Coyote vs. Acme is a blast. The best big screen Looney Tunes effort this side of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (which is one of my favorite films), I had a smile plastered on my face the whole time. The fact that this was once never going to be released boggles my mind.

Paper Tiger is James Gray’s masterpiece. Another deeply felt look at the American Dream, its price, and the temptations of easy money. Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller are all excellent. Plus, the 1986 NYC setting is just perfection. Bravo. What a picture!

The End of Oak Street is a blast. Dinosaurs are scary again in David Robert Mitchell’s science fiction treat, with big Amblin vibes. A million bonus points for a perfect use of a Steve Winwood song. This deserves to be a hit.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a real surprise. Emotional stakes, ground level webslinger action, and an actual exploration of where Peter Parker is on his journey. Plus, a real distinctive visual flavor. Highly enjoyable.

Tony is a captivating look at a young Anthony Bourdain during the summer in Provincetown that set the course of his adult life. Dominic Sessa finds the punk poet heart in an already troubled soul. Not a sad film, instead contemplative, with a joy for food. When he says his full name, I did choke up.

Cinema doesn’t get much bigger than The Odyssey (in IMAX 70MM, no less). Christopher Nolan takes Homer’s epic poem and makes it feel classical and timeless, yet enjoyably modern. Well paced, action packed, and deeply satisfying, I had a fantastic time. Film!

Very fun seeing my quote amongst the raves for The Invite, which is in wide release as of today. One of the year’s best so far! Don’t miss it.

Evil Dead Burn is one of the nastier pieces of business you’ll see this year. Given the franchise we’re talking about, it’s a compliment. There’s some things here about abusive relationships and toxic families, but you’re mostly here to see deadites go wild. It delivers.

Minions & Monsters is a delight when it’s focusing on Old Hollywood and movie antics. There’s also a whatever Minions movie that breaks out in the middle, but overall, I had a far better time with these silly guys than I ever expected to.

Almost fourteen years ago, I took a tiny puppy home from the shelter in a cardboard box. Today, I said goodbye to him. Bentley, you were my first real pet, an absolutely neurotic dog, and the most loyal friend I’ll ever have. You were one of a kind, drove me crazy, and loved me unconditionally.

I Want Your Sex is a great erotic comedy that only is held back by being a merely okay thriller at times. It stumbles a bit in the back end but finishes strong. Gregg Araki wants the younger generation to loosen up and get laid. Can’t say I disagree.

Supergirl presents Milly Alcock as a more punk rock alternative to her cousin, and it’s a character I’ll enjoy seeing more of. This solo adventure is a bit hit or miss, however, as the highs (I’d still die for Krypto) mix with a very forgettable sidekick and bland action.

Toy Story 5 is shockingly effective and successful. Hell, Pixar even got me to cry at another Toy Story. Their most subversive plot, mixed with a great handle on the balance of serious and silly, results in deeply enjoyable. Kudos, Pixar.

The Invite is one of the funniest movies of the year, with an unexpected well of emotion to pull from. The arguments feel real and there’s a well sex positive vibe at play, despite the jokes. Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton, Seth Rogen, and Olivia Wilde are terrific. Top notch.

The opening credits of Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma might be my favorite moment of any film this year. There are so many fun bits for slasher fans (especially if you love Sleepaway Camp) sprinkled throughout. Heady and a big swing, but I fell under its spell.

Backrooms: idk man. Visually it’s rather striking and certainly an achievement for someone as young as Kane Parsons. Narratively? Very flimsy, with dialogue that’s…not great, along with a third act collapse. I expect great things from Parsons, but he’s not there yet.

While I’ll concede that Scary Movie has a few pretty funny bits and some other moments that made me chuckle, overall it’s pretty dreadful.

Insanity

Steven Spielberg builds Disclosure Day to a crescendo that had me in tears and on the edge of my seat. A master storyteller at the height of his powers. Emily Blunt is phenomenal. Exciting and fun, then shockingly moving. It took my breath away.

It took a bit for Masters of the Universe to lock in for me, but once it did, there’s a lot of fun to be had. He-Man fans who have been done dirty previously in live action can rejoice here. It’s very enjoyable!

I really slept on The Sheep Detectives. I laughed, I cried, I was stunned by how effective it was. What a gem. Shoots up into my top ten for the year so far. Who would have thought?

Power Ballad is another winner from John Carney. Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas make beautiful music together. Lots of laughs, but then there’s a moment that hits you directly in the feels. One of my favorites of the year so far.

Two things can be true about The Mandalorian and Grogu: I was largely entertained on a surface level, while also feeling a little depressed that Star Wars just isn’t special anymore. This one feels like a product, not an event. Needed a better script, as well as more of what worked on the show.

As amazing as Bruce was on Thursday at Barclays (watching the Chris Christie snub live), last night at MSG felt special. Was it how rejuvenated Springsteen seems by this setlist? Was it how ridiculously close these seats were? Was it the company? The answer was, all of the above. Thanks, Boss.

Well, yes