I Know What You Did Last Summer

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Thirty years after the original, I Know What You Did Last Summer has been given the legacy sequel treatment. When a group of friends inadvertently cause a car accident, they make a pact that they will never discuss the events of that night. One year later they discover that someone knows what they did and this person is hellbent on revenge.

I only got around to seeing the first two films about a month ago. My first foray into this franchise was with the 2021 television series. When I heard that a sequel was being made and that it featured a bunch of actors that I like, I decided to finally do my homework. These films were right up my alley which I guess is no surprise considering the creator, Kevin Williamson, was also behind Scream.

This new version was a total blast. Right from the beginning we are brought into the lives of this new group of friends: Ava (Chase Sui Wonders), Danica (Madelyn Cline), Milo (Jonah Hauer-King), Teddy (Tyriq Withers) and Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon) and the night that changes their lives forever. Though the acting chops weren’t the best, I absolutely loved every moment that Cline was on screen. Danica had so many fabulous one liners that were delivered flawlessly. I also thought Wonders did a decent job as our leading lady.

With any legacy sequel there needs to be plenty of callbacks to the original. The major one here was the return of Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie James and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray Bronson. This was the series that catapulted them to stardom and seeing them back in these iconic roles was truly brilliant. My crush on Prinze Jr. was also reignited throughout the almost two hour runtime.

It was obvious pretty early on that the stakes were so much higher. There were so many jump scares and the kills themselves were way more gory and surprising. I can’t lie and say that I wasn’t closing my eyes during many of them. Where the film dwindles is in its final act when one of the twists comes so out of left field it will certainly leave viewers divided. I was completely shocked, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I do think it could have been explained better though.

Overall I Know What You Did Last Summer may not have been necessary, but I had a great time with it. I felt like it did a great job encapsulating that nineties feeling and went full force on the slasher front. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it didn’t have to be.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

Superman

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The newly reinvented DC Universe is here and with it a brand new Superman adventure. This time around it’s no origin story – instead it picks up in the middle of a war between two neighbouring countries. As an alien himself, Superman (David Corenswet) is forced to face his roots with his human upbringing as Clark Kent.

With James Gunn at the helm, I was cautiously optimistic. Having enjoyed both Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, I was looking forward to seeing his take on the iconic comic book character. Mixing his signature blend of comedy and heart, we have the most human version of Superman there’s ever been and that was quite refreshing.

It is no doubt that Corenswet looks the part of our hero. I didn’t know what to expect though I think he did a good job. Superman isn’t supposed to be full of depth, but having this version of him show a more caring side worked. Rachel Brosnahan’s version of Lois Lane was spot on. I like how she had her own stuff going on alongside her relationship with Clark. That being said, the chemistry Lois shared with Clark was sweet and believable; it was probably my favorite of the recent versions we’ve had. Nicholas Holt is a menacing Lex Luthor. At times I really wanted to punch him because he was so annoying, but I was equally as charmed by him because he was doing it so well. Special shout outs go to Skylar Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawgirl and Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher. I’m already looking forward to hopefully seeing much more of them as this universe expands.

While the film boasted a vibrant color palette, some beautifully shot moments and mostly convincing CGI, it wasn’t without its faults. There was a lot going on storyline wise and I’m not sure they were all completely necessary. This meant that there was also an abundance of characters and at times it was hard to keep up with them. And although I liked how it picked up right in the middle of a battle, I did find that choice a bit disorienting and it took me a minute to get situated.

It’s no secret that superhero movies have been on a downward spiral over the last few years. DC, in particular, has put out some subpar films that never fully captured the hearts of its audiences. I always tried to defend them, but I knew they could be better. While this was not a full return to form for the franchise, I definitely think Superman was a step in the right direction.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

M3GAN 2.0

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It’s been two years since M3GAN’s (Jenna Davis) destruction. Gemma (Allison Williams) vowed never to dig up the past. Unfortunately she has no choice when she’s asked to take down Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), a mass military weapon built using M3GAN’s blueprints.

The first M3GAN was a runaway smash hit that made me appreciate the genre. I remember how excited I was about it; the campiness and absurdity of it all just worked. Hearing that a sequel was on the horizon seemed inevitable and I could not wait to see what our favorite killer robot would get up to next. I never could have imagined this.

It’s important to note that if you are going into this film expecting horror, you will be disappointed. The complete shift in genre is one that had many fans, including myself, scratching their heads. While the storyline itself was actually interesting and it dealt with the very topical subject of AI, I’m not sure why they went down this route.

All the familiar faces of the original are back. Williams reprises her role as Gemma and I liked how her character ended up developing throughout this instalment. Violet McGraw, as Gemma’s niece Cady, took a bit of a backseat though her special bond with M3GAN was still very evident. Brian Jordan Alvarez and Jen Van Epps, Cole and Tess respectively, are vital members of Gemma’s team. I couldn’t imagine these films without them.

The titular M3GAN is, of course, the main event once more. From the moment she is resurrected, the audience is put under her trance yet again. While I was missing her murderous ways, I can understand their reasoning for making her more human. It fit with the new story. Though I wish we’d had one of her epic dance routines, there is a scene that rivals Titanium which had me in stitches.

Overall, M3GAN 2.0 is a decent enough film as long as you can wrap your head around the complete tonal shift. I do wish it had stuck more to the root of what made it so lovable in the first place, however, I respect the choices that were made to focus on another vital situation. It may not have been what I wanted, but I will always tune in for another adventure with M3GAN.

Rating: ♥️♥️.5

F1: The Movie

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The blockbuster event of the summer has arrived! F1: The Movie follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a driver coming out of retirement for the first time in thirty years. After he is approached by his old friend Ruben (Javier Bardem) to join his failing team APXGP, Sonny is paired up with a rookie named Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Together the two must learn to put aside their differences otherwise the team will cease to exist.

I’d like to think that I’m not a total amateur when it comes to Formula One. My husband, being the sports fanatic that he is, always has the races on so I have picked up some things over the past eight years. That being said it was never something that really appealed to me. I didn’t think watching cars race around a track was interesting. And then this movie came around and made me rethink everything.

Right from the beginning I was swept up into this world. Pitt delivers a brilliant performance as our underdog protagonist. He’s got a major chip on his shoulder and as the film progresses the audience is let into his life. Idris is a star in the making. I wish we’d had more backstory to his character. These two men worked really well off each other; their constant jabs were comical though at the end of the day they had a lot more in common than they could have expected. The rest of the cast were stellar too. Kim Bodnia, Sarah Niles, Abdul Salis and Tobias Menzies each added that extra something to the film. I also enjoyed Kerry Condon’s Kate McKenna, the team’s technical director. Her romance with Sonny did seem like an afterthought and either could have been developed more or scrapped all together. Give us a girl boss who doesn’t need a man!

I thought it was genius to film the races alongside actual stops of the 2023-2024 seasons. It made the feel so much more authentic. They used the exact same grids and we even had plenty of cameos by the real racers and behind the scenes people of the sport. Not only was it thrilling to watch and be part of, I also learned a lot.

F1: The Movie is what any summer smash should be. It’s got adrenaline pumping race sequences, a killer soundtrack and great performances. I’m not sure if I’ll start watching the actual races just yet, but I’m definitely not opposed to the idea anymore. Go and see this film on the biggest screen possible. You won’t regret it!

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Elio

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Pixar’s latest offering follows Elio (Yonas Kibreab), a space fanatic whose life has been upended after the death of his parents. He moves in with his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldana), but the two don’t exactly see eye to eye. Elio can’t help but feel like he doesn’t belong and when he’s beamed up to a planet in the sky he’s hopeful that he’s finally found his place.

I’ll admit that I wasn’t overly excited for this film. Maybe that’s because there was little to no marketing for it. This was a pity because it had a lot of things going for it. It may not be one of the best Pixar films ever, but it was still solid.

Let’s start with the voice talents. While I was unfamiliar with Kibreab before, I felt like he perfectly encapsulated the titular character. Elio is someone you want to root for. He feels misunderstood and like he hasn’t found his purpose which is just so relatable. Saldana is similarly just as relatable as aunt Olga; nothing could have prepared her to look after her brother’s son and the fact that she gives up her dreams of becoming an astronaut to do so shows that she cares. In the Communiverse we meet an array of unique characters voiced by the likes of Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, Matthias Schweighöfer and Shirley Henderson, all of who gave their best to the performances.

The film is filled with some beautiful animation. It’s bursting with rich colors and zany designs. From there it almost seemed like an entirely different story which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – if anything it helped set aside the difference from Earth.

Perfectly blending humor, emotion and action, Elio was an enjoyable enough film for the whole family. Dealing with themes of loss, grief and the desire to belong, it’s unfortunate that not a lot of people seem to know about it. I’m sure the delayed release didn’t do the film any favors and I definitely think it’s still worth checking out.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Echo Valley

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Kate (Julianne Moore) owns and lives in Echo Valley, a tranquil ranch, where she trains horses and provides riding lessons to the community. Struggling with the loss of her wife, she is starting to wonder how she will continue to make ends meet. When her daughter Claire (Sydney Sweeney) shows up unexpectedly, Kate’s life is turned upside down.

Penned by Brad Ingelsby, the man behind Mare of Easttown, the audience is gripped from the get go. While it takes a bit of time to set up, this is all important in the grand scheme of things. Once the players are established and we learn what’s at stake, it ramps up rather quickly.

Where the film excels is definitely in its performances. Moore is almost always perfect and she more than delivers here. She really drives home the never-ending question of how far a mother would go for their child. Sweeney is a convincing drug addict. She really made me hate her character which just goes to show that she gave everything she had to the role. Fiona Shaw portrays Leslie who serves as an anchor of sorts for Moore’s Kate; a ride or die friend who deserves a medal. Lastly Domhnall Gleeson is dealer Jackie. Perfectly creepy in every single way, it was strange to see him like this!

There’s no doubt that the setting is stunning. It helps bring out the uneasy tone that is felt throughout. From the vast acres of the ranch to the serene lake and the old-fashioned house where Kate resides, the limited locations make the film even more intimate and like these characters and places could actually be real.

Overall Echo Valley is an entertaining thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. It may have taken some time to get going and the plot may not be entirely original, but that didn’t bother me. I liked that it didn’t go where I was expecting it to and that there were still some surprises along the way.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

The Ballad Of Wallis Island

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Based on the short film The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island, this feature length version follows Charles Heath (Tim Key), a two time lottery winner who lives on a mostly remote island. He hires former duo and lovers Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) to perform for him at his house.

This is the perfect example that a film can just be. There are no special effects, no overly complicated storyline. Instead it is almost like a character study of these three individuals and how their lives intertwine during a period of time. For that reason it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it felt like such a breath of fresh air.

Key and Basden starred in the original. While I have not seen it, I thought that they nailed their roles. Key provided the comedic relief though it was clear that under the surface he’s putting up a front. Basden perfectly encapsulated the jaded musician who believes the whole world is out to get him. Although Mulligan wasn’t in the film as much as I would have liked her to be, she lit up the screen when she was there.

Though it is pegged as a romance, I’d say that this is not at the forefront. Basden and Mulligan had an organic chemistry that was obvious from the get go. When they sang you could feel the sparks. But I liked how the film focused more on other themes too. Yes it was funny and quirky, but there was also a combined feeling of loneliness and the desire of acceptance each character shared that I really vibed with.

Overall, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking piece of cinema. With brilliant performances by the cast and a stunning island backdrop that made me want to pack my bags immediately, this is one film that should not be slept on.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Fear Street: Prom Queen

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Prom is a rite of passage for every high school student even when said high school is in Shadyside. For one night only they will try to take their minds off of the curse that has fallen on their town for a good night. Lori Granger (India Fowler) is an outsider who has been nominated for Prom Queen. It’s clear that none of the It Girls, lead by Tiffany Falconer (Fina Strazza), want Lori to be competing against them. When they start disappearing one by one, it becomes clear that a killer is on the loose and none of them are safe.

The first three Fear Street films came out in the summer of 2021 and became instant hits. This trilogy singlehandedly got me into the horror genre. I was so excited for this new instalment. Unfortunately it did not exactly live up to my expectations though there were some things I still appreciated.

Fowler did just fine as our final girl though I wasn’t completely sold on her performance. The same can be said about the other younger talent. Strazza was probably my favorite because she was so mean, she could very well give Regina George a run for her money. It would have been nice to see more of Christy, portrayed by Ariana Greenblatt, and I would have appreciated more backstory of the other girls. The adult cast were much more enjoyable. Nancy (Katherine Waterston) and Dan Falconer (Chris Klein) were hilarious as Tiffany’s overbearing parents and I thought Vice Principal Dolores Brekenridge (Lili Taylor) and Principal Wayland (Darrin Baker) were quite the pair.

Though a lot of the kills were predictable, they were still really well executed. I was unsure at the beginning because we didn’t see the first one happen on screen, but luckily it was ramped up by a thousand percent thereafter. I also have to say that I did not see the reveal coming whatsoever. It genuinely caught me off guard.

Fear Street: Prom Queen may not have been the outing I had anticipated it would be. I guess that what happens when you get your hopes up too high. At least the kills were good and the soundtrack perfectly encapsulated the eighties. I am looking forward to more of the Fear Street books being adapted.

Rating: ♥️♥️.5

Fountain Of Youth

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From director Guy Ritchie comes a new swashbuckling adventure. Luke (John Krasinski) and Charlotte Purdue (Natalie Portman) are estranged siblings who team up to find the mythical Fountain of Youth. Together with their team of misfits, they travel all over the globe finding clues that will help them in their quest.

If Indiana Jones and National Treasure had a baby, it would be this. It was a total throwback to the action films of yesteryear and I was so here for it. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was a blast from beginning to end and I just couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Krasinski did a great job as our protagonist. I’ve heard some people say that he was miscast though I don’t agree. Not only was he hilarious, it was obvious that he was enjoying himself to the fullest. I felt similarly about Portman. I liked their banter and thought that they easily passed as brother and sister.

The supporting cast were equally as fun. Laz Alonso and Carmen Ejogo were Patrick Murphy and Deb McCall respectively; the team wouldn’t have been complete without them. Domhnall Gleeson was Owen Carver, the reason why the team decided to go and search for the Fountain of Youth in the first place, and Benjamin Chivers was Thomas, Charlotte’s son who comes along on the journey. With every adventure there are always some obstacles that get in the way. These come in the form of Eiza Gonzalez as Esme, a protector of the Fountain, and Arian Moayed as Jamal Abbas, a police officer who tries to keep up with everyone.

Where the film lacks is in its script. It’s corny and doesn’t quite pack the punch that it otherwise could have. It makes up for all that with the action sequences and there are plenty! I particularly fancied the scene that took place on the sunken ship. I just thought it was so well done.

Overall, Fountain of Youth is exactly the type of action adventure film that I love. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and instead just totally leans into itself. It’s fun, over the top and it is a great way to spend a Friday night in. I would 100% be on board for a sequel.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

Lilo and Stitch

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Lilo and Stitch follows the story of a young girl named Lilo (Maia Kealoha) who lives with her sister Nani (Sydney Elizabeth Agudong). Following the death of their parents, Nani has stepped into the motherly role trying to keep it all together while Lilo is more lonely than ever. When an alien crash lands on earth and the two meet, a friendship forms.

The 2002 animated version of the film is one of my all time favorites. Now that Disney has given it the live action treatment, I’ll admit I was hesitant it would be a let down like so many of the others have been. In the end I was pleasantly surprised and couldn’t believe how wonderful it truly was.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Stitch is the CUTEST. From the moment those first photos of him dropped, I knew I was just going to fall in love with him. Reprising his role once more, Chris Sanders jumps right back in the game bringing the destructible yet lovable alien to life. The relationship that forms between Stitch and Lilo is just as special in this version and I loved seeing all their adventures together play out on the big screen.

Unsurprisingly there were some changes made to the story. Sometimes these can be good and sometimes they are just unnecessary, but I understand that they are needed. I actually thought the upgrades worked. Having the focus more on the sisterly bond between Lilo and Nani was a smart move; it added so much more heart to the film and really made me feel emotional. I also liked how the character of Cobra Bubbles was essentially split in two characters with Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) as the secret agent and Tia Carrere as social worker Mrs. Kekoa. The inclusion of Amy Hill as Tutu was a welcome one and I liked how Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) and Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) were portrayed.

Lilo and Stitch is hands down one of, if not the best, Disney live action remakes yet. It stayed true to the original while also bringing the story into today’s day and age. With a talented cast and the adorable Stitch, Disney has a new hit on its hands.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5