"Mississippi Grind" is a melancholy yet earnest road movie following the journey of two poker players, played by Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, known for their work on "Half Nelson," the film draws inspiration from '70s classics such as "California Split" and "Five Easy Pieces." As Mendelsohn's down-at-heel Gerry teams up with Reynolds' charismatic Curtis for a high-stakes game in New Orleans, the duo embarks on a soulful adventure filled with twists and turns. Sienna Miller and Analeigh Tipton add depth to their supporting roles, while Alfre Woodard brings a touch of steel to the narrative. The film's cinematography beautifully captures the worn-down locations they traverse, echoing Gerry's own emotional state. With a bluesy soundtrack setting the backdrop for their journey, "Mississippi Grind" keeps audiences engaged with its unconventional structure reminiscent of '70s American cinema. While it may not follow traditional storytelling arcs or deliver predictable outcomes, the film shines through Mendelsohn's standout performance as Gerry—a character whose struggles and vulnerabilities resonate long after the credits roll. In this poignant love story about lost souls chasing elusive dreams, Boden and Fleck craft an immersive experience that blends realism with sentimentality in an intriguing mix of humor and heartache. In short: It’s not just another card game; it’s a wild ride worth taking!

In Julia Ducournau's latest film "Alpha," blood, vomit, and death take center stage in a bizarre and muted narrative that leaves audiences feeling more weariness than shock. Despite moments of brilliance, the dense and impenetrable storytelling style dilutes the impact of the film. With a mix of body horror and coming-of-age elements, "Alpha" explores themes ranging from adolescence to disease outbreaks but fails to resonate due to its incoherent execution. The film's dream-like structure leaves viewers struggling to make sense of its convoluted plot and exaggerated performances. While Ducournau touches on intriguing ideas, "Alpha" ultimately falls flat as a drab and lifeless affair in need of the cool precision seen in her previous work like "Raw." Overall, this Cannes disappointment may leave you scratching your head rather than gasping in horror. Starring: Mélissa Boros, Golshifteh Farahani, Tahar Rahim Director: Julia Ducournau Runtime: 128 mins Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

"Reminders of Him" is a heart-wrenching and hopeful tale that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and redemption. Colleen Hoover's signature tragic romance takes center stage as we follow Kenna (Maika Monroe), a former convict desperate to reconnect with her daughter after serving time for a tragic accident. Directed by Vanessa Caswill, the film beautifully captures the emotional journey of its characters, from Kenna's struggles to rebuild her life in a small town to the delicate dance of trust between her and Ledger (Tyriq Withers), her deceased boyfriend's best friend. Monroe shines in her portrayal of Kenna, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character burdened by past mistakes. The supporting cast, including Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford as Diem's grandparents, adds layers to the narrative without resorting to stereotypical villainy. The film strikes a balance between melancholy and hope, punctuated by moments of genuine connection and warmth. While "Reminders of Him" occasionally teeters on the edge of melodrama with its sweeping romantic gestures and sentimental touches, it ultimately delivers a poignant story that resonates on an emotional level. The female-driven production offers refreshing perspectives on motherhood, forgiveness, and second chances. With solid performances across the board and meticulous attention to detail in its storytelling, this adaptation stays true to Hoover's novel while carving out its own identity. In conclusion: "Reminders of Him" may tug at your heartstrings with its heartfelt performances and tender moments amidst tragedy. It's a well-crafted exploration of love's enduring power in the face of adversity—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there can be light at the end of the tunnel. So grab some tissues, brace yourself for emotional turbulence wrapped in romantic allure; this film is like comfort food for hopeless romantics seeking solace in cinematic escapism. Rating: 4 out 5 stars - A touching blend of sorrowful nostalgia intertwined with hopeful optimism that will leave you pondering life's bittersweet symphony long after leaving the theater.

"Undertone" is like a horror mixtape that can't quite find its own beat. Director Ian Tuason's debut feature serves up a cacophony of familiar sounds and scares borrowed from genre classics, creating a sense of deja vu for horror aficionados. The film follows Eva, a troubled podcaster dealing with personal struggles while unraveling the mystery behind eerie audio recordings. As the story unfolds in her childhood home turned haunted house, the tension builds through clever sound design and visual storytelling. However, what starts as an atmospheric exploration of grief and fear descends into predictable genre tropes and overused scare tactics. Tuason skillfully plays with isolation and vulnerability, drawing viewers into Eva's world of darkness and dread. The film's early focus on grief and existential angst sets a promising tone but soon gives way to formulaic horror cliches – creepy whispers, mysterious figures lurking in shadows, and sudden jolts meant to startle rather than chill to the bone. While Nina Kiri delivers a strong performance as Eva, capturing her descent into paranoia with conviction, the narrative loses steam as it leans too heavily on jump scares and supernatural elements. "Undertone" excels in creating an eerie mood through inventive uses of audio effects and haunting visuals but falls short when it veers towards conventional horror fare. Tuason's knack for building suspense is evident in the film's early scenes but falters as it succumbs to tired conventions of the genre – demonic entities, occult rituals, and dream sequences that feel more contrived than compelling. The promise of originality hinted at in the film's setup gradually gives way to predictability, leaving audiences with a sense of missed opportunity rather than genuine terror. In essence, "Undertone" is like listening to your favorite spooky podcast only to realize it's recycling old stories without adding anything new or exciting. While Tuason demonstrates potential as a filmmaker capable of crafting atmospheric moments tinged with melancholy and fear, his debut ultimately feels like a compilation of horror tropes stitched together without much innovation or depth. Despite its technical prowess and occasional flashes of creativity, "Undertone" ends up being more background noise than spine-tingling masterpiece. Verdict: "Undertone" offers fleeting chills amidst an ocean of familiar frights but fails to strike a truly original note in the symphony of horror cinema.

"Project Hail Mary" is the cosmic adventure that aims to be "the movie we need right now," full of grandeur and spectacle but also derivative and formulaic. Ryan Gosling shines as the science geek sent on a mission to save Earth, but the film's length and lack of variation hold it back. Despite its flaws, this space odyssey charms with its quirky buddy dynamic between Gosling's character and the alien companion Rocky. The movie strikes a balance between fun and awe-inspiring moments, making it a crowd-pleaser that brings life, energy, and love of science to the big screen. While not groundbreaking in its storytelling, "Project Hail Mary" offers an entertaining escape into outer space with a dose of heartfelt moments amidst all the intergalactic action. Verdict: "Project Hail Mary" may not be out-of-this-world originality wise, but it's an enjoyable cosmic romp that will have you rooting for Ryan Gosling and his unlikely alien buddy Rocky until the very end.