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For years I've been emphasizing the importance of music in movies; how an amazing musical score can significantly elevate a movie. It shouldn't just be background dressing. It should be brought to the forefront. It should drive the story. It should be a character in itself. It should give you goosebumps in the big moments. Sinners is one of the best examples of this.

Aside from the music, I could tell I was watching high-quality filmmaking within five minutes. The directing, camerawork, editing, and sound design are pristine. The entire cast does a great job, but Michael B. Jordan shines. He is a superstar.

Sinners is also surprisingly funny, without taking away from the seriousness. And the horror elements are... satisfying. This movie goes hard.

(2 viewings, opening night IMAX 4/17/2025, 11/21/2025)

I love it when movies mix different genres and create a fresh spin on old themes. In this case however the different elements didn't mix well in my opinion: I would describe sinners as a mix between period gangster drama, musical and trashy B-movie horror. This sounds super exciting on paper, but in reality it threw me off completely. I feel like the movie tries to do everything at the same time but doesn't deliver on many of those aspects: It wants to hit the viewer on an emotional level but left me personally completely cold - I didn't care who died or who lived; The movie kinda wants to be scary but the "enemies" in the film feel like a complete joke from the first scene they are shown and it takes away all the tension; It wants to be action-packed and explosive, but the fight scenes are kinda boring and left me wanting to move on to more serious scenes again, even though those serious scenes are kind of a slow burn; The film wants to be funny and even though it made me chuckle a bit it never really took it far enough to justify sacrificing the big threat in the film for laughs.

In conclusion: This movie is too boring and slow to be an entertaining action-comedy and doesn't take the humor and fight scenes far enough to really have an impact. At the same time this movie is far too ridiculous to be a serious scary and emotional movie that reaches you on any kind of emotional level.

I would have liked it, if they would have sacrificed the humor for building a serious threat that feels genuinely scary and terrifying. The cinematography, costumes and music are fantastic but this is just not enough for me to make it a good film, when the story is not hitting. There are single parts of the movie that I absolutely loved and I would have really appreciated those scenes as standalone music videos, but it just doesn't mix well with the rest in my personal opinion.

In addition to my previous criticisms I spotted some typical clichés in the dialogue writing that made me roll my eyes and there were some moments where I found it extremely hard to believe that certain characters survived. I could go in to detail here but I want to keep my review vague to avoid spoilers.

To me watching this movie felt a bit like eating chocolate on a burger - Both elements are nice by themselves but together they don't make for a nice meal.

Let me just say it straight: the beginning of this film was absolutely brilliant. No joke. From the very first scene, I was fully in. The way it was shot, the mood, the pacing - it all hit hard. You could tell the filmmakers knew exactly what they were doing. Everything looked and sounded top-tier. It had that high-quality feel you only get when people really care about what they're making.

The intro pulled me in fast. I didn't even check my phone once, which says a lot. The atmosphere was intense, and every scene felt like it mattered. The camera work was clean, the lighting was on point, and the sound design added a ton of tension. It honestly felt like a masterclass in how to start a movie right.

The way they built everything up was impressive. There was a solid rhythm to how the story moved, and you could tell a lot of time and thought went into the setup. The characters were introduced smoothly, and the world they created felt real and believable. I was fully locked in.

But then it hit a wall.

About two-thirds into the movie, things started to slip. And by the time the ending rolled around, it was clear: they had either run out of time, budget, or energy - maybe all three. The final act felt completely rushed. It was like they just wanted to wrap things up as fast as possible. There was barely any payoff for all the buildup we got earlier. Big questions were left unanswered, and moments that should've hit hard just kind of... didn't.

The ending felt lazy. Not in a "we didn't care at all" way, but more like "we didn't plan this part out properly." You could see the difference in effort. The quality dropped, the pacing sped up too much, and characters that had been developed early on were suddenly just background noise. It honestly felt like a different movie by the time it ended - and not in a good way.

It's frustrating, because the film had the potential to be great. The opening made me think I was watching one of the best films of the year. But a great start doesn't matter if you don't finish strong. And this film didn't. It faded out instead of going out with impact.

That said, I'm not saying don't watch it. There's still a lot to like here - especially the first half. If you're into movies with strong direction, nice visuals, and a gripping start, you'll probably enjoy most of it. But if you're the type who needs a solid, satisfying ending to feel like it was worth your time, this one might leave you disappointed.

Bottom line: amazing start, weak finish. A film that grabs your attention early, but lets go too soon. It deserved better. I'd give it a 7 or maybe a 8 out of 10, mostly because of how strong the first half is. But yeah - if they had nailed the ending, we'd be talking 9 or even 9.5 easily.

I really thought I was going to love Sinners even before I saw the glowing reviews, but after seeing so much hype I was really excited. Unfortunately my expectations weren't even close to being met.

Not a whole lot happens in this movie, to describe the plot would only take one sentence. The filming was done well and the music elevated the overall film but it just falls flat and it left me feeling unsatisfied. I expected more from this and wish it had been as entertaining as I was promised.

I honestly don't get the hype around Sinners (2025)-it feels like an overrated film. The visuals are stunning from start to finish, and the soundtrack is well done, even if not every song appealed to me personally. Jack O'Connell delivers a solid performance and is definitely the highlight of the movie.

That said, the pacing is a major issue. The film starts strong, but halfway through, it loses direction-I often found myself questioning the relevance of certain scenes. The twists aren't impressive either; most of the plot is predictable, and you can pretty much figure out what's going to happen just by watching the trailer.

Overall, Sinners isn't a bad movie, but it's definitely overhyped. It has its moments, but it doesn't deserve the praise it's getting.

"Sinners" is one of those films best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible. While more probably than not impossible to do at this point, I strongly recommend not reading anything, not watching trailers, and avoiding all conversations about it beforehand if you can. The film's plot flows with organic ease, taking unexpected and refreshing turns that hit especially well if you go in spoiler-free.

I already watched the film 3 times, and I simply can't get enough. Each viewing is more enthralling than its previous, and for example, the moment when that scene shifts aspect ratio on the IMAX screen - reminds you why you loved going to the movies on the big screen in the first place. One might say that if you don't watch the film on IMAX and in a big-enough screen, you might not enjoy it in its full potential; But my very first viewing of the film was on a "regular" screen, and it was amazing all the same.

The most brilliant and prominent aspect of the film above all is its musical score. The man behind it is the multi-talented Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award winner Ludwig Göransson ("Oppenheimer", "The Mandalorian", "Tenet", "Black Panther"), who, along with being a top-tier music producer, continually reinvents himself with every movie he touches. "Sinners" is no exception. In his relatively short but rich career, Göransson has produced electronic scores, orchestral compositions, and even rap and R&B. Here, he pivots once again - blending the score with musical production in an inspired exploration of the Blues and Country genres, in line with the film's tone.

Göransson's process was as thorough and excavating as we learned to expect from him. Before writing a single cue, he and Coogler immersed themselves in the early blues recordings of the 1930s and '40s. Göransson didn't simply sample or imitate these sounds; he studied their phrasing, rhythmic looseness, and emotional impact to understand what made them feel as they do.

Instead of composing in a "normal" capacity, Göransson heavily embedded himself in the production of the film. In fact, Göransson was present on set and was so involved in the production process that he even got a Producer credit for the film as a whole. He and his producer-wife, Serena, also brought in numerous collaborators and worked with blues specialists and local musicians, blending authentic period instrumentation with contemporary sound design to keep the music emotionally effective without losing its roots.

The result is a score that feels haunted, authentic, and very intimate, and it's undoubtedly one of the finest soundtracks I've heard in recent years - one that elevates the film to another level and basically serves as the heart and soul of the entire thing. The most outstanding scene of this film, and perhaps in the entirety of the year of 2025, and one of the best cinematic sequences in recent memory, is driven by Göransson's masterful score, which combines a handful of genres into one enchanting musical piece. In other instances, such as the ones where he sprinkles Electric Guitar riffs on orchestral strings like salt and pepper on a medium-well steak, or the ones where he combines Blues vocals or Jazz inspirations on "classic" film music, Göransson proves he is perhaps one of the most promising individuals in film scoring these days and one of the most gifted musicians of our era, and it's no wonder that none other than Sir Christopher Nolan chose him as his go-to composer. I know he just got an Oscar two years ago for the ethereal "Oppenheimer" score, but if he doesn't get it again this year, I will be absolutely frustrated.

Visually, Coogler made a bold artistic choice - to shoot the film using wide-format film, opting for analog cinematography. Specifically, the most grand and enjoyable formats available: IMAX 70mm and Ultra Panavision 70mm. This wasn't just an aesthetic decision, but an effort to merge the raw texture of classic cinema with the sheer visual power of modern technology - a symbolic gesture aligning with the themes the film explores. Coogler even sought guidance from Sir Nolan himself, along with Dame Emma Thomas, to master the use of these luxurious formats - not for just for the sake of luxury, but to amplify the film's emotional weight.

Another standout aspect of the film is the screenplay. It's written with a natural flow, featuring smart, unexpected humor and effortlessly blending a range of genres. Coogler, who served as both writer and director, brings the script to life with mastery, drawing the best out of each genre he tackles. The film has a very unique rhythm, somewhat reminiscent of Django Unchained for me - carefully dialogue-driven setup with action-packed eloquently crafted conclusion. I will admit the script is the only aspect of the film I found a little lacking, as the film takes some shortcuts and contrivances to push the plot forward; but that's not as dire as it sounds, and the film is enjoyable from start to finish, with an excessive runtime, and with these shortcomings outweighed by the entertainment factor of the film.

Michael B. Jordan plays two distinct characters in the film - and not in a gimmicky or disconnected way. Jordan rises to the occasion, and the visual effects team behind the scenes pulls the twins effect off beautifully, with impressive execution on every technical level. Alongside Jordan, musician Miles Caton gives a remarkably strong performance in the secondary role. Jack O'Connell is also outstanding, serving a chilling performance, with Hailee Steinfeld also dazzling on screen and delivering a compelling, charismatic performance. Don't even get me started on Delroy Lindo, who delivers nothing short of an Oscar-worthy performance.

Time will tell how the movie will fare in the upcoming award season - as the horror genre tends to be overshadowed in these circles by more "popular" genres; however, as the title suggests, the movie manages to transcend standards and expectations of the genre, and with the unique musical aspect, one can hope it will get some recognition.

Every few months, there comes an event film that simply must be seen - and "Sinners" is unquestionably one of them. It's one of the best films I've seen in recent years: energetic, gripping, occasionally funny, with amazing performances, and musical ingenuity that stuns and takes your breath away scene after scene. It has all the makings of a strong contender for film of the year for me- and since it's already November, I think it's safe to say it might actually be.

(Updated October 31st, 2025.)

This movie was so good. It's cultural but still gives you that supernatural thrill. Each actor did their job correctly and the casting was superb. The plot wasn't exactly what I was expecting but the movie was great! The MUSIC though!! The music pulls something out of you and stirs something inside of you. I'll definitely be thinking about this movie for the next week! Can't wait to see it again. This was a great way to retell a piece of history with a supernatural flare. You just have to pay attention to the undertones. And there are two after credit scenes. One midway through and one afterwards.

It feels like The Sinners was directed by two different Cooglers-one responsible for the first half, and another for the second. If I had to rate them separately: the first half is a solid 8, the second a disappointing 4.

The film starts off brilliantly. Set in the Deep South during the 1930s, it plunges us into a world of chain gangs, overt racism, and raw human struggle-all wrapped in the soul of music. The characters are distinctive and memorable, the performances are top-notch, and the world-building is rich and atmospheric. It's a western, a drama, and a musical all at once, and somehow it works. For a while.

Then comes the second half.

This is where things fall apart. The pivot to horror-specifically vampires-feels abrupt and half-hearted. There's barely a story holding it together, and the horror/action sequences barely last 10-15 minutes. They lack any real suspense or memorable set pieces. The execution feels rushed and undercooked, especially after such a powerful setup.

The final 5-7 minutes attempt a bold anti-Klan message, and it's likely this moment of violence and symbolism that won over many critics. But for me, it was too little, too late.

What's most frustrating is the wasted potential. This could've been a truly unique vampire film-rooted in history, rich in theme, driven by character and song. Instead, it leaves you wondering what could've been if the second half had lived up to the promise of the first.

Sinners is a historical horror directed by Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed) which smartly combines the supernatural with the political.

The cinematography is stunning, which accurately captures the 1930s western vibes. While the movie starts pretty slow and takes time for the build up, it picks up in the second half by delivering a haunting experience. The movie often feels very lively due to it's musical numbers.

The film's fascinating array of genres and tropes and ideas swirls together, whether be it oppression of race, or preaching of good and evil. Jordan gives a great performance, while the rest of the cast were terrific too.

Although the horror element was less than my expectations, however the political satire and the tense atmosphere makes Sinners a great movie.

The Geek Reviewer gives 4 stars for 'Sinners'.

First half of the movie was very good. Great character set up. Second half of the movie the plot progressed very quickly with nothing particularly interesting happening. Not much of a story line involved and movie ended abruptly. The acting was great, Michael B Jordan did a wonderful job playing smock and stack and some of the supporting characters were great as well. The movie was filmed perfectly. Music was obviously great as well. Plot and storyline did not move the needle for me. Post credit scene was cool!

Sinners is a film I've been looking forward to watching for awhile now and was one of my most anticipated movies of the year. After finally watching it, I can say with confidence that this is my favorite movie so far to come out in 2025. When twin brother Smoke and Stack return home from Chicago to rural Mississippi for a fresh start, they decide to take what earnings they got left to open a nightclub. Unfortunately, other than some of their old hometown friends, old lovers, and a cousin, a much evil and greater force awaits for them just in time for the debut night of their new club. For starters, Michael B. Jordan gives probably the best performance of his career so far as the twins Smoke and Stack, bringing a different persona and personality to each of the characters. Hailee Steinfeld as Mary is magnificent and for the most part has some of the best character development of the film. Wunmi Mosaku as Annie is also great in this film, while also being a huge part of the heart and soul of it. Miles Caton as Sammie Moore is also a great addition to this film and plays a very important role in it. Omar Miller as Cornbread was also a great addition. Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim also gives a great supporting performance, while also having some of the best lines and moments of the movie. Finally Jack O' Connell as Remmick and the main villain of the movie was absolutely fantastic, terrifying, while also charming in a way and is probably one the best horror movie villains I've seen in recent years. Every time his character is on screen, he steals the show and more than gets the audience's attention. If there's anything negative I have to say about the film which is little to none, I would say in the first act, it took awhile for the story to get going, but once it does finally start to take off, it makes everything more than worth while. For positives, I would like to point out that music playing a huge role and technically a character itself in the film was sensational. The horror elements were also well done, as well as a couple of action scenes that were very impressive. Overall, Sinners is so far my favorite movie of 2025, with great performances all the way around, great cinematography, and a really great story with the direction of Ryan Coogler giving Jordan Peele a run for his money in the horror genre. Rating 10/10.

I saw the ratings for this film and I watched really looking forward to watching it. Even the people who work the counters in the cinema assured us of how good it was.

The first half of the film have the makings of an 8/10 film, and it seems like it's going to go that way, especially with such a good cast. But as with most films these days, it takes a turn and gets quite daft in the second half. Somewhat like Dusk til Dawn, but not half as good...But that's just my opinion.

Go watch it, but at least give it an honest review. It's not an 8/10 movie as iMDB has it scored. I scored it a 6, which I think is fair.

The plot for this movie is pretty much lifted from Dusk to Dawn. You introduce a handful of characters and get them all to a single location where they are then attacked by vampires. Sinners is much slower, more of a William Faulkner version of a vampire movie. The production design and cinematography are excellent. The cast is very good. The music is good. Everything about this production top notch.

However, I struggled to get through this. There were many long scenes where the dialogue became cumbersome. It felt like the whole movie was a slow burn moving toward a rousing climax of horror, but when they got there it was underwhelming. It never delivered the scares or the sense of danger.

The reviews from professional film critics were surprising.

This movie is like if all the food products available in the kitchen (whiskey, sugar, salt, butter, ketchup, meat, bread, fruit and other products) were loaded into a blender and mixed - the result should be edible, but no.

The timing is not justified, the story is boring and predictable.

Weak lighting. Many songs are cut by dialogues and sometimes other music. The background music is just terrible in places. The acting is not impressive.

All genres of cinema are mixed and in the end nothing came out.

6/10 is the highest possible rating.

"From Dusk Till Dawn" (1996) is more interesting.

There is an unspoken question flapping in the audience's face: was slavery/Jim Crow/apartheid any different from living under the thumb of monsters, like ...say... vampires?

The obviousness of this paradigm plays with the watcher as the cinematographer composes a story and contextual structure by creatively mapping the history, origins, and futures of music of the U. S. black population, and others lorded over by oppressors.

Subsequently, two brothers and a community must decide how they can exploit music for profit... Or, to make them less vulnerable to the evil it was thought to generate. The use of special effects is clever and not too distracting...though, this IS, afterall a monster movie.

Delroy Lindo should get a nice tux and start preparing some comments because he is going to become the center of this film's gravitational pull for months....scene stealer extraordinaire; a classic supporting actor triumph. Michael B Jordan's multifaceted role also worthy of some extra attention.

And then, there's the music.... 🎼 +++ which is enhanced by costumes, which is enhanced by sets. Over all, an amazing film worth seeing. Glad to have seen it in IMAX at Grauman's in Hollywood tonight!