Tag Archives: Capsule Reviews

Chicago International Film Festival 2025-A Useful Ghost


A Useful Ghost is one of the most well-written films in the Chicago International Film Festival. The film benefits fromcreative direction and a skillful use of personification in a story in which a widower is desperate for attention. Haunted vacuums are falling apart in this entertaining movie written and directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, I found this film to have heart and an aftermath of dazzling karma. There is almost more disconnect than imaginable because A Useful Ghost has lots to “imagine.”

The film’s main character is March (Wisarut Himmarat), and his wife is Nat (Davika Hoorne). He sees her in his dreams a lot. She may be gone, but apparently, she comes to life as a vacuum. These vacuums stir up much mayhem in a factory which cause a whirlwind of problems among other individuals. The setting is Thailand, and there are many cultural moments in this film, including some that are challenging. The word “useful” in the title is meaningful because it indicates there may be help in circumstances where people are struggling.

The film may seem silly, but I appreciated its invigorating ability to bring lightness especially for the widower. It also brings out the light in others who face devastating moments. A Useful Ghost is one of the most audacious and promising films in the Chicago International Film Festival. It begins with a vacuum, and then many changes and events cause things to spiral out of control. The film’s writing evokes empathy for the characters struggling in the story. The cinematic creativity is a force of nature. Four out of four stars for A Useful Ghost.

Chicago International Film Festival 2025-It was Just an Accident


A daring political thriller that does all it can to fly below the radar. From director Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident has intriguing components involving Middle East politics. This film contains family dynamics which makes its audience wonder about the consequences moving forward. The storyline pushes the envelope but also places family values up front.

In this film, a man named Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri) seeks revenge on a man named Eghbal (Ebrahim Azizi) because he believes Eghbal tormented him in prison ages ago. During his time as a prisoner, Vahid was always blindfolded, but he claims he can tell by the voice and the noises made by Eghbal’s artificial leg. Therefore, Vahid kidnaps Eghbal. However, Vahid’s family doubts his morals considering the political war and many accusations that could be either true or false.

I found this feature set in Iran to be one of the most realistic films in the Chicago International Film Festival. Given Panahi’s skillful approach to creating complicated moral dynamics, he lays a foundation for an effective political and ethical cinematic experience.  Three out of four stars for It Was Just an Accident.

 

Black Phone 2 Review


Black Phone2 intensifies the suspense and horror. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film meets the high expectations set by its predecessor. The first installment was only the beginning. This time, the phone calls target both Finn and Gwen. Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw reprise their roles as brother and sister. Ethan Hawke returns as The Grabber. The new storyline adds more detail. I felt more scared than in the first film.

With the film moving forward, Finn’s nightmares carry a lot of weight into this sequel. Especially with the tones of a belittling attitude, and also the much horror he has experienced, he carries on with him. The visions of The Grabber have not left, but this time, Gwen is having her own nightmares. This brings them to realize that a place called Alpine Lake may have answers to the terrors of their dreams.

What electrifies Black Phone 2 is its spiraling momentum, pulling viewers deeper into a maze of recurring nightmares and lurking mysteries. The eerie phone booth at Alpine Lake becomes the epicenter of their fears. When it rings, reality and nightmare blur, unleashing supernatural horrors that thrive at the camp. Here, Finn and Gwen piece together the cryptic patterns from their visions, each nightmare a vital clue in their search for the truth.

The writing delves into the depths of evil lying in wait, layering the sequel with fresh, unexpected scares. The film is a labyrinth of campfire terrors and shadowy histories, each piece fitting into a larger, sinister puzzle. The Black Phone 2 masterfully maintains its surreal continuity, always hinting at new horrors to come. The Grabber’s chilling voice and twisted motives remain unforgettable, and Hawke’s wicked grin steals every scene.

Overall, The Black Phone 2 is vivid. One that still has a promising continuation. I adored all the extra evidence to maintain momentum. I will also say that I felt it had a heartfelt side with the brother and sister dynamic battling horror . Especially with one that is bound to continue. Three out of four stars for Black Phone 2.