FOLLOWING FILMS

Season 22 of NCIS arrives with the confidence of a show that knows exactly what it is, but also with the weight of a franchise that has been running for over two decades. At this point, the series could easily coast on familiar formulas—crime of the week, a touch of humor, and just enough character drama to glue things together. And yes, those elements are still present. But what makes this season compelling is the way it weaves in moments of vulnerability, emotional fallout, and escalating stakes that remind viewers why NCIS has endured longer than almost any of its peers. The premiere sets the tone with a classic high-risk scenario involving an undercover agent in danger. The storytelling isn’t reinventing the wheel, but the craftsmanship of the suspense and the team’s urgency makes it clear the show still knows how to pull an audience in. The banter between the agents, the steady leadership from Parker, and the sharp investigative beats all feel comfortably familiar. Still, there’s ...

At 18 episodes strong, NCIS: Origins Season 1 takes viewers back to 1991, charting Leroy Jethro Gibbs' earliest days in the fledgling NIS office at Camp Pendleton—well before the familiar NCIS team we know. Narrated by the older Gibbs (Mark Harmon), the series bridges the gap between past and present by exploring a young Gibbs (Austin Stowell) forging his identity while dealing with devastating personal loss. The show introduces a cast grounded in both legacy and fresh dynamics: Austin Stowell brings a young, stoic Gibbs; Kyle Schmid embodies mentor Mike Franks; Mariel Molino shines as Lala Domínguez, a Marine-turned-agent navigating a male-dominated world; and others like Tyla Abercrumbie, Diany Rodríguez, and Caleb Foote round out the team. The creators—Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North—with executive producers Mark Harmon and his son Sean Harmon, clearly set out to honor the franchise's roots while building something new. The series was renewed early in 2025 for Season ...

Locked (2025), directed by David Yarovesky and written by Michael Arlen Ross, is a lean, claustrophobic thriller that thrives on the tension between two men who never share the same physical space. A remake of the 2019 Argentine film 4x4, it strips its story to the bare essentials: a man trapped inside a car, a voice in his ear pulling the strings, and an audience forced to share every second of his panic. The premise is deceptively simple, but the execution transforms it into an uneasy meditation on desperation, vengeance, and the lengths people will go when they feel cornered. At the center of the story is Eddie Barrish, played with raw physicality and emotional depth by Bill Skarsgård. Eddie isn’t an aspiring career criminal or a hardened thug; he’s a man with few options, scraping by as a delivery driver, struggling to care for his daughter Sarah. His immediate need is heartbreakingly mundane—just four hundred dollars to get his van repaired so he can keep working. That small, rela...

Crown of Shadows, released in 2025, is an independent medieval fantasy film that merges Gothic horror with sword-and-sorcery spectacle. Directed by Richard Campbell and produced under the Hex Studios banner, it runs just over two hours and explores a dark vision of power, betrayal, and supernatural corruption. The story takes place in the cursed land of Aberon, where Queen Ginnarra, played by Megan Tremethick, has murdered the king to seize the throne. Her reign is fueled by devotion to dark gods, and she proclaims herself the “prophet of the abyss.” Her brother, Prince Elderon (Andrew Gourlay), has lived in exile but returns to lead a rebellion against her tyranny. The conflict becomes more than just a family feud—it’s a struggle that pulls in dragons, cosmic horror, and ancient forces beyond human control. The drama hinges on a battle of wills between two siblings who both believe they are righteous, giving the film a psychological tension beneath its fantasy trappings. The film’s gr...

Action comedies often toe a fine line between thrills and laughs, but Novocaine (2025) somehow manages to juggle both with a gleeful, devil-may-care attitude. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, this film stars Jack Quaid as Nathan Caine, an unassuming bank assistant manager with a rare and bizarre condition — he literally can’t feel pain. What starts as an odd character quirk quickly becomes the linchpin for a madcap rescue mission when Nathan’s crush and coworker, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is kidnapped during a chaotic bank robbery. From there, the film unfolds into a rollicking, violent, and often hilarious tale about pain, bravery, and the absurd lengths we go for love. Right off the bat, Novocaine grabs your attention with a premise that feels fresh but grounded in character. Nathan’s inability to feel physical pain is not just a quirky gimmick — it defines his entire approach to life. The everyday mishaps that normally cause discomfort or hesitation just bounce right off him,...

Premiering in 1995 and running for nine seasons, The Drew Carey Show was a staple of ABC’s late-‘90s sitcom lineup. It delivered a quirky, working-class perspective laced with absurdist humor and musical numbers that set it apart from its peers. Starring comedian Drew Carey as an everyman caught in the corporate grind of a Cleveland department store, the show was never a critical darling, but it carved out a loyal fanbase and left behind an unusual legacy in the sitcom canon. Season 1: Establishing a Blue-Collar Charm The show began with a relatively grounded tone, chronicling Drew Carey’s life as an assistant director of personnel at Winfred-Louder, a fictional department store. Surrounded by a cast of lovable misfits—his cross-dressing brother Steve (John Carroll Lynch), best friends Lewis (Ryan Stiles), Oswald (Diedrich Bader), and Kate (Christa Miller)—the first season set the foundation for the show’s offbeat voice. What made the early episodes refreshing was the commitment to por...

Robbie Williams, the cheeky lad from Stoke-on-Trent who dominated UK pop charts in the '90s and early 2000s, never quite cracked the American market. So it’s no surprise if U.S. audiences ask, “Who is Robbie Williams?” Enter Better Man , the audacious, oddly moving musical biopic from The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey, aiming to answer that question—not with a Wikipedia timeline, but with an emotional fever dream of fame, failure, and redemption. The film opens on an unexpected note: Robbie is depicted not as himself, but as an anthropomorphic chimpanzee. This striking metaphor sets the tone for the rest of the film. As voiced by Williams and performed through motion capture by Jonno Davies, this simian version of Robbie doesn’t merely serve as a visual gag. It’s a profound symbol of his own self-perception—a “performing monkey” trapped in the glare of the spotlight, caught between spectacle and sincerity. Gracey’s film embraces this surrealism wholeheartedly. There’s...

The blue blur is back, and this time he’s bringing the whole squad—and then some. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the kind of sequel that doesn’t just continue the story; it launches the franchise into even more ambitious, bizarre, and genuinely entertaining territory. It’s a colorful mix of chaotic action, heartfelt character moments, and some of the most gleefully unhinged performances you’ll see in a family film this year. Director Jeff Fowler returns to the helm and shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, he leans into the series' weirdness even harder than before, delivering a film that feels like a sugar rush of nostalgia, 2000s-style action, and cartoonish energy—just with better CGI and more emotional weight. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Jim Carrey once again steals the show. Not content with simply playing Dr. Ivo Robotnik, Carrey also steps into the role of the villain’s grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik. The dual performance could have been a cheap gimmick, bu...

The third season of ABBOTT ELEMENTARY arrives with the same heart and humor that has made it a standout in modern network television. Despite a shortened episode count due to the Writers Guild of America strike, the season remains strong, offering fresh challenges for its beloved characters and expanding on themes of growth, ambition, and the evolving dynamics of both the school and personal relationships. From the start, it’s evident that change is in the air. Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) steps into new responsibilities that challenge her comfort zone, particularly as she navigates a fellowship opportunity that takes her outside the school more often than before. This shift alters the chemistry among the teachers, highlighting how institutions evolve when key players take on new roles. Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) continues his journey of self-discovery, finding confidence in his teaching style while also wrestling with his growing feelings for Janine. Their slow-burning r...

The American television series Shameless ran on Showtime from 2011 to 2021, delivering a mix of comedy and drama. Adapted by John Wells from the British original created by Paul Abbott, the show follows the tumultuous life of the Gallagher family, headed by their unreliable and alcoholic father, Frank Gallagher (William H. Macy). The series delves into issues like poverty, addiction, and familial dysfunction, balancing its dark humor with moments of raw emotion. Spanning 11 seasons, Shameless became a fan favorite for its unfiltered portrayal of working-class struggles on Chicago's South Side. Season 1: Meet the Gallaghers The premiere season introduces the Gallagher siblings: Fiona (Emmy Rossum), who assumes a parental role; Lip (Jeremy Allen White), a highly intelligent but troubled young man; Ian (Cameron Monaghan), who secretly navigates his identity and military aspirations; Debbie (Emma Kenney), a compassionate yet complex child; Carl (Ethan Cutkosky), the reckless troublem...

Regular Show is one of Cartoon Network’s most unique and beloved animated series, captivating audiences with surreal humor, nostalgic references, and unforgettable characters. Created by J.G. Quintel, the show ran for eight seasons from 2010 to 2017, building a dedicated fanbase that continues to celebrate its charm and creativity. The show follows Mordecai, a laid-back blue jay, and Rigby, a hyperactive raccoon, as they work as groundskeepers at a park under the supervision of their grumpy boss Benson, a living gumball machine. What starts as mundane tasks often escalate into absurd and supernatural adventures, introducing everything from time travel and video game battles to encounters with interdimensional beings. At its core, Regular Show is a workplace comedy infused with an anything-goes mentality, seamlessly blending slice-of-life humor with fantasy and sci-fi elements. Its episodes frequently begin with everyday problems—such as slacking off at work or resolving personal confli...

When The Wayans Bros. first premiered on The WB in 1995, it marked an era where sitcoms dominated television, offering lighthearted humor, physical comedy, and family-centered narratives. Starring real-life siblings Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans, the show brought a fresh and irreverent comedic style to audiences. While it may not have received the same level of mainstream recognition as some of its contemporaries, The Wayans Bros. remains a beloved cult classic. Now, with The Wayans Bros.: The Complete Series available for fans to revisit, it's time to take a look at how the show holds up today. The series follows the misadventures of two brothers, Shawn and Marlon Williams, who live in Harlem and work at their father's newsstand in a Manhattan mall. Shawn (Shawn Wayans) is the more responsible and business-savvy of the duo, while Marlon (Marlon Wayans) is the energetic, free-spirited prankster whose antics often land them in trouble. Their father, John "Pops" Willia...

Curb Your Enthusiasm is a landmark in television comedy, renowned for its innovative, improvisational style that sets it apart from traditional sitcoms. Created by Larry David, the co-creator of Seinfeld, the show masterfully blends semi-scripted dialogue with spontaneous interactions, adding an unmatched level of authenticity to its humor. What truly makes Curb groundbreaking is its exploration of social conventions, often poking fun at the absurdities of everyday life. By shining a spotlight on unwritten social rules, it prompts viewers to reflect on their own experiences, while making them laugh at the awkward and cringeworthy moments that ensue when those rules are broken. A key reason for the show’s significance lies in its complex characters and sharp cultural commentary. Larry David’s character, a fictionalized version of himself, is equal parts relatable and infuriating. His neurotic nature and unfiltered honesty often put him at odds with the world around him, resonating with...

RICK AND MORTY created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, burst onto the scene in 2013, quickly garnering a cult following and critical acclaim. The show’s unique blend of dark humor, sci-fi concepts, and existential musings has made it a staple of contemporary animated television. Over the course of seven seasons, the series has evolved significantly, offering a mix of outrageous adventures and deeper emotional narratives. Season 1: The Genesis of Chaos The inaugural season introduces us to the eccentric genius Rick Sanchez and his naive grandson Morty. Their interdimensional escapades kick off with a mix of slapstick humor and philosophical underpinnings. Episodes like “Rick Potion No. 9” showcase the chaotic nature of Rick’s inventions, which often lead to disastrous consequences, while “Meeseeks and Destroy” cleverly examines themes of existence through the lens of the titular blue creatures. Season 1 sets the stage for the series' unique blend of comedy and horror, emphasizing...

Dexter's Laboratory, the beloved animated series epitomizing childhood nostalgia and inventive storytelling, receives a well-deserved tribute in its complete series DVD release. This comprehensive collection allows viewers to fully explore the essence of Dexter's ingenious experiments and the comedic chaos caused by his sister Dee Dee across six delightful seasons. The inaugural season sets the stage for Dexter's adventures within his secret laboratory, hidden behind a bookshelf in his family's suburban home. Episodes introduce Dexter's scientific brilliance and his ongoing battles to maintain secrecy while navigating the every day challenges posed by his irrepressible sister, Dee Dee. Highlights include Dexter's robotic creations, his inventions gone awry, and memorable encounters with fellow geniuses and adversaries. Building upon the success of its first season, Dexter's Laboratory Season 2 delves deeper into Dexter's experiments and expands the show...