review
Reviews of the top geek movies, tv, and books in the industry.
Is YouTube Down?
It’s a modern-day moment of panic for millions: you settle in to watch a video, only to be met with a spinning buffer wheel or an enigmatic playback error. The immediate question pops into your head and into search bars worldwide: "Is YouTube down?" When the platform hosting over 2 billion users goes offline, even briefly, it creates a digital earthquake.
By KAMRAN AHMAD11 months ago in Geeks
Toronto Film Fest 2025 Report
After a hiatus of nearly two decades, I was ready to ready to go back to Toronto. But would Toronto be ready for me? A lot has changed about the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 4 - 14, 2025) since I last attended in 2007 (it was so long ago, that when I described the fest that year, I used the phrase "jumped the shark"). First, the unfortunate: Prices are significantly higher. Popular movies are harder to get tickets to. There are a dozen 'early access membership' tiers that cost a pretty penny (or loonie if you like), most of which still don't get you access to the films you want to see. (God forbid you actually try to buy tickets during the standard 'public' sale, which is still not cheap.) Even if you do get tickets to a buzzy movie, chances are it won't be a world premiere - the prestige of the festival has continued to dwindle, and pretty much all the 'important' films (read: Oscar hopefuls) debut elsewhere. Celebrities outside the screenings are scarce - word is, the publicity-industrial complex has gotten so overbearing that stars no longer go shopping, get drinks in bars, or grab midnight tacos with the commoners; instead, they're hidden away at invite-only corporate-sponsor parties, or momentarily glimpsable on the tightly-controlled red carpet (as long as you've claimed a Fan Zone voucher online a day ahead of time and waited in line for a couple hours before their arrival). The days of randomly encountering Kevin Spacey on the street after a late-night screening are over. (Actually, maybe that's a good thing.)
By Ryan Donovan11 months ago in Geeks
Punctuate4 Productions "Madame Mozart": A Stunning Masterpiece
To compose while you decompose, that is the question. Punctuate4 Productions presents Madame Mozart: The Lacrimosa, an original play written by Anne Undeland. After the death of her husband, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Constanze Mozart feverishly works to complete his unfinished Requiem to avoid poverty and preserve her husband’s legacy.
By Marielle Sabbag11 months ago in Geeks
Colonial Chorus Players' "The Rocky Horror Show": A Thrilling Sensation. Top Story - October 2025.
Let’s see if this castle has a telephone we can use. Colonial Chorus Players treats audiences to the original live musical The Rocky Horror Show, on which the 1975 film version was based. Newly engaged couple Brad and Janet, whose car breaks down on a rainy night, stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The couple is in for the wildest night of their lives.
By Marielle Sabbag11 months ago in Geeks
Guillermo del Toro Calls His New “Frankenstein” the Most Truthful Movie of His Career. AI-Generated.
Guillermo del Toro Calls His New “Frankenstein” the Most Truthful Movie of His Career Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro says everything he has created so far has led him to his latest project — “Frankenstein.” The visionary director behind Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and Pinocchio believes his new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel is more relevant today than ever before. Frankenstein 2025: A Story About Today’s World In a conversation with PTI, Guillermo del Toro explained that while Frankenstein is set in the 19th century, its themes are deeply connected to the modern era. “This is a very truthful movie for me and it’s about today,” he said. “If you look at society now — the role of women, the damage caused by war, and our need to heal emotionally — these were problems in 1818, and they are still problems today.” Del Toro believes that the film’s deeper meaning comes from its reflection of modern human flaws — arrogance of science, emotional disconnection, and the inability to listen. “We live in a time where people think science can replace emotion, and where we ignore each other’s perspectives,” he added. “That’s what makes horror so powerful. It holds a mirror to the time it’s made in.” A Dream Project Decades in the Making Frankenstein (2025) stars Jacob Elordi as the monster, with Oscar Isaac, Christoph Waltz, and Mia Goth in key roles. The film will hit select theatres on October 17, 2025, before releasing globally on Netflix on November 17, 2025. Del Toro, who won three Academy Awards — including Best Director and Best Picture for The Shape of Water — has been fascinated by monsters since childhood. He says Frankenstein is the film he has waited his whole life to make. “When I read Mary Shelley’s book as a boy, I fell in love with it. Everything I’ve done — Crimson Peak, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water — was practice for this movie,” he said. The filmmaker revealed that his lifelong dream didn’t disappoint. “Usually when you finally make something you’ve dreamed about for years, you fear it won’t live up to your expectations. But this was incredibly satisfying,” he said. “It came out even better than I hoped.” Inspired by Gothic Art and Literature Del Toro’s Frankenstein pays tribute to Gothic literature and Romantic art from the 19th century. He drew creative inspiration from painters like Henry Fuseli and Caspar David Friedrich, and writers such as William Blake, John Milton, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The film also celebrates Mary Shelley’s own inspirations. Del Toro includes the famous story of how Frankenstein was born — when Lord Byron challenged his guests, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley, to write ghost stories during a rainy summer in Switzerland. The movie even begins and ends with a Byron quote that del Toro found deeply meaningful: > “The heart will break and yet brokenly live on.” According to the director, this line perfectly sums up the soul of the film — a message about forgiveness, imperfection, and kindness. Frankenstein Explores What It Means to Be Human Much like his earlier films, Frankenstein continues del Toro’s exploration of what it means to be human. His movies often show flawed characters searching for love, empathy, and redemption — even in monstrous forms. In Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein is a brilliant scientist obsessed with conquering death. However, once he creates life, he’s horrified by what he’s made. This internal conflict, del Toro says, mirrors humanity’s own moral struggles. “Victor is very smart, but he asks the wrong questions,” he said. “He thinks he’s serving the angel of life, but discovers he’s been serving the angel of death.” Del Toro also reflected on the danger of certainty in our modern world. “I’m afraid of people who think they’re always right or have the absolute truth,” he said. “Real intelligence comes from doubt. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions.”
By Farhan Khan11 months ago in Geeks
A House of Dynamite Movie Review: Kathryn Bigelow’s Explosive Nuclear Thriller Fizzles Out Too Soon. AI-Generated.
A House of Dynamite Movie Review: Kathryn Bigelow’s Explosive Nuclear Thriller Fizzles Out Too Soon Kathryn Bigelow returns with another powerful, tension-filled film in A House of Dynamite, a modern nuclear thriller that grips you from the first moment — even if it doesn’t completely stick the landing. The film, starring Rebecca Ferguson and Idris Elba, mixes political drama, emotional suspense, and the terrifying possibility of global destruction. A Modern Nuclear Threat Story A House of Dynamite begins quietly inside the White House, where officers go about their daily routines — until chaos erupts. A mysterious missile is suddenly detected, launched from somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, and heading toward the Midwestern United States. What begins as a normal day quickly turns into a race against time, with the fate of millions hanging in the balance. This chilling opening feels all too real. Bigelow and writer Noah Oppenheim (former NBC News president) build the story with documentary-like detail and urgency. The movie reminds us of a dark truth — while the world once worked to eliminate nuclear weapons, that era is now over. Kathryn Bigelow’s Style: Realism Meets Chaos Known for her masterful direction in The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, Kathryn Bigelow once again proves her talent for transforming real-world fear into high-stakes cinema. With A House of Dynamite, she crafts a real-time nuclear crisis thriller that feels both believable and deeply unsettling. The movie unfolds in three acts — each showing the same 18 minutes from different perspectives. The structure echoes Rashomon, giving us multiple sides of one catastrophic event, but it also borrows the political satire and moral tension of Dr. Strangelove. Rebecca Ferguson Steals the Spotlight The film’s strongest section is its first act, featuring Rebecca Ferguson as Captain Olivia Walker, a composed yet emotional White House officer who must make quick decisions under impossible pressure. When a U.S. military base in Alaska detects an unsighted missile, the initial response is mild — maybe it will fall harmlessly into the sea. But soon, the horrifying reality hits: the missile is heading for Chicago, and there are only 18 minutes until impact. As alarms sound and the DEFCON level rises, Captain Walker leads the command center with intelligence and empathy. Her performance captures the struggle between duty and human fear — especially when she considers calling her family, whose safety she cannot guarantee. Different Perspectives, Same Fear After the first act, Bigelow rewinds the story twice, each time showing the event from a new angle. The second chapter focuses on National Security Advisor Jake Baerington, who desperately tries to identify the attacker. Is it Russia? North Korea? Or an accident that could start a nuclear war by mistake? This section dives deeper into global politics, power struggles, and how fragile world peace truly is. The third section shifts to the President himself, portrayed by Idris Elba. While the concept is strong, this final act loses some intensity, repeating moments we’ve already seen. By this point, the movie begins to slow down, losing some of the spark that made its opening so electric. Powerful Message, Uneven Execution Even though A House of Dynamite loses some energy in its second half, Bigelow’s direction remains outstanding. She handles silence, urgency, and fear with precision. Her ability to blend realism and suspense keeps the audience on edge, even when the plot starts to repeat itself. The film also carries a clear warning — one that feels more relevant than ever. It reminds us how fast normal life can collapse when power, politics, and nuclear weapons collide. Final Verdict A House of Dynamite is a gripping yet uneven nuclear crisis thriller that delivers an intense cinematic experience. Rebecca Ferguson’s performance stands out as the heart of the film, and Kathryn Bigelow’s direction ensures it remains visually and emotionally powerful, even when the story falters. While the movie’s replay structure slightly weakens its momentum, it still succeeds as a chilling reminder of the ever-present threat of nuclear warfare.
By Farhan Khan11 months ago in Geeks
The Smashing Machine Review: Dwayne Johnson’s Best Acting Performance With Emily Blunt in a Powerful Mark Kerr Biopic. AI-Generated.
The Smashing Machine Review: Dwayne Johnson’s Best Acting Performance With Emily Blunt in a Powerful Mark Kerr Biopic The Smashing Machine is not your usual Dwayne Johnson action movie. This time, he trades explosions and witty one-liners for raw emotion and vulnerability. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film dives deep into the real-life story of MMA legend Mark Kerr, exploring his rise to fame, his painful downfall, and the emotional battles he fought outside the ring. With a slow-burn narrative, stunning direction, and powerhouse performances from Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, The Smashing Machine stands out as one of the most emotionally charged sports dramas in recent years. Story: The Rise and Fall of MMA Fighter Mark Kerr The movie follows Mark Kerr, one of the early pioneers of mixed martial arts (MMA), tracing his journey from 1997 to 2000. Kerr begins as a dominant force in the fighting world, especially in the UFC and Japan’s MMA circuit. However, his personal struggles start to overshadow his success. His growing drug addiction and complicated relationship with his girlfriend Dawn Staples begin to tear apart his life and career. Unlike typical sports films like Rocky or Warrior, The Smashing Machine avoids the clichés of triumphant comebacks and heroic montages. Instead, it presents Kerr’s life in a raw, documentary-style format. The movie focuses on his emotions, insecurities, and moments of weakness rather than glorifying his victories. This realistic storytelling approach makes The Smashing Machine feel intimate, honest, and painfully relatable. Dwayne Johnson’s Career-Best Performance In one of the most surprising and moving performances of his career, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson completely transforms himself into Mark Kerr. Gone is the smiling, muscle-bound superhero we know from blockbusters like Fast & Furious or Jumanji. Here, Johnson delivers a deep, emotional, and haunting portrayal of a man lost in his own battles. Through his body language, broken expressions, and quiet vulnerability, he proves he’s capable of much more than just action roles. From his physical transformation to his emotional breakdowns, this performance reminds audiences that Dwayne Johnson is not just a superstar—he’s a true actor. Critics are already calling it his career-best performance, and it’s easy to see why. Emily Blunt Shines as Dawn Staples Emily Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Mark Kerr’s girlfriend and later wife, who becomes both his emotional anchor and his biggest source of pain. Blunt’s performance is intense and layered—she portrays Dawn as loving yet destructive, caring yet unpredictable. Her chemistry with Johnson is electric. Together, they create one of the most complex and realistic relationships seen in recent cinema. Their on-screen connection feels authentic, filled with moments of affection, anger, and heartbreak. Blunt perfectly complements Johnson’s intensity, proving once again why she’s one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood. Benny Safdie’s Direction: Real, Raw, and Relentless Director Benny Safdie, known for his gritty storytelling in Uncut Gems and Good Time, brings his signature realism to this film. He strips away all the glamour and glitz usually found in sports dramas. Instead, he focuses on human emotions, addiction, and the price of fame. The film’s close-up shots, minimal background music, and realistic sound design make it feel like you’re watching a real person’s life unfold. Every punch, every fall, and every silent moment hits hard. Safdie doesn’t romanticize the sport—he uses it as a backdrop to explore pain, resilience, and the human cost of chasing perfection. Final Verdict: A Bold, Honest, and Emotional Masterpiece The Smashing Machine isn’t made to entertain in the traditional sense—it’s made to make you feel. It’s slow at times, heavy in emotion, and brutally honest, but that’s what gives it power. With Dwayne Johnson’s incredible performance and Emily Blunt’s emotionally charged portrayal, the movie becomes a raw and unforgettable experience. It pays tribute to Mark Kerr and other athletes who fought battles far beyond the ring. If you’re looking for a flashy sports drama, this might not be for you. But if you want a real, emotional story about strength, addiction, and redemption, The Smashing Machine is a must-watch.
By Farhan Khan11 months ago in Geeks
Eleanor the Great (2025): An Uplifting and Moving Film
Keep telling stories to help find their light. Eleanor the Great is a 2025 film. After a loss, 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein returns to New York City to live with her daughter. In a misunderstanding, Eleanor joins a Holocaust group where she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Nina, a 19-year-old journalist.
By Marielle Sabbag11 months ago in Geeks
