Sat, December 20, 2025
I love the bare structure, the timely themes, the relentless momentum, the spectacular characters, and the highly specific style. It’s DiCaprio’s best work, by far. Del Toro’s always great, but this delightful character is a perfect fit. (I’d watch a spin-off trilogy built around Sensei Sergio and still beg for more.) The cast is flawless from top to bottom, except for Sean Penn. Among many regrettable affectations, he constantly works his mouth like he’s got something stuck in his teeth. (He does: big chunks of the scenery.) After the year Jim Downey’s had, I’m hoping he’ll continue to pop up in unlikely roles for a good while to come.
