Early reviews are setting the tone for one of the biggest releases of the year. Avatar: Fire and Ash is already being praised for its jaw-dropping visuals and world-building, with critics noting that James Cameron once again raises the bar for big-screen spectacle. The film expands the mythology of Pandora with new clans, deeper emotional stakes, and action sequences designed for premium formats.
But with a runtime of 3 hours and 17 minutes, some might find it a bit of a slog. The film bears a striking resemblance to Avatar: The Way of Water in many ways, and the action sequences often run longer than necessary. The dialogue is cheekier than in the previous movies, but not enough to balance the heaviness of the unrelenting attacks on the Na’vi and Sully family.
With 2 more Avatar movies planned, we’ll have to wait and see if Cameron can pull enough out of this storyline to keep it interesting.
For audiences seeking a more personal experience, Is This Thing On offers a sharp tonal shift. The indie comedy starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern leans into the raw, sometimes uncomfortable world of stand-up comedy, mixing humor with vulnerability as it explores relationships, creative ambition, and second chances. Bradly Cooper directs and taps into an authenticity and relatability, especially for anyone who’s ever tried to reinvent themselves.
Rounding out the weekend is the psychological thriller The Housemaid. Based on the popular novel, the film takes a seemingly simple job and turns it into a tense game of secrets and control. Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney are clearly having fun with these roles, and Brandon Sklenar makes an irresistible villain. The suspense builds steadily, with twists that keep audiences guessing and a chilling payoff that lingers long after the credits roll.
For more insight on what’s worth watching, listeners can tune in to Heather Brooker’s weekly entertainment report on Gary and Shannon every Friday. This week’s segment features a special guest, her daughter Channing Brooker, joining the conversation for a fun, family-style take on the latest movies, reviews, and must-see moments at the box office.
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