mohdhafife

With little knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons and low expectations, I went into Honor Among Thieves on a whim and left thoroughly surprised. What could have been another forgettable franchise entry turned out to be one of the most refreshing blockbusters in years. The story of Edgin, a thief played by Chris Pine, is familiar, but the film feels alive thanks to a filmmaker's clear vision, distinctive visuals, and a cast with undeniable chemistry.

The script leans on clichés at times and has a few pacing issues, but it remains engaging, funny, and surprisingly emotional. The humor never undercuts the heartfelt moments, and each character feels memorable rather than generic. Pine is especially charismatic, anchoring a film that proves big-budget adventures can still have wit, warmth, and soul. Whether you're a D&D fan or not, this is a rare blockbuster that entertains and lingers, and I'd welcome a sequel.

Thunderbolts is a refreshing and bold entry in the MCU, tackling depression, trauma, and isolation instead of relying on monsters or nostalgia bait. The film grounds itself in raw human struggles, making the anti-heroes more relatable and impactful. Florence Pugh leads with a powerful performance as Yelena, carrying themes of vulnerability and resilience, while the rest of the team finally step out of the shadows with meaningful arcs. The action is strong, the humor is mixed, some laughs land while others fall flat, and more sharp satire at Marvel's own "true heroes" would have been welcome.

Visually, the moody cinematography fits the tone, and as a Malaysian, I deeply appreciate seeing Menara Merdeka 118 showcased on screen, adding cultural pride to the spectacle. In short, it is an enjoyable anti-hero film that dares to be different, gives the audience something real to chew on, and yes, I still finished my popcorn.

The film's setting is one of its strongest elements. The retro-futuristic style is striking, filled with colorful buttons and CRT monitors everywhere. It creates a nostalgic vibe that is visually appealing, though it raises the odd question of how these characters can build advanced space rockets yet still lack flat-screen technology.

Visually, the film has plenty of charm, but not everything lands. The rendering of the Silver Surfer feels dated by today's standards, resembling something closer to T-1000 than a modern Marvel showcase. Then comes the main antagonist, Galactus. Watching him running and fighting in the city borders on awkward, with design choices that are more distracting than intimidating. The costume design, particularly his footwear, is questionable at best.

Among the team, Ben Grimm unfortunately receives the weakest treatment. His transformation arrives too abruptly and his emotional arc is only briefly touched upon, leaving the character underdeveloped.

Overall, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a visually appealing superhero film that offers style but lacks depth. The retro-futuristic design and colorful world are refreshing, yet the uneven visual effects, weak villain design, and undercooked character arcs hold it back from reaching its full potential. It is a watchable entry, but not the bold reinvention the Fantastic Four deserved.