Movie Review Archives

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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Disaster Worth Watching: Geostorm Movie Review

Movie Review / M Pax / May 30, 2025

Geostorm Movie Review: A Storm of Potential, But Not Enough Disaster

Geostorm—the title alone makes you think of epic, world-ending catastrophes, and honestly, the concept had me hooked from the start. A high-stakes, climate-controlling satellite system goes haywire, triggering devastating weather events that threaten the planet. Throw in some space action, global disaster, and Gerard Butler, and you’ve got the makings of a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat blockbuster.

But while the movie certainly has its moments, it feels like it never quite lives up to its potential.

A Great Concept… Just Not Enough of It

Let’s start with the good stuff. The premise is fantastic. A rogue weather-controlling satellite? Count me in. The space scenes are solid, with the satellite operations and space-based tech feeling both futuristic and realistic (at least for a sci-fi movie). The visuals are strong, especially when it comes to showing the large-scale destruction of various cities around the world. The concept of using technology to control the weather is an exciting one, and I was really excited to see how they’d play it out.

Unfortunately, that excitement wasn’t sustained throughout the film. The disaster elements, which should have been the movie’s heart and soul, are surprisingly few and far between. Sure, there are a few dramatic weather events—tornadoes, tsunamis, ice storms—but they don’t quite pack the punch you’d expect from a movie called Geostorm. They almost feel like a backdrop to fixing the satellite than fully immersing us in a global crisis.

A Lack of Emotional Connection

Another issue I had was the lack of emotional connection to the characters. Gerard Butler’s character, Jake Lawson, has some potential as the lead, but the connections between him and other characters feel shallow. There’s a strained relationship with his brother (played by Jim Sturgess), but it never feels like it’s building to something more substantial. They don’t spend enough time building up these emotional arcs, so when things start falling apart, the stakes feel… a little flat.

For a disaster movie, the emotional payoff should be tied to both the catastrophe and the relationships that drive the story. Geostorm tries to do this, but because the character development is so minimal, the emotional moments don’t land as hard as they should.

Missing the Mark on the Disaster

Now, I get it—this movie isn’t meant to be a heart-wrenching drama. It’s supposed to be a fun, ridiculous, non-stop thrill ride. But if you’re going to make a disaster movie, you need to go all in. The movie feels restrained. The action isn’t as over-the-top as you’d expect, and the “biggest disaster of all time” never feels as huge as the premise suggests. Instead of a non-stop barrage of escalating disasters, we get a few scattered moments of action that feel more like set pieces than integral parts of the plot.

Final Thoughts

Geostorm isn’t a bad movie by any means. It’s a decent watch if you’re in the mood for a fun, if somewhat flawed, disaster film. The concept is great, the space scenes are enjoyable, and the visual effects are strong. But in the end, it falls short of its potential. With more emotional depth and a more consistent barrage of chaotic, world-shaking disasters, it could have been the epic ride it promised to be. Instead, it feels like it missed a few opportunities to really let loose. So, I say, one beer is enough to have fun with Geostorm.

Here’s the trailer:

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Sci-Fi Worth Watching: Upgrade (2018) Movie Review

Movie Review, Science Fiction Movie / M Pax / May 16, 2025

Upgrade is a thrilling, high-tech ride that holds your attention from start to finish. Directed by Leigh Whannell, this sci-fi action film blends mystery, revenge, and futuristic technology in a way that feels fresh and engaging.

The story follows Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), a man who’s left paralyzed after a brutal attack that also takes the life of his wife. In a desperate search for answers, Grey is implanted with an experimental AI called Stem that not only restores his ability to walk but also gives him superhuman strength and reflexes. What begins as a straightforward revenge story quickly evolves into a mind-bending exploration of control, consciousness, and morality.

What really makes Upgrade stand out is its balance of gritty action and philosophical questions about AI and human autonomy. The technology in the film is believable and fascinating, and the suspense builds beautifully as Grey uncovers unexpected layers of his situation. The ending? Completely blew my mind.

The acting by Logan Marshall-Green is phenomenal, especially considering how much of his character’s emotional journey happens through his expressions and physicality. Despite the absence of over-the-top action or ridiculous antics, the film never feels slow or bogged down. Instead, it maintains a perfect pace that keeps you hooked until the final, jaw-dropping twist.

Upgrade is a must-watch for anyone who loves thought-provoking sci-fi and intense, character-driven stories. Even without any singing, dancing, or slapstick humor, it proves that sometimes the most compelling stories are those that don’t need to rely on comedy to be engaging. Really earns the beer is optional rating from me.

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