CineCrossroads: “Materialists,” “The Godfather,” and “Zootopia 2”

Movie of the Week — Materialists (2025)

The story centers on Lucy, a professional matchmaker in New York. She spends her days poring over profiles, compatibility charts, and psychological formulas, creating couples destined for future weddings. Her job is like an endless game of multi-dimensional chess: she must factor in social status, habits, demands, traumas, and personal histories. And all this time, Lucy is certain that for herself, she will only accept one option: a very wealthy husband.

The breakdown occurs when two men from opposite poles enter her life: a charming, 10/10 millionaire and a former boyfriend constantly balancing on the edge of poverty and a creative crisis.

Director Celine Song moves at a measured pace: the camera lingers on gestures, glances, and small domestic details. Materialists turns out to be not a story about finding the ideal partner but a reflection on why we sometimes try to cover up fears and vulnerabilities with logic and rationality.

Classic Pick — The Godfather (1972)

The plot revolves around the Italian Corleone family in New York after World War II. The family, headed by Vito Corleone, is one of the most powerful Mafia structures.

Vito Corleone manages his empire by adhering to a strict, albeit criminal, code of honor. His famous quote, "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse," symbolizes his approach: violence is used only as a last resort; preference is given to influence, cunning, and help that cannot be rejected.

The main drama of the film is centered on Vito's youngest son, Michael Corleone. Michael, a war hero with an impeccable reputation, always sought to distance himself from the "family business." However, an assassination attempt on his father forces him to return to protect the family.

The film transcends the Mafia genre. It is a deep exploration of how power corrupts, how it is passed from father to son, and what it demands in return.

Coppola's direction, the brilliant cinematography of Gordon Willis (with his famous use of shadows and darkness), and Nino Rota's immortal music create a unique, immersive atmosphere.

The colorful, rich scenes of Sicilian weddings, family dinners, and rituals sharply contrast with the cruelty and moral decay hidden behind this façade.

Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather is not just a crime drama but a grand, tragic fresco about family, power, corruption, and the price of might. The film regularly tops lists of the greatest cinematic works in history, and its influence on culture and cinema is immeasurable.

Family Choice — Zootopia 2 (2025)

The continuation of the Zootopia story expands the universe. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde receive a new assignment: to investigate a mysterious case involving the appearance of a reptile that disrupts the city's order.

The sequel adds new districts, new species of animals, and more social subtext. New characters emerge, creating a balance between comedy and drama: familiar faces like the sloth and the Arctic Shrew bring back the atmosphere of the first part, while new characters, such as the charismatic snake Garry, give the story a bolder visual and emotional character.

It also features the signature musical accent. Shakira is back in action: the song "Zoo" plays both at the beginning and the end of the animated film, setting that lively rhythm that makes Zootopia so recognizable and comforting.

This is a story about a city that grows with its residents—and sometimes, change requires courage, even if you are a police rabbit or a fox with a difficult past.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency highlighted the return to the land of Oz in Wicked: For Good, the classic epic Gone with the Wind, and Pixar’s miniature adventure A Bug’s Life.