"Iron Claw" has been acclaimed as the "highlight of Zac Efron's career." This feature film, unjustly overlooked by the Oscars, aims to capture public attention as a turning point for the High School Musical star, telling the story of a cursed wrestling fighter. Though not a conventional horror movie, it portrays a family where nearly everything goes wrong: sudden deaths, severe injuries, and giving up are just the beginning. "Iron Claw" is a gritty, emotionally intense narrative notable for its authenticity. While it may not deliver on all promised climaxes, the film is impactful, well-directed, and brimming with fresh ideas, marking a high point in Zac Efron's journey without resorting to "Oscar bait" tactics. It stands as a sincere example of cinema, offering a welcome relief from the excesses of special effects and convoluted plots.
Zac Efron stars in this survival thriller that blends the dystopian feel of “Mad Max” with the intensity of “The Revenant”. It's a chance to see the actor in a complex and even grotesque role, far from his usual heartthrob characters. Allow yourself to be captivated by the discomfort of sparse dialogue and high tension, as the script promises to surprise you.
Very few films portray the perspective of killers (excluding, of course, horror slashers). One of the rare examples is “Monster”, starring Charlize Theron and directed by Patty Jenkins – and now, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile”. The feature film explores the emotional angle of the protagonist, a handsome, charismatic, and bloody serial killer who terrorized the United States during the 1970s. Here, he is portrayed by Zac Efron, a former teen star who demonstrates a wide range of acting abilities, capturing Bundy's essence convincingly. The rest of the cast is also stellar, including Lily Collins (“The Mortal Instruments”), Kaya Scodelario (“Crawl” and “Maze Runner”), the iconic John Malkovich, Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”), and even a cameo by James Hetfield (yes, the Metallica vocalist). The film has its flaws, occasionally uneven, but it will satisfy those seeking strong performances or a deeper understanding of the mind of a killer – or their victims.
In "Ricky Stanicky," director Peter Farrelly (known for the Oscar-winning "Green Book") returns to his signature comedic style reminiscent of films like "There's Something About Mary" or "Dumb and Dumber." The movie follows a group of childhood friends who, after using a fictional friend named Ricky as an alibi, continue using him throughout their adult lives to evade responsibilities. When their deceit risks exposure, the friends decide to hire struggling actor John Cena to portray the supposed Ricky Stanicky, a lie that quickly spirals into uncontrollable chaos. It's a somewhat old-fashioned comedy by today's standards. However, if you enjoy Cena's comedic talent (which is considerable) or have a fondness for '90s comedies like those mentioned, this film might be right up your alley.
A musical loosely inspired by the life of pioneering showman P. T. Barnum explores themes of inclusion, dreams, and freedom. The film is well-crafted with a compelling message. Once again, Hugh Jackman demonstrates his singing and dancing talents. Other notable performances come from actress Keala Settle and Zac Efron, known for his roles in Disney movies.