Rapid Movie Reviews: July 2025

F1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (out of 5)

A cocky Gen Xer teams up with a cocky Gen Zer to race cars around the world to a thrilling Hans Zimmer score while being occasionally scolded by Javier Bardem. There’s a formula here alright, and it kinda works (if your theater has a good soundsystem), but in the end, it comes off as a traditional Bruckheimer joint that doesn’t do Kerry Condon any justice. (But your uncle in the Midwest will love it.)

Jurassic World: Rebirth ⭐️⭐️⭐️

While there are some thrilling new dino sequences to gawk at, Gareth Edwards & Co. do their darnedest to make these reheated nachos taste as yummy as the 1993 original. It’s an admirable attempt that knows you’re probably tired of all these attempts, getting back to basics after tolerating the Chris Pratt trilogy that arguably jeopardized the franchise’s future.

Superman ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the third reboot in 19 years (let that sink in), and James Gunn does a fine job playing with the lore and wiping away the sins committed by Zack Snyder. This is also the Marvel-ification of the DCU, filled with plenty of quips while showcasing Corenswet as the golly-gee hero we may need right now—even if you’re suffering from superhero movie fatigue.

I Know What You Did Last Summer ⭐️⭐️

Another day, another franchise jumping on the requel bandwagon. This one delivers blatant fan service and tries to say something about nostalgia (and trauma—yawn). The Gen Z characters? Expectedly exasperating. The cameos? Much appreciated. The twist? Divisive. The movie itself? Watchable trash.

Eddington ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Curious about small town American life during the traumatic spring of 2020? Then Ari Aster’s uncomfortable and unflinching satire is for you. What starts as a rivalry between the town’s sheriff (Phoenix) and its incumbent mayor (Pascal) turns into an off-the-rails indictment on American stupidity fueled by social media.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps ⭐️⭐️⭐️

At this rate, we could get a third reboot by 2035, but for now, this superfamily saga with the Jetsons-esque production design, charismatic cast, and whiz-bang action will do. A promising 'first step' towards a new future for the MCU.

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