AI is a constant in today’s cinematic landscape. It was a big point of contention during both strikes that affected Hollywood in 2023, was brought up during the Academy Awards, and is even leading to backlash for one of 2024’s best received films. No matter what your opinion on the subject, it is a topic that is not going away anytime soon.

Terror in the Ailien Realms: Transdimensional Horror Movie Posters & Their Film Reviews is a book by filmmaker and artist Pat Tremblay that combines art and AI. Fueled by his love of the great VHS box art from the days when video rental stores were an essential part of life, Tremblay has created a series of horror movies posters. This is not just a simple homage to days of horror movies past, however. Each poster was created with the assistance of AI.

The idea will immediately turn many potential readers off. AI is a touchy subject that seems to be met with resistance more than understanding. Tremblay – an artist himself – has written about why people should be more understanding even when they are not completely receptive to the idea of AI art. This includes the idea that AI is not stealing or plagiarizing artists but using them for reference or inspiration, its similarities to pop art, and just the natural aversion people have to change.

It will take years and many examples before most of us will be able to have a fully developed opinion regarding AI art. Terror in the Ailien Realms is a great introduction into what can be done, however. Quite simply, the posters found in the book are simply amazing. Those who spent hours of their childhoods in the horror section at video stores will be amazed by what they see. From horror westerns to grindhouse to just straight up scary stuff, Tremlay’s project has it all.

Terror in the Ailien Realms is not just limited to those who have nostalgia. Many of the pictures are reminiscent of thumbnails seen on streaming channels. Some are outlandish while others have an arthouse quality to them. It is an interesting mix that makes each page interesting.

Adding to the fun are the fictional movie reviews that are included. Genre filmmakers, writers, and journalists participated in coming up with the write-ups. There are a bunch of neat entries and they also show what can be accomplished when AI is paired with human creativity. 

But at the end of the day, it is the AI art that will garner the most attention. In a vacuum, Terror in the Ailien Realms: Transdimensional Horror Movie Posters & Their Film Reviews is an enjoyable item that genre fans should get a kick out of. On a grander scale, it provides a glimpse into the possibilities of AI art. It may not change opinions outright, but it will give people a lot to think about.

Terror in the Ailien Realms: Transdimensional Horror Movie Posters & Their Film Reviews is available to order now

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It is often said that the primary objective of franchise films is to evoke nostalgia in the viewers. These films serve as a reminder of the time when we first met the characters, a time when we had fun and didn’t have the adult perspective to overanalyse filmmaking style. An ideal scenario in such cases, is a sequel that takes a new approach while still retaining the warmth of the original film, thereby providing you with a refreshing yet nostalgic experience. However, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the latest addition to the Ghostbusters franchise, fails to deliver in terms of novelty, instead relying solely on nostalgia.

Director: Gil Kenan

Cast: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani

This fifth addition to the supernatural comedy franchise takes place three years after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The Spenglers, including Egon Spengler’s daughter Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), her boyfriend, Gary Grooberson(Paul Rudd), her children Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe( Mckenna Grace), and their close friends Lucky Domingo and Podcast, move to New York City to assist Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) and Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd ) in reestablishing the paranormal investigation group known as Ghostbusters. 

“A blind man, a kid. You claim to be bounty hunters. Right?”

A surprise hit after its release on various streaming platforms, director and writer Yang’s short online wuxia film “Eye for an Eye: The Blind Swordsman” (2023) starring Xie Miao as the protagonist went on to generate a fair amount of attention both in Mainland China and overseas. Therefore it is inevitable that a sequel soon follows with both Yang and Xie returning. Though scheduled for a wilder cinema release, the much anticipated and a longer follow-up still ended up streaming on iQIYI.

This second installment kicks off in Youzhou during the Tang Dynasty. Believing that five fugitives are hiding in a gambling den, blind swordsman Cheng Xia Zi shows up to arrest them. Naturally, they try to fight their way out but of course they are no match for the lethal bounty hunter. Apparently, Cheng is trying to make as much money as possible so he can retire in Chang An, his old hometown.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, a pair of homeless orphans, Zhang Xiao Yu and her little brother Xiao Cao, are stealing food and are caught up in a confrontation between ruthless officer Li Jiu Lang and his rebels. The merciless Li kills the defenseless rebels, Zhang manages to escape but her brother is not that lucky. While on the run, she accidentally bumps into the grumpy Cheng who reluctantly shelters her. After a while, they start to bond and eventually work as a team to bring the cold-blooded Li and his little empire down.

Yang’s sequel plays like a proper wuxia film probably because of its longer running time which allows him to further develop the main lead characters and the dramatic elements. A subplot that concentrates on the orphan Zhang Xiao Yu, played by Yang En You, a traumatized little girl who is obsessed with revenge after the tragic death of her brother. The bond between her and Blind Cheng which takes on centerstage is engaging and not rushed. However, it seems like director Yang is doing a Zatoichi style adventure with a bit of Lone Wolf and Cub thrown in for good measure at times.

Visually the film looks great, especially the outdoor location of rolling hills, forests and mountain ranges. Besides, the detailed town buildings plus their interiors all look lived in and authentic. The fast and crisp fight sequences designed by action choreographers Qin Peng Fei and Du Xiao Hui are impressive, though quite brutal. Also, the fight which features a thug wielding a pair of flaming sword looks interesting and fun, but it is borrowed from Su Chao Pin and John Woo’s “Reign of Assassins” (2010). Though epic, the end fight between Cheng and three hundred guards seems too far fetched and rushed. However, Yang’s use of split screens during the film’s lighter moments is refreshing.

Actor and martial arts champion Xia Miao, born in Beijing, is no stranger to Asian action films who appears in more than thirty films and TV series. He started his film career as a child actor alongside Jet Li in “The New Legend of Shaolin” (1994) and again in “My Father is a Hero” (1995), these films gained him a reputation both overseas and locally. After that he takes a break to study and then makes a comeback in the TV series “Legend of the Shaolin Temple” (2006) and “The Kung Fu Master” (2010). Xia Miao’s portrayal of the blind bounty hunter Cheng is impressive and his moves are equally smooth and convincing during the many fight sequences.

The introduction of a second lead character, the vengeful child, Zhang Xiao Yu (Yang En You) is a nice touch. Child star Yang is impressive and shines as the orphan Zhang, as she effortlessly tackles the emotional and dramatic moments of the film. In addition, her interchange-like bickering and the playful moments with swordsman Cheng are interesting to watch and a nice distraction from the otherwise violent fight scenes, besides adding the much needed emotional connection. Furthermore, Hung Tao is adequately evil and memorable playing the cruel officer Li Jiu Lang.

Even though the storyline of “Eye for an Eye 2” is predictable and familiar, it is still impressive and satisfying production. Besides, the well written lead characters are a plus, and when topped off with the well choregraphed action and engaging visuals, it all makes for a balanced sequel.