Labor Day presented another packed weekend at the movies. If you’re looking for an option, there’s something for everyone at the theaters. Below is my take on the new release options this weekend. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

By Any Means (Theaters)
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg
Synopsis: This new drama is based on a true story, taking the action back to the 1960s in Mississippi when change and progress came slowly. We focus on an FBI Agent, Wayne Strider (Abdul-Mateen), who is trying to make change. But that’s not easy in a place where he is viewed by many as lesser because of the color of his skin. When a friend is murdered, he takes it personally. When he’s offered a chance to work on a special task force, he jumps at the chance. But it turns out this special opportunity is to pair with an enforcer for the Mob (Wahlberg) who is brought to Mississippi to use extra-legal methods. Can they manage to effect real change? This is based on a true story, yes, but the flow of this is strange and doesn’t help with engagement. Director Elegance Bratton previously helmed The Inspection. While I didn’t love that film, I appreciated that it tried to tackle some big ideas with some well-drawn characters. I can see why elements of this story might have appealed to the director and Abdul-Mateen. The first part of the film touches on some big elements and has a certain appeal. Particularly the sequences with Giancarlo Esposito. But once we get to Wahlberg’s enforcer, it almost feels like a different film entirely. And it becomes something of a slog at times, and overly violent. It also feels like it moves from an empowerment story set in a certain era to something of a white savior style story that feels uncomfortable, even if it is based on a true story. And the rolling credits at the end certainly make it seem like all the violence and rule-bending didn’t even result in a whole lot of justice for those involved. It’s a tough pill to swallow and a disappointing story.
Rating: Rated R for violence/bloody images and pervasive language.

Fall 2: Deadpoint (Theaters)
Starring: Harriet Slater, Arsema Thomas, and Tom Brittney
Synopsis: Back in 2022 we got a horror movie Fall which was about two girls who climbed a tower they shouldn’t and had things go wrong. I’ll be quite honest; I am terrified of heights. So, this wasn’t the best choice of film for me. And the fact it made me so uncomfortable and squirm so much was a testament to the realism and power of its production. I thought it was an under-rated gem. And it seemed to be a hit with audiences, too. So, it makes sense that the film would end up living on. This weekend we get a sequel, Fall 2. While it’s loosely connected to the first film and characters from that film, this is set in a new location and focuses on some new characters. Mainly Jax (Slater), who is Shiloh’s (Virginia Gardner) sister and gets convinced to take on a new terrifying climbing challenge to get over her fear and over her sister’s death. It does not go as planned. Worse yet, for me, is the film ends in such a way that it’s clear that the filmmakers are trying to establish a Fall cinematic universe. I don’t think I need that in my life, and my guess is you’ll feel the same. This one has a lot layered on to the basic plot of mortal peril due to stupid decisions. There’s a crime subplot and one about identity theft. It wraps up too quickly while also languishing too long. There are twist after twist and none of it really lands. I wasn’t bought into these characters, even if I did enjoy some of the effects and sequences. Still, this is kind of a boring film that doesn’t feel all that necessary as a sequel or a holiday weekend viewing option.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for strong language, some violent content/bloody images and drug material.

Onslaught (Theaters)
Starring: Adria Arjona, Dan Stevens, Reginald VelJohnson, Rebecca Hall, and Drew Starkey
Synopsis: This new film comes from director Adam Wingard, who co-wrote the screenplay. It focuses on a demented scientist (Stevens) who is experimenting to make super soldiers. When the experiment, predictably, gets out of hand it leads to the experimental and extremely violent soldiers breaking free and wreaking havoc on a nearby town. There, a single mother (Arjona) with her own trauma from past military service has to spring into action to save her daughter. This is a fairly standard plot. The film tries to add some flourishes and style and elevate it. Stevens and Hall are having a lot of fun here, and they are handed some truly wild characters to play with. I enjoyed Starkey quite a bit, too. The whole cast is solid, with Arjona and VelJohnson doing some nice things, too. But this film is a bit of a slog. The action sequences are plentiful, but there isn’t enough story here. The weirdness and the flourishes keep you entertained for a while, but it just doesn’t hold up. It’s an interesting swing—and yet another film that tries to leave the door open for a sequel—but it isn’t consistent.
Rating: Rated R for strong bloody violence, some gore, sexual material/nudity, and language.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.