Victor Stiff

Toronto

Pop Culture Writer and Film Critic at Freelance

Senior Critic at That Shelf

Toronto Film Critics Association Member & Golden Globe Voter Senior Critic @ThatShelf

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Articles

Thunderbolts* Interview: Julia Louis-Dreyfus

1 week ago | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

That Shelf sat down with Julia Louis-Dreyfus to discuss her role in the MCU’s latest high-octane action movie, Thunderbolts*. The film sees Louis-Dreyfus return to the role of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a morally devious CIA director being impeached for her nefarious off-book directives. It’s clear the former Seinfeld and Veep star is having a blast in the role so we were excited to sit down and discuss what makes the character tick.
Thunderbolts* Review: Marvel's C-listers Bring their A-Game

1 week ago | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

It’s hard to cover a Marvel movie these days without discussing the MCU’s recent struggles. There was a time when Marvel Studios could do no wrong. Each release was a surefire hit that resonated with audiences. But the MCU lost some of its lustre after 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. For every Deadpool and Wolverine-level mega-hit, there’s a handful of box office underperformers that underwhelmed even longtime fans.
Mickey 17 Review: A Chilling Look at Capitalism Run Amok

2 months ago | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

Should we all be so lucky as to witness an artist performing at the peak of their craft. Think of hearing Aretha Franklin sing, watching Michael Jackson dance, or feeling the crowd roar as Steph Curry nails a game-winning three. Their art will endure for generations, but to experience them at their height is a rare gift, often underappreciated in the moment. It’s hard to grasp what we have until it’s gone. So let’s take the time to appreciate the rare moment we find ourselves in.
Creature Commandos Review: Suicide Squad Meets Monster Squad — James Gunn-style - That Shelf

2 months ago | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

Few in Hollywood bear the weight of expectations like James Gunn, the recently appointed ruler of the DC Studios entertainment empire. In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery hired Gunn as the co-head of DC Studios. They’ve entrusted him with the future of their film and television franchises, including iconic properties like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Justice League. For nearly two decades, comic book films have been Hollywood’s lifeblood.
Captain America: Brave New World Review: The New Cap Takes Flight

Feb 13, 2025 | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

If the Iron Man films are the heart of the MCU, then the Captain America series is its soul. Steve Rogers’ unshakable moral code often placed him at odds with both friends and foes, leading to some of the MCU’s most thrilling conflicts. Losing Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America has left the MCU with a Galactus-sized void. Today, even diehard fans agree Marvel movies are hit or miss.
WWE RAW on Netflix: What You Need to Know Before Tuning In

Jan 30, 2025 | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

For the past few weeks, Netflix subscribers have logged into their accounts to find scowling WWE superstars adorning their screens. That’s because in January 2024, Netflix and WWE struck a hefty $5 billion, 10-year deal to bring WWE’s flagship show, RAW, to the streaming giant. With all apologies to The New Day, Netflix and WWE make for wrestling’s greatest tag team. Netflix is pushing to become a major player in the premium live event arena, and the WWE is surging in popularity right now.
10 Years Later, This Cult Horror Movie is Even Better Than Fans Remember

Oct 27, 2024 | cbr.com | Victor Stiff

Movies Sign in to your CBR account The 2010s was an incredible decade for horror movies, spawning a number of iconic franchises and standout sequels that left their mark on the genre. Films like It, The Conjuring and Get Out became both box office smashes and pop culture sensations. Meanwhile, The Witch, Hereditary and It Comes at Night delivered masterclasses in tension and dread while wrestling with cerebral themes, popularizing the concept of elevated horror. Yet, one film from that era...
Transformers One Review: From Grunts to Greatness

Sep 20, 2024 | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

After nearly two decades of live-action Bayhem, the Transformers return to their animated roots, with Transformers One. Directed by Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4), the film takes viewers back to where the great war began, chronicling the rise of the series’ legendary hero and villain, Optimus Prime and Megatron. Transformers One throws viewers a curveball, taking a page from X-Men: First Class and delving into the duo’s friendship before becoming mortal enemies.
The Shadow Strays: TIFF 2024 Review

Sep 18, 2024 | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

Timo Tjahjanto lives by a simple creed: go big or go home. He’s the maximalist filmmaker behind some of the boldest and bloodiest action flicks to ever grace the screen. His latest, The Shadow Strays, is no exception, bursting out the gate with style, swagger, and an unholy body count. Tjahjanto’s violent action epic should satisfy his longtime fans.
Piece by Piece: TIFF 2024 Review

Sep 17, 2024 | thatshelf.com | Victor Stiff

Your mentality defines your reality. That’s the mindset that transformed Pharrell Williams, a kid from the Virginia Beach projects into one of the most influential musicians of the century. It’s also the theme at the heart of director Morgan Neville’s animated documentary Piece by Piece. The Oscar-winning filmmaker has crafted a one-of-a-kind biopic for a one-of-a-kind talent, using The Lego Movie-style animation to spotlight Williams’ legendary career.