Sydney Sweeney has caused quite a stir in pop culture discourse as of late. Since she appeared in the rom-com “Anything But You,” the comic book tentpole “Madame Web” (critically eviscerated), and took hosting duties for an episode of SNL, think pieces and hot takes have bubbled up left and right about the “Euphoria” actress’s ever-rising status as a Hollywood starlet. The buzz will likely help generate turnout for Sweeney’s latest, “Immaculate,” a convent-set horror movie that Sweeney also had…

“Gojira” left a powerful mark in history. Toho Studios ushered in a new era of monster cinema, saving the Japanese film economy from bankruptcy in the process. Its massive success and prestigious recognition immediately guaranteed it a sequel. But much like his simian inspiration, King Kong, Godzilla’s first follow-up would be a give-and-take situation.

For the most part, the first movie’s serious tone is gone. The story falls more in line with other atomic creature movies of the era, moving…

A neo-western epic from Chilean director Felipe Gálvez, “The Settlers” ravishes with its spare, painterly images of the windswept terrain of early 20th century Chile, but until its final act, it too often lacks critical distance from the colonial brutality it strives to lay bare. In contrast to “Killers of the Moon,” where a more subdued depiction of Indigenous genocide allows for a kind of historical witness-bearing, “The Settlers” opts for an aggressive, immersive rendering of racial violence committed by…

In 2014, America got a second chance. Legendary Pictures’ reboot of Godzilla had drawn immense success and forged a newfound, dedicated crowd. With international interest resurging again, Toho took the opportunity to drum up their first homegrown production in 12 years. And much like French champagne, the Japanese prove again their kaiju films are the defining experience.

“Shin Godzilla” is a reboot in every sense of the word. Director Hideaki Anno takes a completely new approach starting from the ground…