Tag: MovieBlog

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

Thunderbolts*

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After many delays, Thunderbolts* has finally hit the big screen. When a group of antiheroes find themselves as targets, they band together to embark on a dangerous mission.

Florence Pugh captured audiences from her very first appearance as Yelena. Her deadpan, dry humour made her edgy even when you knew there were many more layers underneath. She is the driving force of this film and rightfully so. The rest of the team consisting of Sebastian Stan as Bucky, David Harbour as Alexei, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava and Lewis Pullman as Bob were so completely mismatched yet perfect together. On the surface it seemed like they had nothing in common, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

After relying heavily on CGI and silly gimmicks, this is a more stripped back version of an origin story. While we had been previously introduced to these characters, we didn’t really know much about them. Here we got to learn about what makes them tick as well as the darkest corners of their minds. Though there are plenty of action sequences and some comedic moments, the film also focuses on themes of loss, grief, addiction and mental health. I don’t think I’ve seen these depicted in a superhero film before and as someone who has dealt with some of the above, I really found myself relating to what the characters were going through.

It’s no secret that Marvel has been struggling as of lately. Ever since Endgame, there have been a slew of less than mediocre instalments that I can barely even remember now. The excitement I used to feel before going into these films became like a chore. That was until now. Thunderbolts* was everything I never knew I needed and I can’t help but wonder…is Marvel back? I guess only time will tell.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Another Simple Favor

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Taking place five years after the events of the first film, Another Simple Favor reunites Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) for a new mystery. When Emily asks Stephanie to be her maid of honor, Stephanie reluctantly agrees. She’s whisked away to Capri for the celebrations, but when one of the guests is murdered, Stephanie starts to worry that she won’t make it home in one piece.

I was a big fan of the first film. It was quippy, smart and sexy and the cast were phenomenal. This may be the sequel that nobody asked for (I feel like everything was wrapped up well before), but I still found myself looking forward to revisiting this world.

Kendrick and Lively reprise their roles effortlessly. It was like no time had passed at all. They have such a playful and organic chemistry that I could literally watch them for hours. The hijinks that ensued this time around were even more insane and yet it somehow still worked. Another returning face was Henry Goulding’s Sean, Emily’s ex husband and Stephanie’s former paramour. Clearly struggling with what happened in the past, he’s turned to drink. While you can’t help but feel bad for him, he also has some of the best lines in the whole film. There are some new players this time around: Allison Janey is Emily’s offbeat aunt Linda, Alex Newell is Stephanie’s bubbly assistant Vicky and Michele Morrone is Emily’s new beau the elusive Dante Versano. They each fit in perfectly.

Some may say that there’s too much going on this time around. There’s more twists, more turns and not all of them make sense, but that’s okay. As long as you allow yourself to lean into it, I think it is much more enjoyable. There’s a lot of really fun callbacks to the original as well which I appreciated. I also need to give a shoutout to the outfits that were worn by the cast. Absolutely beautiful.

If it wasn’t for Paul Feig, I probably wouldn’t have even bothered with Another Simple Favor. At least having him at the helm meant that we’d be in safe hands. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Capri with brilliant lead performances by our two leading ladies and the over the top story it seemed like it could all fall apart. Luckily that was far from being the case.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

The Penguin Lessons

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The Penguin Lessons follows Tom Michell (Steve Coogan), a down on his luck English teacher who has just arrived in Argentina to work at a boarding school. He befriends a penguin and his life is changed for the better.

One of the things that I loved about this film is that it is based on true events. Tom Michell wrote a memoir about this significant time in his life and I knew that I had to read it before the film was released. As with many book to screen adaptations, there were a few changes, but I think they enhanced the story and made for one of the most delightful cinema experiences I’ve had so far this year.

Coogan was superb as the main character. He was more or less what I had imagined while reading the book. There’s a lot you don’t know about him going in and although some of the layers are peeled back, I like how the focus isn’t really about him at all. It’s about the friendship he forms with the penguin.

Juan Salvador, the penguin, was without a doubt the scene stealer. He was just SO CUTE. The fact that they used real penguins as well just made it more authentic. The friendship that Juan Salvador formed with Tom was so heartwarming to watch. Actually, everyone was rather taken by the little creature from the school students, to headmaster Buckle (Jonathan Pryce) and the housekeepers Sofia (Alfonsina Carrocio) and Maria (Vivian El Jaber). Who could blame them?

There was conflict in Argentina during 1976. I appreciated how they brought this more into focus for the film since it wasn’t really expanded upon in the book. It wasn’t something I knew much about so I feel like I learned something. Sofia and Maria weren’t based on real characters, but they represented those who were affected by the events.

I knew that I was going to enjoy The Penguin Lessons, but I wasn’t expecting it to have such an impact on me. It made me laugh out loud and it also made me sob. There were so many important messages woven through too. It’s definitely the best films of 2025 so far and I highly recommend seeing it for yourself.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Drop

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From director Christopher Landon comes a heart pounding, adrenaline pumping thriller. Violet (Meghann Fahy) is a widowed mother who is about to go on her first date in years. Henry (Brendan Sklenar) is exactly the time of guy she’s been looking for. But the date soon takes a turn for the worst when Violet starts to receive threatening drops on her phone and she has no choice but to comply with its demands.

I loved this movie though it does help to check all logic at the door for it. Once that’s done, I guarantee you’ll be glued to the screen straight away. There is simply never a dull moment.

Fahy has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with. From her start in The Bold Type to the second season of The White Lotus, she has more than cemented herself as a leading lady. This is her film, everyone else is simply allowing her to shine. The way in which she portrays Violet is excellent; you feel everything she is feeling and just want her to get through this. Hollywood, please keep casting her in more projects!

The film wouldn’t be the same without some other key players. Sklenar as Henry reminded me a lot of Atlas in It Ends With Us, but I don’t mean that in a bad way. His character was super supportive of Violet’s situation and he was clearly concerned about her as the night grew more sinister. Both he and Fahy had a natural chemistry which was lovely to watch. Jeffrey Shelf played Matt, the unlucky waiter who just so happened to be having his first shift when he encounters the potential couple. He stole every scene he was in and provided some much needed comic relief. Violett Beane was Violet’s sister Jen. Though she wasn’t as prominent throughout, the way in which she looks out for Violet and Violet’s son Toby (Jacob Robinson) was touching. It was also fun getting to know Richard, portrayed by Reed Diamond, a man who Violet encounters at the restaurant who is on a rather disastrous first date himself.

This type of horror is one hundred per cent my vibe. It had a locked room mystery element to it that added to the suspense and made everyone present a suspect. The fact that this location also happened to be in a glass high rise just added to the thrills.

Overall, Drop had all the right ingredients for an exhilarating thriller. Complete with some brilliant performances, a swanky setting and a premise that shouldn’t work whatsoever and yet does, I highly recommend checking this one out.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Death Of A Unicorn

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While on the way to a wilderness retreat in Canada, father and daughter Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley (Jenna Ortega) hit a unicorn. They put the creature in their car and bring it with them. The Leopolds, owners of a popular pharmaceutical company, want to use the unicorn for personal gain, but Ridley doesn’t feel good about that at all.

Going into this film mostly blind was the best way to do it. I also didn’t have high expectations and I really enjoyed myself. It’s not to be taken seriously whatsoever, but the hidden undertones do give it that something extra which I appreciated.

One of the main selling points here is the star studded cast. I wasn’t fully convinced by Rudd and Ortega as father and daughter though I do like them both individually. I’ve never seen Rudd play such a smarmy character before, but I think he was convincing enough (also how does this guy not age?!) Ortega plays emo well and I liked how she had that connection with the unicorns.

The Leopolds consisted of Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni and Will Poulter. I couldn’t say who was the worst of the bunch; they were all equally awful. Poulter really seemed to give it his all though and I found myself laughing out loud during the majority of his scenes.

This truly was the perfect blend of comedy and horror. Most of the jokes landed and the blood and gore was so over the top. I’ll admit that there were some moments where I had to close my eyes because of it and also because of the many jump scares but it all worked.

Overall, Death Of A Unicorn is a fun, campy film that is a guaranteed good time. With a fabulous cast and an interesting storyline, I’m glad I checked it out.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️



The Life List

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Alex (Sofia Carson) used to know what she wanted in life, but lately she’s been feeling lost. When her mother Elizabeth (Connie Britton) passes away, she implores Alex to complete the life list she made when she was thirteen years old. From getting a tattoo to learning how to play Clair de Lune on the piano to going back to teaching, Alex starts to fall in love with her life again.

I actually didn’t know much about this film going into it. Here I was expecting a light-hearted romantic comedy so you could imagine my surprise when I discovered it wasn’t quite that at all. Instead, what I discovered, was something more.

Carson has played similar characters in the past. What I liked about Alex and what I felt was different this time around was the emotional rollercoaster she goes through. From losing her mom, to trying to find herself again and maybe even falling in love along the way, it was a more complex role and I thought she did well. Though Britton’s Elizabeth is killed off rather quickly, she is still very much an integral part of the story. I loved the relationship she and Alex shared; you could tell that it was them against the world.

The theme of romance was certainly prominent throughout, but it wasn’t at the forefront. One of the items on Alex’s life list was to find true love and this was no easy feat. Her two potential suitors Brad (Kyle Allen) and Garrett (Sebastian De Souza) were attractive and had many positive attributes to them. She really could have ended up with either of them, though I did have my preference.

What I liked the most about this film was the message behind it. Pain and loss is a part of life. It’s how to deal with it that makes all the difference. This is easier said than done, but it was really inspiring to see how Alex did what she could to lift herself up in what was otherwise a heartbreaking situation.

Overall, The Life List is definitely one of Netflix’s better original films. The depth and emotions behind it wasn’t what I was expecting whatsoever, but that just made the experience so much more enjoyable.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

Holland

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Nancy Vandergroot (Nicole Kidman) is a teacher and homemaker who lives in Holland, Michigan. Together with her husband Fred (Matthew Macfadyen) and her son Harry (Jude Hill), they seem to have the perfect life. But when Nancy starts to suspect that Fred has a secret, she joins forces with her colleague and friend Dave (Gael García Bernal) to find out what it is.

Director Mimi Cave splashed onto the scene with 2022’s Fresh which was a runaway hit. Many have wondered what she would do next though I suspect they weren’t thinking it would be this. From what I have seen so far, not many have been a fan of her sophomore outing, but I actually quite liked it!

We already know that I will watch anything that Kidman is in; she is one of the greatest actors of our time. Though this may not be one of her most iconic roles, the slightly awkward character of Nancy was fun to watch. The rest of the performances were well done too. Macfadyen’s Fred certainly gave off a mysterious air and Bernal, who harboured some secrets of his own, seemed to fit right in.

Though this didn’t take place in The Netherlands, there was enough to make me feel like I was right at home. The various tulip fields, the windmill and the Dutch songs and words that were spoken throughout were a trip. I honestly did not know there was a Holland in Michigan, but at least I do now.

The film was very slow burn. I can understand that for this reason alone it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But I couldn’t help but feel invested throughout. There was just something about it that gripped me from the beginning and while it may not have had the pay off I was hoping for, I still found it satisfying enough.

Overall Holland was an interesting film that blurred the lines between what is real and what is not. As the audience, you never really know if what is happening is in Nancy’s imagination, or if it’s real life. I liked that we could make up our own interpretation of the events that transpired and how we will never really have any answers. I felt like it worked for the story.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Snow White

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Disney’s latest live remake offering comes in the form of Snow White, the first princess. In this updated version, Snow White (Rachel Zegler) was forced by her evil stepmother (Gal Gadot) to become a servant after the death of her parents. When she learns of the Queen’s plans to kill her, she flees and teams up with some dwarves and bandits to liberate her kingdom.

There has been much controversy surrounding this film. Casting choices and misuse of CGI hindered people’s opinions long before the release. To be completely honest, I didn’t think the film was as bad as everyone was expecting it would be. There were some things I enjoyed, but it ultimately fall flat.

Zegler was born to play Snow White. She certainly looked the part and she has the singing chops to boot. I loved how they gave our heroine more of a backbone too. Additionally, the prince wasn’t even really a prince. Instead, he was a bandit by the name of Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) who has a properly fleshed out character. The romance between the two was actually warranted and they had great chemistry.

Unfortunately I cannot say I was sold by Gadot’s performance. She’s stunning, don’t get me wrong, and she rocked those costumes. I just didn’t think she was convincing enough as such a menacing villain. Her song wasn’t impactful and she doesn’t have the best singing voice, not to mention the fact that her transformation into the creepy old woman wasn’t as scarring as the animated version (that used to give me nightmares as a child). I also can’t leave out the CGI dwarves who of course caused so much controversy behind the scenes. I’m not sure why Disney made this particular choice. Dopey (Andrew Barth Feldman) may have been cute, but I still don’t think this was the right call.

Overall, Snow White wasn’t completely awful, but it wasn’t a home run either. I wasn’t surprised with the updates to story and for the most part I thought they made sense. It added depth to some of the characters. I also liked the new songs. However, it did lack that Disney magic that was evident in 2019’s Aladdin and 2015’s Cinderella.

Rating: ♥️♥️.5

The Electric State

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Based on the graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag, The Electric State follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphan, whose life hasn’t been the same since the war. She teams up with a robot and a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt) to find her long lost brother who she presumed was dead.

Directed by the Russo brothers and boasted to be the most expensive Netflix project ever made, one would expect this film to be slam dunk. Unfortunately that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. While there were some glimmers of hope at the beginning, my interest in the film grew thinner and thinner as the time went on and I just didn’t really see the point anymore.

Where the film excels is in its special effects and cinematography. The various robots that the audience meets throughout come with their own individual personalities thanks to the voice talents of Anthony Mackie, Woody Harrelson, Ke Huy Quan and Jenny Slate. The world building was pretty impressive as well with the vast lands of a post apocalyptic United States. As the film took place in the nineties, I also loved the throwback songs that were featured throughout as it really helped set the tone.

Brown is great in everything she does. I’ve grown to admire her as an actor over the years and she does what she can with the role. I can imagine that talking one on one to a robot for most of the film couldn’t have been easy. I can’t help but think that Pratt is being typecasted in yet another Peter Quill sort of role. I’m also not a fan of his in general so I found watching his scenes to be a bit annoying. Stanley Tucci is supposed to be a villain, but I didn’t find him menacing whatsoever.

Pacing was also an issue for me. It felt kind of all over the place and I’m wondering if maybe it had been made into a show instead of a film would it have fared better? The same can be said about the characters. Aside from Michelle, we really didn’t have much backstory on Keats or Tucci’s Ethan Skate which left them rather one-dimensional. I also couldn’t figure out who the target audience for the film was supposed to be.

While I may not have had high expectations for The Electric State, I was still hoping it wouldn’t be that bad. I guess this is something that I should just expect from Netflix going forward though I really wish they would give us more quality films.

Rating: ♥️♥️