In this mid-year review of 2025, hosts Elliot and Alex discuss the successes and disappointments in cinema so far, highlighting standout films like 'The Brutalist' and 'Sinners', while also addressing the resurgence of horror and the challenges faced by live-action adaptations. They explore the impact of franchise films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the box office performance of various movies, concluding with a look ahead at anticipated releases for the remainder of the year.

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In this episode of Film Focus Online's Film Vault, Romey & Dan delve into the cinematic worlds of Wes Anderson, focusing on two of his iconic films: Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel. They explore the narrative depth, character performances, and unique visual styles that define Anderson's work. The discussion highlights the coming-of-age themes in Moonrise Kingdom and the intricate relationships in The Grand Budapest Hotel, while also examining the impact of nostalgia and genre on contemporary filmmaking. The episode culminates in a lively debate about the strengths of each film, ultimately leading to the induction of one of these films into The Film Vault.

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In this episode, Elliot and Jack delve into the latest instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise, 'The Final Reckoning' (02:48). They discuss the film's themes, character arcs, and the impact of Tom Cruise's choices on the narrative. The conversation also covers the pacing issues and critiques of the film, alongside a ranking of all Mission Impossible films (22:09). The hosts share their thoughts on the action sequences, emotional stakes, and the overall legacy of the franchise, concluding with their final thoughts on whether this truly marks the end for Ethan Hunt.

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