Joshua M. Hayes Animation, Family, Fantasy, Festival

Berlinale 2026: Chimney Town: Frozen in Time

★★★★ Poupelle of Chimney Town was sweet and delightful, a 2021 delight that flew under the radar with its sweet celebration of Halloween and... trash. Telling the story of chimney sweep Lubicchi and his magical garbage-made best friend, Poupelle, that first film had some heartwarming, Ghibli-esque magic. When I heard there was a sequel produced, … Continue reading Berlinale 2026: Chimney Town: Frozen in Time

Joshua M. Hayes Action, Animation, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Festival, Horror, LGBT, Musical, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller, War

My Favorite Films of 2025

2025 was filled with bold, risky sequels, masterful Stephen King adaptations, striking visuals, and powerful reimaginings. It was another great year to be a horror fan. Filmmakers leaned into the emotional stakes and musicality of being human. Join me as I count down my twenty five favorite films of the year! Honorable Mentions These ones … Continue reading My Favorite Films of 2025

Joshua M. Hayes Action, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Horror, LGBT, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Most Anticipated Films of 2026

2026 is almost here, so you know what that means—time to look ahead at the cinematic offerings. Could there be a masterpiece hiding among the bunch, perhaps even a sequel or two that surpasses the original? Check out my choices after the jump! Here are my 25 most anticipated movies for 2025, in alphabetical order. … Continue reading Most Anticipated Films of 2026

Joshua M. Hayes Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Festival, Horror

Fantasia 2025: I Am Frankelda

★★★★ Beautifully realized stop motion animated I Am Frankelda has to be one of the most stunning movies of the year. With imagery that recalls Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas, directors Roy Ambirz and Arturo Ambriz do an incredible job at paying tribute whilst paving their own exciting way into the future. At times, … Continue reading Fantasia 2025: I Am Frankelda

Joshua M. Hayes Action, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Festival, Sci-Fi

Tribeca 2025: How to Train Your Dragon

★★★★★ Despite having only seen the Dreamworks originals once each in theaters, I was still optimistic for the company’s first foray into the live action remake arena. Seeing dragons interact with humans in the real world, built off identical mythology, has a certain appeal to it. Would Hiccup and Toothless live up to the lofty … Continue reading Tribeca 2025: How to Train Your Dragon

Joshua M. Hayes Animation, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi

Blu-Ray Film Review: The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie

★★★★★ In the aftermath of WB’s chaotic mishandling of Coyote vs. Acme, the first full-length Looney Tunes animated theatrical movie quietly released. Distributed by Ketchup Entertainment, this gem was sadly overlooked when it hit theaters earlier this year. Now, it comes to Blu-Ray in all its colorful, over-the-top silly glory. As someone who grew up … Continue reading Blu-Ray Film Review: The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie

Joshua M. Hayes Animation, Comedy, Family

Film Review: Sneaks

(Written by Intern, Miranda Zampogna) ★ Sneaks, an animated feature directed by Rob Edwards and Christopher Jenkins, cobbles together an impressive cast. Among the sequined collection of stars, Anthony Mackie and Martin Lawrence voice anthropomorphic sneakers in this Toy Story-esque tale. Audiences trek alongside Edson, a high school basketball player, who wins a pair of … Continue reading Film Review: Sneaks

Joshua M. Hayes Family, Fantasy, Festival

NYICFF 2025: The Legend of Ochi

★★★ Falling in tone somewhere between Wes Anderson and 80s Jim Henson, A24’s fantasy-themed curiosity, The Legend of Ochi, has all the ingredients for an instant classic. A whimsical score that evokes nostalgia and timeless charm, stellar creature design that utilizes only practical effects, stunning cinematography that transports viewers to the faraway island of Carpathia … Continue reading NYICFF 2025: The Legend of Ochi