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.

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

Few directors in the modern cinematic landscape have reshaped genre filmmaking quite like James Gunn. Known for blending irreverent humor with profound emotional depth, Gunn has left an indelible mark on both indie horror and superhero franchises. As he transitions into leading DC Studios, it’s the perfect time to revisit his five finest works—each a statement of his unique voice in an often formulaic industry.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Rating: 9.5/10

A rare sequel that deepens its characters rather than merely expanding its universe, Vol. 2 is Gunn at his most personal. The film wrestles with the pain of abandonment, the search for belonging, and the complexity of father-son dynamics—cloaked in vibrant visuals and a killer soundtrack. Yondu’s “He may have been your father, boy, but he wasn’t your daddy” line alone secures its legacy.

2. The Suicide Squad (2021)

Rating: 9/10

Chaotic, gory, and gleefully anarchic, The Suicide Squad is a wild remix of the superhero genre. Gunn injects pathos into misfits like Ratcatcher 2 and Polka-Dot Man, proving his unmatched talent for humanizing the bizarre. It’s a subversive spectacle that doubles as an anti-war allegory—with a giant alien starfish to boot.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rating: 8.8/10

The film that redefined Marvel’s creative boundaries, Guardians took a gang of obscure comic-book characters and turned them into pop culture icons. With its perfect balance of humor, heart, and ‘70s mixtape vibes, it’s the origin story of Gunn’s mainstream rise and one of the MCU’s most beloved entries.

4. Slither (2006)

Rating: 8/10

Before superheroes and intergalactic misfits, Gunn gave us Slither—a grotesque and hilarious horror-comedy with serious B-movie charm. This film showcases his roots: practical effects, quotable dialogue, and an affection for the genre’s oddballs. It’s disgusting, delightful, and distinctly Gunn.

5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Rating: 8/10

An emotionally charged finale to the Guardians trilogy, *Vol