The road to the 2026 Academy Awards is heating up, and the predictions are already flying. In the latest episode of “See It or Skip It,” film critic Patrick Beatty sits down with fellow Utah Film Critics Association members Rebecca Frost and Kent Dunn to break down the films that could dominate Hollywood’s biggest night.

Plus, reviews for the highly anticipated “Project Hail Mary,” the indie film “Undertone,” and a throwback look at the fan favorite “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze.” From awards speculation to pure movie fandom, the discussion covers what’s generating buzz right now and what audiences should keep on their radar.

It also marks the end of an era, as this episode serves as the final ABC4-hosted “See It or Skip It” segment produced during Beatty’s time at ABC4. Like any great movie ending, though, it feels less like a goodbye and more like the setup for the next act.

In Theaters

Project Hail Mary (PG-13)

Based on the novel by Andy Weir, this follows Scientist and school teacher Ryland Grace as he sets out far beyond our planet in an attempt to save the world from the brink of extinction. While out in the vastness of space, he uncovers more than just a solution to the world’s dire problem; he finds a friend along the way.

Project Hail Mary is a crowd-pleasing space adventure that brings Spielberg-levels of heart and charm. Ryan Gosling is a star among the stars and is perfectly cast in this role. I loved the use of practical effects on the alien “Rocky”, and the visuals from Cinematographer Greg Fraser are a sight to behold.

Some of the science tends to go a bit unexplained when it could’ve been explored more. I also have my own issues about the rules of sound in space, and when a movie breaks their own rules on it, but overall, this is a must-see in the theater with the best sound possible.

See It or Skip It? See It

Undertone (R)

See It or Skip It? Skip It

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (PG-13)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze is celebrating 30 years by being brought back to the big screen. Being a super fan of these delightful Frank Oz creatures since I was a kid, I have to recommend seeing this while it is available in theaters. There is so much fun in this campy movie, but also a lot of heart with the main Turtles. I’ve gone on record many times saying that these first two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle films set up a serious superhero genre where we can take the characters seriously, even just as much as Christopher Reeve and Michael Keaton’s films.

If you have kids who like the new TMNT stuff, take them to see this and watch how much fun they will have at the pure joy that is 90’s entertainment.

See It or Skip It? See It

Did you see any of the shows reviewed this weekend? Leave a comment if so, and make sure to follow us on all our social media platforms and listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.