About Us
Connect
Related Links
Areas
Copyright © Houston Film Fanatics All Rights Reserved
RATING: A+
Ray's Review: Are you ready for WEAPONS?
The long-awaited follow-up film to Barbarian is here, and Zach Cregger is upping his game with Weapons. The film hits theaters everywhere on August 8th, and it is something to behold. Now if you haven't had a chance to check out the trailer for this movie the premise is simple in a small town one evening at exactly 2:17 am all but one child from Mrs. Gandy's elementary school class got up, opened their front door and ran off into the night in the creepiest way possible and they did not come back. This, of course, sends the town into complete upheaval. Now you may have seen the trailer and have your theories about what you are about to get into with this film, but I can say, from the sounds that came out of my screening room theater, none of us were expecting all the twists and turns Weapons brings to the table. So let's break it down, spoiler-free.
The film stars Julia Garner as Mrs. Gandy, who is suddenly left with more questions than answers and a lot of animosity from her community. If all the kids disappeared from the same classroom, it only makes sense that you would start with the teacher to see what was going on in that room. It makes sense. So, we first meet Justine Gandy at a school meeting, where distraught parents are demanding answers and, of course, are looking to her to provide them. The most vocal of these parents is Archer Graff, played by Josh Brolin. He is a man who has been lost since his son disappeared and is looking for answers anywhere they can be found. We have our school principal played by Benedict Wong, who is doing all he can to hold things together and be a support system for Justine. Alden Ehrenreich takes on the role of one of the local police officers who has a bit of a thing for Justine. One of the most compelling characters in all this chaos is Cary Christopher, who plays Alex Lily, who is the only student left behind from Mrs. Gandy's class. Now, from top to bottom, this cast is phenomenal. They all bring their best work to the table in weapons. Not even kidding here when I say that this movie has zero weak links in the acting department. They each bring so much emotion and depth to these characters that you can't help but be pulled into this story. I want to give a major shoutout to Cary as Alex; this will not be the last we see of him.
Setting aside the cast, you can't appreciate this movie without giving some love to the cinematography and editing teams on this project. So much of the way this film is put together, it really puts you in the shoes of the characters, often following their lines of sight and really seeing things through their eyes. The movie does an incredible job of pulling you in from start to finish. It keeps you engaged and keeps you guessing. It has just enough of the horror suspense moments to get your pulse pounding, but it isn't a gore fest. Honestly, I had so much fun watching this movie. There will be moments when you are on the edge of your seat, and then, shockingly will be laughing at some of the well-timed one-liners in this script. Zach Cregger has stepped up his game with this movie and executes his writing here beautifully. At the end of the day, I find myself thinking I wish I could see this movie again for the first time (preferably in IMAX this time). So, should you check out Weapons this weekend? 100% yes. Get down to the theater and do not miss this one. Weapons is an absolute WINNER!
Weapons will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in theaters and IMAX nationwide on August 8, 2025, and internationally beginning in August 2025.