Movie Review Archives

Spectral: Science Fiction Movie Review

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / January 16, 2026

Sci-fi suspense that hooks you without overthinking it.

Spectral is a good, entertaining ride. The movie centers on a mysterious force killing people. At first, the “spectral” nature of the foe made me think of Predator, but the story quickly took a completely different path.

The film is well-acted with a strong ensemble cast, and the story hangs together in a logical, coherent way. The special effects are impressive, and what the foe actually turns out to be is fascinating and unlike anything I’ve seen before. That twist really caught my attention.

Spectral is suspenseful, full of action, and even dips into interesting ethical debates about science versus the reality of funding research. And if you’re paying attention, there’s a nod to a classic sci-fi trope — “reversing the polarity” — which is always fun to spot.

If you’re looking for a mind-blowing, twist-filled plot, this isn’t it. It’s fairly predictable, but the execution makes the story feel fresh enough to keep you engaged. So, I give it a one-beer rating. One is more than enough to have a good time watching Spectral.

Here’s the trailer:

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Movie Review: Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark

Movie Review / M Pax / October 17, 2025

Starring Christopher Judd, Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark delivers exactly what you’d expect from a film with that title—plus a few unexpected gems.

I went into this one hoping Judd would drop a signature “Indeed” at some point. Sadly, no dice. Had he done it, this movie might’ve earned a bonus half-beer deduction. Even without it, though, this film is still packed with sharky fun.

The Asylum knows what its audience wants: destruction, mayhem, and ridiculous chaos. And on that front, they absolutely deliver. There were several moments where I laughed out loud at the sheer absurdity—and I mean that in the best possible way. Sharky shenanigans? Top tier.

Now, I won’t spoil the major twist that reeled this beer rating down from a 2.5 to a very enjoyable 1.5. But I will mention one minor spoiler (last warning!). When the megalodon batted a torpedo back at a submarine like a boss? Fabulous. Just one of many gloriously over-the-top moments.

If you’re a fan of the disaster-shark genre—and let’s be honest, who isn’t—you’re going to enjoy this one. Ridiculous in the best way, Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark is a solid 1.5 beer movie. Pop a cold one and dive in.

Here’s the trailer:

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Sci-Fi Worth Watching: Star Trek’s Section 31 Movie review

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / September 27, 2025

Section 31 is a fun romp through the grittier side of Star Trek, led by the always-splendid Michelle Yeoh. I enjoy seeing a rougher edge to the usually polished Trek universe, and this movie scratches that itch.

There’s an interesting team of misfits working together to stop a dangerous weapon, which gave it a Guardians of the Galaxy vibe—minus the edgy soundtrack. The opening offered some insight into Georgiou’s character, but the plot missed the mark with the arc involving San, the boy from her past. After all the damage she inflicted, his burning hatred felt right. His change of heart later on seemed far too fast and not quite earned. I also would have liked more about why Georgiou started to change in the mirror universe. I know she changed some upon encountering Discovery, but I still think more insight into Georgiou is needed for this change.

While there’s a lot to like about the plot and the twist on the usual Trek story, the movie still ultimately fell back into familiar territory: once again, the fate of the galaxy was at stake. I wish they’d raise different stakes now and then instead of always going so big.

Spoilers Ahead!
If you don’t want spoilers, stop reading now.

First, the arc with San: the beginning showed Georgiou as cold-hearted and ruthless, and San’s hate rang true. His sudden turnaround and rekindled love with her felt forced and unearned.

Second, the Hunger Games-style contest among children? It felt too familiar, like borrowed territory rather than a fresh idea. I honestly expected young Georgiou to laugh it off as a tall tale she’d heard. It didn’t quite fit.

The mole intrigue was fun, but the plot kept distracting itself . I rolled with it because, in my opinion, a movie’s first job is to be fun—but still, when they somehow survived after the explosion and came back into focus… I definitely rolled my eyes.

As for the ending: while sappy and hokey, it was fine. But after such an edgy beginning, I wished the tone had matched better from start to finish. I think Georgiou sacrificing herself for one universe—or finding a way to repair the mirror universe—would have made for a stronger, more satisfying redemption arc.

Still, if you want a gritty, action-filled Star Trek adventure with plenty of Michelle Yeoh badassery, Section 31 delivers. I’d say one beer is enough to have fun with this one.

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Sci-Fi Worth Watching: Ro & the Stardust #MovieReview

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / September 12, 2025

If you’re a fan of heartwarming, short films with a sprinkle of sci-fi, Ro and the Stardust is a must-watch. The film, set on a distant planet in the future, follows Ro as she helps her terminally ill grandmother build a rocket in a scrap yard. Her grandmother’s dream? To launch into space and die among the stardust—her final wish before passing.

The story is simple, yet deeply touching. It’s a beautiful exploration of family, dreams, and the emotional bond between Ro and her grandmother. Though it’s a short film, it’s the kind of story that sticks with you long after the credits roll. There’s something about the gentle, yet profound narrative that makes it hard not to fall in love with the characters.

The aesthetic, which immediately reminded me of Bagdad Cafe—one of my all-time favorites—adds to the charm of the film. It has that unique, quiet energy.

If you’re looking for a quick, emotional ride that leaves you with a warm feeling, Ro and the Stardust is definitely worth your time. It’s short enough that you won’t have time to get bored but impactful enough to make you reflect on the beauty of life and letting go. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a sweet, emotional tale with a dash of futuristic charm.

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Evolution Roars On. Jurassic World: Rebirth Spoiler-Free Review

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / July 18, 2025

Scarlett Johansson Leads a New Era of Dinosaur Thrills in a Film That Echoes the Classics

Movie Review: Jurassic Park 2025

If you liked the other Jurassic Park movies, you’re going to like this one. It delivers exactly what fans come for: pulse-pounding action, thrilling dinosaur encounters, and a familiar sense of awe. The story is good enough to support the spectacle. It’s not the main draw, but it gets us where we need to go: dino chaos with some heart.

And oh, the dinos! The T-Rex was as horrifying as ever, and, oh wow, the mutant. It was terrifying. Several scenes had my heart racing in a delicious way. The filmmakers didn’t hold back. You’ll get your fill of teeth, claws, chases, and close calls.

Scarlett Johansson was a solid choice for the lead. She brings strength and emotion to a role that’s more about reacting to prehistoric mayhem than delivering Shakespeare, but she finds room for quiet moments that land well. If you’re looking for a deeply philosophical or intricate plot, this isn’t the place. But Jurassic Park has always been more about survival, spectacle, and the wonder of science gone wrong.

There are several emotional moments that deliver, but it’s not at all sappy. But Jurassic Park never has been. I’ve always felt more emotion for the dinos than the people. Fans of the franchise will catch the echoes of the original films: “Welcome to Jurassic Park,” “We spared no expense,” “Life is the essence of chaos,” and yes, “Life will find a way.” Echoes of Ellie Sattler, “These are aggressive living things that have no idea what century they’re in, and they’ll defend themselves, violently if necessary.”

They’re not quoted outright, but they’re there in the pacing, the dialogue, and the themes. Rebirth is respectful of its roots without being overly self-referential.

Although it’s not a Jaws crossover, they really missed an opportunity to sneak in, “We need a bigger boat.” It would have fit right in. And that’s all the spoiler I’m going to give.

Jurassic World: Rebirth is not a reinvention, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this franchise in the first place. Like most movies of this genre: leave your logic and sense of reality at the door for a fun ride. So, I give it the coveted ‘beer is optional’ rating. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know I love my dino movies.

Here’s the trailer:

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Sci-Fi Worth Watching: Lucy Movie Review

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / June 20, 2025

A Mind-Bending Journey You Won’t Want to Miss

I’ll admit it—when I first heard about Lucy, I wasn’t all that interested. The premise sounded like it would be another AI-centered sci-fi flick, a genre that doesn’t usually grab me. So, I kept putting it off. But finally, after hearing some positive buzz, I decided to give it a go—and I was genuinely surprised. It’s not about AI at all. Instead, it explores a concept that I found far more fascinating: what would happen if we could access 100% of our brains?

While the science behind the idea is certainly not grounded in fact (and let’s be real, it’s more sci-fi fantasy than reality), Lucy presents a thought-provoking and stimulating journey that kept me hooked from start to finish. The concept itself is intriguing—what could we achieve if we could unlock the full potential of our minds? From controlling our bodies with ease to bending the laws of physics, the possibilities in Lucy are as wild as they are captivating.

A Mind-Expanding Adventure

The film follows Lucy (played by the always fantastic Scarlett Johansson), a young woman who, after a violent incident, finds herself forced to transport a dangerous drug in her system. However, the drug begins to unlock the hidden potential of her brain, granting her superhuman abilities. As she evolves and her powers expand, Lucy’s quest becomes one of self-discovery, knowledge, and power.

Though the movie doesn’t dive deep into the hard science of how accessing more of our brain might work, the exploration of what we could accomplish with such capabilities is both fascinating and stimulating. It raises interesting philosophical questions about human potential and what we could become if we pushed our minds beyond the limits we know today.

Rooting for Lucy

One of the strongest elements of the film is Lucy herself. Scarlett Johansson delivers a compelling performance as a woman whose transformation from ordinary to extraordinary is both powerful and heartbreaking. As Lucy gains knowledge and abilities beyond our comprehension, you can’t help but root for her. She becomes an inspiring figure, someone who is actively striving to better understand the world and herself, while trying to hold on to the humanity that’s still left within her.

And then there’s Morgan Freeman, who adds another layer of gravitas to the film as Professor Norman, the scientist trying to understand Lucy’s growing powers. Their chemistry and the philosophical conversations they have about the mind make the film feel more grounded, even as the storyline becomes more abstract and otherworldly.

Thought-Provoking and Visually Stunning

Visually, Lucy is a treat. The action scenes are exciting, and the visual effects used to show the progression of Lucy’s brain power are both creative and stunning. The way the film transitions from typical action to mind-bending sequences that explore the limits of consciousness is visually engaging. It makes you think—what if we really could tap into that kind of power?

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t seen Lucy yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot. In fact, I give it the coveted beer is optional rating. It’s a movie that will get you thinking long after the credits roll. While the science behind it is, of course, speculative, the movie does an excellent job of exploring human potential and the unknowns of our brains. With a captivating performance by Scarlett Johansson, an intriguing concept, and plenty of action, Lucy is definitely a movie that’s worth watching.

Here’s the trailer:

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