Renner (2025) | A bold but uneven indie sci-fi that takes a predictable premise and pushes it somewhere worthwhile with strong performances and a gutsy finale. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.2/10. It's refreshing to see a film with some guts again, and Renner certainly doesn’t shy away from its bold finale. The story follows a computer genius who designs an AI life coach to help him navigate love, only to realize too late that he’s unknowingly programmed his manipulative mother into the system. While the setup is highly predictable, the film manages to redeem itself with an unexpected swerve that adds real weight to the narrative.

As an indie sci-fi drama, Renner never quite explodes into something extraordinary, but it flirts with that potential thanks to strong performances and an engaging second half. Frankie Muniz has evolved into a well-balanced actor, delivering a nuanced performance that carries much of the film. It was also a nice change of pace to see Violett Beane in a role outside of the superhero genre as she brings charm and depth to the nosy neighbor/love interest.

The real standout, however, is the sheer audacity of how the story plays out in the end. Whether it was director Robert Rippberger’s choice or the writers crafting multiple possible outcomes, the finale delivers a rare sense of commitment that's worth appreciating. Be warned, though—the last half-hour goes all in, making for a chaotic and gripping finish.

That said, Renner isn’t without its flaws. There are moments where you will be yelling at the screen, frustrated at the characters’ obliviousness to the obvious. But if you can roll with that, the film serves up some solid indie sci-fi entertainment with an edge. It's a bold but uneven indie sci-fi that takes a predictable premise and pushes it somewhere worthwhile. Worth watching for the performances and its gutsy finale.

Renner (2025)

Amazon leads the limited streaming choices here.

https://jackmeat.com/renner-2025/

Val Edward Kilmer (December 31, 1959 – April 1, 2025) | An absolute tragic loss today of a man who I was a huge fan of. Might pop on Real Genius tonight. RIP Mr. Kilmer. #jackmeatsflix

I wish I was making an April Fools joke, but unfortunately, this exceptional actor has lost a battle to pneumonia and passed away. To say I am a fan is an understatement. I believe half of my sarcasm in high school came from the movie Real Genius (clip below) Kilmer was a part of just so many great movies. I would rehash his amazing career, but I think the Hollywood Reporter does a nice job of it for me.

An absolute tragic loss today of a man who I was a huge fan of. I might have to pop on Real Genius tonight and watch my personal favorite role of his and smile. RIP Mr. Kilmer.

Val Kilmer

What was your favorite Val Kilmer movie?

https://jackmeat.com/val-edward-kilmer/

Forest of Death (2023) | If you are gonna watch this flick, get ready for a weekend getaway all the way to the land of bad decisions! #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 3.5/10. The classic horror trope with a group of friends heading to a remote cabin for some much-needed R&R. Cue the ominous forest, the skinwalker lurking nearby, and, of course, the "splitting up" moment that happens in record time—literally less than 10 minutes in! Seriously, I thought they were trying to set a new world record for the worst decisions. But hey, at least they got the clichés out of the way early, right? Well, let me just put it like this. If someone told you an insane sounding story that seems very implausible to ever happen, AND the next thing you know, the EXACT thing that was just described starts happening, wouldn't you give that warning story some creed? Not these folks, nope, not at all.

Let’s talk about the acting—because, oh boy, it's a rollercoaster. At some points, I was convinced I was watching a community theater production where everyone forgot their lines. In fact, I’m pretty sure I saw one actor glance down at a cue card mid-scene. That said, it gives the movie this charmingly awkward vibe, like you're rooting for them to survive just because you're watching a blooper reel unfold in real time.

Now, this film actually has some potential. The creative camera work and eerie shots of doppelgangers are the real MVPs. These moments are genuinely unsettling, but they’re too few and far between. Instead of indulging in their budget-friendly, freaky visuals, they decided to throw in some not-so-convincing practical effects that felt like they were trying to be too ambitious. Spoiler alert: When the "creature" does show up, you’ll be wishing they stuck to what worked: spooky shots of people who aren’t who they say they are.

As for the horror… well, there are a couple of chills here and there. But overall, it’s like a haunted house with too many plastic skeletons. You’ll find a few moments that actually make you jump, but not enough to keep you glued to your screen. It’s the kind of film you’ll watch if you’re a hardcore horror fan who’ll take whatever is handed to you… or if it’s just on in the background while you do other things (you know who you are).

In the end, Forest of Death barely scrapes by with a rounded-up 4 out of 10. It's not a complete disaster, but it’s not a gem either. It’s like that weird snack you regret buying—it’s not terrible, but you’re probably never going to finish it.

Forest of Death (2023)

If you are gonna watch this flick, get ready for a weekend getaway all the way to the land of bad decisions! That being said, there are some streaming options for you, including Amazon.

https://jackmeat.com/forest-of-death-2023/

The Rig (2023) | This supernatural thriller is a worthwhile binge if you are interested in the mysterious force in the fog around this oil rig. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 6.0/10. Set on a remote Scottish oil rig, The Rig kicks off with an eerie, supernatural premise as a dense fog rolls in, isolating the crew and unleashing forces beyond their comprehension. The show thrives on its claustrophobic setting, creating a palpable sense of dread, with stunning visuals and impressive special effects amplifying the unease.

Iain Glen does a good job through both seasons as Magnus, the head honcho of the rig, bringing a steady, commanding presence to the role. Emily Hampshire also stands out with a solid performance as the strong female lead, always managing to rein in the macho guys when they veer too far into tough-guy mode. Martin Compston had an interesting and pivotal role, though it seemed to shift between seasons, making his character arc feel slightly inconsistent.

Season 1 is an engaging slow-burn mystery, filled with tension and unanswered questions that kept me hooked. It borrows elements from The Mist, The Thing, and Alien, but never enough to feel derivative—it blends familiar ideas into something uniquely its own. The pacing is tight, the mystery intriguing, and the performances solid across the board. (7/10)

Unfortunately, Season 2 loses steam. The momentum built in the first season fades as the show struggles to maintain the same level of tension and intrigue. The writing feels lazier, relying on familiar tricks that no longer hold the same impact. While it does attempt to break away from its earlier inspirations, the execution doesn’t quite land, making it a less compelling watch. (5/10)

With the way things ended, the door is left open for continuation, but if the show were to return, it would likely take a very different direction from what we’ve seen so far. Whether that’s a good or bad thing remains to be seen, but as it stands, The Rig works best as a full binge, especially now that a third season seems unlikely.

The Rig (2023)

This show is still an Amazon exclusive.

https://jackmeat.com/the-rig-2023/

Riff Raff (2025) | If you enjoy dark comedies with crime elements and an all-star cast, this flick is well worth a watch. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 6.2/10. Director Dito Montiel delivers an engaging dark comedy in Riff Raff, a film that takes a familiar story and reinvents it with sharp writing, a well-paced narrative, and a stellar ensemble cast. Montiel, known for his ability to craft character-driven stories (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints), keeps the film moving at a brisk pace. At just 103 minutes, Riff Raff manages to juggle backstory, character dynamics, and escalating tension without feeling bloated. The dialogue is sharp and witty, making even the film’s heavier moments feel engaging rather than weighed down by melodrama.

The film wastes no time in setting up its premise. Vince (Ed Harris), a former criminal who turned his life around, enjoys a quiet life with his wife, Sandy (Gabrielle Union), and their good-natured son, DJ (Miles J. Harvey). But their peaceful New Year's Eve is thrown into chaos when Vince’s estranged son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman), arrives unannounced with his pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and his brash, trouble-stirring mother, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge). Rocco’s arrival isn’t just a social visit—he’s on the run, and hot on his trail is the aging but dangerous mobster Lefty (Bill Murray), who has a personal vendetta that threatens to turn this family reunion into a bloodbath. While the story itself isn't groundbreaking, the way it's told keeps things fresh. Montiel manages to weave past and present seamlessly, ensuring that every emotional beat lands while maintaining a tense and often darkly humorous atmosphere.

The real highlight here is the cast. It’s hard to single out one standout performance because the chemistry between the actors is what makes Riff Raff shine. Each character feels lived-in, and their interactions elevate the material beyond a typical revenge thriller. The dialogue is particularly well-crafted—natural, witty, and at times biting—adding depth to these characters and their motivations.

While the film might not break new ground in terms of story, its execution is what makes it stand out. The strong performances and Montiel’s skillful direction keep you engaged right up to the final moments. If you’re drawn to any of the actors involved, you’ll likely be hooked from the start. But if the names don’t entice you, the film’s impact might be a little less potent.

If you enjoy dark comedies with crime elements and an all-star cast, Riff Raff is well worth a watch. The writing, performances, and pacing ensure that even a familiar story feels fresh. It balances tension, humor, and action effectively, making it an entertaining watch with a cast that truly brings it to life.

Riff Raff (2025)

Here are plenty of streaming choices to pick from, including Amazon.

https://jackmeat.com/riff-raff-2025/

Cleaner (2025) | Think Die Hard with a female protagonist and instead of being trapped IN the building she is stuck 50 stories up outside the building. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.5/10. Die Hard meets Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning in Cleaner, a high-altitude action thriller that delivers solid fight choreography and well-filmed sequences but struggles to elevate itself beyond standard popcorn fare.

Daisy Ridley stars as Joey, an ex-soldier-turned-window-cleaner who finds herself in an impossible situation, suspended 50 storeys (before you spellcheck, that is the British spelling ;) up outside a London skyscraper when a group of radical activists storm an energy company’s gala, taking 300 hostages, including her younger, autistic brother. What follows is a race against time as Joey battles both the terrorists and the unforgiving elements, scaling the building in a desperate bid to save those trapped inside.

Ridley commits fully to the physical demands of the role, and the action sequences are crisp, well-choreographed, and engaging. The setup is refreshing in that it flips the usual Die Hard-style formula, keeping Joey on the outside looking in, which leads to some tense, vertigo-inducing stunts. However, where Cleaner falters is in its character development and storytelling. Joey’s personal stakes, particularly the sibling dynamic meant to drive her motivation, feel undercooked, making it difficult to form a strong emotional connection.

Clive Owen, unfortunately, is given little to do, a disappointing waste of talent in what could have been a memorable supporting role. The villains are serviceable but lack the depth to be truly compelling, and the film doesn’t offer much in terms of originality beyond its unique premise.

That said, if you go in expecting a straightforward action flick, Cleaner delivers enough entertainment to be worth a watch. It’s a well-executed but ultimately forgettable thriller that does just enough to keep you engaged—nothing more, nothing less.

Cleaner (2025)

Amazon, along with these streamers have this for theater-at-home pricing (03.29.25)

https://jackmeat.com/cleaner-2025/

Womb (2025) | Based on true events of fetal abduction, which is horrific, unlike this movie, which is scary in a different way. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 3.7/10. This movie starts with a gruesome bang, claiming to be based on true events of fetal abduction. While there have been real-life cases of this horrifying crime, any sense of realism goes out the window pretty quickly. It’s as if writer Mike Walsh got halfway through and thought, “Nah, I don't want it this crazy.” And proceeded to go into a more tame suspense mode.

Taylor Hanks, playing our pregnant protagonist, does a decent enough job, but the script does her no favors. Her character makes choices that range from frustrating to outright baffling. Meanwhile, the little girl who enters the story spends most of the movie looking like she just realized she’s in a film, which is… a choice.

The flick does have tension and moves at a brisk pace, but that doesn’t mean it’s good. It’s the kind of film that keeps you watching, not because you’re enthralled, but because you keep hoping it’ll turn into the movie it could have been. Instead, it keeps delivering moments that make you yell at your screen, "Are you serious?"

Spoiler Territory: The Stupidity of It All

• A guy refuses to kill yet thinks casually removing someone’s eyes with a hunting knife and believes the person is surviving? Sure. Science is just a suggestion in this universe.
• The villain is willing to let a mother and child die but, when handed a loaded gun at point-blank range, just… does nothing. Woman, what is your endgame!
• The movie works so hard to convince you it’s a horrifying true crime story, only to abandon that for a straight-up kidnapping. Did we forget the horror tag?
• The killer? The other victims, wait, how? Didn't he/she succeed in the very beginning? I'm done.

Would Womb resonate more with mothers? Maybe. Would it resonate with anyone who appreciates coherent writing? Probably not.

Womb (2025)

Not an abundance of streaming options out there, but here is what Justwatch has right now.

My initial rating might be generous after thinking this through next day. What is your opinion? (jump in with stars or comments to discuss)

https://jackmeat.com/womb-2025/