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Zombies and Space Adventures: A Double Feature Review of '28 Years Later' and 'Elio'
Manage episode 491510636 series 2855713
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From zombie hordes to outer space, our inaugural Cinema Sunday brings you a thought-provoking double feature that spans the spectrum of filmmaking today. Whether you're a horror enthusiast or family moviegoer, there's something here that deserves your attention.
First up, we journey into the post-apocalyptic world of "28 Years Later," the soft reboot of the iconic rage virus franchise. While newcomers to the series need not worry—this film stands remarkably well on its own. Young Alfie Williams delivers an unexpectedly powerful performance as Spike, proving that child actors can indeed be the strongest link in a horror film. The movie strikes a sometimes jarring balance between terror and humor, featuring surprisingly graphic nudity that might catch viewers off guard. Despite these shocking elements, the compelling character development and engaging storyline earn this zombie thriller a solid four stars.
Switching gears completely, Disney Pixar's "Elio" takes us on a cosmic adventure with a space-obsessed youngster who becomes humanity's ambassador to alien civilizations. This sweet, heartfelt story represents exactly what audiences claim to want—original storytelling without franchise ties—yet it's struggling at the box office. The film delivers exceptional voice acting, genuine emotional moments, and a universal message about finding one's place in the world. This overlooked gem earns a well-deserved 4.5/5, leaving me frustrated about the disconnect between what viewers say they want and what they actually support.
This stark contrast between a franchise revival and an original story perfectly captures Hollywood's current dilemma. If we truly want fresh storytelling in theaters, we need to vote with our wallets. Don't miss next week's Cinema Saturday featuring "F1" and "Megan 2.0," or Tuesday's discussion of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Subscribe and join the conversation about which films truly deserve the spotlight!
Chapters
1. Welcome to Cinema Sunday (00:00:00)
2. Review: 28 Years Later (00:01:54)
3. Review: Disney Pixar's Elio (00:06:50)
4. Upcoming Reviews & Sign-off (00:11:10)
277 episodes
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