The Marvel Cinematic Universe enters the world of martial arts fantasy with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Shaun (Simu Liu) is a valet in San Francisco whose friends think isn’t living up to his potential. Yet he harbours a deep dark secret because his real name is Shang-Chi and his father, Xu […]
Film
Bondathon: Never Say Never Again
Sean Connery famously said that he would never return to play James Bond after Diamonds Are Forever. However, he was convinced to return for one final adventure for the unofficial Bond film, Never Say Never Again. James Bond is now an aging agent who is no longer sent out on missions. M (Edward Fox) has deactivated the Double-0 section […]
The Night House Review
The Night House was a horror film that made an incredible impression with its premiere being at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. After over a year and half, it has earned a wide release. Beth (Rebecca Hall) is a recently widowed English teacher after her husband, Owen (Evan Jonigkeit), has committed suicide. As well as struggling […]
Candyman (2021) Review
In 2018 Universal saw a surprising hit with the release of Halloween, a modern set sequel to the original 1978 film, which ignored the muddied continuity of the previous sequels. This idea of a “Legacy Sequel” paid off big, both financially and critically, with the film being the most successful sequel to date. Realizing the […]
When I’m a Moth Review
In 1969, Hillary Rodham (soon to be Clinton) went to Alaska (Valdez, to be exact), to slime fish. It’s a surprisingly true story – as told by Clinton in her 2017 memoir “What Happened” – and it’s the seed from which the film When I’m a Moth grows. Now, the film isn’t interested in offering […]
Bondathon: Octopussy
1983 was the year that saw the Battle of the Bonds. Both Roger Moore and Sean Connery had Bond films come out. Moore’s Octopussy was the first Bond film to come out that year. 009 has been killed in action whilst carrying a fake Fabergé egg. Bond must continue the mission which sees him go to India and Germany to investigate […]
Reminiscence Review
Sci-fi and noir thrillers are two genres that many filmmakers have merged together. Directors like Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg, and Christopher Nolan have made great films in the neo-noir genre and Westworld co-creator Lisa Joy attempts to join them with her feature film debut. In the future, Miami has been flooded by rising sea levels. Dikes […]
What to Expect at a Mid-Pandemic Fan Convention
At this point, it’s a cliche to say that these are difficult times we’re living in. So much of how we interact with the world has changed out of necessity, with many things still up in the air and evolving every day. While the majority of the pop-cultural spotlight has been cast on the movie […]
Pop Culture Maniacs Podcast #28: Lord of the Rings
Kieran and Jean talk about their love and appreciation for all things Tolkien
CODA Review
CODA is a formulaic and syrupy sweet film. It’s also perfectly designed to be a crowd pleaser – and it’s nearly impossible to not become charmed by its wonderful cast and the familiar path of its story. In short, you will almost certainly find yourself swept away by this story of a young woman who […]










