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Sunday, April 20, 2025 — Houston, TX

Jay Collura

A&E 4/1/25 11:11pm

Review: ‘Black Bag’ is a masterful, original spy thriller

By Jay Collura

Over the three years I have been writing for the Thresher, I consider myself lucky when I’m able to review just one movie directed by one of my favorite filmmakers. Steven Soderbergh is the exception, somehow releasing two movies – “Presence” and “Black Bag” – in just two months. 

A&E 3/25/25 10:30pm

Review: “Mickey 17” is refreshing science fiction fun

By Jay Collura

I can’t think of a harder task than following up the Best Picture-winning “Parasite.” South Korean director Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece is one of the most beloved films of the 21st century, especially amongst Gen-Z filmgoers (myself very much included). In a year with many great films, “Parasite” stood head and shoulders above the rest, and whispers immediately started about Bong’s next project.

A&E 2/18/25 10:40pm

Review: ‘Brave New World’ is the Marvel universe at its worst

By Jay Collura

With each passing year, I have begun to question my undying allegiance to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I have seen every single film in theaters since 2011’s “Thor”; I was there at opening night for “Infinity War,” and inevitably, I will be seated front and center for, at the very least, “Fantastic Four” later this year.

A&E 2/18/25 10:39pm

Review: “Companion” is defined by its twist

By Jay Collura

Talking about “Companion” is nearly impossible without spoiling the movie. I know this to be true because the film’s own marketing spoils its first-act twist. If you enjoy horror-tinged thrillers, I recommend you stop reading and go see “Companion” - it’s nothing mind blowing, but it is a solid, if shallow, movie.

A&E 2/4/25 11:02pm

Oscar snubs and surprises

By Ridhi Dondeti , Jennifer Liu , Jay Collura and Arman Saxena

On Jan. 23, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for their annual much-anticipated Academy Awards. Like every year, this slate of nominees was full of snubs and surprises; here are some that the Thresher believed were especially notable.

A&E 1/28/25 11:29pm

Review: “Presence” is a ghost story that floats above formulaic Hollywood drama

By Jay Collura

Does any director love making movies more than Steven Soderbergh? Since 1989, Soderbergh has made 33 feature films using every genre, style, and piece of technology possible. Despite the fact he worked his way up through the independent film space to direct some of the biggest middlebrow studio films of the last 30 years (Ocean’s Eleven, Erin Brockovich), he still seeks out new challenges and technologies to sharpen his craft. What other filmmakers have the audacity to film not one but two of their movies on iPhones instead of cutting-edge cameras?

A&E 1/28/25 11:27pm

Review: Arthouse titans unite in “The Room Next Door”

By Jay Collura

Are there two better working actors than Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton? Perhaps, but it’s hard to find a pair of actors who have better taste. Moore has worked with a murderer’s row of American auteurs (Paul Thomas Anderson, Todd Haynes, Robert Altman). Swinton has seemingly worked with every significant arthouse filmmaker working today (Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Jim Jarmusch Luca Guadagnino, Bela Tarr). 

A&E 1/14/25 10:28pm

Four movies you missed over winter break

By Jay Collura

Winter is the best time to be a movie fan. Hollywood studios always release their award-season hopefuls, new attempts at Christmas classics and movies (hopefully) good enough to convince the whole family to go out during the holidays. This year was no different, but certain films definitely stood out above the rest -- here are four films that were released over winter break that you may have missed.

A&E 12/3/24 11:23pm

Review: “Gladiator 2” is fine

By Jay Collura

Around the beginning of the semester, I found myself writing about legacy sequels, so it feels fitting, and somewhat indicative of Hollywood’s stagnation, to end the semester doing the same. “Gladiator II” is a direct continuation of the Best Picture award-winning “Gladiator”, with director Ridley Scott returning to his acclaimed film with an almost entirely new cast of characters. 

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