GreenMay

GreenMay An odyssey into all things movies! Reviews, rankings, recommendations and more. Podcast pending…

BACKROOMSA24 pulls through for the horror genre yet again with another unforgettable trip and driven by an impressive de...
29/05/2026

BACKROOMS

A24 pulls through for the horror genre yet again with another unforgettable trip and driven by an impressive debut from its youngest filmmaker, Kane Parsons.

Having not been familiar with the YouTube series I had no idea what to expect, but honestly, this is one of those ultra weird, strikingly original and iconic little gems that personally will stay with me a decade from now.

I’m not the biggest fan of the ‘found footage’ sub genre, but I gotta say this is probably my favourite after ‘REC’ of course. The visuals are dazzling and the production design is staggeringly awesome, some of the best.
The concept is compelling, edgy, eerie, unsettling and there was not a moment my focus faltered.
Never thought I’d be creeped out by a bunch of pale banana coloured office rooms, but golly they found a way. It is one hell of a trippy mind boggler. An honest successor to that of the world of David Lynch.

The atmosphere, built out of the found footage technique, is quite effective, with dread and psychological scares developing with great skill, wonderful pay offs and just delightfully unpredictable.

Overall, though not quite a masterpiece, this is most definitely one of the greats in the genre of recent memory, up there gloriously side by side with OBSESSION. It does have some undercooked ideas (but maybe that’s all part of the fun), but BACKROOMS manages more than fine being a freakishly memorable and original effort with new ways of creeping you out. The aesthetic and visual prowess are undeniable and it does have some witty generational commentary, decent drama, good performances and delivers just the right amount of weird and strange that I could have easily sat through a 3 hour cut of this film.

This being said, definitely not for everyone, however, if you enjoy the strange and bizarre and can manage some slow burn tension then you may find something that will surely stay with you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU is an amiable time passer if not a valiantly or worthy enough entry to reignite the spark or j...
22/05/2026

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU is an amiable time passer if not a valiantly or worthy enough entry to reignite the spark or justify a return to the big screen for Star Wars after 7 years.

This is a simple and brainless little adventure with some good action and the return of some pleasant characters. Mando is like the Batman of the Star Wars universe and he has plenty of moments looking badass as usual and of course Grogu shines with his innocent cuteness, however, that’s as far as the movies appeal goes unfortunately.

It’s a big screen continuation but its ambitions are still so small and everything just feels rather inconsequential and pointless.
There’s nothing of value in the script, no themes, no arcs, no real excitement and just doesn’t have a compelling plot so you’re never really invested in what’s going on. You’re just sat there like a child enjoying the charming aesthetics and goofiness.

This being said, the movie is totally inoffensive, nothing to rile you up, it’s pleasant enough and has its moments with its action. I’ve always rather enjoyed the series (not season 3) and the characters and the world does still have its appeal, I just wish there was more to it especially for its big screen debut, some big ideas, some heart and emotion, even some typical melodrama, but it’s just flat and dull and constantly loses its momentum.

Overall the movie was never going to restore faith or ensue a euphoric rejuvenation for STAR WARS again, but it couldn’t even entertain like some of the lesser movies. IT IS FORGETTABLE!!! And I honestly don’t care to see it again.
And for this reason I’d probably say this is my least favourite movie in the Star Wars saga.
Maybe the little ones will enjoy it more but sadly I doubt this will win the hearts of its fans.

Side note: The Score from Ludwig Goransson is BRILLIANT!!

⭐️⭐️

OBSESSION transcends its gimmicky plot with an approach that’s genuinely unsettling, brutally effective and provocative....
21/05/2026

OBSESSION transcends its gimmicky plot with an approach that’s genuinely unsettling, brutally effective and provocative. A truly remarkable debut from Curry Barker.

For a cautionary tale that could quite easily have gone down the ‘campy’ route in someone else’s hands I applaud that Barker respected the material enough to give it a serious tone, with some depth to the script. It’s not just about the wild bloody consequences, but the story elicits emotion and explores the fascinating moral compass of its characters.

As well as being impeccably envisioned, the movies strengths also hang on its committed and jaw dropping performances. What hasn’t been said about Inde Navarette, edgy, terrifying, raw, original, complex, moving. She gives the role such credibility instead of just giving an over the top caricature. Her performance is a formidable icon in the genre with all the gravitas of even Kathy Bates Annie Wilkes.
Michael Johnston also is incredible in this, the moral ambiguity he brings to the role and just how he illustrates being scared through 90% of this movie is absolutely brilliant.

The movie is a breeze that never loses its audiences attention, the characters are well written, the atmosphere is nerve shredding, the violence jarring and surprisingly has an immensely satisfying climax!

Overall there’s loads on display here to encourage multiple viewings and to earn the title of a horror ‘classic’. From page to screen and how well it serves as a genre movie this is just great cinema.

It won’t hit you as hard as some of the great modern horror masterpieces like the works of Robert Eggers or Ari Aster, however, what Curry Barker has achieved here cannot be understated - talented!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MORTAL KOMBAT 2 is essentially more of the same, now with more fights, more worlds and an actual tournament.
The first was a guilty pleasure of mine and this is no different. Of course we are not watching these movies for an inspired script, it delivers on being a crowd pleasing piece of nostalgia that respects its source material. Violence, humour and just oozing effortless cool. Switch your brain off and enjoy the carnage. A welcoming time passer.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

MICHAEL may not be in the league of the greatest biopics, however, it did not deserve the absolute roasting from the critics. To say the movie is ‘soulless and shallow’ is completely unfounded.

It’s charming, sweet, inspiring, passionate and has a fascinating dramatic exploration of family at its centre. But first and foremost it’s an absolute celebration of his music, loaning plenty of screen time to its musical hits, which is afterall what the audience came for.

The performances are terrific, it’s staged well and offers plenty of heart and respect to the icon.

Overall, MICHAEL is a safe depiction of his story and legend that truly knows its audience.
It’s neither bold, nor daring, nor memorable as some of the best, but I must say it’s loads better than Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman and Elvis.
At least MICHAEL has more going for it instead of being just another depiction of an artist downward spiral.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

HOKUM is a refreshing return to form for the haunted ghost story genre. Packing in some wonderful eerie tension, an unco...
03/05/2026

HOKUM is a refreshing return to form for the haunted ghost story genre. Packing in some wonderful eerie tension, an unconvoluted mystery that requires no modern elevation above simple eleagant craft and a quality performance from Adam Scott.
It may not be quite the horror ‘revelation’ as its reputation suggests and it’s definitely not alarmingly scary, but overall, it’s a classy spooky bit of folk horror that’s pacey, fun, suspenseful and impeccably made. No nonsense horror entertainment. Most assuredly a cut above most horror movies of late, if not quite an enduring classic. I’d compare it to the likes of ‘1408’ and ‘The Innkeepers’.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Lee Cronin’s THE MUMMY. Essentially The Evil Dead with an Egyptian spin. And quite honestly I cannot see another way of adapting this classic monster, it’s a monumental undertaking for modern cinema.

The concept is quite terrifying, I couldn’t imagine a more frightening and devastating horror for a parent to endure.
This is straight up gnarly body horror with a reasonably compelling mystery and lashings of terror and gross out moments to sate horror fiends and It dares to cross lines that major studios would usually dare venture.
Overall, though far from a great horror movie, it manages to overcome its basic scares with an interesting plot, some nasty images, decent craft and some ludicrous deadite carnival of terror, particularly in its very decent climax. Plenty on show for a seasoned horror nerd to revel in even if it won’t stay with you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

PROJECT HAIL MARY is the years first exceptional crowd pleaser. Wonderful story with an incredible Ryan Gosling. Rich on sci fi storytelling without being too heavy and without forgetting to first and foremost entertain its audiences. Gorgeous, thrilling, hilarious, beautiful and full of heart.
Overall, regardless of its epic length, which can fatigue many, Hail Mary proves to live up to its title and makes it as a true piece of cinema with everything a modern classic can have. This movie will be an enduring favourite.
A formidable work of art that leaves smiles on its audiences long after the credits roll.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

SCREAM 7 was always going to be an arduous impossible task with such a huge fan base to satisfy and whilst this instalme...
27/02/2026

SCREAM 7 was always going to be an arduous impossible task with such a huge fan base to satisfy and whilst this instalment appears to have divided many, I can confidently and objectively say this sequel continues its 30 year streak with another solid and purely entertaining entry.

Is it perfect? Not at all. And it’s certainly not the best in the franchise, however, even a Scream film near the bottom of the totem pole manages plenty of hits along with its misses. I won’t delve too much into the criticisms as it can be difficult to navigate spoilers and I’d hate to influence audience expectation.

But I will say, the negatives will be very personal to many different Scream fans. Even I have a few reservations and nit picking, but I made it my mission to judge the movie as dispassionately as I could.

SCREAM 7 is a lot of fun with a more savage and meaner Ghostface on display with some of the series best kills, very gruesome for mainstream horror. The opening is a thrill and Director Kevin Williamson does a great job at maintaining some suspense and crafting some iconic moments.
The cast are great and the main strength of this movie is Scream Queen legend Neve Campbell, who puts on her best show since part 3. She nails it. She actually has an arc and her character work with her daughter was honestly very compelling and full of heart.

The script I feel was actually very clever with some great subverted ideas, whilst feeling very nostalgic with its throwbacks and at times being very meta, particularly in the way it mocks its fans.

The climax and reveal might be my least favourite element, however, I feel after further viewings I may manage my disappointment into something constructive.
I personally found the returning cast members to be a lot of fun and the only way to go really. That’s the most I’ll say about it.
Also, the pace of this movie is roller coaster level, relentless and never lets up. Almost every scene feels like the climax.

Overall, non scream fans will not be swayed, it’s more of the same with its own formula now that admittedly has lost some of its impact, but this is Scream 7, accept that it’s run this long and far and just enjoy it for what it is.
My best advice is be as objective as possible. Manage your expectations well and Scream fans should laud this entry for being an enjoyable throwback with surprises, thrills and a compelling Neve Campbell. At this stage what more could you hope for? The best era of this franchise is way behind us all and honestly all our insane individual expectations and personal choices don’t always look as appealing on film as it does in our heads and it just won’t satisfy everyone.

SCREAM 7 is solidly entertaining and not worthy of all the hate. Bottom line… still not a bad entry in this franchise at all. Worst I can say - it won’t be your favourite or even your top 3.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ranking:

SCREAM
SCREAM 2
SCREAM 3
SCREAM 4
SCREAM 5
SCREAM 7
SCREAM 6

SEND HELP is that classic serving of Sam Raimi goodness! A wildly satisfying thriller that serves as a greatest hits of ...
14/02/2026

SEND HELP is that classic serving of Sam Raimi goodness! A wildly satisfying thriller that serves as a greatest hits of all that the filmmaker delivers to his hungry genre fans.

If you’re familiar with his work you can expect another campy, gory, hilarious and effortlessly entertaining crowd pleaser of a horror/thriller.
What elevates the material from being simply more of the same is the relentlessly impressive performance from Rachel McAdams, she proves here that there is nothing she can’t do! She’s crazy, funny, sinister, funny and provides some surprising depth. We all root for her.
Dylan O’Brian also reaches new heights with his detestable show as the world’s worst boss.

The pacing is fast and wastes no time in showering the audience with plenty of gore, projectile vomiting, humour, suspense and some truly terrific survivalist FUN!

Overall, it wins no points in originality, but SEND HELP isn’t exactly trying to be anything else but a frenzy of delirious entertainment that wins the audiences attention at every over the top corner.
Excellent performances and some wildly inventive imagination from Director Sam Raimi make this a worthy venture.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

CRIME 101 is a true hidden gem! A fabulous throwback to classic crime drama’s with compelling characters, elevated perfo...
14/02/2026

CRIME 101 is a true hidden gem! A fabulous throwback to classic crime drama’s with compelling characters, elevated performances and confident filmmaking.

The story is constructed concisely and paced brilliantly well. The character development is key and Chris Hemsworth is at his best for years as the shy closed off nice guy criminal who’s only looking for that one job that gets him out of the game for good.
Halle Berry is wonderful as the audience relatable insurance broker and Mark Ruffalo never fails as the obsessed detective who knows the good from the bad and asks for nothing in this world.
These mains performances are the glue that holds this elegant cautionary tale together. By the time the threads of the plot are being tied together we know them inside out and so the writing and the dialogue truly grip, borrowing from the best in the genre.

There’s suspense, romance, tension, surprises, heart, intelligence and an abundance of talent on display here. If you’re a fan of HEAT, HELL OR HIGHWATER or THE TOWN then this is for you. Slow and intimately structured with some terrific Hitchcock style suspense with epic good guys and bad guys.

Overall, this might not scream Classic and stay with you like HEAT but honestly… how many of these movies can even compete with Michael Manns masterpiece??! But CRIME 101 is a classy crime thriller drama that has a lot to offer and sees a great cast living out a pacey edge of your seat story.
I don’t want to say it lacked action because this is not an action movie, however, a couple more gripping set pieces in the middle wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Furthermore, I thought it was a well rounded perfect conclusion. Barry Keoghan also a great watch as the antagonist you love to hate.

Take a chance on this one, you’ll be glad you didn’t miss this sleeper hit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IRON LUNG had the potential to be a slow burn cosmic horror gem, unfortunately it commits the ultimate movie sin… it bor...
31/01/2026

IRON LUNG had the potential to be a slow burn cosmic horror gem, unfortunately it commits the ultimate movie sin… it bored the hell out of me. An experiment that just didn’t pay off.

I’m well aware of slow burn movies in any genre, but this movie just went nowhere. And it’s the first movie in a while that essentially made me feel nothing. The story and the characters were not compelling, it wasn’t suspenseful, creepy, scary, atmospheric, dramatic or surprising, it was completely soulless.

I can respect its ambitions and for a single location set movie I believe the cinematography did a decent job of looking visually and aesthetically interesting at times, but it felt like you were just watching someone play a video game, someone who’s really bad at the game and can’t make it past the first level.
The only target audience I believe can be slightly sated are the fans of the original game, but as a movie going experience it fails.

The concept isn’t bad, but this approach was tepid. It’s so constrained and it just doesn’t entertain or even manage to be elevated or an experience. I wasn’t even psychologically affected by its intended grim torments. I struggle to classify this one to be honest.

Overall I can respect the ambitious quality this movie has and often it’s a looker, but there was nothing here that compels you. Lack of an interesting character, undercooked plot, no interesting set pieces, no tension, no atmosphere, no emotion, absolutely nothing that the magic of cinema usually delivers on.
This should have been a cult short film made for die hard fanatics of the game and not hungry audiences.
Frankly I found myself almost falling asleep. Furthermore it was wayyy too long. All this time and they still couldn’t find a hook. And the “pay off” ending people seem to praise was utterly unremarkable. A complete Anticlimax.

The most disappointing film to ever inherit the title to break the record for most fake blood used in a movie.

⭐️

28 YEARS LATER : THE BONE TEMPLE continues the legacy with a more focused chapter that feels very much like a ‘middle ch...
20/01/2026

28 YEARS LATER : THE BONE TEMPLE continues the legacy with a more focused chapter that feels very much like a ‘middle chapter’ with a unique approach and an unbalanced tone, however, it does not sacrifice its entertainment value in the slightest.

The movie might be too simple, a sort of side quest, but Nia DaCosta injects the proceedings with lashings of violence and style and makes the most out of a compelling Ralph Fiennes performance.
Fiennes is the much needed catalyst both plot wise and depth. He is the spark and that rare source of unfettered good we need in a world this bleak and hopeless. His character is the heart of the story and the places they go with him are both moving and utterly bonkers.

The tone can be a bit all over the place and will definitely be the most divisive aspect of the movie. It teeters on sombre to horrific to downright hilarious. That finale in particular was a ballsy way to go, disarming and totally unexpected. When you think long and hard about it, it may not be exactly how you wanted it to go given how these movies have often been bleak violent parables, but you can’t deny it was damn fun and erupted in riotous joy from the audience.

Overall, THE BONE TEMPLE is smaller in scale but the story does progress with some surprises along the way and promises of what is to come. I enjoyed the satirical edge regarding science and religion and it does somewhat parody the institution of religion in the form of its satanist antagonists. The violence and gore are plentiful with some decent villains in Jack O’ Connolls sadistic Jimmy Crystal and his gang, even if they become somewhat over welcome after time.
It doesnt quite stand up to to its predecessors in my opinion, I prefer Danny Boyles open world, outstanding visuals and the more interesting scripts he’s had.
I do wish Spike had more of an arc in this, something to add to his coming of age roots in the previous rather than just trying to escape the clutches of madness.
But this approach was unexpectedly welcome and I still found myself having a great time and horror wise this is still an immense success.

This franchise is pretty solid so far and I’m eager for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ranked :

28 DAYS LATER
28 YEARS LATER
28 WEEKS LATER
28 YEARS LATER : THE BONE TEMPLE

HAMNET is another prime example of some of the astonishing works that have been released 2025. Sombre, powerful and a be...
15/01/2026

HAMNET is another prime example of some of the astonishing works that have been released 2025. Sombre, powerful and a beautiful work of art from director Chloe Zhao. Pure performance and imagery - simple unforgettable filmmaking.

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are perfect in this poignant portrait of family and grief. Filled with a great authenticity, lovely locations, lush imagery and a sweeping score.
You are transported to its period setting, lifted by its sweet romance, a stirring illustration of finding the one who loves you for who you are, until you become raptured in this lovely fairytale of a family in the making. It all feels so soulful and honest.
By the end you are emotionally shattered, the performances devastating and you are just spellbound by committed talented old school simple theatre onscreen.

When the final act hits we are raptured not only by its depictions of human drama, but by its moving message of the importance of art and creativity and how it can fulfil people on a deeply emotional and personal plain. And with that classic piece of music “on the nature of daylight” lifting the scene up you are left reeling over a rich, resonant and unforgettable piece of cinema.

Overall, if you can prepare yourself to let your emotions spill out you will be rewarded with another stirring experience in the theatre. Spectacular performances, passionate drama and wise compassionate storytelling adorned beautifully by a gifted filmmaker.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

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