Predator Badlands 3D Movie Review

November 08, 2025 by Jacob Scarberry in 3-D Cinema, 3-D Films, 3-D Movies, 3D or 2D, predator badlands, predator, predator badlands 3d, predator badlands 3-d, predator movies, 3D Movies, 3D films, 2025

Predator Badlands 3D Movie Review

By Jacob Scarberry

3D

With the only previous Predator 3D release being the notoriously bad post-conversion of the 1987 classic (back in 2010), I was worried this one might follow suit. Fortunately, this new 3D presentation looks really nice — though it could’ve been a bit stronger in places.

Predator Badlands opens with a terrific shot from inside a cave looking out toward the horizon — the cavern’s edges stretch toward the viewer while the skyline fades into the distance, showing off impressive 3-D depth. That same sense of dimension continues throughout the movie.

There are several fun pop-out moments — debris flying toward the audience, weapons aimed straight at the viewer — that make you instinctively want to duck. Some nighttime scenes naturally flatten things a bit, but even then, there’s still a solid sense of depth. I only noticed a couple brief instances of ghosting, and only on the subtitles.

Overall, Predator Badlands has an impressive 3D presentation that’s absolutely worth watching in that format.

Final 3D Score: 7/10*

* Previously this score was 8/10. Upon further consideration the reviewer has changed his mind and lowered it to a 7.

Movie

The Predator franchise has had a rocky 30-plus-year run — starting with a fantastic first film and followed by sequels of wildly varying quality. But after the surprisingly good Prey in 2022, it feels like the series has finally found its footing again. Disney made the right move by keeping Prey director Dan Trachtenberg on board for Predator Badlands, because this movie is genuinely great.

The story follows Dek, the so-called “runt” of the Yautja tribe. Ordered by their father to be killed for being weak, Dek is spared by his brother Kwei, who lets him escape to another planet, Genna — only for their father to slaughter Kwei in the name of tradition. Determined to earn his way back home, Dek sets out to claim the impossible trophy known as the Kalisk. Genna, however, is far more dangerous than he expects.

While struggling to survive the planet’s brutal environment, Dek encounters a legless android named Thia, who reluctantly becomes his partner on this perilous quest. I won’t spoil what happens next, but let’s just say a surprisingly cute merchandising opportunity joins the mix — creating an unlikely but endearing little “family.”

I’m not gonna lie — I was genuinely surprised by how good this film was. Even after Prey, I didn’t expect Disney to actually deliver another solid Predator entry, but here we are. The performances are strong all around, with Elle Fanning doing a solid job as Thia (even if her slightly grating tone seems intentional for the character).

Jeff Cutter’s cinematography is fantastic — shot with older lenses that give the movie a cinematic flair and some stylish lens flares — while making New Zealand look otherworldly in the process. The score by Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch is another standout, and the sound mixing deserves serious awards attention. The editing keeps the pacing tight with no unnecessary fluff.

Sure, the story is fairly predictable — the “young warrior rises up against the odds” formula — but it smartly flips expectations by making the Predator the hero instead of the villain. A few CGI elements don’t quite hold up, but there are also some truly impressive effects, especially the entirely computer-generated mandibles, which look fantastic.

Overall, Predator: Badlands is a strong, worthy addition to the franchise — entertaining, well-made, and hopefully just the beginning of a new era for Predator.

Final Movie Score: 8/10

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Official Website :

https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/predator-badlands

Superman 3D Movie Review

July 11, 2025 by adolph vega in Superman, Superman 2025, Superman 2025 3d, Superman 2025 3-D, DC Comics, 2025, 3-D Cinema, 3-D Films, 3-D Movies, 3D films, 3D Movies, 3D or 2D, 3D Worth It

Superman

3D Movie Review

By Adolph Vega

3D

I watched Superman in IMAX 3D, and it’s definitely worth it. The film makes strong use of both pop-out 3-D effects and depth-based 3D, adding visual excitement without ever feeling like a gimmick. One of the most fun 3D moments involves a few loose teeth flying toward the screen — playful and effective. A more emotional high point comes when Superman saves a little girl from falling debris — the camera work and pop-out depth make that moment hit hard in the best way.

There’s also a visually stunning black hole scene, where the layered 3D visuals shine, offering a real sense of scale and cosmic awe. For the most part, the format complements the film’s scope and ambition beautifully.

That said, the 3D is not perfect. There are some minor ghosting issues in a few scenes. Certain moments are intentionally presented in 2D, that is when characters are watching TV or looking at phone screens. It makes sense, but it does briefly break the immersion. Also, the film’s stylized cinematography and fast-paced editing occasionally clash with the 3D presentation, making some sequences a bit visually overwhelming.

Still, those are relatively minor gripes. When the 3D works, it genuinely enhances the experience of watching Superman. I’d definitely recommend seeing it in 3D — especially IMAX 3D if you can find it (and afford it). Overall, Superman (2025) makes great use of stereoscopic effects, enhancing key scenes with immersive visuals that pulled me right into the world of Metropolis.

Final 3D Score: 8/10

Movie

Superman (2025) is an exciting, heartfelt return to form. The movie brings fresh energy and boldness to the DC Universe while still honoring the essence of its most iconic hero. That said, it’s not without its issues.

The film moves very fast — sometimes to a fault. From the opening scene, it barrels ahead with little time to breathe or reflect. The pacing feels rushed, and on occasion, important story elements are told rather than shown, which creates the sensation that we’ve jumped into the second film in a trilogy without seeing the first. While things do come together by the end, the lack of background context can be a bit jarring at times. For example, we’re told why Lex Luthor hates Superman — but I wanted to see what triggered it firsthand.

Despite this, the story it tells is surprisingly relevant and emotionally resonant. There are clear allusions to modern-day issues — fake news, immigration, and even allegories of the war in Ukraine — all woven into a narrative about fear, control, journalism, and public perception. Some will no doubt complain that it’s “too political,” but that criticism overlooks who Superman has always been. He stood for truth and justice from the very beginning — in Action Comics #1 (1938), he was already fighting corrupt lobbyists and war profiteers. Superman has always been caring being that connects to the era that it’s set in.

This film doesn’t directly preach, but uses metaphors to reflect on the works that we live in. Topics like the smearing of reputations, war profiteering, the alienation of the “other,” and the power of journalism aren’t heavy-handed — they’re honest acute reflections of the world we live in. The film doesn’t feel like an agenda; it feels like a thoughtful critique of the human experience, and that gives it real weight.

At the heart of the film is a Superman who is struggling. It’s a shocking and brilliant way to start the film. Superman is vulnerable — not just physically, but emotionally. Superman is caught in a storm of PR spin to ruin his reputation. This is a smart narrative that adds tension and complexity without compromising Superman’s core values of kindness, decency, and hope. This is where the film truly shines — it understands the character of Superman, not as an invincible alien, but as a symbol of what humanity could aspire to be. Superman has always saved humanity, but we saved him and gave him the opportunity to be the mightiest hero.

The cast is one of the film’s strongest assets. David Corenswet is phenomenal — he radiates warmth, strength, and quiet humility that makes him feel exactly like Superman should. You understand why the world believes in him, and why this version of Superman resonates so strongly in a cynical, jaded age. The core ensemble is strong, especially the leads, though I do think some of the extended Daily Planet staff could’ve been trimmed without much loss.

Nathan Fillion stands out as Green Lantern — brash, abrasive, and completely entertaining. I especially loved how the film used his powers creatively. His presence adds energy and contrast to Superman’s softer demeanor, without stealing the spotlight. Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific also showcases excellent performance and was a surprise highlight of the film.

When the film slows down, it truly pays off. The more reflective, dialogue-heavy scenes help deepen the characters and create emotional weight. These are the moments that anchor the film emotionally and remind us why we care about these people.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a superhero movie without action — and the action here is excellent. It’s frequent, well-choreographed, and visually spectacular. Whether it’s massive city destruction or smaller, character-driven fights, every sequence has a sense of scale and flair that feels distinctly comic book — not grounded realism, but elevated imagination. At a time when many people feel superhero fatigue, this film feels refreshing, distinct, and vibrant. The special effects are superb, and overall, it’s just a joy to watch.

Also, let’s not forget Krypto the Superdog — an absolute scene-stealer. His scenes are equal parts funny, heartwarming, and badass. He adds so much to the movie.

The film’s tone is another major win. The humor feels natural, never forced, and the entire project feels like a confident new direction. It’s not trying to be Marvel, and it’s not trying to copy the Snyderverse — it’s something new. It’s unapologetically comic book-y in the best ways. James Gunn nailed it. I genuinely feel excited about the future of this universe, and this movie does a great job of laying the groundwork for the new DCU — teasing what’s to come without feeling like a commercial.

Yes, I still have a lot of unanswered questions, and yes, some characters and subplots could’ve been tightened — but those are small issues in an otherwise thrilling, hopeful, emotionally grounded Superman film. Superman (2025) is the Superman film I’ve been waiting decades for. It’s bold, wholesome, emotional, and modern, without losing what makes the character timeless. With standout performances, meaningful themes, thrilling action, and a tone that balances heart and spectacle, this is easily top tier filmmaking and one of the best Superman movies of all time.

Final Movie Score: 9/10

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https://www.superman.com

Disney's Elio 3D Movie Review

June 20, 2025 by adolph vega in 3-D Cinema, 3-D Films, 3-D Movies, 3D or 2D, Elio, Disney Elio, 2025, 3D films, 3d Movie, 3D Movies, Disney, Disney , animated movies, 3D Or 2D Elio, 3D Worth It

Disney's Elio 3D Movie Review

By Adolph Vega

3D

The 3D in Elio is solid overall, and some moments genuinely wow you, but ultimately it’s hampered by Disney’s reluctancy and ghosting. Many of the space scenes look fantastic in stereoscopic 3d — the layering, the particle effects, the alien architecture — all rich with depth and visual candy. The movie features numerous enjoyable 3D moments, including pop-out scenes and shallow environments that effectively immerse the audience (diorama effect) into the scenes.

That being said Elio is a science fiction movie, but it’s absolutely haunted by 3-D ghosting. Sadly this issue is not just in one or two spots — it’s frequent and frustrating. You’ll go from an impressive scene that looks near-perfect to a blurry double-vision mess that ruins the moment in the next scene. Honestly, Elio has bipolar 3D — and that’s not a reference to the 3D glasses. It swings between fantastic and awful, and frustratingly averages out to be fine overall… when it should’ve been stellar. It’s a shame, because when Elio leans into the 3D format, it really excels. I do not believe this issue with the theatre’s presentation. The 3D trailers before this movie were 100% fine. Regrettably, I believe Disney itself is hindering the 3D potential of its animated films. There’s one scene with a character aiming a gun right at the screen — a perfect pop-out moment — but the gun that’s popping out of the screen is blurred. Why?! It just seems as if Disney deliberately instructed the 3D team to refrain from fully embracing the format. I’m sorry to state this, but if this were a DreamWorks animation film, the 3D probably would’ve been better implemented, and it would probably have received a much more positive review. Perhaps Disney is hesitant to fully commit to stereoscopic animation, perhaps due to concerns about potentially harming children’s eyes. While Disney animated films generally have good 3D visuals, they don’t seem to be fully exploring the potential of 3D. This is particularly disheartening for me, a die-hard 3D enthusiast, as I can envision a version of this movie that would be breathtaking in 3D.

Elio also has many darkly lit scenes, and those are always an issue with 3D. Elio’s 3D is orbiting greatness. Sometimes it’s closer, and sometimes it’s farther away, but it never quite lands where it should be. Elio should have been a 3D showcase, but sadly it’s a disappointment. With a heavy heart, overall I have to give Elio 3D aspect only a slight recommendation.

Final 3D Score: 6/10

Movie

Disney has an uneven record with sci-fi, and Elio unfortunately keeps that streak going.

The story centers on Elio, a lonely boy who dreams of being abducted by aliens — and then actually gets abducted. The aliens mistakenly believe he is the leader of Earth, which (of course) sets off a string cosmic misadventures. It has that rewritten-a-few-too-many-times feel — probably because it was. I accurately predicted a solid 60% of the movie’s plot points. The characters are fairly one-dimensional, and simplistic. I thought the huge conflict in this movie was dumb and poorly conceived. Overall it feels like a short film that got stretched into a feature-length runtime.

This movie provided me with a roller coaster of feelings and tones. There are laughs, but it’s not fully a comedy. One horror-inspired sequence was genuinely hilarious and had me laughing out loud. The movie has heart and even some real emotional swings, but not all of it feels earned. I don’t care enough about these characters to shed a tear, even though the movie is trying to make me (and the audience) cry. Is the movie an adventure movie? Yes. Is it an emotional journey of self-discovery? Yes. Is it silly? Yes. Is it serious? Yes. Elio is the perfect example of a jack-of-all-trades and master of none.

I do respect that the space alien designs steer away from the usual “different face ridges or human with blue colored skin” formula. The aliens have truly bizarre, non-humanoid, non-bipedal designs that look not of this world, but they are also so alien that it’s hard to connect with them. As a lifelong sci-fi fan, I wanted to love that aspect more than I actually did.

The film has two standout cameos that fans of sci-fi will absolutely recognize. I won’t spoil them here, but they fit the movie perfectly— a little too perfectly — like the film was elbowing you and saying, “You see what we did there?” Yet, I had a huge grin on my face. There are also clever nods to classic sci-fi films, which were genuinely fun to find. Unlike the cameos, the sci-fi references in the movie are very subtle. If you don’t know the reference, it’s perfectly fine.

Visually, the animation is colorful, but the art style is forgettable — generic, even. It has the same visual design as Disney’s Strange World, and honestly feels like Pixar / Disney is just recycling assets at this point. It’s not uncommon for Disney to revisit its classic animated films, such as the original Snow White and Robin Hood movies. This video showcases that aspect perfectly, and I imagine in the future someone will do a similar video with Strange World and Elio. It’s still disappointing and robs Elio of a fresh distinct look.

Before I conclude this review, I must mention that this movie includes both a mid-credit and post-credit scenes.

Mid-credit scene:
A basic 5-second moment. The scene is a cute continuation of the story, but it’s not particularly special.
Post-credit scene:
A teaser for an upcoming Pixar animated lizard movie. This ‘trailer’ is skippable and pointless. Don’t waste your time waiting for this scene - it’s truly not worth it.

While Elio does contain a few enjoyable moments, it’s not a movie that people are likely to revisit in the future. I love sci-fi, and I couldn’t love this uneven movie. The premise of Elio is cute, but the execution is entirely derivative.

Final Movie Score: 6/10

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https://www.3dor2d.com/3d-or-2d-ratingssystem/

Official Website :

https://movies.disney.com/elio