New York. Emmett and his poet girlfriend (Holland Roden) travel to stay in the house after dumping Tracy’s ashes unceremoniously into a nearby lake. Emmett’s quip about Tracy now being ‘fish food’ should give you some idea about how he feels towards his late mother.
Tracy’s house, though beautiful and roomy, is filled with her possessions and memorabilia from her youth as a ballerina. Emmett wants to sell the house as quickly as possible despite Anya’s suggestion of turning it into some kind of artists’ retreat.
Emmett and Anya seem to be having relationship issues, despite being in it for the long haul and wanting to start a family. This apparent dysfunction is either mediated or compounded by Anya’s insistence on psychological ‘games’ suggested by her therapist’s mother. In these games, Anya and Emmett sit across the table from one another and each pretends to be the other person by switching seats. This is to try and better understand their partner. These scenes make for some pretty intense moments with the camera pulled right up to the actor’s face.
After one of these ‘sessions,’ the couple makes yet another excellent decision by indulging in magic mushrooms while emotionally unstable and in unfamiliar surroundings. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that this goes horribly wrong.
While high Anya tries on the cast of Tracy’s face hanging above the fireplace. It is at this moment Anya becomes Tracy. Is this another mind game or a genuine possession? This state lasts longer than the hallucinogens should. Anya even ends up wearing Tracy’s clothes and makeup despite not being a makeup wearer herself. Anya even re-pierces her ears to wear the earrings that were found on Tracy’s corpse.
The rest of the film explores the Freudian nightmare in which Emmett finds himself.
What’s Good…
The acting is fantastic. Gallner, as always, brings his vulnerable intensity to the role. It’s interesting to the character of Emmett regress as his childhood (literally) comes back to haunt him.
I didn’t appreciate Emmett psycho analyzing Anya by saying she calls herself a writer but is actually just a “frustrated copywriter” (jeez movie just @ me next time!). The movie is extremely atmospheric and refreshingly quiet (I could literally hear my cat snoring at points). Expertly building tension so that you are constantly scanning the background to spot what might be hiding behind the corner of the seemingly pleasant house.
What Could Be Improved…
I love a slow burn as much as the next person but I couldn’t help but feel the movie could have upped the creep factor more. Tracy as a ballerina could have been utilized more to give her ‘ghost’ inhuman movements. I can understand why many critics described Mother May I as a horror, light on the horror.
As many horrors do, the movie lost a lot of its during the third act. Subtlety is one thing but the film does leave many questions unanswered and kind of loses itself in its own metaphor.
Despite this Mother May I is an interesting meander into the realm of real-world horror. A good watch for a cosy evening maybe just not with a snoring cat!
Three stars.
Movie
Justice has a new Daddy. Watch the new trailer for NakedGun,

Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the cast are Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.
only in theatres August 1st.
Movie
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever.

As an unabashed fan of the original 2010 animated masterpiece How to Train Your Dragon, I approached the new live-action adaptation with cautious excitement. And let me say this upfront: it blew me away. This isn’t just a remake—it’s a heartfelt reimagining that understands exactly what made the original special, while carving out a new legacy all its own.
The decision to bring back Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the animated trilogy, was nothing short of inspired. His return doesn’t just lend authenticity—it infuses the film with the same emotional richness, visual wonder, and narrative soul that made the original soar. DeBlois clearly understands that this story isn’t just about dragons—it’s about identity, empathy, and the quiet courage it takes to be different.
This film is a masterclass, in my opinion, on how to adapt animation to live action. Instead of chasing spectacle for spectacle’s sake, it stays grounded in character and emotion. The filmmakers preserve the heart of the story—Hiccup and Toothless’s bond, the tension between father and son, the forging of peace between enemies—while adding just enough new layers and textures to make it feel fresh. Small changes enhance the world rather than distract from it, proving that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when you’re already working with gold.
The performances, across the board, are extraordinary. Mason Thames is a revelation as Hiccup. He captures the awkwardness, intelligence, and inner strength of the character with stunning nuance. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick with even greater emotional depth—his presence is towering, both literally and figuratively, anchoring the film with gravitas. Nick Frost brings warmth and perfectly timed humor to Gobber, effortlessly making the character his own. And Nico Parker’s Astrid is fierce, grounded, and utterly magnetic—her chemistry with Thames sparks with authenticity.
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever. It’s rare to see a remake that feels both lovingly faithful and genuinely new, but How to Train Your Dragon accomplishes just that. With breathtaking visuals, deeply human performances, and an unwavering emotional core, this film isn’t just a retelling—it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this world of dragons in the first place.
Heartfelt, heroic, and unforgettable—How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a 10 out of 10
Movie
Review: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a stylish and brutal addition to the ever-expanding John Wick universe. Set between the explosive events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film seamlessly slots into the timeline without feeling like a stopgap. Instead, it builds something fresh, introducing a new protagonist on a vengeful journey of her own.
Ana de Armas delivers a fierce and emotionally layered performance as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-trained assassin seeking justice for her family. While her motivations mirror Wick’s, the film avoids repetition by diving deeper into the Ruska Roma and High Table lore. It’s a testament to the world-building that this spin-off doesn’t just feel justified—it feels essential.
As expected, the fight choreography is at its peak—gritty, inventive, and ruthlessly beautiful. Every action set-piece hits with a kinetic energy that’s both thrilling and brutal. This franchise continues to prove that when it comes to stunt work and direction, it’s in a league of its own. Can the John Wick series really disappoint? So far, no.
The story is tight, the pacing brisk, and each supporting performance, especially the cameos from familiar faces, adds weight and continuity to the narrative. Ballerina proves that this universe is more than just one man’s war; it’s a whole underworld waiting to be explored.
With compelling characters, rich mythology, and jaw-dropping action, Ballerina is a strong 9/10—one of the best spin-offs in recent memory.