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Dog Stars (2026) - dir. by Ridley Scott
Buddy (2026) - dir. by Casper Kelly
"You gotta have something to haunt you, right? Otherwise, you might get lonely."
"Ghosts." There, I said it. Now, I'm not trying to stir a debate about the existence of ghosts. Are there ghosts out there? Is there an ancient sea-captain named Blenny Blennerhassett that patrols his buried treasure underneath Point Park? Sure, why not.
I would like to speak on a different type of ghost - one that is undeniable. The ghost of memories untethered. We are all haunted by them. The flashes of disappointed moments - the faces of unappreciated figures - the fractures of loves won and lost. At times both expected and unexpected, these ghosts will surface and remind. There is ultimately no escape.
I welcome this type of ghost. As a matter-of-fact, I hunt its presence. One such ghost is my momma. I know in my heart that she is gone, but those untethered memories of her, her humor and heart, are a welcome haunt in my consciousness at any time! Seeing her face around the corner, hearing her laugh from the other room, the uncanny warmth I feel when her past washes over me … I invite this ghost to spare me the loneliness I feel without it.
More ghosts, please.
<<< The year is 2035, and the flu has decimated the world. The survivors, of which there are few, have turned to desperate measures for survival. The "lucky" ones have found community; the unlucky ones are ... well ... dead. Hig (Jacob Elordi) lost everything he loved, but survival came through community with his dog Jasper and a tough-but-fair friend in Bangley (Josh Brolin). Although he has much to celebrate in a world gone rotten, Hig can't quite find peace because his ghosts trigger nothing but bottomless grief. Hig searches for meaning and closure, leaving safety for possibility. When life hands him something new in Cima (Margaret Qualley) and her father Pops (Guy Pearce), will his ghosts depart to allow for new happiness? Ridley Scott is a wonderful director ... but often his work bores me. Sorry. This one, like most, was technically proficient but a bit lifeless. The screenplay by Mark L. Smith had sufficient drama but rather contrived characterization. The cinematography by Erik Messerschmidt had moments of pure beauty. Jacob Elordi did a decent job as the reserved yet resilient Hig. Josh Brolin was great and extreme as Bangley. Margaret Qualley is effectively charming as Cima. Guy Pearce is understatedly human as Pops. The movie has its moments, and it is successful in most of its endeavors ... but it is ultimately rather forgettable. Dog Stars can be seen in theaters right now. REPORT CARD: Dog Stars Grade: C+ Fine but forgettable <<< Buddy (Keegan-Michael Key) loves kids and has devoted his life to their nurture and growth. He dons a ridiculous orange unicorn suit and sings silly songs, but love is the only currency he offers or accepts. In the '90s, that was all you needed! The kids on the show are full of life and energy - they sing and dance with their whole being ... except Josh. Little Josh is just not feeling it today. When Buddy attempts to get Josh to obey, Josh strengthens his refusal. Dude, Buddy just snaps! Love was always so easy before because obedience was a given; now that the (murderous) cat is out of the bag, no one is safe in Buddy's World. In modern time, Grace (Cristin Milioti) has a beautiful, vibrant family ... but something is missing. The overwhelming sensation of loss has infested her whole life; her ghosts are without name but not without power. Something she loved has been stolen ... but what is it?! Who is it?! Let me just say, I had no idea what Buddy was until I walked into the theater. Once it started, though, I absolutely loved the ride! It was quirky, satirical, darkly-rich, and dynamic. It was all '90s-kids' worst nightmares turned comedy-gold! I had never heard of director/writer Casper Kelly, but I surely won't forget him now! His acceptance of nostalgia as a tool/weapon is admirable. The tone that he creates with his writing and directing is unique and genre-exploding! The music by Michael Yezerski is wonderfully textured and holds a moment hostage. The cinematography by Zach Kuperstein is dripping with color, consistency, and candor. The production design by Anna Kathleen paired with the art direction by Vince Calabrese make a stunning display, so artificial yet so articulate. The costume Design by Shawna-Nova Foley is effortlessly playful. For a movie hinging on child-actors (who are acting satirically, even!), it was done so well. Delaney Quinn as Freddy was a steady lead; she expressed with enthusiasm. Cristin Milioti was awesome as Grace, adding layers and depth. The voice acting of Patton Oswalt as Strappy and Keegan-Michael Key as Buddy are on-point. Although labeled "horror," it is as funny as anything out right now! Buddy can be seen in theaters right now. REPORT CARD: Buddy Grade: A Wildly funny and incredibly inventive