In the world of hit woman subgenre films, Korean director Lee Chung-hyun's “Ballerina” shines with its subversive take on the masculine hired gun motif. The film follows Okju (Jun Jong-seo), a retired bodyguard seeking revenge for the brutal murder of her dancer friend Minhee (Park Yu-rim) by a ruthless underworld predator (Kim Ji-hun). While exploring themes of fighting against a toxic patriarchy, “Ballerina” is also visually stunning. One standout sequence features Okju using a can as a deadly weapon during a confrontation with convenience store thieves, showcasing her balletic movements and adding a fierceness to the story. The film's use of vibrant pink, purple, and gold lighting also enhances the close friendship shared by Okju and Minhee, juxtaposed with gritty and grimy moments of violence.

Nigerian film "The Black Book" brings a “John Wick” sensibility to the screen, crossing borders and featuring a retired assassin named Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo). Trouble arises when men working for the brutal General Isa (Alex Usifo Omiagbo) murder a young man, unaware that he is Paul's son. Attempting to quell Paul's anger through bribes, the film takes a turn as he teams up with investigative journalist Vic Kalu (Ade Laoye) to expose the corruption within the country. "The Black Book" cleverly incorporates Wickian gunplay using an older protagonist, portraying Paul as a determined warrior who quietly moves from victim to victim in the dark night. However, the film takes a unique twist by introducing an all-woman army of mercenaries, preventing it from becoming a mere copy of the trope and instead offering a fresh Nigerian perspective.

Chinese director Qiao Lei's "The Flying Swordsman" presents a period revenge tale centered around a treasure map. The villainous Bao Shu (Chun Yu Shan Shan) leads his army of mystical killers in search of the map, which leads them to the forest of Feihu Mountain where the legendary warrior, the Hidden Fox, resides. Gui Yu (Zhao Huawei), one of Shu's swordsmen, has a secret agenda involving the Hidden Fox. The film captivates with its smooth production design and stunning use of texture, particularly extreme close-ups on snow during fight scenes. Zhao's nuanced performance keeps viewers engaged in the pursuit for payback, showcasing a slippery yet assured journey.

Malaysian director Syamsul Yusof's “Mat Kilau” takes martial arts to the forefront in an anticolonial story. The film portrays the British government's destructive actions in order to harness the country's gold, led by the racist Captain Syers (Geoff Andre Feyaerts). In response, the country's Indigenous leadership empowers the unassuming warrior Mat Kilau (Adi Putra) to defeat the British army. With seamless mixtures of visual and practical effects, the film opens with a slow-motion vision of a massacre, setting the tone for a story of immense battles and explosive action. The exploration of how smaller forces can combat a formidable power elevates “Mat Kilau” from a culturally specific political critique to a rallying cry for the dispossessed.

In Jean-Fran?§ois Richet's film "Plane," the audience is taken back to the 1990s when geopolitical disaster films were popular. The story follows Brodie Torrence (Gerard Butler), a captain trying to fly home to meet his daughter on New Year's Day. However, a vicious storm forces him into an emergency landing on a lawless Southeast Asian island. Teaming up with Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), a prisoner in transport, they must protect the remaining passengers from a warlord (Evan Dane Taylor). Butler's rugged everyman physique and Colter's action veteran status create a compelling duo during the film's many jungle shootouts. The well-paced aerial scenes provide pure popcorn entertainment, aligning impending doom with physics-defying maneuvers.

Disney+ is celebrating its 100th anniversary by streaming a 4K restoration of the timeless classic "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." This 1937 film captured the imaginations of both children and adults, setting Disney on a path to creating countless classics. The restoration allows viewers to experience the tale of Snow White, her evil stepmother, and the seven dwarfs in all its original glory. As the first full-length animated feature film, “Snow White” offers classic characters, stunning visuals, and a timeless story that should be passed down to future generations.

Netflix's “Yes Day” offers a wholesome and family-friendly version of “The Purge” as Allison (Jennifer Garner) and Carlos (Edgar Ram?­rez) try to break free from their strict parenting style. After being told by teachers that they are too strict, they decide to have a Yes Day, where they say yes to everything their kids want for 24 hours. Based on the children's book of the same name, “Yes Day” is filled with genuinely funny moments and serves as a sweet and simple movie to watch with elementary- or middle school-age children.

Hulu's “Mummies” takes viewers on a charming adventure in the underworld of Ancient Egypt. The story follows three undead mummies, Thut, Princess Nefer, and Thut's little brother Sekhem, as they journey to modern-day London to find a stolen engagement ring. This Spanish production, featuring cute characters and fun dance numbers, is perfect for toddlers and young children who enjoy animated crocodiles and lighthearted adventures.

Director Robert Rodriguez brings his expertise in creating kid superheroes to "We Can Be Heroes." In this film, the next generation of superheroes must use their powers to save the world after their parents are captured by evil forces. Yaya Gosselin as Missy Moreno and Vivien Lyra Blair as G.