"The Running Man" delivers a sprint through a dystopian future where reality TV takes a deadly turn. Glen Powell shines as Ben, navigating the twisted game show with wit and desperation, challenging the rigged system at every turn. Edgar Wright injects the film with his signature style, blending satire, adrenaline-pumping chases, and pop culture references seamlessly. While the film entertains with its punk aesthetic and energetic pacing, it falters in fully addressing its timely themes of media manipulation and societal divides. Ultimately, "The Running Man" stumbles in its attempt to provide a satisfying conclusion to its dark premise, leaving viewers entertained but questioning the depth of its social commentary. In this wild ride of a film that feels both retro-futuristic and steampunky at times, Wright's confident direction keeps you engaged even as the story wavers between fun escapism and missed opportunities for deeper exploration.

"Now You See Me: Now You Don't" is like a magic trick gone wrong - it promises thrills and excitement, but ultimately falls flat. The film plays with the idea of deception and illusion, much like its predecessors in the series. However, the over reliance on CGI tricks and convoluted plot twists make it feel more like a cheap parlor trick than a grand spectacle. The ensemble cast, led by Jesse Eisenberg's domineering performance as J. Daniel Atlas, tries their best to keep the audience engaged, but even their charisma can't save this sinking ship.With an abundance of characters vying for attention and an overly complicated heist at its core involving a blood diamond and a stereotypical villain played by Rosamund Pike, "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" struggles to find its footing. The constant need for every character to showcase their unique skills leads to a disjointed narrative that feels more like a checklist of magic tricks than a coherent story.Despite some moments of witty banter and flashy set pieces, the film fails to capture the magic of its predecessors. It's as if someone tried to mix 'The Prestige' with 'Ocean's Eleven' but forgot the most crucial element - heart. In the end, "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" is all smoke and mirrors with little substance behind it. A disappointing follow-up that leaves audiences feeling more puzzled than entertained."

"Zootopia 2" takes viewers on a whimsical yet thought-provoking journey back to the beloved metropolis, where Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are now tackling a new mystery involving snakes and societal prejudice. While not reaching the heights of its predecessor, this sequel still manages to entertain with its clever humor, charming characters, and visually stunning animation. The central dynamic between Judy and Nick remains the heart of the film, supported by a host of new characters and exciting escapades. With themes of corruption, xenophobia, and friendship at its core, "Zootopia 2" delivers laughs and lessons in equal measure, proving that even in a city full of talking animals, there's always something more to uncover. So grab some popcorn (preferably not made from skunk fur) and prepare for a wild ride through this zany world where predators can be prey and heroes come in all shapes...and species.

In "The Carpenter's Son," Nicolas Cage takes on the role of Joseph in a film that attempts to reimagine the early years of Jesus through a mix of horror, drama, and fantasy. Directed by Lotfy Nathan, the movie draws inspiration from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, offering a unique take on familiar biblical narratives. However, despite its ambitious premise and atmospheric settings in rural Greece, the film struggles to find its footing.With Cage delivering his trademark eccentric performance alongside FKA twigs and Noah Jupe as Jesus' parents and their teenage son respectively, "The Carpenter's Son" presents a hodgepodge of genres that never quite coalesce into a cohesive whole. From supernatural coming-of-age elements to gonzo horror moments and socio-political commentary, the film veers between different tones without fully committing to any one direction.While there are glimpses of potential in exploring Jesus' internal conflicts and external pressures as he navigates his extraordinary abilities within a suspicious community, the execution falls short. The narrative feels rushed and disjointed, leaving both characters and audience members disoriented amidst the scenic backdrop.Despite some commendable efforts from Jupe in navigating his character's journey with subtlety amidst the chaos, Cage's performance teeters between subdued moments reminiscent of his recent works like "Pig" and over-the-top theatrics that border on unintentional comedy. The supporting cast also struggles to find their footing within this uneven narrative structure.Overall, "The Carpenter's Son" fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise due to its muddled storytelling and inconsistent tone. While it may offer some visual appeal through its picturesque locations in Greece, this cinematic endeavor ultimately falls short of making a lasting impact or providing meaningful insights into its reimagined biblical tale. In attempting to blend genres and explore unconventional themes surrounding divine origins, Nathan's film ends up feeling more confused than enlightening – proving that even divine intervention may not save this misfire at the box office.

"Keeper" is like a horror romance that goes on a weekend getaway and encounters all the familiar tropes you'd expect in a secluded cabin. Director Osgood Perkins warmly embraces clichés, skillfully recycling them to create an eerie yet entertaining atmosphere. Tatiana Maslany shines as Liz, a woman trapped in both a relationship and a mysterious house, showcasing her range from romantic anxieties to fear-induced suspicions.Perkins masterfully teases the audience with hints of terror lurking around every corner, building anticipation through haunting visuals and an unsettling score. As the story unfolds, Liz's descent into paranoia is both relatable and chilling, thanks to Maslany's nuanced performance.However, where "Keeper" stumbles is in its resolution - what starts as a promising setup eventually unravels into contrived explanations and predictable twists. While Perkins maintains an effective balance between terror and humor, the film lacks depth in exploring themes of toxic relationships or female empowerment.Despite its shortcomings, "Keeper" remains a captivating exercise in nightmare induction with impressive craftsmanship akin to Malcolm's swanky cabin - visually striking but ultimately lacking substance. Maslany's portrayal elevates the somewhat shallow character of Liz into a symbol of resilience against gaslighting partners.In conclusion, "Keeper" may not reinvent the wheel when it comes to horror films set in isolated locations with dark secrets but delivers enough thrills and gripping moments to keep audiences engaged until the end credits roll. So grab your popcorn (and maybe skip that chocolate cake) for an unsettling yet stylish ride through this atmospheric chiller.