Carson Kelly Blogs

Fear Street: Prom Queen is a wild, bloody ride that embraces the camp, chaos, and charm of slasher storytelling, with a dash of throwback teen drama. It's not perfect, and honestly, that’s part of the fun. While the tone can feel a bit all over the place, especially with a soundtrack that jumps styles unexpectedly, I kind of loved that about it. It leans into its weirdness in a way that feels refreshingly different from the previous trilogy. The cast is solid across the board, and the character of Lori Granger grew on me fast. There's something special here, a raw, unpolished edge that gives Prom Queen its own identity within the Fear Street franchise. It’s a different flavor than the nearly perfect 1994–1666 trilogy (which I adore), but that’s okay. This one had its own energy, almost like a horror-comedy hybrid at times, and I mean that in the best way. I do wish this had hit theaters. Some moments would’ve absolutely slayed on the big screen. And that mid-credit tease?...

Date: May 22, 2025 Written by Carson Kelly Disney has delivered some live-action remakes over the past decade, but few have matched the heart, energy, and emotional pull of their animated originals until now. Lilo & Stitch (2025) surprised me in the best way possible. It’s hands down the best live-action remake Disney has done so far, and it’s clear the filmmakers genuinely cared about doing this story justice. As someone who grew up loving Lilo & Stitch , I was nervous about how Stitch would look in live action. Let’s face it, he’s not the easiest character to translate from animation to photorealism. But I’m happy to say they nailed it. Stitch looks incredible on the big screen. Seeing him brought to life reminded me of the first time I saw Buzz and Woody light up the screen in Toy Story 3 back in 2011, a memory I deeply cherish, especially since I saw that film with my late pops. That nostalgic connection hit hard tonight, and it made the whole experience even heavier fo...

  Written by Carson Kelly May 22, 2025 After nearly three decades of daring stunts, global espionage, and relentless pursuit of justice, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning delivers an emotionally resonant, adrenaline-charged conclusion to one of the greatest action franchises in cinema history. I had the privilege of seeing this in IMAX during an early screening, and it was a ride . From the very first frame, it was clear: this was not just another installment it was the end of an era. This entry is so special because it balances the high-octane action the franchise is known for with something more profound: legacy, reflection, and closure. It echoes the intensity of Brian De Palma’s original 1996 film, while elevating the emotional core of the series to new heights. I think it’s the best Mission: Impossible since the first. Tom Cruise, once again, pours every ounce of himself into Ethan Hunt. You can feel the weight of the years, the sacrifices, the missions, the lives to...

Tonight I had the chance to see Sinners at my local theater, and I’m still thinking about it as I write this review. It’s been about 20–30 minutes since the credits rolled, and I can honestly say this film left a lasting impression. Walking in, I had no expectations. Sinners is an original story, something we rarely see at this level anymore, with so many films today being sequels, reboots, or tied to big-name IPs. That alone made it feel refreshing. But what I didn’t expect was just how good it would be. Directed by Ryan Coogler, best known for hits like Creed and Black Panther , Sinners brings his signature style of raw, emotional storytelling to a brand-new world. This time, he takes on a gritty vampire narrative, but the film is much more than that. It tackles real-world themes of grief, redemption, survival, and moral conflict in a way that feels grounded despite its supernatural elements. Coogler’s direction is sharp and focused, giving the film a balance of intensity and de...

Some films entertain, films that inform, and then some films deeply move you, leaving an imprint that lingers long after you leave the theater. Warfare (2025) is firmly in that last category. It’s not just a movie; it’s an experience, a raw and unflinching look at the brutality and cost of war. I had the chance to watch it on May 3, 2025, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Writing this review is my way of processing what I saw and hopefully encouraging others to experience it themselves, while also offering fair warning that this isn’t your average war film. A Relentless Opening That Sets the Tone From its very first moments, Warfare makes one thing clear: it is not here to sugarcoat reality. The opening sequence drops viewers straight into a heart-pounding combat zone. There’s no gradual buildup or soft introduction—it’s brutal, immediate, and overwhelming. Within minutes, we are thrust into the chaos, with deafening explosions, frantic shouts, and the relentless sound of gu...

      WARNING: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS DURING THIS REVIEW   THUNDERBOLTS (2025) – SPOILER REVIEW I’m going to dive deeper here because Thunderbolts deserves it. This movie goes far beyond being a typical Marvel team-up; it’s a dark, emotionally charged exploration of trauma, guilt, and healing. The way it tackles serious themes like mental health, depression, and personal demons is unlike anything Marvel’s done before. The film feels raw and personal, and it pulls no punches. Florence Pugh shines in what I’d consider her strongest Marvel performance yet. She brings so much vulnerability and strength to the role. The actress playing Ghost finally gets real development and depth, and she was phenomenal throughout. Sebastian Stan as Bucky what can I say? He’s become a character I feel deeply connected to, and his performance here only deepens that bond. Now let’s talk about Bob. This character was a game-changer. His arc and portrayal brought an unsettling energy that re...

  Wow. Thunderbolts is officially one of my new all-time favorite Marvel movies. This film takes a very dark, gritty approach, diving into heavy topics like mental health, depression, and what it means to pull yourself out of the darkness and find the light again. Without spoiling anything, I can say the entire cast delivered excellent performances. Florence Pugh gave what I think is her best Marvel performance yet, the actress who played Ghost was fantastic, and of course, Sebastian Stan once again nailed it as Bucky Barnes. A huge standout was the actor who played Bob. His performance had a haunting, almost Joker-level intensity truly Oscar-worthy. The film balances action and character depth well, and although I won’t get into details here, the post-credits scene sets up something massive for the future of the MCU. My theater erupted with excitement! Thunderbolts is a dark and rewarding chapter in the Marvel Universe that paves the way for what’s next. I can’t wait to see these ...