Horror

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is the final film in “The Conjuring” franchise, which has been wildly popular and a staple in the horror genre since the first film was released in 2013. In total, it is the ninth film in “The Conjuring” universe, which also includes the two “Nun” films along with three “Annabelle” films. While not all of them have been home runs, there is a certain style and craftsmanship that goes into the films which is hard to ignore. Most of all, the films are powered by the powerful performances of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators who love helping those in trouble, but not as much as they love each other. They are the lifeblood of these films. Without them being the emotional compass, the films would simply be ghost stories with some jump scares here and there.

This film opens in 1964, as Ed and Lorraine Warren are investigating a mysterious murder at an antique shop while Lorraine is pregnant. While there, she comes across a mirror which holds ominous and sinister forces within it, which almost causes her to lose her child, Judy, during childbirth. Fast forward to two decades later, and Judy (Mia Tomlinson) is in a relationship with a former police officer named Tony (Ben Hardy), and they are on their way to meet up with the Warrens for Ed’s birthday party. Ed and Lorraine are in semi-retirement because of Ed’s heart, and they mostly are giving tours on college campuses, which are usually met with jokes about the Ghostbusters. They are struggling to find their purpose in life without being full-time paranormal investigators. Ed has the itch to get back into things, but he needs to look out for his health and slowdown, which isn’t coming naturally to him.

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, the Smurl family, which includes the husband, wife, four daughters and two grandparents, are starting to have some real challenges after they come across a haunted mirror that was given as a gift to one of the daughters after her first communion. At the same time, Judy is starting to have visions, the same ones she had when she was younger. Her mother tells her to block them out, but that’s becoming harder to do each and every day. It won’t be long before the Warrens and the Smurls are forced to confront their problems and figure out how they are connected to each other and how they can fix them. If they don’t, it may be fatal for all parties involved.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is directed by Michael Chaves, who is no stranger to this franchise, having directed the previous “Conjuring” film along with “The Nun 2.” He’s a talented director, and he knows how to create an atmospheric film that is moody and ominous, and he shows off the time and place in which it is set.  Chaves knows how to create haunting horror imagery on screen, but he doesn’t quite know how to make it all pay off in the third act. It also doesn’t help that the film is two hours and fifteen minutes, which makes it the longest film in “The Conjuring” universe. While it held my attention for a very long time, the payoff didn’t feel satisfying.  It left me feeling like the film ended on a flat and rather unremarkable note. All of the performances are top-notch, especially from Wilson and Farmiga. They know how to bring humor, pathos and intelligence to the film.

Overall, this is a case of trying to create the same magic time and time again, but sometimes it simply isn’t there. By no means is this a bad film, but it doesn’t have the impact or power it should have, especially considering this is the final film in this franchise. Of course, they can always do more “Annabelle” or “Nun” films, but as far as “The Conjuring” franchise, this is the end. However, you can’t always believe that when it comes to horror films, especially considering the money this one made. It is entertaining and made with style, but it doesn’t know how to wrap things up in a concise and efficient manner. By the time the shit hits the fan, the film has overstayed its welcome.  These films are best when they are about one hour and forty-five minutes, or maybe two hours. Anything longer than that, and they are overstaying their welcome.  There is no need for this film to be two hours and fifteen minutes.  There are certain scenes which feel like they would have been better as deleted scenes instead of being included in the final cut.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is a film I enjoyed watching until I started to become disinterested and restless by what was happening on screen. I liked a good majority of it, but as stated previously, it really falls apart in the third act.  It had a feeling of “been there, done that.”  The strong points include the performances of its two leads, the direction of Michael Chaves, and the overall style and look.  Its weaker points include its length and its ending.  I was happy to have watched it and it’s a fun horror movie, but it didn’t have the sense of urgency and power of the previous installments in this franchise.

* * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.  It comes with an impressive slipcover and a digital copy as well. It also comes in a steelbook version.  It has a running time of 135 minutes and is rated R for bloody and violent content along with intense terror.

4K Video/Audio Info: The film comes with a Dolby Vision transfer, which looks perfect on 4K.  The HDR really brings out the dark blacks of the film and creates a spooky experience watching it at home.  The same is true of the Dolby Atmos track, which really pops during the jump scares which are sprinkled throughout.

Special Features:

Last Rites: An Era Ends – featurette

The Conjuring: Crafting Scares – featurette

Michael Chaves: Believer – featurette

Should You Buy It?

As I was watching “The Conjuring: Last Rites” with my wife for the first hour and a half, I was saying to her, “I’m really enjoying this movie.  It has me on the edge of my seat, and the story is unfolding perfectly.” However, all of that good mojo started to fade in the rearview mirror by the time the film was wrapping things up with its third act.  I started to become fatigued and disinterested in the conclusion of the story. It took a long time to get where they needed to go, and when they finally did wrap things up, it didn’t seem to matter much anymore. Still, this is an OK film that will play well on HBO Max or on streaming. I don’t think it’s the kind of film you need to run out and purchase right away, unless you want to own all four of “The Conjuring” films on physical media. I’m still waiting for the second film to hit 4K, which will hopefully be very soon. This film looks and sounds terrific on 4K, and I really liked the slipcover version of it. I really wanted to recommend it, but the ending was flatter than four o’clock.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Bros. to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘The Toxic Avenger’ Remake Review by Tony Farinella

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

“The Toxic Avenger” franchise has always held a special place in my heart as a horror fan. The films have heart, humor, and some fantastic practical effects. When I heard that they were going to remake the film, I was interested in seeing how it would all come together. I’m not one of those horror fans who thinks all remakes are sacrilegious and should never be done. To me, a lot of the great horror films from the 1980’s could use a fresh coat of paint and some reimagining. It’s about taking the original concept and adding a unique perspective while keeping the spirit of the film alive. The remake of “The Toxic Avenger” is finally being released in theaters after being delayed the last couple of years.

This time, our hero Toxie is played by Peter Dinklage as a single father who is trying to provide a good life for his stepson, Wade, played by Jacob Tremblay. Toxie is doing the best he can after his wife passed away, but he’s recently discovered he has serious health problems of his own. Since he’s a janitor for the corrupt BT Healthstyle, a Big Pharma-type company, it isn’t exactly like he’s rolling in dough. It also doesn’t help that the company’s CEO, Kevin Bacon, is a selfish and corrupt individual who is only concerned about his company’s bottom line. Bacon is terrific at playing these slimy greaseballs, as he played a similar character in 2024’s “MaXXXine.” He seems to really relish the chance to play an asshole with zero redeeming qualities.

When Winston, aka Toxie, ends up finding himself submerged in toxic waste, his life is going to change in ways he never thought possible. Now, he’s a hero to everyone around him, as he’s on a mission to get revenge for those who have been wronged by BT Healthstyle, including a young whistleblower played by Taylour Paige, who lost her mother due to the harmful ingredients of this evil company. She knows their dirty little secrets, and she wants to make sure the truth is out there. Along the way, there is some violence which is going to be unleashed by Toxie, as he’s a man of the people, despite the fact he’s horribly disfigured.

I really wanted to fall in love with “The Toxic Avenger,” but the whole experiment felt like it was a movie where there was too much going on all at once. With a horror film like this, I’m looking for gruesome kills, goofy and outlandish set pieces, and gut-busting, wink-at-the-camera genuine laughs. This film goes back and forth between being a serious melodrama and an R-rated horror flick, but it’s not as ridiculous as it needs to be.  The spirit of Troma is to be offensive, nasty, and in-your-face. I’m not going to say the film is a PG-13 horror film, but they didn’t go for the all out, balls-to-the-wall insanity one would expect. Another bright spot out of the cast is Elijah Wood, as Fritz Garbinger, the hunched over and grotesque brother of Bob Garbinger (Kevin Bacon).

One of the biggest problems with the film is the performance of Peter Dinklage as Toxie. He does the voice work and the acting scenes while Luisa Guerreiro is behind the suit and prosthetics, and the performance is too serious and earnest for its own good. When the film does call for him to have some fun with the overall silliness of the premise, he doesn’t seem to be willing or able to participate in the proper way. This film needed to play things bigger, badder, and more over-the-top. Instead, it fluctuates in tone, and none of them work well enough to make a memorable impression on the audience. After a while, I found myself bored and disinterested by “The Toxic Avenger.” It made me wonder why it took so long to get released as nothing in the final cut was terribly offensive or gory. From people who have seen both cuts of the film, they have said not a whole lot was cut since they first saw it in 2023.

If you are going to commit to remaking a Troma film, there are two ways you can do it: You can either take it one step further than your predecessor, or you can take it in an entirely different direction. This film didn’t go in either direction. Troma films never cared about being accessible to a mainstream audience. They just wanted to make films which were low-budget schlock for B-movie fans who enjoyed horror that was big on creativity and low on budget.  I also don’t think you can make a “Toxic Avenger” movie in 2025 or even in 2023, when the film was originally supposed to be released. Times are different, and you have a tough job as a studio trying to make a gory and goofy horror movie that will make money at the box office for a mainstream audience. I wouldn’t call the film a total failure, but it’s a big disappointment.

* * out of * * *

Should You See It?

This is a film without a true audience. I don’t believe fans of the original franchise and character will find a whole lot to like with this updated version. If anything, it made me want to watch the original all over again and enjoy it for its raunchy goofiness. As far as modern audiences, you will get the horror fans who will see any horror movie because of the upcoming spooky season, but I don’t think they will connect with it as it’s not an established character for mainstream audiences. “The Toxic Avenger” has never been Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers. Tonally, the film is all over the place, and it doesn’t do one thing particularly well. The cast is fine, it looks good and it’s not a terrible movie, but it’s very underwhelming as a finished product. For diehard horror fans, they might want to check it out when it hits digital platforms for streaming. For everyone else, there isn’t a lot to like here.

“THE TOXIC AVENGER” will be released In Theaters on August 29, 2025

‘The Conjuring’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When it comes to horror movies, you look for them to be written and directed by fans of the genre, as they bring a sense of passion and enthusiasm which might be missing by someone who is just doing it for the paycheck. James Wan burst onto the horror scene in 2004 with his directorial debut, “Saw,” which was written by his college best friend Leigh Whannel. He could have easily coasted with the “Saw” franchise and continued to keep cranking out sequel after sequel with it. Instead, he decided to get in touch with a different side of the horror genre with 2013’s “The Conjuring.” He also directed such films as “Insidious,” “Dead Silence,” “Death Sentence,” “Furious 7,” and “Malignant.”

Our film opens by introducing us to the Perron family, as they move into a farmhouse in Rhode Island which needs a lot of work. The Perron family consists of Roger and Carolyn (Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor), their five daughters, and their dog Sadie. As they are exploring the ins and outs of the house, they discover a boarded-up cellar, and that is when all hell breaks loose for this family. Their sanity, peace of mind, and sleep start to become disrupted, and it’s clear there is something in this house which is working against them. They need to fix it if they ever hope to stay together as a family. At this point, they decide to call Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. When you have a malevolent presence, they are the couple to call as they are the expert demonologists.

One of the biggest things “The Conjuring” gets right is the idea that even if they leave the house, this presence will still follow them. I’ve seen so many demonic movies where I ask myself, often out loud, “Why don’t they just leave the house?” It seems like the logical response to this type of activity, but oftentimes horror movies and smart characters don’t go together. Farmiga and Wilson bring humanity, warmth, and intelligence to their characters, as they are playing real people. It would have been easy to portray them as goofy, over-the-top, or silly. While the film has moments of lighthearted humor, it’s done during moments where the story needs levity, such as the introduction of Brad Hamilton and Drew Thomas (John Brotherton and Shannon Kook), a cop and investigator who have worked with the Warrens in the past.

It also helps that the Perron family are likable and grounded in reality and humanity. “The Conjuring” takes its time in allowing the audience to get to know them, spend time with them, and understand their dilemma. They are not just random lambs to be led to slaughter. The film is directed with style, mood, and dread by Wan.  It’s clear he knows how to create a sense of anxiety and uneasiness on screen. He doesn’t rely on jump scares either. Don’t get me wrong, jump scares are effective when done right, but they are like any other gimmick out there: If you rely on them too much, it’s clear you don’t have a solid screenplay. You are creating a haunted house or an amusement park, not a true movie.

“INT PERRON HOUSE – CELLAR Carolyn flips upside down and shoots up to the ceiling John Brotherton (Brad), Vera Farmiga (Lorraine), Patrick Wilson (Ed), Ron Livingston (Roger)”

It blew my mind to discover “The Conjuring” is now 12-years-old. They are set to release the fourth film in the franchise, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” on September 5th. This is in addition to “The Nun” and “Annabelle” films, which are all part of “The Conjuring” universe. While not all of the films have been great or even good, more often than not, they have been well-made and have proven to be intense thrill rides. You have to give credit to Wan for being able to put his trust in other directors and other writers to showcase their abilities with these films. He has no ego, and he knows the key to remaining fresh is to have new voices in front of and behind the camera. With the original “Conjuring,” the groundwork was created for atmospheric fun, and scary horror movies have been staples of spooky season which is right around the corner. If you are looking to keep your horror movie collection going on 4K, “The Conjuring” on 4K is sure to satisfy the horror community this Halloween season. I hadn’t seen this film in a number of years, and it held up incredibly well on my recent viewing.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Conjuring” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It has a running time of 112 minutes and is rated R for sequences of disturbing violence and terror. The film comes in either a 4K slipcover or a 4K steelbook, both of which come with a digital copy.

4K Video Info: This is an impressive 4K release with the HDR really popping during the dark and brooding moments of the film.  The presentation is crisp and vivid without looking too perfect. With a horror movie like “The Conjuring,” it is not supposed to look flawless. It is supposed to represent the vision of the director and the heart and soul of the movie. In every possible way, “The Conjuring” is a homerun.

4K Audio Info: While I would have certainly enjoyed a Dolby Atmos track for this flick, the audio is still noteworthy during the jump scares and the more intense moments. It’s a good audio track, but it could have been a great audio track. Subtitles are included in English, Spanish, and French.

Special Features:

Scariest of Them All (NEW)

Reflections on the Conjuring (NEW)

The Conjuring: Face-to-Face with Terror

A Life in Demonology

Scaring the “@$*%” Out of You

Should You Buy It?

HELL YES! I’ve been waiting for this film to get the 4K treatment for a long time now. I own “The Conjuring 3” on 4K, and I hope this will also inspire Warner Brothers to release the second film on 4K in the near future. I imagine the upcoming “Conjuring” film will get a 4K release after it’s done with its theatrical run. I absolutely love these films that encompass “The Conjuring” universe. It’s interesting because I’ve never really connected with the spooky horror films which involve an evil presence or things that go bump in the night. Slasher films have always been my preferred cup of tea. This all changed with the first “Conjuring” film, as I discovered when it was done the right way, they can be just as entertaining as the slasher movies I grew up with, if not more entertaining. This is a top-notch 4K release that also includes new special features in addition to an A+ visual experience. A horror film like this is perfect for the 4K format. This is a day-one purchase for horror fans who love to collect 4K’s on physical media.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

It has been a while since I’ve sat down and watched a good old-fashioned horror flick that was gory fun from start-to-finish. The last movie which comes to mind, for me, is 2023’s “Saw X.” Now, I know there have been other horror movies which have been critically acclaimed since then, but I like my horror movies, most of the time, to be rather straightforward without any underlying message or heavy-handed agenda. I’m looking to laugh, see some gruesome deaths, and have a good time. “Final Destination: Bloodlines” was a movie that allowed me to sit back, shut off my brain, and have a good time.  I had a blast with this movie, and the filmmakers, cast and crew delivered beyond my wildest expectations.

The film opens up in the late 1960’s at a high-rise restaurant tower, which hasn’t been properly built to house the number of people that are dancing and having a good time. Before long, the shit hits the fan and everyone is fighting for their lives. This sets the tone for the entire film, as it’s clear its directors, Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, understood the assignment given to them. They do a masterful job of building up the anxiety of what will happen next. If you are familiar with this franchise, you know anything and everything could lead to a possible death. They build up the suspense while also winking at the camera in a way that isn’t too cutesy or silly. It’s the perfect balance of comedy and terror.

We are then introduced to a struggling college student, Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), who keeps having a dream about that night in the 1960’s where mayhem and death were on the menu at this high-rise restaurant. She’s been having this recurring dream for over two months, and it’s causing her to almost flunk out of college. Because of this, she decides to go home and look for answers to what is plaguing her dreams. She discovers that one of the women in her dream is her grandmother, Iris (Gabrielle Rose), who messed with Death’s plans that night by saving everyone at the restaurant. However, Death doesn’t take too kindly to those who mess with its plan, so everyone who was supposed to die that night has now perished slowly but surely.

Iris has survived by being ultra paranoid and knowing how to plan and look for any signs of danger. She lives off the beaten path and doesn’t let anyone get too close to her. She’s on high alert, and her family sees her as a loon who has lost her mind. Stefani doesn’t know what to believe, but after seeing more and more signs, it’s coming into focus for her–she needs to follow her grandmother’s advice and save her family, who isn’t supposed to be here. Because Iris lived, everyone in her bloodline is in danger of having Death knock on their door. Using her grandmother’s years of meticulous planning and her research into Death’s plans, Stefani’s going to try her damnedest to save her family, which includes her brother, mother, uncle and cousins.  It will be even harder to convince all of them to believe her.

“Final Destination: Bloodlines” is a near-perfect horror film as it is terrific at building genuine suspense. At every turn, you never know what will happen to someone or how it will happen. I’m a professional wrestling fan, and the film utilizes what is known in the wrestling business as “false finishes.” When you think someone is down for the count in the ring, they kick out. In movie terms, when you think someone is going to die, they end up living.  As soon as you are lured into a false sense of security, they die in a gruesome way. However, it’s all about the build-up, the anxiety, and dread that is on screen.  When it finally does happen, it means that much more because you have been played like a piano. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

My one issue with the film is the CGI deaths. While they are creative, clever and a lot of fun, they look very bad visually because they are filled with CGI. If they used more practical effects and less CGI, I would have given the film four stars. However, the CGI deaths are hard to take seriously, as they end up looking like they were done in 3D. It reminded me of “Saw: The Final Chapter” which was done in 3D.  When you watched the film without 3D, the blood looked pink, and the effects didn’t have the same impact. Here, the gore and the blood looked like cranberry juice. The film is still a great horror movie, but this detail is impossible to ignore.

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Kaitlyn Santa Juana, left, and Rya Kihlstedt in a scene from “Final Destination Bloodlines.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

Overall, “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is a throwback to when horror films were fun, over-the-top and kept you guessing. The way the film uses comedy during the gotcha moments is absolutely perfect. This is a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it respects the audience enough to blend comedy and genuine terror together without leaning too much in one direction. It’s a tightrope act for the filmmakers, but they pass this test with flying colors. This is the best installment the franchise has released in a long time. The acting is solid, the kills are unique (minus the bad CGI), and the story makes sense. Tony Todd also makes its final appearance in the franchise in a moving and poignant cameo.  It is clear this was not just a cash grab sequel. This is a film that was made with love and respect to the franchise.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is being released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. You can purchase the film with either a 4K slipcover or a 4K steelbook, and both come with a digital copy to redeem the film. The film has a running time of 110 minutes and is rated R for strong violent/grisly accidents, and language.

4K Audio/Video Info: The 4K has a fantastic Dolby Atmos soundtrack that lends itself perfectly to this film. Its use of music is essential to the suspense and uneasy feeling that is permeating throughout the entire film. It’s a big soundtrack with a lot of bass to it, and the film’s soundtrack is a thing of beauty, as you hear it all perfectly. The Dolby Vision visual transfer is slick, clean, and vivid throughout. This is an A+ home theater experience for 4K movie lovers.

Special Features:
Death Becomes Them: On the Set of “Final Destination Bloodlines” – featurette
The Many Deaths of Bloodlines – featurette
The Legacy of Bludworth – featurette
Director’s Commentary

Should You Buy It?

I’m grinning from ear-to-ear as I’m writing this review. This is 4K at its finest in so many ways: The film is really good, the audio and visual elements are top-notch, and there are special features included here as well! There is a director’s commentary! I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard a director’s commentary on a new 4K release. This is a welcome addition, and it’s a lot of fun to hear their passion and energy for the project while watching “Final Destination: Bloodlines.” This is a great horror film, and it made me excited about the horror genre after feeling disappointed by it for two years. I watched it with my wife, and it was a great at-home horror movie to watch as we were laughing, screaming, and hooting and hollering during the crazier moments. I can’t recommend this film enough. They have put so much care into not only the movie but also its 4K release. This one comes highly recommended. It was so close to getting a full four-star rating if not for the bad CGI.  Other than that, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable film to watch this year. This was old-school horror done in 2025.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

Exclusive Interview with Michael Patrick Jann about ‘Alma & The Wolf’

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

Michael Patrick Jann is best known for his work in comedy and as a cast member on MTV’s sketch comedy show “The State.” In 1999, he made his feature film directorial debut with “Drop Dead Gorgeous” which over the years has developed quite the cult following. With his second feature film as a director, “Organ Trail,” he got out of his comedy safety zone to enter the horror genre. Michael now returns to that genre again with his latest film, “Alma & The Wolf,” which stars Ethan Embry as a troubled police officer who investigates a mysterious wolf attack which happened to a high school classmate of his, Alma (played by Li Jun Li). The investigation becomes even more intense, however, when his son goes missing, and it puts him a collision course with an unbearable truth that can only stay hidden for so long.

I got to speak with Michael one-on-one recently about “Alma & The Wolf,” and we talked a lot about how comedy and horror deal with the various forms of suffering. Also, he discussed the challenges of filming on the Oregon Coast when the weather was really bad and cold, working with animals, and of working with his son, Lukas Jann, who plays Ethan Embry’s son here. In addition, this film also co-stars a classmate of mine from my University of California, Irvine school days, Beth Malone, who plays a rather nosy neighbor. It was great to talk with Michael about what Beth brought to her role and the movie, and it is always great to see her in anything and everything.

“Alma & The Wolf” is now available to rent and stream on select digital platforms. Please check out my interview with Michael down below, and I have also included a trailer for the film as well.

Exclusive Interview with Ethan Embry and Li Jun Li on ‘Alma & The Wolf’

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

One of the many horror films coming to us in 2025 is arriving this week, and that’s “Alma & The Wolf.” Directed by Michael Patrick Jann, it stars Ethan Embry as Deputy Ren Accord, a very troubled man who has been thrust into a horrifying investigation he may not be fully prepared for. One day while driving on his usual route, he comes across Alma, played by Li Jun Li, who is walking alone in the rain while clutching to what is left of her dog. Alma tells Ren a wolf killed her dog and begs him to kill the wolf for her as an act of revenge. Wolves, however, are protected wildlife in the state of Oregon, so Ren tells Alma he cannot help her that way. But when his son goes missing in the Oregon coast, Ren comes to believe it may have everything to do with the wolf that killed Alma’s dog, and he becomes infinitely determined to find his son and kill the elusive wolf.

I was lucky enough to speak with Ethan Embry and Li Jun Li who are the main stars of “Alma & The Wolf” this past week. Ethan started off his career as a child actor, and he starred opposite Ed O’Neil in the John Hughes written and produced film “Dutch,” and he is best known for his roles in “A Far Off Place,” “Empire Records” and “That Thing You Do.” Li got her start as an actress in the theatre, and she later became known for her role as Iris Chang in the television series “Quantico.” In addition, she has received critical acclaim for her roles as Lady Fay Zhu in Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon” and Grace Chow in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.”

Much of my talk with Ethan and Li Li, as she likes to be called, was about acting and their choices. With “Alma & The Wolf,” they were involved in a cinematic production which had a very short production schedule, and I was curious how the speed of it affected their performances overall. Being an actor myself, I found their answers to be deeply informative and fascinating.

“Alma & The Wolf” will be dropped on streaming services starting on June 20, 2025. Please check out the interview below, and I have included a trailer for the film as well.

‘Companion’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

Hollywood is famous for reflecting what is happening in our world, especially when it comes to current events.  Everywhere we turn these days, we hear about artificial intelligence.  As someone who owns Apple products, I can have my emails and text messages summarized and changed in order to sound friendly, professional, or concise. My incoming emails can also be summarized for me. While I think certain aspects of artificial intelligence can be useful or interesting, it is like most things in life: too much of a good thing can quickly turn into a bad thing.  “Companion,” directed by Drew Hancock, is the latest artificial intelligence film from Hollywood.

“Companion” opens up by introducing us to Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid) who have a meet-cute in a grocery store where he knocks over oranges.  At first, they seem like your normal, everyday couple who meet, hit it off, and fall in love.  Iris informs the audience of two pivotal moments in her life: the day she met Josh and the day she killed him. Iris and Josh meet up with Josh’s friends, Patrick (Lukas Gage), Eli (Harvey Guillén), Kat (Megan Suri), and Sergey (Rupert Friend). Sergey has a beautiful home with an even better view, so they look forward to a weekend of friendship, booze, and good times.  However, it doesn’t take long for things to take a turn for the worse when Iris ends up killing Sergey.

After this unfolds, all hell breaks loose for the remaining five characters. Speaking of the characters, they are unlikable and one-note. “Companion” was a low-budget film, as it was made for $10 million and takes place in essentially one setting.  However, a low budget film isn’t an excuse for lazy writing or poor character development.  These are not interesting people to spend time with, unfortunately. Josh is an insecure manchild who plays the victim card. Kat is an ice queen. Eli and Patrick are a one-note gay couple. Sergey is just a boring pervert. There isn’t a lot of meat on the bones with these characters.

The film doesn’t offer a lot of new insights or opinions on the issue of artificial intelligence, control, or how we view and treat each other or robots. It is clear Josh is abusing his relationship with his robot Iris, but we have seen films in the past where the robots look for revenge on their human counterparts because the humans treat them in an inhumane fashion. The discussion about abuse of power has been done to death in films, and this film falls flat after a promising start. Maybe I’ve become jaded to these films, but what else can really be said about the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence?

When I think of a great film on the subject of artificial intelligence, I think of 2014’s “Ex Machina.” I also think of the 2019 remake of “Child’s Play” and 2022’s “M3GAN.” The groundwork has been laid for these films in the past, and I know we have seen robots and humans in the “Terminator” franchise. I could go back even further, but you get the picture. “Companion” feels like a gimmick, and when a movie is a gimmick without a proper story or well-written characters, it feels like we have been there, done that. Plus, the market is so oversaturated with these films at the moment.  If you can count on Hollywood for anything, it is to take a popular idea and run it into the ground.  I think they need to let this genre breathe for a while and return with a new take on the genre.

Even though I’m aware this review sounds incredibly negative, there are certain aspects of the film I did like. I thought it was beautifully shot and had a tremendous soundtrack filled with banger after banger. The performance from Sophie Thatcher was fantastic, as she appears very fragile and vulnerable but also bad-ass and tough. It runs a brisk 97 minutes and is not bad to watch, but it doesn’t break any new ground.  It’s an average movie that is inoffensive and forgettable but well made. You won’t hate yourself for having watched it, but you won’t remember much about it after it’s over.

* * out of * * * *

4K Info: “Companion” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It has a running time of 97 minutes and is rated R for strong violence, sexual content, and language throughout. There is a digital copy of the film included inside the 4K packaging.

4K Video Info: On 4K HDR, the film lends itself perfectly to the format with a striking and vibrant transfer.  A 2025 film like “Companion” stands out on 4K, as the picture quality is stunning.

4K Audio Info:  The Dolby Atmos track was top-notch throughout the course of the film, as I only had to adjust the volume twice when it was a little top heavy during a party scene. Subtitles are included in English, Spanish, and French.

Special Features:

I Feel, Therefore I Am

Love, Eli

AI Horror

Should You Buy It?

“Companion” is a film that doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to the subject of artificial intelligence in cinema, and it left me feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. When a film is low-budget, it needs to be high on ideas, but this one doesn’t have anything new to say about this subject matter.  The cast is full of likable actors, but their characters are one-dimensional and bland.  The kills are run-of-the-mill and ordinary.  There was clearly a lot of skill behind the camera, but this film needed a sharper screenplay to really set itself apart and allow it to stand out. The 4K with a slipcover offers a remarkable visual and audio experience, so if you did enjoy “Companion,” you will be happy with the presentation. You will also be pleased with the special features included here. For everyone else, I think you need to rent or stream the film first before you decide to add it to your collection. While the film has a high score on Rotten Tomatoes, it didn’t work for me.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Heart Eyes’ – A Romantic Comedy Slasher Film Worth a Look

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

“Heart Eyes” comes to us packaged as a horror comedy filled with blood, gore, creative kills, mystery and a pair of sexy leads, one of whom looks like he just stepped off the set of “Bridgerton.” Perhaps the filmmakers wanted to give February 14th another horror classic as “My Bloody Valentine” may not have the same staying power these days have (assuming it ever did). As for “The St, Valentine’s Day Massacre,” that’s a gangster film not many have watched in a long time (and they probably should). Whatever the case, it is here and, judging from its gloriously bloody trailer, looks to be Valentine’s Day’s answer to Eli Roth’s “Thanksgiving.”

The masked serial killer of this film is called the Heart Eyes Killer, and he, his gender assumed, wreaks havoc on Valentine’s Day by killing couples who are madly in love. Clearly, the filmmakers have brought all the tools to the table as this killer has everything a growing serial killer needs; a machete, a simple knife, night vision, martial arts training, and if he doesn’t have any weapons on him at any given moment, he will be quick to make use of whatever automotive parts or kitchen tools available at his (again, I assume) disposal. The first kills come to represent how good this psycho is with their aim and viciously cold he is ending the existence of those unlucky to be in their way.

From there we head over to Seattle, Washington, home of the Space Needle. Ally (Olivia Holt) has a chance meeting with a “Bridgerton” looking dude named Jay (Mason Gooding) at a coffee shop where it turns out they like the same drink and the same amount of sugar and honey put in it. The chemistry is very palpable to where there is no denying this is love at first sight, but Ally is still recovering from a breakup from an ex who has quickly moved on to another love, and Jay is only in town for a day.

Well, it turns out they are to be co-workers on an advertising project which needs to be salvaged as Ally’s take on love is not the least bit appealing to her condescending boss who is given an inspired portrayal by Michaela Watkins. This leads to dinner, drinks, and an arrival at someone’s apartment. Unfortunately for them, the Heart Eyes Killer is waiting for them there, and they become the killer’s favorite target even though they are not exactly a couple.

In a lot of ways, “Heart Eyes” plays a but like a “Scream” movie as we spend our time trying to figure out who the killer is, and if there is more than one. All the while, we are treated to a film score by Jay Wadley which sounds like Marco Beltrami leftovers. But while I have been down this road many times before, I still enjoyed what this romantic comedy slasher flick had to offer as it held my attention throughout, and it never lost my attention throughout.

The beginning which features a couple getting engaged, and the man proposes in a rather gross way to put it mildly (watch it for yourself), and it quickly reminds us of how difficult it is to get a proposal just right. Those who are lucky enough to do so strive for perfection, and they should just be happy they didn’t get an arrow through the eye or get smashed in a compactor to where one of their eyes shoots out of its socket. This sets this film off to an inspired start to where I was curious to see where things would go from there.

As for the kills, they are as creative as one might expect for a slasher flick. A tire iron will never look the same, a machete cannot help but be a welcome sight even if it isn’t being wielded by Danny Trejo, and an arrow which ends up in the most painful, let alone fatal, spots of the human body. Just when you think you have everything, there is another which cuts much too close, and I don’t just mean to one’s private parts.

Oh yeah, there are also a pair of police detectives out to investigate and solve the crime, and they go by the last names of Hobbs and Shaw. The fact that one of them is played Jordana Brewster should help to clue the average viewer as to what franchise this is all referring to. For the more naïve ones, it might just refer to a drift, particularly from Tokyo.

What really holds “Heart Eyes” together the most is the irresistible chemistry between Holt and Gooding. Together, they power a film which might have easily come across as an average slasher flick, but instead works as a subversive answer to the regular romantic comedy.

As you may expect, the identity of the killer is eventually revealed, or is it really? I imagine there are some who will say, “I knew who it was all along,” but even those schmucks will be wondering if there is a second shooter on the grassy knoll. This all results in a number of inconsistences which tend to make for the worst plot holes of all, but I was having enough fun to where I lost any interest in examining just how big those holes were.

Director Josh Ruben and screenwriters Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy were intent on taking the kind of slasher flick we all grew up watching and mashing them together into something which is recognizable but still its own thing. When it comes to romantic comedies, I usually find myself running in the opposite direction from them like everyone else, but the scene in which Ally and Jay share their vulnerabilities with one another while hiding in a van at a drive in showing a film starring Cary Grant while the couple who own the van have loud and passionate sex in the rear proved to be moving enough to where if Elton John’s song “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” started playing in the background, I would have been totally cool with that.

It will be some time before critics, film buffs and horror movie addicts can proclaim “Heart Eyes” a horror classic for the ages. Some works age like a fine wine, and while this one is no classic, I like to believe people will come to appreciate it more in the future than upon its release. It is not a great movie by any stretch of the imagination, but I found it to be a fun ride which is worth the price of admission.

And looking at the pattern of this serial killer’s victims, it makes me wonder what this film’s tagline could have been. I am thinking it could have been something like “it’s better to be single” or “just when you thought it was safe to get into a romantic relationship,” this one reminds you of the advantages of going into Valentine’s Day solo. Then again, mistaken identity, as it is shown to be here, is a real bitch.

* * * out of * * * *

Danny Boyle’s ’28 Years Later’ Finally Unleashes Its First Trailer

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

And so, it has finally arrived: the first trailer for the long-awaited sequel, “28 Years Later.” Like another sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” it was stuck in the deep, dark and despairing pit known as development hell. But like said sequel, this one finally emerged from its depressing depths and looks to promise us another round of infected zombies running way too fast and devouring everything in their path, and it looks to be a creative reinvigoration for Danny Boyle, the Oscar winning director of “Slumdog Millionaire.”

The story so far indicates that almost thirty years have passed since the Rage Virus was unleashed upon the world after a group of animal rights activists naively released an infected chimpanzee from its cage (the road to hell is always paved with good intentions). After what looks like a prologue in which a harried parent locks a group of children into a room where they watch the Teletubbies before blood starts flying everywhere, we are taken to an island where humans can find peace as they are surrounded by water which acts as a much-needed border between them and the infected. Like those characters from the “Dawn of the Dead” remake, they think this island will offer them a safe haven, but we all know this will not last very long.

This first “28 Years Later” trailer promises an especially visceral and bleak time at the movies as humanity still struggles in a post-Rage Virus world. But then again, remembering how “28 Weeks Later” ended with dozens of infected running towards the Eiffel Tower, we could not have expected things to get much better. And keep in mind, the tagline for this sequel states, “Time didn’t change anything.” With Boyle returning to this franchise as a director for the first time since “28 Days Later,” and Alex Garland returning as screenwriter, it will be interesting to see how life has evolved (or perhaps devolved) for the characters we see here and the virus.

Movie trailers for the longest time have been using special remixes of popular songs to get the audience’s adrenaline pumping as excitement is always promised for eager film buffs, and the hopes of a huge first weekend opening at the box office is always in the air. With “28 Years Later,” we instead get an old recording of Rudyard Kipling’s war poem “Boots” read by Taylor Holmes. Holmes’ increasing the intensity of Kipling’s words makes the images thrust at us here all the more horrifying, and it makes this one of the best and most memorable movie trailers I have seen in some time.

The big question I have, however, is this; where is Cillian Murphy? After winning the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “Oppenheimer,” it was said he would be reprising his role of Jim and also be serving as an executive producer on this sequel. While actors such as James Bond front-runner Aaron Taylor Johnson, Jodie Comer and an especially beat up Ralph Fiennes dominate this trailer to where no infected person could easily upstage them, I kept waiting to see Murphy somewhere in here. Rumor is, there is a corpse which rises up from the grass that looks a lot like him, and it makes me wonder what will become of Jim this time around.

“28 Years Later” is said to be the first of a trilogy, and the next film, “28 Years Later II: The Bone Temple” is currently being shot with “Candyman” director Nia DaCosta at the helm. Boyle’s sequel, which said to have been shot mostly on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, will be released on June 20, 2025.

Please check out the trailer below.

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When the sequel to “Beetlejuice” was announced, movie fans all over the world were excited for its release. The original 1988 film has long since become a Halloween classic and required viewing every October. I thought the original “Beetlejuice” was okay, as the style and the tone of the film didn’t always connect with me as a viewer.  With “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” one thing fans will have a difficult time accepting is the lack of screentime for Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton returns as Beetlejuice, but he’s more of a supporting character here. If fans are going to a “Beetlejuice” movie expecting to see more of the main character, they will have to adjust their expectations.  I, on the other hand, thought this made the film more enjoyable and entertaining as it opened up the door for other characters to shine on screen.  It added some much-needed heart and humanity to the story.

Our film opens by showing us Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) hosting her own supernatural talk-show called Ghost House.  She’s not exactly thrilled with this gig, but it comes with some nice perks.  She’s also in a relationship with the show’s producer, Rory, played by Justin Theroux. He’s looking to latch onto Lydia and exploit her for all she’s worth. Lydia is having a difficult time reconnecting with her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega).  They have trouble being on the same page because Astrid wants to know more about her father who passed away.  Lydia is not sure how to process the death of her ex-husband, and Astrid wants to know why her mother can’t use her ability to connect with the dead to reach out to her father. Astrid has more questions than answers about her father, and she is looking for some closure.

After Lydia’s father passes away, Lydia, Astrid, Rory, and Lydia’s stepmother, Delia (Catherine O’Hara) meet up in Winter River, Connecticut for his funeral and to help sell his house. Throughout this whole ordeal, Lydia can’t help but feel the presence of Beetlejuice. At first, she wonders if all of this is just in her head, or if there is some truth to her suspicions.  Beetlejuice has his own problems in the Netherworld as he’s being chased by his ex-wife, Dolores (Monica Bellucci), who is a cultist and a literal soul sucker.  There is also Wolf Jackson (Willem Dafoe), a former actor who has now become a detective in the afterlife. He’s trying to piece together what is going on with Dolores and Beetlejuice.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a better film than the original because it’s more grounded in reality.  Of course, there are elements of the usual Tim Burton wackiness here.  This time around, he uses those moments effectively without turning the film into a gimmick. Because of this, they are far more effective when they do happen.  The heart and soul of this film is the relationship between Lydia and Astrid.  I thought Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega had such a strong bond and connection on screen as mother and daughter.  The good movies make you care about the characters and what happens to them.  You become emotionally invested in seeing them find happiness and peace of mind.

I also thought the way the film used Beetlejuice was effective because he only comes on screen when he absolutely needs to be there.  They don’t overuse the character. This is a film which deals with grief, loss and the inability to process feelings and connect with family.  It’s a really brainy film, and I did not expect it to go in that direction.  With that being said, I think fans of the first film might be disappointed by the choices that Burton made as a director. I thought it was necessary for the story and the characters to evolve. The performances from the cast, from top-to-bottom, are terrific. They understand what they signed up for in this film, and they are more than up to the task.  Burton put together a fantastic cast.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is one of the biggest surprises of 2024 for me. I did not walk into the film with the greatest of expectations, considering how I felt about the first film.  I walk into every film with an open mind, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was looking forward to certain films more than others.  With “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” I thought they would up the ante with the gimmicks, the silliness and the in-your-face set pieces.  While those scenes are in the film, they aren’t done so much to where they irritated me.  This is a story about people trying to figure out their place in the world.  They just happen to be occupying a world where strange and weird things are happening all around them.

* * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is being released on a single disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It also comes with a digital copy of the film. The film has a running time of 104 minutes and is rated PG-13 for violent content, macabre and bloody images, strong language, some suggestive material, and brief drug use. You can either buy the 4K slipcover or the 4K steelbook.

4K Video Info:  The Dolby Vision transfer of this film is really eye-popping and stunning. The film looks great on 4K with a striking balance of dark blacks and bright, vivid colors. Tim Burton’s wacky and crazy world really shines on this format.

4K Audio Info:  The same can be said for the Dolby Atmos track here with subtitles in English, Spanish and French.  This is a movie with a lot of unusual and unique sounds, and they are all enhanced on this audio mix.

Special Features:

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” Commentary by director Tim Burton

The Juice is Loose! The Making of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”

The Ghost with the Most: Beetlejuice Returns

Meet the Deetz

Handbook for the Recently Deceased

Shrinkers, Shrinkers Everywhere!

An Animated Afterlife: The Stop-Motion Art of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”

‘Til Death Do Us Park

Should You Buy It?

This is a tough one for me, as I’m not really the audience for this film. I didn’t love the original, so I imagine, because I enjoyed the sequel, fans of the original might feel differently than I do.  In the end, there is a lot to like about “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” The performances from Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega are outstanding, as they are filled with life and love.  You understand where both of them are coming from and you root for them to work it out.  From an audio and visual standpoint, this is a mesmerizing 4K viewing experience. I ended up having a blast with this movie, and it put a smile on my face.  At times it did drag a little bit, and certain scenes could have been edited out, but this is a good flick.  I’d recommend you rent it from a digital retailer first and then decide if you want to buy it.  I think it’s worth owning on physical media because Warner Brothers released a tremendous 4K of a surprisingly good flick.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.