400 Words on: Dead of Winter (2025)

or, “The Five Stages of Grieving Wasted Time”:
A spoiler-free mini movie review.


1 out of 5

“Dead of Winter” (or DOW) is the antithesis to ‘Golden Topping Land:’ a movie you are actively conscious of while watching; an unremarkable composition that will pass from your brain as quickly as consumed, like cinematic Benefiber.

1. DENIAL

Actress Emma Thompson has had a robust & trustworthy career, and here, she plays the unlikely heroine of a kidnapping thriller. An Executive Producer credit ensured her creative autonomy, lest we forget she also won a screenwriting Oscar.

2. ANGER

With control comes accountability – ergo, no one else is responsible for today’s wretched protagonist, except for Thompson.

[cont’d]

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400 Words on: Him (2025)

or, “I Would Say That Was His Job”:
A spoiler-free mini movie review.


3.5 out of 5

“Innovation is not always embraced and art is to be interpreted… I’ve had a career of making classic movies that weren’t critically received…”

“Him” actor Marlon Wayans, comparing its critical disparity to the ‘cult’ status of 2004’s frequently-cited ‘worst movie ever’ “White Chicks”

[cont’d]

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400 Words on: The Fantastic Four First Steps (2025)

or, “The Silver Bowl of Dill-Flavoured Chips”:
A spoiler-free mini movie review.


2 out of 5

“…there is a fear among studio executives…about some of the subject matter [of modern independent movies]. …everyone is going to films based on IP or something that’s very familiar, and that is the absolute antithesis of filmmaking…”

– Director Chris Columbus (“Home Alone”; “The Thursday Murder Club”), who was fired as producer on 2005’s “Fantastic Four”

[cont’d]

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