Us is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that has a played out plot that does not smoothly come together at the end. WARNING: Minor spoilers ahead!
The good news is, Us delivers on its promise to freak you out IF you can get past the confusion.
The movie starts off with a flashback to the 80’s where we see a small Adelaide at the boardwalk with her parents trying to have some fun. There is obvious tension between her mom and dad and one moment of inattention leads to her wandering off and seeing something that terrifies her.
Next we see Adelaide all grown up, with a family of her own, headed off to the same summer home and boardwalk that traumatized her as a child. There is some weak dialogue between her and her husband Gabe who seems to be the goofy fun loving guy who just wants to have fun but Adelaide can’t seem to relax which is completely lost on Gabe. It is here that her unease manages to transfer to the viewer, which makes the opening a little less boring.
What I didn’t like was the “government experiment gone wrong” that was supposedly just abandoned because it failed. I feel like if the Tethered had their own mysterious origin story then the movie might have actually been scary. The concept was fascinating but the lack of details left giant holes in the story.
The dialogue between the actors leading up to the nighttime visit seemed generic and was so bland, I honestly thought that I was going to hate the movie.
Having said that, when Lupita Nyong’o walks into the room as Red you don’t care anymore. She is phenomenal. Her wide empty eyes, the voice that sounds like she is from the deepest pit, her facial expressions and her movements are terrifying. Her performance was Oscar worthy and with any luck we will see her at least nominated. Gabe (played by Winston Duke) was sometimes annoying and clearly comfortable with Adelaide taking charge and protecting the family.
What I did like was the musical score; the opening song was one that I think will be remembered for a long time (think Jaws and Halloween). It was so tense and chilling, it reminded me of The Omen.
The entire cast blew my mind but Elizabeth Moss and Shahadi Wright Joseph stood out to me because their performances were absolutely stellar. Moss plays Kitty, the unhappy housewife to the insufferable husband Josh. She doesn’t make her unhappiness a secret and she seems to make Adelaide even more uncomfortable as she drunkenly complains about it. When she becomes Dahlia though, she transforms into a truly frightening monster.
I finished the movie feeling incomplete, but I did like because of the incredible acting. It definitely fits into the thriller genre but it’s not without its flaws. It had some brutality but not on the horror level and while freaky it wasn’t scary.
I think Jordan Peele did a fantastic job directing this and his ability to bring out the very best in his actors is clear in this movie. No matter how I feel about script, the near perfect cast made this movie great. I hope he has more to tell. I look forward to a sequel or, dare I say… prequel?
“Vidaamuyarchi,” now streaming on Netflix, is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed and written by Magizh Thirumeni. Produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions, the film boasts a runtime of 150 minutes. The narrative follows Arjun (Ajith Kumar) on a relentless quest to rescue his wife Kayal (Trisha Krishnan) after she is abducted by a mysterious group in Azerbaijan. The ensemble cast includes Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, and Arav in pivotal roles.
Drawing inspiration from the 1997 American film “Breakdown,” “Vidaamuyarchi” offers a familiar storyline but is elevated by compelling performances. Ajith Kumar delivers a commendable portrayal of a husband battling against time and adversities, while Trisha Krishnan effectively captures the emotional depth of her character. The film’s cinematography by Om Prakash enhances the tension and atmosphere, and Anirudh Ravichander’s music complements the narrative’s intensity.
However, the film’s predictability and pacing issues may deter some viewers. Despite these shortcomings, “Vidaamuyarchi” provides an engaging experience for fans of the action thriller genre.
Rating: 6.5/10
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
VidaayMuyarchi
Justice has a new Daddy. Watch the new trailer for NakedGun,
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever.
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