Ben Rolph

Ben Rolph Discussing Film May 27, 2026 3.5/5 Hope is an untamed beast of a sci-fi monster epic. It’s extremely wild and bizarre. But writer-director Na Hong-jin knows it and doesn’t care. If you're willing to meet it on its level, you will find it highly entertaining and totally unpredictable. Go to Full Review Hope (2026) 80% - -

Ben Rolph Discussing Film May 22, 2026 2/5 James Gray tries to give his spin on the New York crime caper in Paper Tiger, but runs through so many clichés and stereotypes that this just ends up being forgettable. Go to Full Review Paper Tiger (2026) 86% - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture May 18, 2026 6/10 Howard does a good job at bringing Avedon’s story together, showing his artistic process and political beliefs that influenced his photography. Go to Full Review Avedon (2026) - - - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 24, 2026 4/10 It’s a struggle to remain fully engaged throughout the film, and it fails to become anything truly impactful or insightful. Go to Full Review Home Stories (2026) - - - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 24, 2026 7/10 "A New Dawn" is a must-watch for anime lovers of Makoto Shinkai, especially, as there are shades of "Your Name" throughout. Go to Full Review A New Dawn (2026) - - - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 24, 2026 8/10 It's a harrowing film that boasts excellent performances, silky filmmaking, and a gripping real-life story that is often forgotten amongst football's biggest and saddest tragedies. Go to Full Review Heysel 85 (2026) - - - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 17, 2026 4/10 "At the Sea" is let down by a shabby, hollow screenplay that can’t be saved by some of Hollywood’s top actors. Go to Full Review At the Sea (2026) 32% - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 17, 2026 7/10 Sandra Hüller gets lost in her character’s male persona, aided by some excellent prosthetics and make-up used to rough her up, make her look utterly convincing, and aid in her outstanding performance. Go to Full Review Rose (2026) 97% - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 17, 2026 6/10 For some, its extremity will be alienating; for others, its audacity will be exhilarating. "Rosebush Pruning" is undeniably well crafted, but as an absurdist comedy, it ultimately feels more provocative than profound. Go to Full Review Rosebush Pruning (2026) 16% - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 17, 2026 6/10 Ashley Walters has done a stand-up job in making his directorial debut. It’s clear that his insight and passion for authentically displaying UK culture are a gift, and he has something important to say. Go to Full Review Animol (2026) 100% - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 17, 2026 8/10 The story is emotionally gripping while also having fun and not shying away from its coming-of-age sensibilities. It is a naturalistic gem that demands to be seen. Go to Full Review Mouse (2026) 100% - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 15, 2026 6/10 It's a solid sophomore feature from the director of "Hatching." It's creepy, and the body horror is disturbing. Seidi Haarla is very entertaining as she taps into the animalistic side of her character. Go to Full Review Nightborn (2026) 71% - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Feb 14, 2026 8/10 This is a gem of a film that should be sought out by all. Go to Full Review Sunny Dancer (2026) 85% - -

Ben Rolph Multiverse of Color Jan 1, 2026 3/5 The CGI is undeniably strong, but in 2025, it no longer feels groundbreaking. Go to Full Review Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) 66% - -

Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Oct 8, 2025 6/10 As it stands, it’s a fascinating, flawed, and undeniably ambitious work that remains a genuine mixed bag. Go to Full Review Sons of the Neon Night (2025) 20% - -

Ben Rolph Discussing Film Sep 14, 2025 4/5 Some might be left underwhelmed by the quiet, restrained forbidden romance at the center of The History of Sound, but the movie actually thrives off those untold feelings and emotions, especially when Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor are at their best. Go to Full Review The History of Sound (2025) 69% - -

Ben Rolph Discussing Film Sep 10, 2025 5/5 Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is a haunting yet beautiful retelling of the iconic tale. Steeped in Gothic traditions, Jacob Elordi steals the show as he delivers a truly tragic performance that reaches far beyond his amazing prosthetic Monster makeup. Go to Full Review Frankenstein (2025) 85% - -

Ben Rolph Discussing Film Sep 3, 2025 5/5 Writer-director Noah Baumbach and actor George Clooney craft an utterly endearing portrait of an aging Hollywood star in Jay Kelly. It's as if this story was always destined to be told by this creative duo on the big screen. Go to Full Review Jay Kelly (2025) 75% - -

Ben Rolph Discussing Film Sep 2, 2025 2/5 Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow's first film in 8 years, A House of Dynamite, is a huge disappointment and poor excuse for a political thriller. Go to Full Review A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE (2025) 75% - -

Ben Rolph Discussing Film Aug 28, 2025 3.5/5 Some fans will leave wanting more from Yorgos Lanthimos' latest, hoping for the director to do something a little different next time, while others will eat up his usual sensibilities in this absurdist remake. Go to Full Review Bugonia (2025) 87% - -