Bullet Train (2022)

A fizzy concoction of twisty mystery, genuine relationships (see Kimura and father; the citrus brothers), well-choreographed combat, and tanks of humour that occasionally go off the rails (the dark comedic takes on death go a bit too far at times–see The Hornet fight), all within a fun flashback-filled script framework built around Brad’s bad-luck (or should I say ill-fated?) ‘Bug. Loses steam in the third act though, with its shift from wild multi-party conflict to straight forward team-up.

7

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

The titular relationship has more dramatic nuance than any of the human ones (mom and daughter was sweet though), which speaks both to the poor writing (needed more self-aware moments like Walter’s cut-off speech) but also to the pretty satisfying way the God vs. King arc comes to a (ripped off and oozing) head (yes, the real enemy here is indeed the nonsensical sci-fi schlock that destroys us humans who make it). Fantastic monster action (the colours and camera angles and VFX are on point).

5