The worst thing about Helstrom isn’t that it’s poorly made — it’s that it feels utterly empty. It doesn’t scare, doesn’t intrigue, and never makes you care about its characters. The premise sounded promising: the children of a serial killer, tied to demonic forces and haunted pasts. But it all fades into lifeless dialogue, characters with zero charisma, and a pace that never truly takes off. It’s not just a writing issue — the casting is also a problem. None of the actors seem convinced by their roles, and that lack of conviction drags the whole show down. Relationships don’t click, emotions don’t land, and even the possessions feel routine. Visually, though, there are some strong moments. The effects are far better than in some so-called “cult” shows. It’s frustrating, because the idea had real potential to blend horror with psychological depth. But it doesn’t go deep, and it doesn’t scare. It ends up stuck in the middle — and honestly, it’s hard to keep watching. A failed attempt, albeit nicely wrapped.

You expected something different. A mutant movie leaning into horror, with a distinct tone, almost detached from the rest of the X-Men universe. And in part, it does. The idea is there, the ingredients too: a group of teens with uncontrollable powers, a confined setting made for tension, and a more intimate approach. But it all falls short. It’s not quite horror, nor a solid entry in the mutant universe. What could’ve been something special ends up feeling like a minor, misplaced, aimless story. What’s most frustrating is the wasted talent. Anya Taylor-Joy and Maisie Williams are fantastic actresses, and here they’re underused in roles that never quite take off. There’s some chemistry among characters, yes, but the film doesn’t dig deep. Relationships are shallow sketches, conflicts barely begin, and just as something’s about to spark, it ends. The script seems afraid to take real risks. Visually, it's uneven. Some effects land, others don’t. While it's refreshing that it's more restrained and grounded than other entries, at times it feels more like a pilot episode than a proper film. There’s no memorable villain or impactful climax. It’s competent, but forgettable. The short runtime helps. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, and it holds your interest throughout. A few themes, though barely explored, offer a glimpse of humanity. Not a disaster, but clearly far from its full potential. Hardcore X-Men fans might be curious. Everyone else will probably move on quickly. It’s frustrating to see what could have been a bold new chapter become a half-hearted experiment.

Sometimes less is more. Werewolf by Night doesn’t try to reinvent the Marvel universe — and that’s precisely why it works. In just 52 minutes, Michael Giacchino delivers a sincere tribute to classic monster movies, with clear echoes of Universal and Hammer horror, wrapped in a black-and-white aesthetic that’s not just stylistic, but emotional. The atmosphere, the music, the production design… it all harks back to an era when horror was more about suggestion than gore. The special doesn’t aim to be a key piece of the MCU, and that’s a relief. There’s creative freedom, dark humor, and a simple yet effective story that doesn’t get lost in multiverses or cameos. Gael García Bernal is excellent as Jack, and his chemistry with Laura Donnelly makes you wish for more of them together. The werewolf as a tragic and heroic figure works, and the pulp/grindhouse flavor adds a special twist that sets this apart from other Marvel projects. It’s not perfect — the story could be more ambitious and some side characters feel underused — but as a tasty, lovingly made appetizer, it’s a win. It doesn’t reinvent anything, but it has soul.

If this franchise has shown anything, it’s that it can reinvent itself without losing its essence. Instead of going for another reboot or a typical prequel, this time we get a wild, relentless animated anthology that dives straight into the core of Predator: the hunt. Three episodes set in different eras, each with its own style and tone, but all sharing the same brutal, no-holds-barred energy. At times, it brings back the vibe of old-school video store thrillers — violent, tense, and just out to entertain. And in that sense, it delivers. The animation unlocks possibilities that live-action never could, and it’s clear the creators embraced that freedom. There are spectacular sequences, strong creature design, tight action, and visual storytelling that dares to push boundaries. While not all the stories hit the same high notes, the overall package keeps you watching and invested. Dan Trachtenberg, who already impressed with Prey, knows what he’s doing. This might not be as polished, but it carries that same energy and respect for the franchise. The episodic format also gives the human characters more space to breathe — a rarity in Predator stories. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it shakes up the formula with style and confidence. For those who thought the saga was running on fumes, this shows there’s still plenty left in the tank. It’s not perfect, but it’s entertaining, intense, and brings just enough novelty to make you want more.

What If...? is exactly what its title promises: a narrative playground where Marvel gets to shake up its own rules and reimagine characters with total freedom. What if Peggy became Captain Carter? What if T’Challa was Star-Lord? Each episode throws out the rulebook and runs with it. Not every story hits equally hard, but when it works, it’s a real treat for fans. The animation is top-notch, blending comic book aesthetics with fluid, dynamic motion. There's humor, action, and just the right amount of surprise. Sure, it leans on fan service, but it does so with good pacing and no pretension. It’s not here to redefine the MCU, just to have fun with it — and it succeeds. If you're not familiar with Marvel, you might feel a bit lost. But if you are, you'll have a blast. It’s pure entertainment, crafted with affection and enough creativity to stand out. It may not be the deepest or most essential Marvel story, but you can tell they had fun making it. And that energy is contagious.