The movie characters are stunned by how amazing their respective movies are. Graphic by Tori Satchwell. 

TORI SATCHWELL | STAFF REPORTER | tsatchwell@butler.edu 

“Film Fanatics” focuses on the latest and greatest cinema has to offer. Ranging from the newest movies in theaters to familiar favorites, enjoy thoughtful reviews that inspire further reflection or several rewatches. Read on to discover a new favorite film. 

After the success of “Barbenheimer”, Hollywood tried to replicate the magic of summer 2023 this year, releasing a plethora of sequels, requels and reboots. This overabundance of sequels has critics wondering if the 2024 summer season is just “Fan Service Summer”, with more emphasis being placed on what will make money rather than new, inventive ideas. 

However, the 2024 summer movie season provided audiences with a combination of blockbusters and under-the-radar hits. While there were no “Barbenheimer” moments, each movie did its fan base justice and highlighted unique perspectives.

“Alien: Romulus”

Focusing on a younger cast, “Alien: Romulus” resurrects the Alien franchise by paying homage to its predecessors while introducing the series to a new audience. The movie directly nods to diehard Alien fans by expanding the Weyland-Yutani corporation mentioned in earlier films. 

“Alien: Romulus” follows Rain — portrayed by Cailee Spaeny — and her adoptive brother Andy — portrayed by David Jonsson — as they escape their life of servitude to flee to the fruitful planet Yvaga. On their quest to locate cryosleep pods, Rain, Andy and crew fight for their lives against the Xenomorphs, more commonly known as the Aliens. 

Director Fede Alvarez melds his specialty for gore with the franchise’s iconic atmosphere, creating a brand-new viewing experience for “Alien” fans. Alvarez successfully combines the horrific elements of “Alien” with the action of “Aliens”, redefining the trajectory for the series.

“Alien: Romulus” is currently out in theaters and will be streaming soon on Hulu.

“Dìdi”

This is the perfect movie for anyone who ever tried to start their own YouTube channel. While “Dìdi” flew under the radar in the box office due to a limited release, those who saw it felt it accurately encapsulated the feeling of growing up in the digital age. 

Re-experience puberty with Chris Wang — portrayed by Izaac Wang — as he struggles to manage his familial relationships, friend problems, and most importantly, his MySpace page. 

“Dìdi” is painfully relatable and charming, capturing universal moments from childhood most people do not want to relive. Director Sean Wang’s semi-autobiographical movie is a must-see for anyone who was a teenager. 

“Dìdi” is currently out in theaters and will be streaming soon on Peacock.

“Deadpool & Wolverine”

After a millennium, the long-awaited team-up of Deadpool and Wolverine finally happened, sending Marvel fans into pure bliss and movie theater seats. The second highest-grossing movie of the summer, “Deadpool & Wolverine” catered directly to its fans by providing unexpected cameos and references.

Deadpool — portrayed by Ryan Reynolds — is back and needs to find Wolverine — portrayed by Hugh Jackman —to restore balance to his Earth. After a decade of hints, the two finally pair up and save their respective worlds. 

Addie Dobry, a first-year history and anthropology double major, believes that “Deadpool & Wolverine” restored fun to the superhero genre. 

“‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ was just hilarious,” Dobry said. “It’s finally a superhero movie that does not take itself too seriously. [It] had a lot of justified hype, and it ended up being good.”

It might not sweep at the Oscars, but “Deadpool & Wolverine” justified an entire era of superhero movies and restored the superheroes’ legacy in the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is currently in theaters and will be streaming soon on Disney Plus. 

“Longlegs”

“Longlegs” takes the prize for the creepiest movie character. Ever. Rather than focusing on jump scares like most modern-day horror movies, “Longlegs” builds a sense of dread and keeps the audience guessing for the duration of the movie.

Immersing the audience into the story immediately, “Longlegs” follows FBI agent Lee Harker — portrayed by Maika Monroe