Carson Kelly Blogs

  Before the lights dimmed for Fantastic Four: The First Steps, an unexpected and electrifying surprise took over the screen: a first-look teaser for James Cameron’s next chapter in the Avatar saga, Avatar: Fire and Ash. And let me just say this up front... it was breathtaking. 🔥 First Impressions: A Teaser That Burns Bright In under two minutes, Avatar: Fire and Ash establishes itself as a visual and emotional powerhouse. This time, the element of fire takes center stage. Gone are the oceans and the reefs from The Way of Water;  instead, we are engulfed in flames, ash storms, scorched jungles, and red-orange sunsets that look ripped out of a dream... or a nightmare. There’s a darker tone here. This doesn’t just look like the next step in the Avatar universe; it feels like an evolution. From what was shown, it’s clear that Cameron is pushing his creative team even further. The rendering of fire alongside motion-captured performances is unlike anything I’ve seen. It’s not...

Some films just don’t land, and THE HOME (2025) is unfortunately one of them for me. As someone who genuinely tries to give every movie a fair shot, I walked into The Home hoping to discover something unique, maybe even chilling, emotional, or profound. What I got instead was a film that felt overly familiar, borrowing tropes from stories I’ve already seen multiple times without adding anything meaningful or fresh to the mix. I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The pacing dragged, the emotional beats didn’t hit as hard as they could have, and the story never found its footing in a way that made me care. I really did try to enjoy it. I wanted to like it, especially because I’m a fan of films that explore heavy or unsettling themesbut this one just didn’t do it for me. In fact, it ended up being one of the most disappointing experiences I’ve had at the movies this year. I understand that every film finds its audience. For some, this might end up being a new favorite or a per...

Published: June 23, 2025 By: Carson Kelly As someone who’s seen more than 25–50 movies this year across both streaming platforms and theatrical experiences, it takes something truly special to stand out. And yet, F1 doesn’t just stand out it blazes past the competition. This is not just another racing movie. This is cinematic perfection on wheels. From the very first frame to the roaring finish line, F1 captures something electric. The film immerses you in its pulse-pounding racing sequences with stunning sound design and a musical score that’s both energetic and emotionally grounded. Every tire screech, every gear shift, every crowd cheer it hits your senses like you’re in the driver’s seat. And in IMAX? It’s nothing short of transcendental. It’s one of the most intense and immersive film experiences I’ve ever had in a theater. There’s something remarkable about how this film balances adrenaline and heart. Whether you're a die-hard motorsports fan or someone just looking ...

Ballerina (2025) is a film I was incredibly excited about. As a fan of the John Wick universe and especially Ana de Armas, my hopes were high. Having admired her in past performances across genres from thrillers to action to drama, I was all in on the idea of her leading a stylish assassin spin-off set in the shadow of Wick’s chaos. But after watching it… I’ll be honest, my initial reaction was heavy disappointment. Let me start with what did work. The action scenes were explosive, tightly choreographed, and definitely held the DNA of the franchise. The ballet-meets-bloodshed visual aesthetic remained strong throughout, and Ana de Armas delivers an intensely physical and emotionally charged performance, especially in the final act. She’s believable, fierce, and commands the screen with undeniable presence. That said, for a large chunk of the film’s runtime, I felt disconnected. The pacing dragged in the middle. The emotional core felt undercooked. And despite the world-building po...

Introduction: A Game That Became More Than Just a Game Originally typed in March 2022 Updated in March, April, and June 2025 Written by Carson Kelly Final Version Published on June 9, 2025 Techland’s Dying Light 2 is more than just a sequel to one of the most beloved open-world zombie games; it’s a personal journey, a game that holds deep meaning for me beyond its mechanics and narrative. It’s one of my all-time favorite games and certainly one of my most-played titles of the current generation. As of writing this, I’ve clocked in nearly 1,000 hours in Dying Light 2 , completing multiple playthroughs across different characters, difficulties, and New Game Plus runs. While Dying Light 2 had a difficult development cycle with delays and setbacks, the end result is a game that, despite its imperfections, has captivated me in ways few games ever have. I understand that it may not have met everyone’s expectations, but for me, this game is something special something deeply personal. A Hi...

I recently watched Bring Her Back, the latest psychological horror entry from a directing duo known for pushing boundaries — visually, sonically, and narratively. While the film didn't quite hit the heights of their past work for me, I walked away with a deep respect for the craft behind it. Let’s start with what the film nails: atmosphere. From its very first moments, Bring Her Back feels heavy, grim, and off-kilter. There’s an almost suffocating darkness to the cinematography that makes every frame feel like a descent into madness. The lighting choices, the set design, and the often surreal composition of shots all contribute to a sense of deep unease. You’re never quite sure what’s real, and that’s exactly how the film wants you to feel. What stood out to me the most was the sound design. The audio work here is stellar, a cacophony of whispers, thuds, ambient noises, and sharp distortions that work their way under your skin. It’s not just background noise; it’s part of the story...