Starship Troopers - 2/5

This is one of those rare movies that is great, but not good. Much of the visuals hold up surprisingly well due to competent direction from Paul Verhoeven. The sets, costuming, and casting are all B-Grade, almost TV Soap level clean low-budget, but the action setpieces largely make up for it. The director is on record stating the film is a satire, but apart from the newsreel inserts this movie simply makes a good case for the war against the bugs and forgets to rebut it.

Content warning: Gore, nudity

Closest comparison: It’s like Dune by way of Blade: House of Chthon.

Setting: Sci-Fi
Plot: War
Tone: Action

Nobody (2021) - 4/5

This movie is superficially a retread of the John Wick formula, but has enough going for it that it stands on its own. There’s a strong establishment of character and motive distinct from other films like John Wick and A History of Violence that it’s fun to watch both for different reasons. This film is more grounded and less stylized than John Wick, and plays the patient man’s violent breakout with more of a knowing wink to the audience. It’s a fun movie that knows it’s fun and doesn’t unnecessarily overcomplicate things.

Closest comparison: It’s like John Wick meets Home Alone.

Setting: Action
Plot: Action
Tone: Action