Just saw it. My husband and I adored 28 Years Later, but are divided on Bone Temple. He hated being stuck with the Jimmies so long, and I had a really hard time watching the torture they inflicted. But I also saw the masterful use of the violence as an important juxtaposition between the comedic bits. We both adored Fiennes. I think I preferred Boyle’s direction, but thought this was fascinating. SPOILER: I appreciated Samson not ripping OG Jimmy to shreds even though it’s secretly what I wanted. But I think the theme was always to choose humanity and Samson isn’t a brainless violent being anymore, so the movie didn’t give us that vengeful satisfaction. My husband hated the Jimmy scenes so much, he was disappointed that Samson didn’t tear them to shreds and felt let down. The only other time we disagreed this strongly over a movie was with “Nope.” I actually don’t know entirely my full opinions about Bone Temple yet, and I think that’s a good thing. I might have to revisit it even though I found some of it downright vile to watch.
This belated comment is in reference to your best movies of 2025.
28 Years Later was quite a ride and I looking forward to the latest iteration you just critiqued.
Prior to your recommendation, I had the pleasure of being spellbound by "Train Dreams." Roger Ebert's take on the movie was "You don't just watch: You breathe it in." And what a refreshing breath of fresh air it is.
Well, I need a distraction from the end of civilization as we know it so maybe a movie where fictional zombies are to blame for the end of civilization will be a nice upbeat mood lifter.
I haven't seen the Bone Temple instalment, but if it's as much of a dog's breakfast as 28 Years Later was, I'll save my money. That was an absolute gongshow of a movie and a few hours I'll never get back. I'm a huge Ralph Fiennes fan and don't doubt his talent, but I don't think this review has convinced me that this instalment will be any better.
i appreciate all the time and effort you put into your reviews... i watch two, three, maybe four movies or tv shows a month and you're the best guide to the ones that i won't say in a growling voice during the final credits, "There's another <fill in the blank> hours I'll never get back."
Loved the film, love this review. Could not agree more about Ralph Fiennes. He's amazing!
Just saw it. My husband and I adored 28 Years Later, but are divided on Bone Temple. He hated being stuck with the Jimmies so long, and I had a really hard time watching the torture they inflicted. But I also saw the masterful use of the violence as an important juxtaposition between the comedic bits. We both adored Fiennes. I think I preferred Boyle’s direction, but thought this was fascinating. SPOILER: I appreciated Samson not ripping OG Jimmy to shreds even though it’s secretly what I wanted. But I think the theme was always to choose humanity and Samson isn’t a brainless violent being anymore, so the movie didn’t give us that vengeful satisfaction. My husband hated the Jimmy scenes so much, he was disappointed that Samson didn’t tear them to shreds and felt let down. The only other time we disagreed this strongly over a movie was with “Nope.” I actually don’t know entirely my full opinions about Bone Temple yet, and I think that’s a good thing. I might have to revisit it even though I found some of it downright vile to watch.
This belated comment is in reference to your best movies of 2025.
28 Years Later was quite a ride and I looking forward to the latest iteration you just critiqued.
Prior to your recommendation, I had the pleasure of being spellbound by "Train Dreams." Roger Ebert's take on the movie was "You don't just watch: You breathe it in." And what a refreshing breath of fresh air it is.
I've checked off Sinners, Weapons and Eddington.
Five down, five to go.
Well, I need a distraction from the end of civilization as we know it so maybe a movie where fictional zombies are to blame for the end of civilization will be a nice upbeat mood lifter.
Unironically this!
I haven't seen the Bone Temple instalment, but if it's as much of a dog's breakfast as 28 Years Later was, I'll save my money. That was an absolute gongshow of a movie and a few hours I'll never get back. I'm a huge Ralph Fiennes fan and don't doubt his talent, but I don't think this review has convinced me that this instalment will be any better.
This is the second great review of this film I’ve read. Ok I’m in!
Just want to reinforce that it’s very odd! Good, but weird.
No. I thought it was terrible.
the whole movie or just the naked text coda?
Yeah I wasn’t sure which way this was going, haha.
i appreciate all the time and effort you put into your reviews... i watch two, three, maybe four movies or tv shows a month and you're the best guide to the ones that i won't say in a growling voice during the final credits, "There's another <fill in the blank> hours I'll never get back."