Kraven the Hunter & Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Reviews by Manny the Movie Guy

Agua Caliente Entertainment Report: Movie Reviews with Manny the Movie Guy This week’s Agua Caliente Entertainment Report, brought to you by Agua Caliente Casinos, features Manny the Movie Guy’s take on two highly anticipated films: Marvel’s Kraven the Hunter and the animated Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Unfortunately, both films fail to deliver. "Kraven the Hunter" Review Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Sergei Kravinoff, a.k.a. Kraven, in this origin story from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. The film centers on Kraven’s relationship with his father, Nikolai (played by Russell Crowe), but the emotional depth of their dynamic is buried under unnecessary subplots. Director J.C. Chandor, acclaimed for Margin Call and All Is Lost, overstuffed this action thriller, turning what could have been a compelling family drama into a convoluted mess. With underwhelming franchise entries like Morbius and Madam Web preceding it, Kraven the Hunter closes out Sony’s Spider-Man Universe on a sour note. While Taylor-Johnson remains a strong contender for the next James Bond, this performance doesn’t add much to his portfolio. Verdict: 2 out of 4 kisses. Skip it. "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" Review Set 183 years before Peter Jackson’s beloved trilogy, this anime film explores the tale of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the movie shines visually but falters in crafting a compelling narrative. The story focuses on the Rohirrim’s defense against an invading army, but the lack of emotional depth makes the two-hour runtime feel laborious. Despite its artistic beauty, the film doesn’t capture the magic or power of the original trilogy, leaving fans disappointed. Verdict: 2.5 out of 4 kisses. Beautiful but bland. What to Watch Instead If these releases don’t excite you, hold out for the holiday season’s biggest blockbusters: Moana 2, Gladiator 2, and Wicked. Catch more of Manny the Movie Guy’s reviews every week on NBC Palm Springs!