Greetings again from the darkness. There will likely be a very distinct line of demarcation between those who ‘dig’ DIGGER and those who don’t. Director Alejandro Inarritu, who won Oscars for THE REVENANT (2015) and BIRDMAN (THE UNEXPTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE, 2014) and a list of five esteemed writers (Sabina Berman, Jez Butterworth, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolas Giacobone, Inarritu) seemingly crafted a film that looks amazing, while intentionally angering or annoying or confusing a big chunk of movie goers. Not only will those who prefer traditional storytelling be frustrated, the politics involved will surely irritate many (and drive some nasty comments).
The studio has requested that no spoilers or hints be included in reviews, so I will tread extremely lightly here. An added reason is that the film is certainly best viewed ‘cold’ or with no preconceptions. If you’ve seen the video, you know immediately that this is a much different Tom Cruise character than the strutting, cocky, too-cool-for-school Ethan Hunt that he’s portrayed in numerous “Mission: Impossible” films. It’s his best non-action role since MAGNOLIA (1999), and also his most exuberant (some will say over-the-top). Under prosthetics that transform him into a man that looks his actual age, Cruise becomes Digger Rockwell, a man of enormous wealth, influence, and ego. Cruise has a couple of extended single takes, one of which is mesmerizing in the sheer amount of dialogue he recites and the physicality he displays.
As you would expect, many actors jump at the chance to work on an Inarritu film, and here the cast includes Oscar winner Riz Ahmed as Dr. Ganesh, John Goodman as President Compson, Michael Stuhlbarg as the Vice President, Sandra Huller (one of my 3 favorite actresses since TONI ERDMAN, 2016), Robert John Burke as Fitzgerald, and Jesse Plemons as Kenny. Ahmed is excellent in his role, while Goodman makes his mark with world class bellowing. Huller’s smaller role is a bit disappointing, but fortunately she has a starring role in Pawel Pawlikowski’s new film, FATHERLAND.
Even beyond the studio restrictions, I’m at a bit of a loss as how best to review this film. It’s likely meant to be satire as it takes on big issues like contemporary politics, global issues, ecological concerns, and socio-economic fallout. My view is that it’s a blend of Kubrick’s classic DOCTOR STRANGELOVE and some Coen Brothers films (minus the hilarity), topped off with editorial commentary on backroom politics and corporate greed. Controlling the narrative is a clear objective of these characters. The film takes one huge change of direction early on, and then another much later … the second being easier to foresee. These shifts will definitely challenge viewers, while also leaning into the creativity noted by those of us who find things to admire about the film.
Inarritu’s team is as superb as expected. Three-time Oscar winner Emmanuel Lubezki expertly handles the VistaVision cinematography, while Oscar winner Dennis Gassner awes us with Production Design. As an added bonus, the song playing over the closing credits is the excellent (and quite fitting) “Look What They’ve Done to My Song, Ma” by Melanie. But then, not everyone will stick around that long.
Opens in theaters on October 2, 2026
Posted by David Ferguson 
Greetings again from the darkness. I guess we were due for a “Cold War Buddy Comedy”. And who better to deliver than co-directors John Francis Daley and Johnathan Goldstein, the team behind GAME NIGHT (2018) and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES (2023). This time out, they deliver excellent visuals to go along with stellar comedic chemistry between first class wisecracker Ryan Reynolds and expert straight man (and Oscar winner) Kenneth Branagh.
Greetings again from the darkness. For those of us who grew up belly-laughing at Looney Tunes, the characters are considered sacred ground, so a bit of anxiety hits when movies like SPACE JAM (1996) hit the big screen. This especially holds true for this latest from director Dave Green, since we know so many of the beloved characters will be on display. Samy Burch (MAY DECEMBER, 2023) adapted the screenplay from a 1990 article in “The New Yorker”, with an assist from James Gunn (SUPERMAN, 2025) and Jeremy Slater (FANTASTIC FOUR, 2015). The blend of animation and live action is reminiscent of the 1988 classic, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT.
Greetings again from the darkness. “Break a leg.” The well-meaning phrase dates back many years as a way to avoid the dreaded ‘good luck’ for someone preparing to perform on stage. When high school sophomore Sophie explains this to her mother, the mom hugs her and offers how bad she would feel if her daughter actually broke her leg. Such is the love of a mother … this particular mother … in this heartfelt movie from director Julia Hart, who co-wrote the screenplay with her husband Jordan Horowitz and Laura Hankin. It’s based on Ms. Hankin’s own personal story.
Greetings again from the darkness. Olmo is like most fourteen-year-old boys. His visual fantasizing about the girl of his dreams requires nothing more than a toy car and a glimpse of her walking outside. Yet, Olmo is also different than most his age because he shares caregiving responsibilities for his disabled dad, who is stricken with Multiple Sclerosis. It’s been more than a decade since he last directed a feature film, and writer-director Fernando Eimbcke delivers one of his best. He and co-writer Vanesa Garnica also collaborated on this year’s FLIES, which is currently making the festival rounds (including Cannes).
Greetings again from the darkness. In 2004, we had a film based on dodgeball, so it only makes sense that the hottest game going these days, Pickleball, gets its shot on the big screen. Josh Greenbaum (WILL & HARPER, 2024) directs a screenplay from Sean Clements (“Workaholics”), and the result is a comedy in the realm of films like HAPPY GILMORE (1996), KICKING & SCREAMING (2005), and yes, DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY (2004). The film tries (too) hard to generate laughs, and its best moments seem to be in the sincere intergenerational bond between two otherwise mismatched characters.
Greetings again from the darkness. For those who are itching to re-live the glory days of 1984 high school, writer-director Michael Walker and co-writer Susan Gomes are here for you. The surprising part is that even for non-Gen X viewers, the film is so well crafted and acted, that it flows beautifully as a time capsule for the era. As if that’s not enough, it’s also based on a true story.
Greetings again from the darkness. As a huge fan of THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939), I admire the homage paid to the classic film by writer-director David Wain (WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER, 2001) and his co-writer Ken Marino, collaborators on ROLE MODELS (2008) and WANDERLUST (2012). In fact, there are long-term shared comedic genes noted throughout the list of cast, crew, and filmmakers here … with quite a few running through the “Reno 911!” franchise. If that’s not hint enough, I’ll repeat what I’ve written many times over the years: comedy tastes are quite diverse, and some will laugh heartily at this one, while others will be baffled as to what is so funny.
Greetings again from the darkness. This is at least the eighth film adaptation of a story by Cesc Gay: THE PEOPLE UPSTAIRS (Spain, 2020), VICINI DI CASA (Italy, 2022), THE NEIGHBORS FROM UPSTAIRS (Switzerland, 2023), V DOBREM I ZLEM (Czech Republic, 2024), NEPRILICHNYE GOSTI (Russia, 2024), MAYBE MORE (France, 2024), THE PEOPLE UPSTAIRS (S Korea, 2025). Clearly, it’s a story and situation that resonates with many couples, regardless of geography, language, or culture … and director Olivia Wilde provides an American spin with assistance from co-writers Will McCormack (Oscar winner, TOY STORY 4) and Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation”).
Greetings again from the darkness. So what is it that differentiates this one from the many other crime-comedies that have come before? The truth is … not much, but maybe just enough to keep fans of the genre tuned in. It certainly has an intriguing cast, and writer-director Derrick Borte (back with his UNHINGED star) and co-writer Daniel Forte have adapted the 2010 Thomas Perry novel, “Strip”.
