James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Every time I see a take saying that Fincher’s THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO ruined the Lisbeth Salander character I can immediately identify that those saying have never read or completely misunderstood the source material. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 24/09/20264 Films I’m Looking Forward to in October 2026: SLAYGROUND DIGGER YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING STREET FIGHTER Which 4 movies are you anticipating the most this coming month, friends? 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Do not go past five years in your camera roll or you will get very depressed 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 08/09/2026I don’t think I’ve read a single intelligent anti-Nathan Fielder take, but people defending Elizabeth Holmes is a new one! 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Fortnite YouTuber Tycoon Infinite is the glue holding my fragile mental health together 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Anyways point is I miss having my friends easily accessible and it feels like the algorithms on every app has buried their posts or they’ve given up on social media and it feels very difficult to rebuild here. 020
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 04/09/2026I really miss how social media, specifically mid-2010s Twitter, used to be an easy way to shoot the shit with your friends. Now feels like the majority of social posts are just Making Points and either getting yelled at or agreed with. Very hard to build fun community anymore. 020
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Few things are less interesting to me than being on some “Ridley Scott is a hack” BS. Grow up! Man’s nearly 90, pumps out of a film nearly every year, and most of them are good. 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 09/08/2026I need to start learning how to post on here for real 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 05/08/2026A co-worker told me to watch A KNIGHT'S TALE, saying it was his favorite Heath Ledger film and that it was "just the right amount of whimsical". Having watched it, that one line review is better than I could do. If you need a smile, throw that flick on. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 05/08/2026ONE NIGHT ONLY had me smiling the whole time. Monica Barbaro is totally magnetic in a finely tuned rom-com that employs the formula well. Terrific chemistry with Callum Turner, could’ve used more raunch, but hey- this is some great silver screen comfort food. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 06/06/2026CAROLINA CAROLINE is one of my favorite movies of 2026. Featuring white-hot chemistry between Kyle Gallner and Samara Weaving, a versatile, distinct atmosphere, and an enrapturing emotional intelligence, it’s a true hidden gem. Full review via @butwhytho.net: butwhytho.net/2026/06/caro...butwhytho.netCarolina Caroline Review: Positively Aching With DesireFeaturing white-hot chemistry between its leads, a distinct atmosphere, and enrapturing emotional intelligence, Carolina Caroline is a hidden gem. 052
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 06/06/2026MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE has some tremendous sequences undercut by a glut of bad jokes, shoddy visuals, and flat characters no amount of bright colors and ‘80s reverence can hide. Full review via @butwhytho.net: butwhytho.net/2026/06/mast...butwhytho.netMasters of the Universe (2026) Review: Squanders it’s PotentialMasters of the Universe has some tremendous sequences undercut by a glut of bad jokes, shoddy visuals, and flat characters. 251
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 21/05/2026THE BOYS Series Finale is absolutely perfect. An emotional, gory, irreverent end that honors the core of the show, namely the conflict between Butcher and Homelander. Can’t believe how much I loved this. My final THE BOYS recap for @butwhytho.net below: butwhytho.net/2026/05/the-...butwhytho.netThe Boys Season 5 Episode 8 Recap - But Why Tho?The Boys Season 5 Episode 8 brings the series to a close that's as gory and irreverent as it is satisfying. 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 28/03/2026FORBIDDEN FRUITS had me smiling from ear to ear the whole time. A deliciously witty horror-comedy from @ifcfilms.bsky.social & Shudder destined to be rewatched and quoted ad nauseam. Victoria Pedretti and Lili Reinhart are supersonic here. Review via @butwhytho.net: butwhytho.net/2026/03/forb...butwhytho.netForbidden Fruits Review: It Is Sure To Be A Cult Classic!Forbidden Fruits is an infinitely rewatchable gem that does most everything it sets its heart to perfectly, with Alloway's script shining bright. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 27/03/2026No film in 2026 is likely to make you as uncomfortable as OUR HERO, BALTHAZAR. No film so far is as necessary. Complex. Whip-smart. Pitch black. Deeply empathetic. Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield are unreal. My review via @butwhytho.net: butwhytho.net/2026/03/our-...butwhytho.netOur Hero, Balthazar Review: An Enthrallingly Uncomfortable Buddy MovieOur Hero, Balthazar, is a complex, whip-smart, empathetic work that is uncommonly perceptive on the obsession with violence in the United States. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 27/03/2026Although it gets a little lost in the weeds of its numerous subplots, DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN's Season 2 premiere instills heavy confidence in the story to come. I’ll be riding the high of that last five minutes til next week. Read my full recap via @butwhytho.net: butwhytho.net/2026/03/dare...butwhytho.netDaredevil Born Again Season 2 Episode 1 Recap - But Why Tho?Daredevil Born Again Season 2 Episode 1 suffers from overly dense plotting while indicating a thrill-ride in store for the rest of the season. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 13/03/2026BODYCAM makes up for what it lacks in character development by providing some of the best pacing and escalation I’ve seen in a found footage film, strongly adhering to the format and adapting horror game logic. My review for @butwhytho.net: butwhytho.net/2026/03/body...butwhytho.netBodycam (2026) Review: A Relentless Horror Thrill RideBodycam warps urban landscapes into an occult nightmare in a compact rollercoaster ride of a horror film that wastes no time. 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 13/03/2026On Tuesday, I got to see STRANGER THINGS’ Delightful Derek, Jake Connelly, film a Raising Cane’s commercial and participate in a press conference afterwards. You can read all about the experience over at @butwhytho.net: butwhytho.net/2026/03/jake...butwhytho.netStranger Things Star Jake Connelly Serves Up Combos at Raising Caine'sBut Why Tho? was on the scene of a Raising Cane's commercial shoot featuring Stranger Things' Jake Connelly. 073
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 26/02/2026I’m glad that SMILING FRIENDS is going out on a high note before we had to have Zach on OneyPlays discourse. 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 25/02/2026As someone who was pretty disappointed by EVIL DEAD RISE, I want the two upcoming films to hew closer to EVIL DEAD (2013)… for my money the best of the franchise, full stop. EVIL DEAD BURN does seem to be giving off New French Extremity energy so I’m curious… 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 17/02/2026A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS has more energy than anything GoT related post-Season 6. And the lion’s share of it is that it is completely irreverent towards what a Westeros-set show should feel like. Feels weird to have a GoT spinoff this “fun”! 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 14/02/2026I think a lot of people, particularly in the Film Crit space, mistake being an asshole or just plain mean for being some kind of insightful, cutting voice. I get that there are far too many who love everything but Jesus Christ I’ll take that over the constant misery. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 13/02/2026I think I might skip “WUTHERING HEIGHTS”. Everything about that movie and the discourse around it reads as none of my damn business. 020
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 12/02/2026SEND HELP is classic Sam Raimi all the way. A maximum gross out slapstick shocker that giggles as it pushes its audiences’ buttons. Lots of bodily fluids in this one. Plus, it appears that Bruce Campbell’s soul has been split between Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. Go see it! 020
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 12/02/2026The THEY WILL KILL YOU trailer has so much sauce. I’d love to do a “look out READY OR NOT 2” thing but honestly this seems like a “wow… two cakes!” scenario. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 12/02/2026After waiting pretty much forever, finally #NowSeated for a film from my favorite American genre filmmaker… SEND HELP (in 4DX!) 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 04/02/2026No disrespect to JT Mollner, whose STRANGE DARLING is a favorite recent horror but I have no interest in an A24 and Glen Powell-produced (HOPEFULLY not starring) TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE prestige television series. 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 04/02/2026I’m happy for everyone that’s excited for the MICHAEL movie and it’ll obviously be a big cultural event. But there’s a massive elephant in the room here and a conversation that people are refusing to have that indicates we really have learned nothing about supporting victims. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 03/02/2026“Fame Is a Gun” is the rare perfect pop song. Say what you will about Addison Rae’s stage presence (I think she’s great, personally), but that album kicked the shit out of the rest of the pop landscape in 2025. 020
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 03/02/2026What makes IRON LUNG work is that if you strip away its indie horror, YouTuber, and video game adaptation roots, it’s simply a great fucking movie with a wildly interesting concept executed to near-perfection. 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 02/02/2026IRON LUNG: pure atmosphere, baby. Markiplier is nothing but confidence in front of and behind the camera in an impressively sustained single-location thriller that builds its existential and eldritch horror until it eventually pops. Punches far above its weight class.media.tenor.coma close up of a man 's face with a beard and long hairALT: a close up of a man 's face with a beard and long hair 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 30/01/2026So it sounds like a lot of people are liking IRON LUNG. I may have to to check that out once I’m back from Sundance, maybe in a double feature with RETURN TO SILENT HILL. 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 30/01/2026I WANT YOUR SEX has a frank, funny discussion on our relationship to sexuality in the modern age in Gregg Araki’s explosive return, powered by Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman’s unmatchable chemistry. Review via @discussingfilm.net: discussingfilm.net/2026/01/29/i...discussingfilm.net'I Want Your Sex' Review - Gregg Araki Returns with an Intelligent Erotic ComedyGregg Araki's first movie in 12 years, I Want Your Sex, is a hilarious dissection on how today's younger generation wrestles with sexual freedom. 030
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 26/01/2026THE MOMENT is Charli xcx's big cinematic coming out. While the musician turns in a dazzling turn that portends great things for her acting career going forward, the film itself feels more like obligation than inspiration. My review via @discussingfilm.net: discussingfilm.net/2026/01/25/t...discussingfilm.net'The Moment' Review - Charli xcx Shines in Weak MockumentaryCharli xcx is one of today's most defining pop artists, so the title for her first film in a starring role, The Moment (2026), feels apt. Co-written and 111
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 25/01/2026UNDERTONE might be one of the scariest movies I have EVER seen. Isolating, dense lore, and a heavy emphasis on sound collide for an experience that curses the audience with pure terror. Sick to my stomach (complimentary). I’m shaking. A24 you have an all-timer on your hands. 011
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 24/01/2026I WANT YOUR SEX is a scandalously nuanced take on evolving sexual politics. Chaotic, but thoughtful, funny, and crude in equal measure. Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman are dynamite, yet it’s Gregg Araki’s energy behind the camera that was truly missed in cinema. #Sundance2026 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 24/01/2026#NowSeated for Film #2 of Sundance 2026: Gregg Araki’s I WANT YOUR SEX 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 23/01/2026BUDDY starts off very strong, but really deflates once it ditches its analog horror conceit. It’s far more conventional than anything Casper Kelly has done before and not nearly mean enough; a great premise that’s executed in fairly safe manner. Some might love it! #Sundance2026 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 23/01/2026#NowSeated for Film #1 of Sundance 2026: BUDDY 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 20/01/2026Shoutout Jimmima. Easily my favorite of the Jimmies, a true twisted freak! 011
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 19/01/2026In two days time, I’ll have boots on the ground covering the 2026 Sundance Film Festival for @DiscussingFilm ; this is a special one because it will be the last edition in beautiful Park City, Utah, and likely my last go-around with the fest for some time. See y’all there! 010
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 18/01/2026Don’t think in my life before I’ve felt such a collective feeling of pain among my fellow humans. It’s hard to know what to do next when there doesn’t seem to be a future. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 17/01/202628 YEARS LATER and AVATAR are the only good franchises left I’m afraid 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 17/01/2026For the evening crowd: THE RIP is the best version of itself, a consistently engaging ensemble action-thriller led by a genuinely mesmerizing Matt Damon in rare form, even if the journey is more exciting than the destination. Full review via @butwhytho.net: butwhytho.net/2026/01/the-...butwhytho.netThe Rip Review: The Netflix Crime Thriller Packs Ensemble Genre HeatThe Rip, starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, is entirely what the Netflix film needs to be - a sleek, compact thriller. 000
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 16/01/2026What’s cool about 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE is that it knows you can’t beat Young Fathers’ score from last year’s film, so instead it packs itself out with the most well-deployed needle drops of the decade. 020
Reposted by James Preston PooleBut Why Tho? @butwhytho.net · 16/01/2026REVIEW: ‘The Rip’ Packs Ensemble Genre Heatdlvr.itREVIEW: ‘The Rip’ Packs Ensemble Genre HeatThe Rip, starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, is entirely what the Netflix film needs to be - a sleek, compact thriller. The post REVIEW: ‘The Rip’ Packs Ensemble Genre Heat appeared first on But Why Tho?. 084
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 16/01/2026What was not cool about 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE was Regal Cinema’s “premium” RPX format, whose excellent sound and visual quality was destroyed by the speaker being outfitted with flashing blue lights that covered about a third of the screen. Unethical to run a movie like that. 020
James Preston Poole @jamesprestonpoole.bsky.social · 15/01/202628 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE is just as great as its predecessor, which was in turn the best film of 2025. Trades in that film’s surprising tenderness for something much meaner, not without its gallows humor. Most importantly, it’s metal as fuck. Nia DaCosta you have my sword.media.tenor.coma man with long blonde hair and a beard is smiling in front of a sign that says the bone templeALT: a man with long blonde hair and a beard is smiling in front of a sign that says the bone temple 010
Reposted by James Preston PooleSleeveen Malkmus @thomassilken.bsky.social · 14/01/2026complaining about bluesky on twitter, complaining about twitter on bluesky. complaining about both to my confused hinge date 0484