I walked into the AMC on August 18 with genuinely low expectations.
If you’ve seen the marketing for The End of Oak Street, you probably know why. The trailers made the whole setup look downright goofy—almost like a bargain-bin Jurassic Park knockoff trading on nostalgia and cheap creature tropes. I fully expected to spend two hours chuckling at cheesy dialogue, predictable set pieces, and an overworked CGI budget.
Instead, I walked out completely surprised. It’s actually a really good movie.
Every once in a while, a trip to the theater hits differently in hindsight. On August 10, I headed over to AMC to catch Muppet Treasure Island as part of their “Fan Faves” program. Believe it or not, it was my first time watching the film. I went in expecting a lighthearted afternoon with Kermit and the gang, and while it delivered plenty of laughs, reflecting on that screening today carries a much deeper resonance.
I finally made it out to my local AMC to catch Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in Dolby Cinema, and after sitting with it for a bit, I’ve got some thoughts.
First off, let’s get the big verdict out of the way: it’s a great movie, and it really is something everyone should see at least once. When Nolan takes on a mythic story on this scale, the sheer ambition on screen demands to be witnessed in a theater setting.
That said, my experience came with a few interesting surprises—and a couple of caveats.
I am still recovering from a Saturday night at the theater, and honestly, my ribs might be bruised from laughing so hard. The Invite is an absolute riot.
I have a confession that might get my Disney card revoked: I’ve never actually seen the 2016 animated version of Moana.
Growing up, my Disney rotation was strictly classic-era. I spent my childhood captivated by the masterpieces of the Disney Renaissance and earlier—films like Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid. And, of course, Beauty and the Beast, which has held the undisputed crown as my absolute favorite Disney film for as long as I can remember. Because of that nostalgia, I sometimes drag my feet when it comes to the newer properties. But when the buzz around the 2026 live-action adaptation of Moanastarted building, I decided it was time to finally dive in blind.
I am so glad I did. This movie is an absolute triumph—highly enjoyable, deeply moving, and an incredibly spectacular family film.
If you read my recent post defending the 2018 Robin Hood reboot, you already know that I am a massive fan of the legendary outlaw. I’m not a folklore purist; I don’t need every adaptation to strictly copy traditional tales. From movies and books to the tremendous new TV show currently airing on MGM+, I can always find something to enjoy in every interpretation of the character. I love seeing how different creators spin the mythos.
But nothing could have fully prepared me for the emotional gut-punch of The Death of Robin Hood starring Hugh Jackman.
Let’s be honest for a second. When the 2018 reboot of Robin Hood hit theaters, the critics absolutely eviscerated it. It was called unnecessary, a mess, and everything in between. Because of that, I avoided it for years. But the other night, I finally decided to put it on with zero expectations—mostly because I’m not a Robin Hood purist who needs every adaptation to strictly copy traditional folklore.
And you know what? I was completely blown away by how much fun it is.
Contrary to all that early negative press, I found this movie to be a total blast from start to finish. If you’re willing to let go of what you think a medieval movie is supposed to look like, there is so much to love here.
As a kid who grew up glued to the TV watching reruns of the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the announcement of a new live-action film hit me right in the childhood. I was one of those kids who didn’t just watch the show; I lived it. I distinctly remember sprinting at top speed around the house, hoisting my plastic Power Sword high in the air, and yelling “I have the power!” at the top of my lungs. In fact, my commitment to the role was so total that I once suffered a spectacular wipeout right by the front door because I was too busy staring up at my plastic weapon to notice what my own feet were doing.
When the 1987 live-action film came along, I absolutely loved it. Say what you want about it, but it had a tremendous cast—Frank Langella’s Skeletor remains iconic—and a dark, synth-heavy vibe that completely captured my imagination. Because of that lifelong fandom, my expectations and hopes for Director Travis Knight’s 2026 Masters of the Universe were incredibly high.
Ultimately, the new movie mostly lived up to what I wanted, even if it trips over its own feet along the way.
I had the pleasure of heading over to the Walnut Street Theatre this past Friday to see 1776 The Musical. With the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth approaching, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate, especially while standing right in the heart of Philadelphia, just steps from where the original story took place. The production is a key part of the city’s commemorations for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the atmosphere in the theatre was truly electric.
Alicia Roper and Paul L. Nolan in Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance. Photo by Mark Garvin.
If you’ve been following the Walnut Street Theatre’s 217th season, you know they’ve been on a roll. But their latest production—Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning A Delicate Balance—is something truly special.
Stepping into the theater for this performance, I couldn’t help but be transported back to the Walnut’s production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? from a couple of years ago. Much like that unforgettable show, this production captures Albee’s unique ability to peel back the layers of polite society to reveal the raw, messy humanity underneath. Under the seasoned direction of Bernard Havard, the Walnut has once again proved why it is the definitive home for American classics in Philadelphia.
