SIRENS is the hottest new binge-worthy mini-series on Netflix. The show features a powerhouse cast, including Academy Award winner, Julianne Moore, Meghann...
This may be the last time audiences will see Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt from the widely known Mission Impossible franchise. While there is no official...
Since the overhaul of Marvel films that have been released since Endgame, it’s been difficult to get excited for any of the upcoming sequel or spinoffs....
Materialists has officially revived the rom com genre with a modern take on a familiar story, and I for one, hope that this refreshing spin on love brings romantic comedies back to theaters. While the film is more of a romantic dramedy, it has all the makings of becoming one of my favorite films of the year.
Lucy is an ambitious young New York City matchmaker, who finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. Starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, the plot raises a lot of questions about dating in the world today. Read full review here.
This may be the last time audiences will see Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt from the widely known Mission Impossible franchise. While there is no official word on the exit, the film’s title and ending, along with rumors of Cruise moving on, indicate it is likely that if the franchise were to continue, it would be with a new team. But in the meantime, we can focus on the latest film, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.
Director Christopher McQuarrie returns to pick up where he left off from the last movie, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning. Read full review here.
Rating: B
“Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning” opens in theaters May 23, 2025.
“Happy Gilmore” meets Texas pride in Austin Nichols’ promising directorial debut about a man and his quirky group of friends who are trying to save more than a municipal golf course.
At first glance “The Salamander King” may not seem like much to look at, but much like its unconventional characters, this film has a whole lot of heart. The movie follows a golf professional (Ryan Hansen) who runs a financially struggling municipal golf course for the city of Austin aka “Muni”. Naturally, the city hires a consultant (Adrianne Palicki) from California to help bring in money. She is not exactly welcomed with open arms, and the staff finds her presence threatening as her focus of “making money” loses sight of what the course is truly about: Community.
Outsiders and those who “keep Austin weird” feel at home at this golf course. This isn’t a rich snooty resort. “Muni” is a place where anyone can feel safe to “let their freak flag fly” and be their true self while quite possibly making their dreams come true. As we see in the film, a shy girl who had virtually nothing can eventually turn pro. It’s moments like those in the movie, that warm your heart and reminds you why it’s nice to take break from the depressing world news with a brisk, light-hearted comedy.
It is great seeing Hansen star in a more likeable leading role. He has incredible chemistry with his entire cast, especially with his on-screen love interest, Palicki, who provides a nice balance of normalcy and witty humor. Most importantly, director Austin Nichols lets his love of Austin, TX shine throughout the film. He shows the beauty, uniqueness, and delicious flavors of the city through a 1990’s style lens.
There is a certain nostalgia to underdog stories like these. And the opening sequence to the tune of “Take on Me” absolutely adds to the comfort feeling. But there was a time where comedies like “The Salamander King” ruled the box office and made for a great theatrical option over something so heavy or bloody. I can only hope this movie could lead to that genre returning to theaters. But, in the meantime, I am grateful for the opportunity see it during this year’s Dallas International Film Festival.
Rating: B+
Interview with Director Austin Nichols and Star Adrianne Palicki
The first “Accountant” surprisingly charmed and entertained audiences. While I did not expect a sequel, I certainly don’t mind getting to see Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal team up again. Though it’s hard to beat the refreshing plot of the original film, this second installment adds up to a solid watch.
Ben Affleck returns as Christian Wolff, an unusual accountant with a brilliant mind that can calculate far more than tax returns. Read the full review here.
Rating: B
“The Accountant 2” opens in theaters April 25, 2025
“Drop” premiered at this year’s South by Southwest with rave reviews about the exhilarating new thriller. It’s not easy to get back into the dating world, especially after a traumatic relationship. Director Christopher Landon takes audiences on a horrifying first date in what might eventually become an instant cult classic.
The film follows Violet, a widowed mother, played by “White Lotus” star Meghann Fahy who is going on her first date in years. With the help of her sister, who’s agreed to babysit her son while out, she musters up the courage to put herself back out there and meets with a charming photographer played by Brandon Sklenar. Unfortunately, this potential for romance turns into a mother’s worst nightmare as Violet is bombarded with anonymous texts that threaten her son’s life. Trapped in a high rise, upscale restaurant, she must figure out who is behind the messages to save both her son and her date’s life.
If you’re familiar with Landon’s work on films like “Freaky” or “Happy Death Day”, you’ll have an idea of his style of horror. He adds an element of comedy that allows you to breathe a little easier through his character’s high stressed situations. While there are moments of comic relief, “Drop” creates an anxiety-inducing setting with time constraints and focus on suspense. But don’t be fooled by its frightening premise, the film has a few jump scares, but it never takes itself too seriously. In fact, expect a few eye rolls when entering ridiculous and campy territory. It’s Fahy’s devoted and captivating performance that will sell you on any absurd action.
The heart of this film lies with Meghann Fahy, who continues to shine in any role she plays. But “Drop” succeeds in blending romance, wit, and tension into a simple yet tech-savvy, entertaining thrill ride that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The new drama, “The Friend”, starring Naomi
Watts and Bill Murray is an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel about an
unconventional friendship between a writer and her late friend and mentor.
The film follows Iris, a writer and professor living in
New York City. She has just learned about the unexpected passing of her
longtime mentor and dear friend, Walter. The heartbreaking news has shocked her,
and she isn’t fully able to process how the death has affected her due to the
pressures of finishing the novel she had been working on with Walter and having
to take care of his Great Dane, Apollo, which Walter has inconveniently passed
on to her. To make matters worse her apartment does not allow pets, and finding
a new home for Apollo is proving that Iris is taking on more than she can chew.
While Apollo starts out as an imposition in Iris’ life,
he quickly becomes a blessing. He fills a void as a representation of Walter and
helps her cope with the tragic loss – further proving the healing benefits of an
emotional support animal. The film is more of a character study. While we see how all the people in Walter’s
life are impacted in different ways by his passing, we focus on the one who
seems to be internalizing most of her feelings. I wouldn’t say there’s a whole
lot to unpack here, the message is straightforward, and the story is simple,
but the delivery is well done through its heartfelt performances and the subtle
progression of Iris and Apollo’s therapeutic bond.
Outside of the captivating flashbacks between Walter and
Iris and the dynamic between Iris and her new furry friend, the film lacks
creativity. It follows a familiar formula we have seen many times before and
there’s nothing necessarily inspiring about the visuals or filmmaking. However,
it is a solid watch that tackles heavy, yet relatable themes about friendship,
grief, and life in general. And it never hurts to watch a heartwarming and
easy-going story about the positive impact of companionship.
Lucy Hale continues to slay in the horror genre, this time
adding a hilarious romantic comedy element to her new whodunit thriller, “F
Marry Kill”.
Directed by Laura Murphy, the story follows Hale as Eva, a true crime junkie obsessed with the latest serial killer that’s targeting women on dating apps. After wasting 8 years with an egotistical boyfriend, she finally decides to put herself back out into the dating world. With encouragement from all her friends except for her happily married best friend, Kelly (Virginia Gardner), she takes a stab at the dating apps. Though hesitant, she succeeds in finding three seemingly nice potential suitors (Brendan Morgan, Samer Salem, and Jedidiah Goodacre). But as the news unveils alarming evidence about the infamous serial killer, Eva begins to suspect the new men in her life. This leads her to question which one of her three dates is an f-boy, marriage material, or a killer.
While the plot may sound ridiculous, it is surprisingly creative and laugh out loud funny. Hale leads the cast with a crass yet charmingly captivating performance. While her character is an overthinker and makes some obviously idiotic choices, she is relatable and hilarious. This is easily one of her most entertaining roles to date. The supporting cast around her kills it with their comedic timing, elevating the already witty script.
Fans of a good murder mystery can appreciate the clever storytelling.
Albeit a little formulaic, there is still some originality sprinkled in with its
topical references about social media and dating app, along with the film’s humorous
path and clues leading up to a killer reveal.
After a plethora of remakes and heavy award season dramas, “F Mary Kill” offers mischievous fun with a stellar cast. The film is a re-watchable comedic murder mystery that makes it the perfect watch for a friend’s night out.
No surprise that the most recent Marvel tale is crushing it at the box office. “Captain America: Brave New World” is a typical superhero film that still makes for a thrilling good time.
The film follows the events after the Disney+ series, which officially dubbed Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. A few years later he is more established in his new position, working for the United States government, with reservations about the new president, Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford. But when an attempt on Thaddeus’ life causes chaos. Sam must grab his shield and soar into action to uncover the motive behind a deadly global plan. Filmmaker Julius Onah’s daring whirl at this genre pays off for the most part as he succeeds in capturing the heart of a beloved character we want to know more about, while providing enough high-flying entertainment to keep audiences satisfied and engaged.
While the story is formulaic and I think Marvel needs to let us slowly digest their content, I can appreciate the effort in character development. Anthony Mackie thrives in the title he’s deservingly earned. Mackie provides depth and authenticity that humanizes his character. We’ve known the previous Falcon since 2014 when he was introduced in “The Winter Soldier”, and to see how far Mackie and his character have come is kind of heartwarming, especially for Marvel fans. There are flaws to this film, but they do not lie with Mackie. However, the villains lack substance, and the plot is a bit overcrowded, but this set up of a new and darker Marvel Universe with a more relatable lead, does have potential for the future.
“Captain America: Brave New World” is a box-office smash you want to see in theaters. With its gripping action-packed sequences and now, iconic red Hulk, the film is a riveting sci-fi theatrical experience.
Love is in the air AND in the palm of our hands as the new sci-fi romantic thriller, Companion, pushes all the right buttons for an instant cult classic.
Filmmaker Drew Hancock’s directorial feature follows a seemingly happy couple, Iris and Josh, who go on a weekend getaway with friends at a remote cabin. But things take a chaotic and bloody turn when it’s revealed Iris is a robot companion. The less you know about this plot the better, as the number of twists and turns are endless. But “Companion is already being raved about as the first best film of the year. What I can tell you is that it excels through enthralling performances by the entire cast, especially stars, Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher.
Horror fans may recognize Thatcher from the popular series, Yellowjackets or more recently the acclaimed psychological thriller, Heretic. But after this role, it’s safe to say, Thatcher is going to be an unforgettable talent we will be seeing a lot more of. Aside from the fact that she can cry from one eye at a time on command, she impressively emotes a robotic character who is truly in love and can feel every emotion. And we feel for her. Quaid, who normally plays the good guy, tackles the villainous role in a subtle and humorous manner. All the while the two have great on-screen chemistry. There isn’t anything too revolutionary in the film, but it does entertainingly warn audiences about the dangers of technology and why it’s best not to have full control of your partner.
Companion” touches on feminism, greed, loneliness, and hones in on how we should treat our significant others with respect, while taking audiences on an unpredictable and hilarious thrill ride. It’s an unexpected must-see that’s sure to capture your heart.
From an iconic sculpture to a wild robot. Peter Brown’s literary sensation comes to life in one of the most talked about films of the year. The Wild Robot is already a front runner for Best Animated Feature as its moving story is touching the hearts of all audiences.
The film follows an intelligent robot called Roz, who’s voiced by Academy Award winner, Lupita Nyong’o. After a shipwreck, Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island where to survive the harsh environment, she bonds with the island’s animals. After accidentally crushing a goose nest, a single egg survives and hatches to reveal a little baby goose. Roz decides her purpose on this island is to now raise the goose, now named Brightbill, as her own and help get him ready for the upcoming winter migration. She gains the help of a scheming Fox, voiced by Pedro Pascal and the three of them naturally become family. Roz is goal is to complete this mission before finding her way back home.
While the animation is stunning, the beauty of this movie is the simplicity. Director Chris Sanders has taken Peter Brown’s story and effectively touched on the current state of humanity, the impacts of global warming, and most importantly, the significance of compassion and motherhood. It may sound like a basic or familiar plot, but through its characters, visuals, and subtly it’s a surprisingly refreshing tale. Lupita Nyong’o and Kit Connor’s mother-son relationship is breath-taking and will likely make you want to immediately hug your own mother or parental figure in your life. It also reminds us; you don’t have to give birth to a child to give them life.
And though the film may have you reaching for tissues, The Wild Robot is also filled with plenty of laughs and thrills. It’s a wonderfully immersive family adventure featuring a superb cast with an unforgettable message audiences of all ages can relate to.
“The Wild Robot” is currently playing in theaters.
