28 Years Later is the wild, unpredictable evolution of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's zombie franchise. From a gritty survival nightmare to a grand epic, this film takes us on a journey with the stout islanders off the mainland and the cunning boy named Spike facing his destiny amidst a post-apocalyptic world filled with fast-moving zombies and grotesque creatures. With elements of high fantasy mixed in, 28 Years Later offers much more than just gore; it's strange, darkly funny, revolting, and even touching at times. The film brilliantly captures a society that has regressed into stone-age practices while hinting at an underlying folklore intertwined with thrilling action sequences and unexpected emotional moments. Boyle's signature style blends seamlessly with Garland's philosophical touch as they present a unique horror experience that is both captivating and entertaining. With impressive performances from the cast, especially Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes in standout roles, 28 Years Later breathes new life into the zombie genre while leaving room for future expansion in this infectious series. Grade: A-

"Elio" is Pixar's latest original adventure, blending sci-fi wonder with heartfelt storytelling. The film follows 11-year-old Elio, voiced by Yonas Kibreab, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and friendship across the cosmos. Directed by Domee Shi and co-directed by Madeline Sharafian, the movie captures the essence of classic children's tales while adding a modern twist.The narrative begins with Elio grappling with loss and loneliness after his parents' passing, under the care of his aunt Olga, played by Zoe Saldaña. His fascination with space exploration leads him to make contact with alien life forms, propelling him into a cosmic quest where he must prove himself worthy among interplanetary ambassadors.Filled with vibrant animation and imaginative character designs reminiscent of a Phish concert hallucination, "Elio" brings a sense of whimsy and adventure to the screen. The film balances humor and emotion seamlessly as Elio navigates through challenges both on Earth and in outer space.With nods to classic sci-fi films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "E.T.," and Flash Gordon, "Elio" embraces its genre influences while carving out its own unique identity. The movie's themes of connection, acceptance, and bravery resonate throughout its runtime, culminating in a heartwarming message about finding belonging in unexpected places.Overall, Pixar once again proves its ability to captivate audiences young and old with "Elio." It may not be groundbreaking in terms of cinematic innovation but succeeds in delivering an entertaining blend of humor, adventure, and heart that will leave viewers charmed by this cosmic coming-of-age story.

"Brokeback Mountain" is a poignant and groundbreaking film that transcends labels and genres to deliver a powerful love story. Ang Lee's direction, along with the exceptional performances of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, elevate this tale of forbidden love between two Wyoming ranch hands to cinematic excellence. The film beautifully captures the emotional journey of Ennis and Jack as they navigate societal expectations and their own internal struggles while trying to deny their true feelings for each other.Set against the rugged Wyoming landscape, "Brokeback Mountain" delves into themes of love, desire, denial, and sacrifice with depth and sensitivity. The tender moments shared by Ennis and Jack are juxtaposed against the harsh realities of their lives, showcasing the complexity of human relationships. The film's visual poetry, courtesy of cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, complements Annie Proulx's original story impeccably.Ledger's portrayal of Ennis is nothing short of miraculous; he embodies the character with such raw emotion that every glance or gesture feels like a window into his soul. Gyllenhaal brings a reckless charm to Jack that perfectly contrasts with Ennis' guarded demeanor. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, making their love story all the more heartbreaking.While some may label "Brokeback Mountain" as simply a "gay cowboy movie," it defies such narrow categorization. It delves deep into themes of identity, longing, and societal expectations in a way that resonates universally regardless of sexual orientation. This film isn't just about queer love in a Western setting; it's about human connection in its purest form.In conclusion, "Brokeback Mountain" stands as an enduring classic not just for its daring subject matter but also for its profound exploration of love in all its forms. It challenges stereotypes and prejudices while tugging at your heartstrings with every frame. As Jack aptly states: "That ol' Brokeback got us good." And indeed it will get you too – right in the feels.

"Bride Hard" tries to marry the worlds of "Bridesmaids" and "Die Hard," but ends up being a joyless slog that pushes you to check out early and never gives you a reason to check back in. The film, centered around Rebel Wilson's character balancing her life as a spy with her duties as maid of honor, is plagued by lackluster humor, janky visual effects, and uninspired action sequences. Despite attempts at heartfelt moments and ensemble charm, the film falls short on delivering genuine laughs or thrills. Director Simon West's once slick efficiency seems to have gone AWOL here, resulting in a tedious and maddeningly laugh-free disaster that even Geri Halliwell's "It's Raining Men" can't save. With wooden chemistry between leads Rebel Wilson and Anna Camp, wasted talents like Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and a mishmash of crude comedy with lackluster action, "Bride Hard" feels like an ill-conceived mash-up that misses its mark entirely.Verdict: This wedding-themed action-comedy should have RSVP'd for a better script and more competent execution.