Hi friends! I am sorry I am so behind on reviews. It’s just been one of those crazy times when I’ve been reviewing theater, working on my podcast, having a part-time job and trying my hand at writing a screenplay. Insane! Make sure you are following me on instagram for my out of theater reactions and I post them all on youtube as well.
I also sometimes do live streams to catch up on reviews quickly like this one:
The Amateur-
The Amateur is a serviceable little action spy movie with a good cast that helps the weak script. The problem is everything is too easy for our man-on-the-run. He puts things together with ease and always has the right answer to any problem. Still the action setpieces- particularly one involving a pool- are big and fun enough and like I said the cast good enough to be worthy of a watch.
Smile Worthy
Not Just a Goof-
I’m a big fan of A Goofy Movie so watching Not Just a Goof was a real joy. A Goofy Movie is one of the only films put out by Disney that I would say is a true ‘cult classic’ and this documentary goes into why it’s had such an impact as well as BTS making of the film. A joy to watch full of video taken by director Kevin Lima and including new animation as part of the documentary. One of my favorite films so far in 2025.
Smile Worthy
Drop-
I seem to have enjoyed Drop more than most. It’s one of those movies that you have a good time with while watching it and then when you think about it things start to fall apart. Still, I think director Christopher Landon capitalizes on the tension many of us feel about dating and online interactions to create a fun little thriller. The plan of the villain is completely insane but that almost makes it more fun. I wish they didn’t endanger a child at one point but Meghann Fahy is very good in the lead role and the pacing is tight enough at 95 minutes to not leave much time to be bored.
Smile Worthy
The Wedding Banquet-
I haven’t seen the 1993 film tis is based off of but it probably works much better. It’s a film that seems at home in the 90s and not its more modern setting. The main problem I had is Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran’s characters are intensely selfish but the movie doesn’t seem to understand that. Especially at one point they do something incredibly selfish and cruel to their partners and it’s all played for laughs. Lily Gladstone is quite good as is Youn Yuh-jung but the overall movie I did not enjoy because of the characters.
Frown Worthy
Pride and Prejudice 2005-
I had the chance to see Pride and Prejudice from 2005 on the big screen and it was incredible. I know some people quibble with how true this one is to the book but I find it very romantic and engaging and it’s certainly beautifully shot. If you can catch it still in theaters by you watch it!
Smile Worthy
The Legend of Ochi-
I’m usually not a style over substance girl but there are times when something can look so unique it’s worth a recommendation. Such is the case with The Legend of Ochi. The story is kind of a mess and it can feel incredibly derivative but the world-building is so strong and the characters so cute it worked well enough. It’s certainly an incredibly ambitious film for a first project and brings back memories of films like Willow and The NeverEnding Story.
Smile Worthy
Sinners-
Like Ochi, Sinners is another film I had very mixed feelings on. I especially liked everything involving the music and choreography. I almost wish it was just a musical and didn’t try to bring in the horror elements but that’s just me. The movie felt like it was trying to be 7 different movies all at once and that left me feeling frustrated. Still, for the good I am recommending it but I certainly didn’t love it as much as most others.
Smile Worthy
Sneaks-
The best part of Sneaks is honestly the opening credits. It starts with a graffiti influenced style with bright colors that could have been interesting. Unfortunately after the credits finish the rest of the movie kicks in and it’s at best derivative and at worst ugly and unwatchable. I just don’t think having sneakers as lead characters work. You can’t anthropomorphize everything! The humor is bad and the animation sub-par (especially when it has to animate rats. Yikes!) Skip this one!
Frown Worthy
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode 3)
Believe it or not but I have never seen Revenge of the Sith on the big screen. It came out when I was on my mission and after having disliked the previous 2 I didn’t have much motivation to seek this one out on the big screen. Now in honor of its 20th anniversary I finally saw it on the big screen. While its problems are still obvious I did enjoy watching it. The downward spiral of Anakin Skywalker is compelling and the world-building quite beautiful. I’d say it is worth a watch.
Smile Worthy
Thunderbolts*-
I have honestly struggled with my feelings about the latest MCU film, Thunderbolts* (yes the asterisk is actually part of the title.) While I do want to give Marvel room to experiment and try new things I also was not prepared for how much of a divergence off of their normal formula this would be. Some will find this fresh and exhilarating and others will be turned off by it. I’m in the latter group. It was so unrelentingly bleak and depressing that I felt like I had stumbled into a sequel to The Batman without realizing it! There are some compelling performances by Florence Pugh and David Harbour (who gets all the laughs of the film) but then other performances are less convincing like Lewis Pullman feels like he’s acting in a different movie than everyone else. I get that these MCU titles are growing increasingly R rated (even having an R rating for last year’s Deadpool and Wolverine) but isn’t the intended audience still teenagers and families with older kids? Is this age-range really interested in existential dread, family conflict and depression? Shouldn’t these movies be a little bit fun and entertaining? This certainly isn’t and so while I can admire Marvel taking a swing it didn’t come together.
Frown Worthy
Another Simple Favor-
I think there is an audience for Another Simple Favor. That audience is just not me so take this review with a grain of salt. I really am not the biggest fan of over-the-top mysteries with loads of exposition and such is the case here. Each new reveal becomes increasingly ridiculous and only makes sense with long monologues explaining everything to us. This film does have great fashion and the Capri setting is escapist but it is far too long at 121 minutes (90 minutes tops for this kind of story.) If you liked The Glass Onion (I didn’t) maybe you’ll like this more than I did but it’s not a recommendation from me.
Frown Worthy
So there you have it. My quick thoughts on a bunch of recent movies. Pride and Prejudice 2005 and Not Just a Goof are my big recommendations from the group.
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