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RATING: R. LENGTH: 1 hour 43 minutes. Movie Review Mom GRADE: B. IN A NUTSHELL: The Best You Can is a quietly affecting, middle-age dramedy that reunites real-life couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick for the first time on-screen in over two decades. Written and directed by Michael J. Weithorn, the film balances humor and heartache as it explores themes of aging, loneliness, and the unexpected connections that can bring new meaning to life. Michael J. Weithorn, best known for his television work (e.g., King of Queens), brings a sitcom sensibility at times, but he also leans into quieter, more reflective moments. TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kids will be bored as the film is definitely for older adults, and it features profanity, multiple F-bombs, super crude texting, alcohol, cigarettes, infidelity, a scene of a man peeing in someone’s yard at night due to prostate issues, and a lot of talk about intimate relations. THEMES: Aging, Marriage, Family and sticky relationships, Hope, and Letting yourself and others down. THINGS I LIKED: Who doesn’t love Kevin Bacon? He’s fantastic in this, and we even get to hear him sing a little and play the guitar with his smooth dance moves and endless swag. It’s also really fun to watch him with his famous wife, Kyra Sedgwick, who also co-produced the film with him; they bring a warm, grounded, and lived-in chemistry to their roles that feels fresh, natural, and earned. Brittany O’Grady plays Kevin Bacon’s daughter who is trying to get a break in her singing career and showcases her great voice, alongside a lot of other great music throughout the movie, a funny cameo from Ray Romano, a layered performance by Heather Burns, and a highlight performance by 90-year-old Judd Hirsch as Warren. One of the film’s strengths is its honest treatment of aging, caregiving, texting as a vehicle for modern intimacy, and the regrets that come with lost time, all set against cozy cinematography and a great score by Kurt Farquhar. Ultimately, the sweet message that everyone is just doing the best they can—which gives the title its name near the end—reminds us to show grace and patience, so be sure to keep watching during the final rolling credits for great music with Kevin Bacon and Brittany O’Grady! THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: There are moments where the tone feels uneven, many comic tropes are clichéd or overly inappropriate, the overall story plays it safe by leaning into conventional romantic-drama territory, and some may feel there are too many side stories. FUNNY LINES: “When did I fall off the edge of the earth?” – Warren Rand (Judd Hirsch); “He’s older than me…older than most people.” – Cynthia Rand (Kyra Sedgwick); “Actually, I identify as a mermaid.” – Stan Olszewski (Kevin Bacon).

RATING:PG-13LENGTH:1 hour 35 minutesMovie Review Mom GRADE:A-SPONSOR of Today’s movie review:Your local library…where stories like this one **** A NUTSHELL:Congratulations to Scarlett Johansson for her feature film directorial debut! Already, she has been nominated and won several film festival awards! The script was written by Tory Kamen.This quiet yet powerful drama tells the story of Eleanor, an elderly woman whose carefully structured life unravels after the death of her best friend. Forced to confront loneliness and regret, she embarks on an unexpected journey to reconnect with her estranged daughter and rediscover her own courage.Unlike loud blockbusters, this film whispers its truths and invites you to lean in close. It’s a touching reminder that it’s never too late to start living with purpose.TIPS FOR PARENTS:There’s mild profanity, brief alcohol use, and discussions about aging and **** pacing may feel slow for younger viewers.Themes of grief, forgiveness, and family reconciliation make it best suited for teens and adults.Talk of the Holocaust and survivorsTHEMES:The importance of family and communitySecond chancesThe healing power of connectionFacing grief and loss with graceJudaismHolocaustLonelinessTruth vs. liesConsequencesThe human experienceAgingMemoriesTHINGS I LIKED:June Squibb delivers a heartfelt, grounded performance that balances humor and heartbreak. It’s so great to see an older actress get a leading role in Hollywood. She’s in her 90s and just pumped out another fun movie in 2024 called Thelma! You can see my review of Thelma here. I thought the film was adorable and she was perfect in it.Erin Kellyman did a great job too. She’s British, but used an American accent for this **** screenplay finds beauty in small moments, like a shared cup of tea or a simple walk down the street. Scarlett Johannson really sinks into the pocket of life’s quiet moments.I always love seeing Chiwetel Ejiofor in **** cinematography paints New York in soft, golden tones, echoing Eleanor’s gradual emotional awakening.I loved how the film shows friendship among older adults as something vibrant and vital, not just nostalgic.Beautiful score.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Some scenes linger longer than necessary, making the story feel slower than it needs to be.A few side characters come across as underdeveloped, serving more as symbols than real **** first glance, Eleanor appears dismissive, feisty, cranky, and insensitive with the people around her, making her an unpleasant protagonist to many viewers. Keep looking though…there is pain and grief to explore.Some may find the ending, while tender, wraps things up a bit too neatly.FUNNY LINES:“If I’ve made it this far without yoga, I think I’ll survive the rest of my life just fine.”“My phone doesn’t need a face scan. It already knows I’m tired.”INTERESTING LINES:“Grief doesn’t end; it just changes the furniture in your heart.”“Sometimes, you don’t need a map; you just need to start walking.”

IN A NUTSHELL:Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite is a cold-sweat, real-time thriller about the terrifying 18 minutes after an unclaimed nuclear missile is detected inbound to the United States. The film stitches together the perspectives of those on the front lines ( leaders, analysts, and operators) and asks a brutal question: how do you act when the worst-case scenario can’t be ruled out? The result is less popcorn spectacle and more an urgent, anxious conversation starter about modern deterrence and human fallibility.This dramatic film is now playing on Netflix.TIPS FOR PARENTS:The film contains strong language, political crisis tension, and scenes of panic and medical/emergency ****’s heavy on anxiety and moral dilemma; not recommended for young children.Teens who are studying current events or government might find it gripping, frightening, and discussion-worthy.THEMES:Nuclear deterrence and its brittle **** fog of crisis **** moral calculus of leadership under impossible pressure.Media, misinformation, and institutional trust.THINGS I LIKED:The ensemble (led by Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson) brings urgency and credibility to their roles. The characters are people you can imagine in those important decision **** movie quickly draws you in.Bigelow’s direction keeps the camera close to the human stakes; we feel the claustrophobia of command centers and the electric tension of a ticking **** sound design and Volker Bertelmann’s score act like a second character: a low, insistent thrum that keeps the chest **** movie doesn’t hand you tidy answers. The ambiguous ending is maddening in the best way. It forces you to leave the theater thinking, talking, and worrying.Hopefully, this film will be a wake-up call to the global powers that be. Unfortunately for all of us, it probably won’t be.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:The film’s insistence on ambiguity will frustrate viewers who expect clear resolution. Let that frustration lead you into a conversation with your family. Who are the villains? Who are the heroes? Let that be part of your conversation.A few technical scenes lean on military jargon; some viewers may find the procedural detail dense, although it adds realism.Because it aims for plausibility, the pace occasionally favors meticulous procedure over emotional payoff.Some viewers (like my husband) might be annoyed that they have to watch the whole story all over again but from a different perspect. Others will find it insightful and intriguing (like me) because we get additional information. That being said, Acts 2 & 3 definitely don’t have the tension and awe of the first **** tensions builds and builds until…the perspective changes and we have to start all over again.FUNNY LINES:(Dark humor in one scene) “When the sirens sing, small talk dies quietly.”“If you want certainty, don’t go to war—go to the hardware store.”INTERESTING LINES:“We built systems to remove panic; panic keeps finding a way in.”“Decision-making in a storm is still decision-making, only faster and lonelier.”

The newest action/adventure/sci-fi/fantasy/superhero movie opened in theaters on July 25, 2025. RATING: PG-13. LENGTH: 1 hour 54 minutes. Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+. IN A NUTSHELL: Marvel introduces its first family: Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ben Grimm/the Thing, and baby. They face an impossible challenge of protecting their family and planet Earth from an evil space god called Galactus. The film was directed by Matt Shakman. He was inspired by the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and because of that, tried to use as many practical effects as possible. Screenplay was by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. The story is based on the Marvel comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Screenwriting credits go to Peter Cameron. TIPS FOR PARENTS: We see a pregnant woman’s pained face as she gives birth to her baby, superhero violence, people are in danger, and a villain is menacing. THEMES: Family, Parenting, Sacrifice, Teamwork, and Humanity. THINGS I LIKED: We’ve never seen a superhero or Marvel movie quite like this one. Is it perfect? No, but it centers around the importance of family and has a lot of heart. It’s not necessarily an origin story but another version of the telling. It’s sweet and focused. It blends action with humor. I could have used even more humorous lines and moments, but I laughed out loud when three of the male superheroes tried to install a baby seat into a car. Ha ha, been there, done that! The cast is fantastic and includes Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson, Paul Walter Hauser, and more! The original trailer showed John Malkovich, but his character, Mole Man, was cut due to time. Drats. I would have sat in my seat longer just to see a few scenes with him. It was fun to create a setting with a 1960s aesthetic. Fantastic set designs! It’s supposed to take place within the MCU on Earth-828. The number comes from the creator’s birthday, August 28. The film offers a unique look at superheroes as parents. There is nothing like the fierce love of a mother. Vanessa Kirby is terrific in everything she does. If you’re a true Fantastic Four fan, you might notice that the monster the Fantastic Four fight at the beginning of the movie is a respectful nod to the 1961 comic book cover! A lot of the source material has been featured. Another respectful nod goes to the cast of the 1994 movie The Fantastic Four that was never released. The actors who played the lead characters in that unseen movie get short cameos and voice-overs in this one! Nice touch! They include Alex Hyde-White, Jay Underwood, Rebecca Staab, and Michael Baily Smith. Fun fact: During the entire film, we can see signs that say “Timely Comics”. Did you know that was the original name of Marvel Comics? Cute. I love that the title refers to more than just one thing: the baby’s first steps, the first steps of a new cycle of Marvel, and the first steps of a new family forming. Keep watching during the rolling credits for more pictures and video clips. If you know anything about Marvel movies, you know to stay in your seat until the very, very end so you don’t miss the bonus scene. You’ll also see some text on the screen that states, “The Fantastic Four will return in Avengers: Doomsday.” If you need to catch up with the saga or refresh your memory of what happened, check out this Avengers film collection! At the end of the film you’ll see a quote by Jack Kirby, the creator of the Fantastic Four: ”If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of you must remain there.” The quote, itself, is intriguing, but I also thought it was especially poignant regarding the theme of parenting in this movie. THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: Ben Grimm’s rock-man reminded me a lot of Korg, the rock guy in Marvel but without the New Zealand accent voiced by Taika Waititi. More humor would have been even better. I still think Guardians of the Galaxy nailed it in the humor department. I love that playful franchise. The HERBIE robot was cute, but I wish it had more personality. It was created using CGI, remote-controlled animatronics, and a wooden puppet. The action sequences are fun and exciting but nothing we haven’t really seen before. FUNNY LINES: “We were okay, but this is better!” – Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic). INTERESTING LINES: “Sometimes, you being you hurts me.” – Sue Storm/Invisible Woman. “We must use our time wisely to be with the ones we cherish.” – announcer. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – announcer quoting Margaret Mead, the American cultural anthropologist.

RATING: PGLENGTH: 2 hours 3 minutesMovie Review Mom GRADE: B+SPONSOR of Today’s movie review: Downton Abbey: The Complete Series: ****/4nuD76lIN A NUTSHELL:We get to see what our favorite British family has been up to in this final addition to the franchise that has been popular since 2011!The finale was directed by Simon Curtis. Writing credits go to Julian **** film is a well balanced tribute, offering an emotional farewell for fans.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Lots of alcoholWe see an unmarried couple in bed **** see a few woman changing their clothes.Talk of intimate relationsTalk of the death of a loved oneTHEMES:Evolution of the erasAristocracy and their servantsDivorceFinancial troublesHypocrisyGreedThe passing of the baton in leadershipTHINGS I LIKED:It’s so much fun to see the beloved cast all together again, including Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Laura Carmichael, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Penelope Wilton, and so many more! Sadly missing from the movie is fan favorite Dame Maggie Smith. The film was dedicated to her memory. A short montage is shown of her, as well as a painting of her on the wall inside Downton Abbey. Of course, the characters mention her often because she was the matron of the family that could never be forgotten. As the scandals begin to fly, we hear comments such as, “Granny would not have approved.”The characters are so well defined that we love them all from the wealthy family to the servants of the household.I adore Paul Giamatti and loved seeing him in this. He’s one of the new characters, in addition to one brought to us by Joely Richardson.Joanne Froggatt was pregnant in real life, so she wrote her own story line in the film and wanted her character to be pregnant **** true fans who have loved the franchise from the very beginning, there are several call-backs to comments made in Season 1.I loved seeing everyone dressed up in tuxedos and gowns in the first scene while they went to the theater to see a stage production. Isn’t it a shame that so few of us do that anymore?Wow, that scenery at the 41-minute mark! Gorgeous landscapes of green! The skilled cinematographer, Ben Smithard, did an outstanding job.While there is some humor, I sure missed Granny’s biting **** film isn’t going to win any awards but is brimming with nostalgia and closure. It’s comfort food for those who have loved the show for years. There is a lot of talk of ending a chapter and beginning a new one, helping to ease fans into a world without any more **** montage at the end will make you sob like a baby. I’m not kidding.Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see short clips of what happens to characters next. So sweet.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:If you haven’t seen any of the previous TV show seasons or movies, I admit you’ll be a bit lost and won’t enjoy it nearly as much as the fans who invested years in the franchise. Sorry about that!Because this movie doesn’t exactly offer groundbreaking plot twists, some might complain that it’s just another money grab. Fans definitely won’t see it that way though. FUNNY LINES:“Golly!” – Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery)“It’s my fault. It’s like putting a drunk in charge of the bar.” – Cora Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern)“This isn’t Russia, Mr. Mosley, and we’re not the Bolsheviks.” – Mr. Carson (Jim Carter)“Should wives have secrets from their husbands?” – Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) “Definitely. But not the other way around.” – Anna (Joanne Froggatt)INTERESTING LINES:“The writers are the real stars of cinema!” – Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle)“You know the system doesn’t work if we hold on too long.” – Tom Branson (Allen Leech)“Long live Downton Abbey.” – Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery)““Families like ours must keep moving to survive.” – Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery)“The hereditary system can’t afford to be sentimental.” – Lady Mary Talbot (Michelle Dockery)“Convention makes cowards of us all.” – Isobel Merton (Penelope Wilton)“I think we all depend on each other, Milady, the way people should.” – Anna (Joanne Froggatt)

RATING: RLENGTH: 1 hour 37 minutesMovie Review Mom GRADE: B+IN A NUTSHELL:The documentary was directed and produced by Steven Feinartz. Steven must have the most patience and determination ever to put up with Marc Maron’s grumpiness. Many times in the documentary, we see Marc complaining and throwing shade on the film itself, saying he doesn’t really care if it gets made or not. The title comes at the very end when Marc says to Steven, “Alright. You got it? Are we good?”Writing credits go to Julie Seabaugh.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Lots of profanity, including 13 million F-bombsTalk and video clips of drugs, cigarettes, cigars, and alcoholThe entire film includes conversations about the death of a loved one and how to heal.Talk of dementiaTHEMES:GriefLove and LossFriendshipSupportThe importance of laughter in healingTHINGS I LIKED:If you get a kick out of Marc Maron and his comedy, you’ll enjoy this documentary, especially seeing another side of the famous **** film starts two months into the Covid lockdown and shows how Marc and all of us are still trying to make sense of it.Marc’s girlfriend, Lynn, died and he shares how much he struggled after her passing. We literally watch him try to process it all in this film. We feel his grief and celebrate his newly-found insights. The film is dedicated to Lynn Shelton. I didn’t know anything about her, but she seemed absolutely lovely with a constant smile and positive attitude. She and Marc were a great example of how opposites attract. She was quick to laugh and absolutely died too young.Marc opens up about his drug and alcoholic addictions. He says, “Self-destruction is not what it used to be, folks.”We get to hear praise for Marc’s comedy by his fellow comedians who adore him, such as Nate Bargatze, Bill Burr, David Cross, Denis Leary, John Mulaney, Caroline Rhea, Michaela Watkins, and so many more.Marc is honest about his life’s mistakes, exhibiting vulnerabilities and wisdom.I enjoyed the song during the final rolling credits called “Let Us Be Devoured”. Interesting choice of words.Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see more photos of Marc and his journey.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Many of the other comedians admit that Marc Maron’s personality and style of comedy isn’t for everyone. He’s crass, salty, and offensive. If you don’t want to be assaulted by a ton of F-bombs, this film is not for you.Because the entire film focuses on how Marc has been dealing with the death of his girlfriend, it can feel heavy and sad. FUNNY LINES: “So, I don’t want to be negative, but I don’t think anything is ever going to get better ever again.” – Marc MaronINTERESTING LINES:“I couldn’t make marriages work for whatever reason.” – Marc Maron“It’s weird. When you get old, even if your weight is good, your body is a different shape than it used to be. Sorry…too much information?” – Marc Maron“I’m just waiting for something to destroy me…and I think it’s me.” – Marc Maron“How do you love somebody else if you really can’t love yourself?” – Marc Maron

IN A NUTSHELL:The movie is based on a true story of Lisa Brenner, whose friend convinced her to take a DNA test only to find out shocking and unexpected **** film was directed by Matt Sohn.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Some profanity, including several unnecessary F-bombs. A little girl drops some F-bombs too. I hate that.Lots of alcohol, marijuana, CBD gummies, and **** of the characters is gay.Lots of talk about sex.A rabbi is a woman.There is a lot of tip-toeing around language about sexism and cultural appropriation. We watch people get tattoos.THEMES:Jewish lifeMotherhoodBat MitzvahReligious faithFamilyIdentityDNATruthTHINGS I LIKED:Lisa Brenner wrote the screenplay, produced the film, and stars in the leading role.Sadly, this is Linda Lavin’s final film performance. The film was released in film festivals 11 days after her death. She was a two-time Golden Globe winner, Tony Award winner, and beloved actress. Lisa Brenner stated, “There was no one else who could have played my mother more truthfully and lovingly than Linda. I am forever grateful she said yes and joined me on this wild journey.”Other cast members include Lumi Pollack, Josh Fadem, Kat Cunning, Dylan Chance, and Grace Lay.I always love learning more about Jewish life. I’ve been fascinated by Judaism for years. In fact, I wrote a book about it that hits stores on November 11, 2025! It’s about Hebrew words to help Christians better understand the Bible and God’s covenant relationship with us. The English translations of the Old Testament don’t often reveal the rich meanings behind the Hebrew words used. Follow me on my social media (Instagram, Facebook, X, etc. to learn more about the book when the launch date gets closer to learn more about it!)A lot of Yiddish phrases are spoken, which is entertaining, but can be confusing if you don’t understand the **** can keep watching during the final rolling credits to hear an awkward song by Sara about her private parts.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:It’s not a relaxing movie to watch. The lead character is a neurotic, stressed-out mess, who bickers with everyone. Her yoga practice doesn’t seem to be helping her find peace in her life. She’s rude and unkind to others and her mother, especially, because she’s so focused on herself.I thought it was odd that the protagonist kept saying how her life was completely destroyed with the news of her newly revealed ancestry. While it would be surprising, it would mean more people to love and be in your family, right? Thankfully, there is a growth arc for her character.Unfortunately, there is zero chemistry between Dante Basco and Lisa Brenner. FUNNY LINES:“Five minutes with her and he’ll give up his yoga practice for Crystal Meth.” – Rachel (Lisa Brenner) talking about Laurence who has a crush on her mother“Have you seen my seating chart? It’s like a Medieval battle plan.” – Rachel Torres (Lisa Brenner)“You know I don’t believe in DNA, but whatever it is, you will always be a part of my spiritual family.” – Sara (Kat Cunning)“It’s going to be like a real-life episode of Jerry Springer!” – Sarah“I can even eat gluten!” Sara (Kat Cunning) Other Millennials around her gasp.INTERESTING LINES:“Our Judaism is the one constant in our life.” – Rachel Torres (Lisa Brenner)“Just because you’re related doesn’t make you family.” – Javi “It’s all about the energy of love.” – Sara (Kat Cunning)“Love doesn’t care about DNA. Love makes its own family.” – Rachel Torres (Lisa Brenner)“When you have love, you have everything.” – Rachel Torres (Lisa Brenner)

This dramatic WWII movie opens in theaters on October 17, 2025 RATING: PG-13 LENGTH: 2 hours 18 minutes Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-SPONSOR of Today’s movie review: Quite a few books have been written about this true story. IN A NUTSHELL: Truth & Treason, directed by Matt Whitaker (who also co-wrote it with Ethan Vincent), tells the true story of Helmuth Hübener, a 16-year-old German boy living under the **** regime who begins to resist when he realizes that the loyalty to his country has become complicit in lies. When his trusted church bishop aligns with the regime, Helmuth’s growing disillusionment leads him to listen to banned radio broadcasts, attempt to spread the truth, and resist the fear that permeates his **** topic of this film sure is timely, as our country (USA) is struggling with free speech even now, our First Amendment right in the Constitution that is being threatened.TIPS FOR PARENTS:This is not a “family-friendly” film and inappropriate for young children. Kids under 13 might also be bored.Brutal, bloody violence and torture.Bullying Talk of prison and **** GermanyResistence fighters of WWIIFree speechFear and courage to stand for what’s rightTHINGS I LIKED:I’m constantly amazed at all of the inspirational stories about WWII that are still just now coming to American audiences. Helmuth Huebener isn’t one of the most famous figures of WWII resistance, but he was definitely one of the youngest. This gives the film a chance to surprise, educate, and deepen understanding. There’s power in exposing lesser-known moral courage, especially when the stakes are so high. I had never heard of him before, yet his name and courage have not been forgotten. Today, you can see his name on street signs, schools, and several **** entire cast did an outstanding job. I really love that we get to know two Germans from the opposite side of the war. The cast features Ewan Horrocks as Hübener, with Ferdinand McKay, Daf Thomas, Rupert Evans.Cinematography is by Bianca Cline.Composer Aaron Zigman adds credibility in delivering a score that can support the emotional **** moral conflict—loyalty vs. truth, obedience to authority vs. conscience—is very resonant. In times when authority is taken for granted, or propaganda is questioned, this story could echo many modern tensions. In this film, those themes are done well, allowing the movie to be emotionally moving and **** choice of filming locations (Lithuania) and involvement of experienced crew suggest a commitment to the visual authenticity and dramatic **** viewers who enjoy historical dramas, stories of resistance, or moral dilemmas, this is likely to be compelling. For religious or faith-oriented audiences, there may also be additional interest in how the film portrays religious institutions under tyranny. Some early viewers are noting that the film does not shy away from uncomfortable truths about how church or religious authority related to the regime.Given the weight of the subject matter—the fear, oppression, moral conflict, violence—there’s a risk of either becoming too heavy or, conversely, of compressing events in a way that underplays the danger and cost. The film maintains tension, avoid preachiness, and make characters deeply human rather than symbolic.I expect Truth & Treason to succeed fairly well among viewers who appreciate thoughtful historical dramas. It may not be a blockbuster in the commercial sense, but it will likely have strong word-of-mouth in certain circles (history buffs, faith communities, people interested in WWII resistance).I don’t think it leans too much toward a “hero narrative” without acknowledging all the ambiguity and layers. It maintains both strength of conviction and complexity of reality.I love the title and movie poster.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: At first, it bothered me that all of the Germans had British accents. However, I know it’s difficult to create a **** movie about World War II with authentic accents without making all of the characters sound like ridiculous caricatures. The British accent gives it an appropriate European feel that can be taken seriously and isn’t the first **** movie to be done this way.Every film of this sort must pick and choose what to show or omit. For example, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints might be shocked to learn that the bishop excommunicated Hubener! We do see the bishop encourage his congregation to do the **** salute in Sacrament meeting. **** was often difficult for me to understand what people were saying because they spoke so softly.FUNNY LINES: None worth noting. The movie is certainly not a comedy.INTERESTING LINES: “In war, truth is the first casualty.” – Aeschylus “We will see each other again in a better world.” – Helmuth Hubener (Ewan Horrocks) “Do not allow your free will, the most precious thing you possess, to be taken away from you.” – Helmuth Hubener (Ewan Horrocks)

This inspirational sports movie opens in theaters on September 19, 2025 RATING: PGLENGTH: 1 hour 39 minutes Movie Review Mom GRADE: AIN A NUTSHELL:Angel Studios has done it again! I’m so impressed with all of the fantastic movies they’ve been constantly pumping out. It’s not the volume, but the quality of the films that is especially noteworthy. Their goal is to put goodness in the world. Mission accomplished. I’m so tired of watching **** movies filled with senseless violence, unnecessary gore, and F-bombs. We all deserve better. Angel Studios has raised the standards in film. At the end of this movie, there is a QR code on the screen that allows viewers to “Pay it Forward” by donating money so that those who can’t afford to see good films like this in theaters can get a free ticket. Nice touch. Thank you, Angel Studios!The film was directed by Rod Lurie, and written by Robert Eisele. The movie was based on the true story about a man who was kicked off a college football team for always getting into fights. Now, at age 59, he learns that he’s eligible to try out for the team again because he didn’t finish his senior year, beginning the biggest fight of his life for redemption. TIPS FOR PARENTS: Bullying is portrayed. We see people get in physical and verbal fights THEMES: Football Anger management Finishing what you started Regret Unfinished business Redemption Determination and hard work Communication Showing support to others who have a dream Family THINGS I LIKED:Michael Chiklis did an outstanding job in this role. He’s in incredible shape and believable in this role. He was the same age as the real Mike Flynt when he began filming this project. He’s now 62 years old. During the final rolling credits, we get to see some video clips of when he got to meet the real Mike Flynt.I hadn’t seen Mary Stuart Masterson in anything for quite a while, so it was good to see her. Other cast members who did a good job were Rob Corddry, Brandon Flynn, Terayle Hill, and Corey Knight. The controversial Justin Baldoni was one of the producers of the film .If you love football, you’ll absolutely love this movie. If you don’t love the sport, you’re still going to enjoy this film! High school reunions can be powerful moments in life for self-reflection. In the case of this true story, it was life changing for Flynt.This inspirational film got me teary-eyed within the first 30 minutes.Fantastic locker room speech in the final game!I’m not one for spoilers, but this movie will give you all the feels you hoped for in a movie like this.There are quite a few layers and themes you can sink your teeth into. The movie is about much more than football. In fact, the real Mike Flynt tells us that at the beginning of the **** get to see photos and old video footage of Mike Flynt at the end of the movie. There’s a message on the screen before the rolling credits begin that says, “Mike Flynt waited 37 years for his second shot. Someone out there is still waiting for theirs.”My husband loves the Rubber band-Man song. Nice touch in the film. THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Not everything that is represented in the movie actually took place in real life. Disappointing.I appreciate that Mike Flynt wasn’t portrayed as a perfect man. He was terribly flawed and some viewers might not even like him. That being said, he also shows great humility during his quest and you’ll want to root for someone who is willing to work that hard to right his wrongs. As far as sports flicks go, it’s pretty predicatable. Still, I didn’t mind one bit. I’m a **** for underdog sports movies. FUNNY LINES:“He’s like a 59-year-old Rudy.” – Coach Henry (Steve Mokate)“Allow me the privilege of worrying about a husband who’s gonna fight semitrucks every Saturday.” – Eileen Flynt (Mary Stuart Masterson)“Football is a contact sport.” – Eileen Flynt (Mary Stuart Masterson) “Football is a collision sport.” – Mike Flynt (Michael Chiklis)“When I go in to test my patience, the results are always negative.” – Coach Sam Weston (Rob Corddry)INTERESTING LINES:“It’s not about winning. It’s about finishing what you start.” – Mike Flynt (Michael Chiklis)“We need more morality in football.” – Mike Flynt (Michael Chiklis) “Technique AND strength.” – Mike Flynt (Michael Chiklis)“We’re your team too.” – Mary Stuart Masterson (Eileen Flynt)“He’s my father. It’s not my job to heal him of his sins.” – Micah Flynt (Brandon Flynn)“We’re not defined by our successes. We’re defined by our regrets.” – Mike Flynt (Michael Chiklis)

This bio/drama/comedy releases in theaters on September 19, 2025.Rating: RLENGTH: 1 hour 44 minutesIN A NUTSHELL:Set in the stunning landscapes of the late 1960s Tahiti, Waltzing with Brando tells the charming, funny, and inspiring true story of silver screen icon and Academy Award-winning actor, Marlon Brando, portrayed beautifully by Billy Zane. He’s paired with the progressive, sustainably-minded Los Angeles-based architect Bernard Judge (played by Jon Heder) as they attempt to build the world’s first sustainable paradise on the remote, uninhabitable island of Tahiti’s Tetiaroa. With a stellar cast and unforgettable characters, the film is a celebration of audacious dreams, ecological innovation, and human **** film was written and directed by Bill Fishman. It was adapted for screen from the book Waltzing with Brando: Planning a Paradise in Tahiti by Bernard Judge. Bill Fishman and Billy Zane also helped produce the film.TIPS FOR PARENTS:We see some topless women on the **** see the naked backsides of men and women.Kids will mostly be bored.Some profanity and F-bombsLots of alcoholA lot of French is spoken, as well as a native language on the island.THEMES:AmbitionEnvironmentalismStewardshipThe human spiritBusinessFriendshipTrustRespectResilienceInnovationTHINGS I LIKED: The production of the film included actor Billy Zane’s company. He has the starring role of Marlon Brando and does an absolutely fantastic job. Zane’s physical metamorphosis into Brando is nothing short of uncanny. Thanks to impeccable makeup and hairstyling, he embodies the star not just visually but in manner and magnetism, making multiple viewers do a double take, including me! The film is on the 97th Academy Awards shortlist of movies qualifying for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. When asked in an interview by Variety magazine’s Matt Donnelly how he tackled the task of representing the legendary actor, he stated, “Early on, I figured the only way to approach this seemingly impossible or daunting task was to approach it as he would—which would be to not really give a ****. I hate to say it. I could fill you with all sorts of actor-y explanations, but really, that mindset served me immediately.” Way back when Billy Zane appeared in the 1989 movie Dead Calm, people began calling him the next Marlon Brando. Clearly, he took that to heart!Whenever I think of actor Jon Heder, I think of the quirky classic Napoleon Dynamite. My family still quotes lines from that movie even though it came out 21 years ago!It’s always great to see Richard Dreyfus in anything. I’ve been a huge fan my whole life.Other cast members include Tia Carrere, James Jagger, Alaina Huffman, Camille Razat, and Rob Corddry.What makes this movie fun is that it’s based on a true story! I learned a lot about Brando that I never knew **** movie was filmed in Tahiti, Morea, and Tetiaroa where the real events actually **** learn and see a different side of Marlon Brando. When Billy Zane spent quite a bit of time with Marlon Brando’s real-life family and people who worked with the actor, he discovered that Brando loved practical jokes, was funny, and was curious about many things. He was one of the first activists in Hollywood, especially when it came to conservation and civil rights. Some would even say he was the godfather of environmentalism. If younger generations don’t know who Marlon Brando was, they’ll still be interested in watching a Hollywood icon work to protect our planet in such a loving, determined way.Billy Zane described the movie as a love letter to Tahiti, its people, and to Marlon Brando, himself. In a nod to Brando’s beloved Tetiaroa, 5% of the film’s proceeds are pledged to benefit the island’s residents. You can learn more or make a donation at www.TetiaroaSociety.orgI was surprised how much humor was in the **** movie breaks the 4th wall over and over, which is kind of fun and entertaining. Cinematography by Garrett O’Brien delivers sumptuous recreations of iconic scenes from The Godfather and Last Tango in Paris, setting them alongside sun-drenched Tahitian **** contrast between Hollywood glamour and tropical escape is striking.Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see some lovely images of the island’s stunning nature.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: It’s hard to know which bits are true or embelished. For example, Brando talks about powering his island with electric eels. He also tries to extract drinkable water from his own urine. Does anyone know if those really happened?For some, the tone’s lightness can appear to undercut the dramatic potential of Brando’s inner struggle and environmental pursuits. I didn’t mind it, personally. He loved to joke around and pull pranks on people, so to me, it absolutely fit his personality.I don’t like the pink and red movie poster that has been circulating.

his documentary features comedians with anxiety, and debuts digitally on Jolt on Friday, 8/15.LENGTH: 1 hour 23 minutesIN A NUTSHELL:A movie studio invited me to review this documentary and I’m so glad they did. I may never have discovered it on my own. ANXIETY CLUB features comedians who have openly shared their struggles on stage. Now, we get to hear more about their real-life struggles through interviews, therapy sessions, back-stage conversations, and everyday life **** you have anxiety, you’ll be able to relate. Everyone feels it from time to time. If your own mental health is strong, watching this film just might provide you with some new insights into how some people live each day. We can all show more kindness and patience to **** director of this film, Wendy Lobel, revealed, “I’ve struggled with anxiety for years and am familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms that can accompany an anxiety disorder, as well as the available treatments and tools. But the seed for ANXIETY CLUB was planted in 2013 when I produced Worried Sick about teens with anxiety for Nickelodeon’s Nick News with Linda Ellerbee. I witnessed how the subjects’ worries and fears were not only mentally torturous but also tangibly holding them back in life. I also saw how the proper treatment helped in profound ways. Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, surpassing depression, yet the majority of those suffering don’t get treated because of the stigma that persists. Left untreated, anxiety can manifest with severe consequences. I realized that there are countless anxious people out there of all ages who live compromised by their disorder because they don’t know any other way.”Already, the film has been nominated for Best Film by the Global Health Competition.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Some profanity and F-bombsLots of talk of things that people are afraid of.Talk of self-medication through drugs and alcoholTHEMES:Anxiety and mental healthHow your brain worksTherapyExposure techniqueSupport for those who struggle with anxiety and depressionTHINGS I LIKED:The topic of this documentary is timely. In 2025, an estimated 42.5 million U.S. adults are living with an anxiety disorder, making anxiety the most common mental health condition in the country. The percentage of U.S. adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression has increased sharply and dramatically in recent years. Just 8% of those aged 65 or older have anxiety, compared to 26% of those aged 18-29. Younger generations are really struggling and will be able to relate to the feelings and challenges that the comedians honestly share in this **** comedians featured are Tiffany Jenkins, Joe List, Marc Maron, Aparna Nancherla, Mark Normand, Baron Vaughn, and Eva **** mother worried about a lot of things that never happened. Worrying seemed like an obvious waste of time to me as a young girl; however, as a mother of 4 sons now, I absolutely understand it and have experienced!One thing that’s great about comedians is that they are known for breaking down barriers and talking about what’s uncomfortable. We can all benefit from that.I thought Tiffany Jenkins’ story was extremely touching. Her pain was real and raw. I had never seen her YouTube sketches before but now I want to subscribe. She’s hilarious. I was rooting for her throughout her entire mental health journey during the film.I really enjoyed how honest the comedians were about which therapies and medications worked and didn’t work. The bottom line is that those with anxiety can have hope because there ARE solutions.Viewers might wonder how authentic these comedians are and if they agreed to the interviews simply to get more media exposure to advance their careers, but I was impressed with their vulnerability and honesty about things they truly struggle with.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:I can always do without the profanity, but I think a lot people who struggle with anxiety are going to really enjoy this and be inspired by the conversations and actions the comedians shared.

This dark, high-octane action dramedy premieres in theaters on Friday, September 12, 2025RATING: RLENGTH: 1 hour 45 minutesIN A NUTSHELL:The story is about a paramedic who is so burned out that he finally finds another job but he has to first finish his last chaotic 24-hour shift to train his **** film was directed by Christopher Leone. He also co-wrote it with former real-life paramedic Patrick Pianezza.TIPS FOR PARENTS:This is not appropriate for kids for several good reasons.Lots of profanity, crude language, and F-bombsWe see a man in nothing but his underwearLots of violenceVomit everywhere. **** see a gross man’s private parts. Bleh.Bloody imagesPeople die.THEMES:Paramedic lifeEmergenciesHealthcare in AmericaPublic servicesHard jobsBuilding emotional wallsTHINGS I LIKED:I don’t know why, but I always get a kick out of it when characters break the 4th wall and talk to the **** get to learn some interesting facts about paramedics, medications, dirty needle sticks, people’s salaries in the medical field, **** just might see and appreciate paramedics differently after watching this movie. It’s crazy how hard they work, what they endure, and for such low pay. If you want to donate or learn more about the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, go to www.laemt.orgThe cast includes Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery, Rob Riggle, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Aimee Carrero.There is a nice blend of comedy, action, and humor with heartfelt moments of ****’s interesting to watch how the various public services help and cause difficulties for one another all while trying to aid those in the ****’ll laugh. You’ll cry. This film is filled with emotional heft.There’s a great reveal in Act 3.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: The tone bounces around a lot. I could do without all of the F-bombs, but they sure are used effectively to verbalize the insane frustration some of the characters feel.FUNNY LINES: “Who’s your friend?” – Mike (Lil Rel Howery) “Nobody. Student ride-along…not a real person.” – Randy (Rainn Wilson)“People are mean. You’ll see.” – Randy (Rainn Wilson)“I don’t have to go to the hospital, do I ‘cuz I don’t have insurance.” – injured man “Nah, don’t worry about that. They’re just going to send you a soul-crushing bill later on.” – Randy (Rainn Wilson)INTERESTING LINES: “I’m a paramedic, so I’m always stressed.” – Randy (Rainn Wilson) “If I make one mistake, someone could die…and I’m burning out.” – Randy (Rainn Wilson) “People live. People die.” – Randy (Rainn Wilson)“I can fix broken. I can’t fix dead.” – Randy (Rainn Wilson)“Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go back to never being done.” – Dr. Serano (Rob Riggle)“This job breaks everybody.” – Randy (Rainn Wilson)“If I ever need saving, I hope it’s you who shows up.” – Jessica (Aimee Carrero)“Yeah, the system is still broken, but what am I supposed to do: quit trying?” – Randy (Rainn Wilson)

IN A NUTSHELL:The movie is about a fourteen-year-old, awkward ,and enthusiastic boy who writes plays. When he meets a handsome twenty-five-year-old handyman, his life and play will never be the same.Nicholas Colia wrote and directed the film.Already, the movie has received a dozen nominations and wins, including Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay in a U.S. Narrative Feature: Nicholas Colia, and Someone To Watch Award Nomination, among many others!TIPS FOR PARENTS:Profanity, including F-bombsAlcohol and underage drinkingWe see a shirtless guyTalk of abortionsTalk of sexA young teenage boy discovers he is gayThe play Griffin wrote includes talk of infidelity and infertilityTHEMES:FriendshipConnectionA passion for the artsDreamsChildhoodInfactuationTheater geeksJealousyHeartbreakMarriageTHINGS I LIKED:There’s a surprising amount of **** terrific cast includes Melanie Lynskey, Owen Teague, Abby Ryder, Kathryn Newton, and Nami Melumad.Everett Blunck stars as Griffin and does an outstanding job in this breakout role. He is perfectly cast and, like the passionate character he plays, has an extremely bright future in the ****’s heartbreaking to see where Griffin gets his inspiration from in his **** story is layered as each character struggles with perspective and life’s **** film balances humor with the charm of a childhood dream and the sadness of serious relationship issues.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:I hate it when kids swear.Some may find the protagonist to be too self-absorbed to be endearing. When we remember that Griffin is still a young teen trying to make sense of his own dysfunctional family, it’s easier to forgive his indulgences. FUNNY LINES:“Just when you think Harriet can’t get drunker, she gets drunker.” – Brad (Owen Teague)“You know, people can really be like judgmental, but I don’t think it’s psycho if I like check my hot boyfriend’s phone every once in a while, right?” – Chloe (Kathryn Newton)INTERESTING LINES: “Art comes from a quiet place.” – Griffin Nafly (Everett Blunck) “I just thought my life was going to be special.” – Brad (Owen Teague)

The newest addition to our favorite dino franchise is now playing in theaters.RATING: PG-13LENGTH: 2 hours 13 minutesMovie Review Mom GRADE: B+His name is alongside David Koepp. In the movie, we see a school bus with the name “Crichton Middle School” painted on its side in honor of the great author. Nice! Plot points from his second novel are included this movie’s story. IN A NUTSHELL: The story takes place five years after Jurassic World Dominion. Many of the dinosaurs on earth have died off due to incompatability of the climate. Those remaining live in a prohibited area near the Equator. A greedy medical company wants to collect potentially life-saving DNA samples, but their mission becomes complicated and dangerous when they try to rescue a civilian family stranded in the ocean and surrounded by deadly **** movie was directed by Gareth Edwards, who seems to understand what made the original Jurassic movie so successful. The film has been nominated by Digital Spy Reader for the Most Anticipated Movie of 2025. Are you excited to see it?I’ve heard many film critics rip this movie to shreds…so to speak, but I enjoyed it.TIPS FOR PARENTS:People are in perilous situationsThere is a high dead-body countProfanityScary dinosaurs with big teeth. THEMES:Human survivalNatureCorporate greed. THINGS I LIKED:While many viewers have complained that the last movie in the franchise, Jurassic World: Dominion, was bloated and overly complicated, this new film seems to go back to the basics by focusing on impressive dinosaurs and human survival. Some viewers are calling this film a much-needed reset…maybe even a “REBIRTH”.Scarlett Johansson brings grit and emotional depth as paleobotanist, while Jonathan Bailey adds charm and intelligence as a reluctant field scientist. Their chemistry works, but it’s the smaller moments of fear, awe, and moral dilemma that really land. Scarlett tried for ten years to get into this franchise because she loves it so much. She even said she’d be happy to die in one of the movies if that meant she could be in it. Good for her. Put me in the next one! It’s always good to see Academy Award winner, Mahershala Ali, in anything. If you’re a fan of the TV version The Lincoln Lawyer, like I am, you’ll get a kick out of seeing Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in this. The movie version starring Matthew McConaughey is pretty great too.Other cast members include Rupert Friend, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Isabella **** thrilling action moments are balanced nicely with plenty of human emotion and humor.There is a fresh cast of characters we get to watch discover the brutal reality of dinosaur danger.Lots of new dinosaurs, especially the Mutadons, and familiar ones from previous films. Some are CGI, while others are **** get to hear John Williams’ iconic themes with a darker, more suspenseful tone. What an amazing composer he is. I highly recommend you watch the documentary Music by John Williams that pays tribute to his talent. He’s currently 93 years old and still doing great! It was surprising to me that the director and composer of this new movie debated whether or not to even use Williams’ music. It wouldn’t have felt complete to exclude it, so I’m glad they decided to use **** director uses a lot of wide shots to draw us into the environments and help us appreciate the scope.Great set pieces!Plenty of fun action sequences. The physicality required of the cast was substantial and they met the challenge well.Easter eggs for fans who look closely.Dolores, the little dinosaur was so cute that the crew kept “oohing” and “aahing” over it, which caused delays in shooting when it was on screen. ha haTHINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:The premise is that the blood samples of these dinosaurs could help a medical company create important medicine, as if this is a new idea. Wouldn’t they have thought of that before when the dinosaurs were created way back in the first movie? Was it because the mutants had different properties for medicinal purposes that the “normally developed” dinos didn’t have? What do YOU think?Not all of the humor lands. A trailer made by AI has confused and entertained viewers about what actually happens in the new Jurassic movie.Different humans making the same dumb mistakes.After watching Jonathan Bailey perform a hundred times in the 2024 movie Wicked: Part 1, I really wanted to hear him sing. Kidding…not kidding. It turns out that he plays the clarinet in real life, so he contributed his musical talent in several tracks. You can hear the clarinet clearly in the scene when he touches a dinosaur for the first time. Sweet! That was so kind of composer Alexandre Desplat to invite him to play. FUNNY LINES:“That’s like the worst thing I’ve ever heard anyone do.” – Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali” “Thank you. That’s so supportive of you.” – Zora Bennett (Scarlet Johannson) INTERESTING LINES: “Science is for all of us, not some of us.

RATING: PG-13LENGTH: 2 hours 5 minutesIN A NUTSHELL:The film was directed and produced by Guy Ritchie. While there are some familiar elements, this movie doesn’t have his usual style, something I missed. The script was written by James Venderbilt, although some viewers have complained it sounds more like it came from some AI **** story is about two siblings who join forces to seek the legendary Fountain of Youth. Using historical clues, they embark on an epic quest filled with adventure. If successful, the mythical fountain could gran them immortality.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Lots of **** see some paintings of naked people.Violence with various weapons.High dead-body count from violence with weapons.Some profanity but no F-bombs or crude language.Young children might be frightened by a few effects.THEMES:AdventureThe fountain of youthFamilyDivorceRecognitionGreedPowerTHINGS I LIKED:I’ll pretty much watch anything with John Krasinski in it. I think he’s great and he seems like a really good guy in real life. Did you know that he and Stanley Tucci are brothers-in-law? Stanley is married to Felicity Blunt who is John’s wife’s sister. He’s married to Emily **** opening chase through Bangkok’s bustling streets, featuring Krasinski’s Luke on a moped dodging goons, is a tactile, well-choreographed thrill that sets a promising tone.A later car chase in London with an AC Cobra 427 and a fight in the Austrian National Library are equally engaging, showcasing Ritchie’s ability to stage practical stunts with **** film’s production values are top-notch, with lush locations—Bangkok, Vienna, Cairo—and vibrant cinematography by Ed Wild that gives the adventure a big-screen feel despite its streaming release.Fantastic set **** gorgeous library featured in Guy Ritchie’s Fountain of Youth (2025) is the Austrian National Library, located in the Imperial Palace in Vienna, Austria. Specifically, the scenes were filmed in the library’s State Hall (Prunksaal), a stunning Baroque-style hall known for its ornate architecture, frescoed ceilings, and vast collection of ancient books. The production team secured rare permission to film in this historic location for a key sequence involving the “Wicked Bible,” with some elements, like a fight scene, recreated in a studio to avoid damaging the library’s priceless collection.Costumes by Loulou Bontemps, particularly the luxurious floral prints and tailored fits, add a layer of Ritchie’s recent obsession with sartorial elegance.Lots and lots of action.There are plenty of humorous lines, although not all of them **** fantastic cast also includes Natalie Portman, Eiza Gonzalez, Domhnall Gleeson, Stanley Tucci, Carmen Ejogo, and Arian **** get to see a lot of interesting **** get to spend time in Thailand, Cairo, Austria, and London. In Stanley Tucci’s first scene, we’re told it takes place in Vatican City, but it’s actually King William Court in Greenwich, London. I’m excited to see the famous pyramids of Egypt. I’m going there next year! If you’ve traveled there, do you have any tips for me?Yes, the Wicked Bible talked about in the movie is real. It’s a rare 1631 edition of the King James Bible, infamous for a printing error in Exodus 20:14, where the word “not” was omitted, making the commandment read, “Thou shalt commit adultery.” The mistake caused a scandal, and most copies were destroyed, with only a few surviving today, making them valuable collector’s items. The error is attributed to a typesetting mistake by printers Robert Barker and Martin **** you like puzzles, clues, labrynths, ancient mysteries, and twists, you just might get a kick out of this flick. If you do enjoy it, you’ll be happy to know the end of the film opens the door for a sequel.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Honestly, I didn’t think it was as terrible as everyone else is saying. I enjoyed the adventure and just tried to overlook the **** screenplay by James Vanderbilt leans heavily on familiar tropes—hidden clues in ancient artifacts, secret passages, and a race against shadowy organizations, but some say it lacks the charm or wit to elevate them.I’m usually happy to suspend disbelief in order to have a good time watching a movie, but many viewers are complaining that the plot, which involves decoding messages in priceless paintings and a musical code in a “Wicked Bible,” often feels contrived, with logical leaps that strain **** anyone else getting tired of the boss babe who can beat up guys trope?None of the characters are particularly memorable or endearing.Sadly, Stanley Tucci is underutilized. I absolutely adore **** fighting between the estranged brother and sister was exhausting.Uneven **** sure would be nice to have a billionaire finance all of my adventures…FUNNY LINES: “You are a masterpiece. He is a monkey. I could have told you it wouldn’t work out.” – Luke Purdue (John Krasinski)“Something smells good. That is the exotic aroma of danger.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

RATING: PG-13 for sequences of action/violence and some languageLENGTH: 2 hours 25 minutesMovie Review Mom GRADE: AA NUTSHELL: Picking up after the heartbreaking events of No Way Home, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is completely on his own in New York City. The entire world, including his former best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) and the love of his life MJ (Zendaya), has forgotten that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. As Peter tries to rebuild a lonely life while dedicating himself 24/7 to protecting the city as Spider-Man, a dangerous new threat and evolving powers push him to his absolute physical and emotional limits.Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi), this fourth MCU Spider-Man installment manages to bring the franchise back to its grounded, emotional, street-level roots while still delivering massive superhero **** say that people are excited about this newest installment is an understatement! When the first trailer came out, it got 719 million views within the first 24 hours!Fun fact: This is the 38th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not all of their films are perfect, but they sure learn from their mistakes and know how to entertain fans, while experimenting with new ideas.TIPS FOR PARENTS Expect superhero action, including intense hand-to-hand combat, explosions, gunplay, and characters getting bloodied or bruised.Profanity: Mild to moderate profanity (standard MCU language). Early in the movie, a rough & tough character was getting ready to drop an F-bomb, but Spider-Man’s web hilariously and quickly flew onto his mouth, preventing anyone from hearing the naughty word. Love it! Thank you, Marvel!Themes of Loneliness & Identity: Peter goes through genuine grief and isolation, which might be emotionally heavy for younger or sensitive viewers. The whole film feels heavy and somewhat dark.Frightening Sequences: A few intense sci-fi transformation elements and menacing villain encounters might startle younger kids.THEMES:Self-sacrifice and duty vs. personal happinessFinding identity in the face of loss, isolation, depression, and lonelinessMoving forward and starting over (“Brand New Day”)The enduring power of friendship, human connection, and loveVulnerabilityComing of age into adulthoodAsking for help, not trying to do everything yourselfTHINGS I LIKED:Tom Holland’s Performance: Holland continues to prove why he was born for this role. He brings a mature, heartbreaking depth to Peter Parker as he navigates real adulthood and grief. It’s impossible not to get swept away with him as Spider-Man. He shows incredible emotional depth and range in his performances. Love him! Did you know he has his own line of non-alcoholic beer? It’s called “Bero”. You can see it on the shelves in the store at the beginning of the movie. I’ve seen a million “real-life” clips of him with Zendaya and am always impressed with how attentive and kind he is.Grounded Action: Director Destin Daniel Cretton brings his trademark crisp martial arts and practical action style from Shang-Chi, giving Spider-Man’s acrobatic fight scenes a tactile, thrilling weight. Fantastic set pieces and some pretty doggone cool action sequences!Strong Supporting Cast: Zendaya and Jacob Batalon shine even with their altered dynamic with Peter. Sadie Sink and Jon Bernthal bring fantastic dynamic tension to the story!A “Fresh Start” Feeling: It manages to feel like both a satisfying continuation of Peter’s journey and a clean starting point for a brand-new era.Comic Book Feels: The movie was dedicated to Gerry Conway, the comic book co-creator of The Punisher. The Punisher first appeared in 1974 in The Amazing Spider-Man issue #129! Frank Castle is a new character in the Spider-Man franchise, but he has been around in the MCU before as “The Punisher” in Daredevil Season 2 and The Punisher on Netflix. He plays a pivotal role in this **** you’re a fan of the Spider-Man comics, you might already recognize that the title for this movie was taken from 2 of the issues from 2008! You’ll also be happy to know that some of the comic covers are recreated in this film!You’re definitely going to want to re-watch the previous Tom Holland Spider-Man movies to refresh your memory. There are a few flashbacks in this film, thankfully. Here’s the list in chronological order:Spider-Man: HomecomingSpider-Man: Far From HomeSpider-Man: No Way HomeYes, like all Marvel movies, there IS a short bonus scene after the final rolling credits. Like true Marvel fans, the audience I watched the movie with stayed in their theater seats, patiently waiting. Not a single person got up to leave. Marvel has trained us well! Unfortunately, this one wasn’t very impressive.Spoiler: Jean Grey’s name should sound familiar, especially if you’re a big fan of X-Men. This is her crossover introduction into the MCU! I’m curious to see how they’ll introduce some of the other X-Men into future MCU films.

IN A NUTSHELL:When the original animation came out, my kids and I didn’t really get into it. I don’t know why. The good news is that I enjoyed this one. While critics aren’t impressed, most audiences are loving this remake.After the recent disastrous release of the live-action remake of Snow White, Disney has created a fun, little gem with Lilo and Stitch. Initially, it was scheduled to be released directly on Disney+, but because audiences loved it so much in early test screenings, the studio decided to give it a worldwide theatrical **** film was directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp. The story is about a lonely, rambunctious Hawaiian girl who befriends an exiled alien, helping her to mend her relationship with her sister after their parents recently died.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Some bullyingA girl pushes another girl off a stage during a performanceBased on the horrified and offended reactions of the aliens, we know that Stitch swears, but it’s in a foreign language so we don’t know exactly what he says.Kids will learn not to give dogs candy because it gives them diarrhea. Sooo much destruction.Alien weapons are used.A lot of Hawaiian words are spoken.THEMES:FamilySisterhoodFriendshipAcceptanceBelongingIdentityLosing loved onesTHINGS I LIKED:Both the visual and spoken humor are delightful. The jokes fly fast and **** many creative aliens in the opening scenes.I love that the alien who is an earth expert wears a cowboy hat and leather jacket with fringe. We’re told that Earth is a protected wildlife reserve. Ha haWe’re told that “Ohana” means family. Family means no one gets left behind. That’s what this film is all about and who it’s for.Chris Sanders was the writer, director, and creator of the 2002 Lilo & Stitch animated movie. He reprises the voice of Stitch. He juggled voice sessions while making the 2024 movie The Wild Robot. Be sure to watch my review of that super cute movie!The talented cast includes Jason Scott Lee (who voiced David Kawena in the original animation), Billy Magnussen, Zach Galifianakis, Courtney B. Vance, Sydney Agudong, and Hannah **** Carrere did the voice of Nani Pelekai in the original animation of Lilo & Stitch in 2002. This time, she plays the live-action version of Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker who looks after Lilo and her **** film has been dedicated to Zoe Caldwell and David Ogden Stiers who voiced the characters of the Grand Council woman and Dr. Jumba Jookiba in the original animated **** film has a lot of heart. You might even get **** CGI of Stitch and some other characters is really great and blends easily with the real-life **** get to spend lots of time in beautiful Hawaii!Congratulations to Capri Sun, which gets a serious shout-out and frequent screen **** you loved the original 2002 movie, then you’ll get a kick out of the same scene that plays during the final rolling credits in this film.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Lots of yelling and disrespect in Act 1.Sometimes, it’s hard to understand what darling little Lilo (Maia Kealoha) says. Lilo is adorable but acts like a complete wild animal and screams a LOT.Some older viewers may tire of the constant and chaotic ****-hard fans of the original movie may be shocked to learn that Gantu, one of the villains of that film, has been cut from this remake. The director explained that the character didn’t quite work in live-action and he wanted to spend more time on the sisters’ relationship anyway, so deleting the antagonist freed up more screen time for the emotional elements about family. People are funny; they complain if a live-action remake isn’t fresh and new but they also complain when it changes things from the original.Some scenes could have easily been removed without negatively affecting the story in order to lower the length of the film. That being said, some of the elements seem rushed and forced.FUNNY LINES: “What deranged lunatic would create something like this?” – robot“Knock it off. The federation strictly forbids being gross.” – alien guy“Are you supposed to be here?” old guy sitting in a hot tub at a hotel “Uh, I’m here for the convention.” – Lilo (Maia Kealoha)“He’s not a puppy, Lilo. I’m not even sure if he’s a dog.” – Nani (Sydney Agudong)“Sometimes when I run too fast, I fart.” – Lilo (Maia Kealoha)“I designed him to be dangerous.” – Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galiafinakus) “Dangerously cute.” – Pleakley (Billy Magnussen)INTERESTING LINES: “Your future is in your hands.” – Tutu (Amy Hill)“You’re not bad; you just do bad things sometimes.” – Nani (Sydney Agudong)

IN A NUTSHELL:The story picks up right after the Captain America: Brave New World movie. In fact, in that film, the Washington Monument in Washington, DC was damaged, so in this movie, we see scaffolding around the monument to suggest repairs are being made. Nice touch of continuity!Forced to confront a deadly scheme orchestrated by de Fontaine and tied to the mysterious O.X.E. Group’s “Sentry” project, the team must navigate their traumatic pasts and personal demons—embodied by the menacing Void—to survive and find redemption. The film’s emotional core lies in their journey from loners to a found **** film was directed by Jake Schreier. Writing credits go to Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo, and Kurt Busiek.Already, the trailer has been nominated for “Best Music Supervision for a Trailer” by the GMS Award.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Lots of violenceVarious weapons are usedSome profanityRussian is spoken in some scenes, often without subtitlesThere are a lot of dramatic scenes that discuss inner turmoil that might confuse kids.THEMES:Fighting your own demonsPurpose in lifeInternal battlesMental healthTeamworkFather/daughter relationshipPoliticsBeing a good personRight vs. wrongFeeling aloneRedemptionTHINGS I LIKED:It offers the well-balanced blend of action, humor, quirky characters, interesting plot, great cast, and emotional heart that we all want in superhero movies. Welcome back, Marvel!Florence Pugh is such a standout in any movie. She’s the heart of this film and the one who really brings the emotion that will make your eyes water. I’ve loved her in everything I’ve seen her in. When she asked Marvel Studios if she could do the stunt of jumping off the Merdeka building in Malaysia in the opening, they adamantly refused. She persisted and they finally let her jump off the 2nd tallest building in the world! Yikes! Is she a Tom Cruise in the making? Andy Park, the director of Marvel’s Visual Development described this movie as a sequel to the 2021 Black Widow, which Florence Pugh absolutely crushed.Florence Pugh is the undeniable heart of Thunderbolts, delivering a raw, nuanced performance as Yelena. Her ability to balance sardonic wit, vulnerability, and action-hero grit makes her a standout, cementing her as a pillar of the MCU’s future. Lewis Pullman’s portrayal of Bob/The Sentry is equally compelling, offering a complex depiction of mental health struggles that resonates deeply. David Harbour’s Red Guardian provides comedic relief with his boisterous, nostalgic charm, while Sebastian Stan’s Bucky adds soulful gravitas, though some fans may wish for more screen time for him. The ensemble’s chemistry is electric, with character dynamics—like Yelena and Ghost’s playful jabs at Walker’s “hat” or Red Guardian’s banter with Bucky—creating memorable, heartfelt moments.Unlike most MCU films, Thunderbolts places mental health at its core, exploring depression, loneliness, and regret with surprising maturity. Yelena’s opening scene, teetering on a **** while voicing her “emptiness,” sets a tone of raw honesty. The film’s antagonist, the Void, serves as a literal and metaphorical manifestation of the characters’ inner struggles, making their battles both visceral and emotionally resonant. This focus on human fragility, paired with the theme of community as a lifeline, elevates Thunderbolts beyond typical superhero fare, drawing comparisons to A24’s introspective dramas.Jake Schreier’s direction infuses the film with a scrappy, grounded energy, distinct from the glossy Infinity Saga.Cinematographer Andrew Droz Palermo crafts striking visuals, such as a black-and-white overhead shot of Yelena’s hallway fight, which conveys her isolation with artistic flair.When we see the lab Yelena blew up, it wasn’t CGI! They actually set off an explosion in a building!I loved the variety of camera angles, especially the bird’s-eye views.There is a lot of spoken and visual humor.Tons of fun action sequences. Some of them are pretty entertaining and **** see actual footage from a Labor Day parade in Moscow Square from 1981. They inserted a younger Alexei into the historical **** fans will appreciate all of the Easter eggs. For example, Bucky holds a car door as his shield, referencing Steve Rogers holding a cab door as his shield in the 2011 movie Captain America: The First Avenger.Shout-out to Wheaties cereal. ha haDon’t miss the last 2 lines of the movie. It’s the big reveal of the movie and the MCU. Keep watching during the credits to learn more about how the story unfolds right after those 2 **** always, keep watching until the very last of the final rolling credits for another fun scene. You should all know to do that by now for MCU movies, right? Get this:

IN A NUTSHELL:The Friend (2025), directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, is a poignant and understated drama that explores grief, companionship, and the unexpected bonds that help us heal. Adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s National Book Award-winning novel, the film follows Iris (Naomi Watts), a solitary New York writer who inherits a massive Great Dane named Apollo after her mentor and friend Walter (Bill Murray) dies by suicide. What unfolds is a tender, often melancholic story that sidesteps the clichés of a typical “dog movie” to deliver something more introspective and emotionally **** story centers on Iris, a middle-aged writer grappling with creative stagnation and the sudden loss of Walter, a charismatic but flawed literary figure. When Walter’s widow, Barbara (Noma Dumezweni), insists Iris take in Apollo, the dog becomes both a burden and a catalyst for Iris’s emotional journey. The film deftly balances practical challenges—Apollo’s size makes him a nightmare in Iris’s rent-controlled Manhattan apartment—with deeper existential questions about loss, responsibility, and moving forward. Through Iris’s evolving relationship with Apollo, the film examines how grief can be shared across species, posing the haunting question: “How do you explain death to a dog?”The narrative doesn’t shy away from Walter’s complexities. Through flashbacks and conversations, we learn he was a serial womanizer with a trail of ex-wives (played by Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, and Dumezweni) and a recently revealed daughter, Val (Sarah Pidgeon). Yet the film avoids over-explaining his suicide, letting its impact ripple through Iris and Apollo’s quieter moments. This restraint, paired with the film’s focus on an “ordinary” woman, makes The Friend a refreshing departure from melodramatic tropes.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Kids will be very bored.Talk of intimate relationsTalk of suicide and deathProfanity, including F-bombsLots of alcoholMcGehee and Siegel strike a delicate balance between sardonic and heartfelt, grounding the film in New York’s literary world without letting it feel pretentious. The cinematography, with its warm yet muted tones, captures the city’s chaos and Iris’s small, cluttered apartment as characters in their own right. Mozart needle drops and a subtle score enhance the film’s introspective mood, though the pacing occasionally drags, particularly in the second act, where literary subplots can feel like **** film’s greatest strength is its refusal to overplay its emotional beats. It’s not trying to be a tearjerker like Marley & Me or a quirky indie comedy. Instead, it sits comfortably in its own lane, embracing the messiness of grief and the awkward beauty of human-animal connection. That said, a few moments—like a late fantasy sequence—feel overly sentimental, slightly undermining the film’s otherwise grounded tone.THEMES:CreativesFriendshipWritersChoices and consequencesDeathGriefSuicideDogsConnectionNew York City lifeNaomi Watts delivers a career-high performance as Iris, blending intellectual sharpness with raw vulnerability. She captures the exhaustion of grief and the slow warmth of her bond with Apollo without ever tipping into sentimentality. Her scenes with Bill Murray, though limited to flashbacks, are electric—particularly a climactic confrontation that’s both devastating and thought-provoking. Murray, as Walter, brings his signature charm but laces it with a mournful edge, making his absence feel **** real revelation, however, is Bing, the Great Dane who plays Apollo. With soulful eyes and a gravitas that never feels anthropomorphized, Bing steals every scene. His performance—whether sprawling across Iris’s bed or staring mournfully at Walter’s old T-shirt—is a testament to expert training and the directors’ trust in letting Apollo be a dog, not a caricature. The supporting cast, including Gugino, Wu, and Ann Dowd as Iris’s kind neighbor, adds depth, though some characters feel underdeveloped, a minor flaw in an otherwise tight script.THINGS I LIKED:I adore Naomi Watts. I think the first time I saw her was in the movie remake of King Kong. She was mesmerizing and I’ve loved her in everything she has done since then. Of course, she was fantastic. Already, she has won the BIFF “Best Performance” **** doesn’t love Bill Murray? He is as charming and goofy as always.Both Bill Murray and Naomi Watts previously starred together in a movie called St Vincent. You can see my movie review of that on www.MovieReviewMom.comThe rest of the cast features Noma Dumezweni, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, Owen Teague, and Ann Dowd.I love little details that provide a wink to the viewer who is paying close attention. For example, Sigrid Nunez is the author of the book that the movie is based on. When Naomi Watts’ character visits Bill Murray’s publisher, you can see several other books by Sigrid Nunez in real life on the publisher’s desk.

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B–SPONSOR of Today’s movie review:IN A NUTSHELL:The film was directed by Paul Feig. Writing credits go to Darcey Bell, Jessica Sharzer, and Laeta Kalogridis. Already, the movie has been nominated for the Audience Award by Headliner and won the ReFrame Award for 2025 for casting Alex Newell, a Trans actor you might remember from the popular musical TV show Glee.I recently watched the first movie in this franchise to remember the details in that story. It definitely helps to see the 2018 film before watching this to better appreciate all of the characters.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Profanity, including crude language and F-bombsTalk of prison Talk of murder and portrayal of oneInappropriate innuendoWe see the naked backside of a man in the shower. He turns around to face us but his private parts are blurred out.Lots of alcoholBlood splattersGuns and knives are usedTHEMES:RevengeTrustObsessionFriendshipSocial media THINGS I LIKED:Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick have great chemistry together.Blake Lively’s name has been swirling in controversy surrounding the release of her last movie It Ends With Us last year. Amazon disabled the comments on the film’s trailer on various social media **** fantastic cast also includes Allison Janney, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins (hilarious), Michele Morrone, and more. We see a lot of familiar faces from the first movie, plus meet some new ****’s fun to see the two young sons from the first movie growing up right before our **** get to spend time on the beautiful island of Capri and watch beautiful people.There’s a funny conversation about Kate Winslet and how awesome she was for being able to hold her breath for 7 minutes when she was filming the Avatar movie sequel, but how she should have moved over to allow Leonardo DiCaprio’s character to get on the piece of furniture in the movie Titanic. I always thought the same thing! Ha haI love the title of both **** wedding reception décor was ****, that seaside room Anna Kendrick stays in during house arrest is beautiful. I adore blue & white tile.Like the first film in the franchise, there are some humorous **** you like this franchise, you’ll love the cliffhanger that opens the door for a third installment.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:There’s some rehashing of the same themes from the first **** story is all over the place with very unrealistic plot points.I really do love Allison Janney and I’m such a huge fan, but the plastic surgery and Botox on her face was super distracting in this film.There are some bad green-screen moments and CGI.FUNNY LINES: “You look very beautiful.” – Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) “Coming from you, that means very little.” – Portia Versano (Elena Sofia Ricci)“You look different.” – Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) “Eh, I had work done.” Margaret McLanden (Elizabeth Perkins)INTERESTING LINES: “Mother is a powerful bond.” – Stephanie (Anna Kendrick)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: AIN A NUTSHELL:The story is about a 50-year-old man who returns to the sport of bull riding after a crisis strikes his family. This is the first movie to be produced and distributed by Angel Studios. If you’ve seen my reviews over the years, you know I’m a huge fan of Angel Studios because they truly try to put out films that are inspiring and uplifting. Their motto is to “amplify light.” Impressive and greatly needed in this **** a personal note, my dad used to own acres of land in Utah where horses were kept. The man who oversaw the property and horses was a bull rider with sons who followed in his footsteps. Those men are a different breed of man…all grit and determination. This movie was produced in association with the Professional Bull Riders **** film was directed and co-produced by award-winner Jon Avnet. It was written by the director, Derek Presley, and lead actor Neal McDonough.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Some “light” profanityTalk of the death of a spouseWe see a shirtless manA man punches a wallWe see some wounds.Someone ends up in the hospital for 2 **** fight in a barAlcoholTHEMES:FamilyDutyFearSacrificeCourageFaithForgivenessReconciliationProfessional bull ridingTHINGS I LIKED:I really like Neal McDonough and respect him so much as an actor. Once married, he made a promise to his wife that he would never kiss another woman, even during a movie. In this film, his real-life wife plays his character’s wife! We see them kiss in flashback scenes, making this their first on-screen kiss together. He and his wife also worked as two of the producers of this movie. And those piercing, blue eyes! The two of them have been heavily involved with Angel Studios this past year, including putting together the movie Homestead, which is spilling into a series on the Angel Studios network. You can see my review of Homestead at ****/homestead-movie-review/Other cast members include Sarah Jones, Christopher McDonald, Graham Harvey, Mykelti Williamson, Gabriel Sousa, and Kamen Casey.Beautiful **** get to cross over the red river between Texas and Oklahoma. Wow! It was really red!It’s fun to see a cameo performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Lee Ann Womack before one of the **** far as the bull riding goes, it looks gritty and authentic, and feels scary and thrilling. We get a realistic glimpse into the passionate word of bull riding. Well done. I’ve been in Las Vegas during “Cowboy Christmas” during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and that crowd takes it all very seriously while having a blast. The famous Strip and airport in Vegas are filled with cowboy hats and **** learn that being “grandfathered in” means that if you’re born before 1993, you get to decide if you’re going to wear a cowboy hat or a helmet during your bull ride. It’s not a Christian movie in the traditional sense, but faith and scriptures are **** slow-motion cowboy walk made me laugh out loud.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:If you’re triggered by masculinity that you call “toxic”, this is definitely not the movie for you.This would have been even better if it had been a true story!It’s a bit predictable.FUNNY LINES:A young boy swears. His grandfather asks him, “Who taught you how to talk like that?” The boy replies, “You.”“You fell to pieces and I called you out, cuz that’s what friends do.” – Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson)“What is that: chocolate milk?” – Joe Wainright (Neal McDonough)“Never a dull moment.” – Jimmy Mack (Christopher McDonald)INTERESTING LINES:“You make a lot more money on a diamond (baseball field) than you do on a bull.” – Joe Wainright (Neal McDonough)“It never gets old.” – Sally Wainright (Sarah Jones) when looking at a gorgeous view of meadows and a lake“It’s for Cody. Goodnight, Blue Cheese! It’s not about you!” – Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson)“Time is a conceit.” – Charlie’s wife“I just gotta let go and move forward.” – Sally Wainright (Sarah Jones)

IN A NUTSHELL:This film is an adaptation of John McGahern’s last **** film was directed by Pat Collins. Screenwriting credits also go to Pat Collins and Eamon Little, illustrating rural life in Ireland in the 1980s.Already, the movie has been nominated for 12 awards and won 3 from various international film festivals.TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kids will be completely bored.Some Irish profanity, including several F-bombs, mostly spoken by a crusty, old character named Bill that another character describes as looking like someone from a Russian novelWe see men prepare a dead man’s body for burialTHEMES:HappinessGenerations, agingRural lifeSupportive friendshipsCommunityUnfinished workPurposeTimeIn search of a peaceful lifeTHINGS I LIKED:The cast looks like real people, not slick Hollywood actors, which is refreshingBarry Ward and Anna Bederke give such grounded, solid **** was nice to see a romance between “older” people, not just young onesLovely cinematography.I loved all of the background sounds of birds singing, water splashing, bees humming, utensils clanking on dishes, and shoes crunching on pebbles. The whole film feels very earthy and real.I love the title of the film. There’s a moment early on in the movie when Barry Ward’s character looks up to take in the warmth from the sun above. Somehow, we FEEL it in that moment. That’s what the entire movie is ****’s touching to see how kind and patient Joe & Kate Ruttledge are to their **** movie poster captures the easy pleasures of life that this movie ****’s fun to hear the funny Irish expressions that the Irish use.I had the great pleasure of finally visiting Ireland a couple of years ago. So lovely. I have ancestors from Ireland!The Christmas day scenes were sweet.Which side of the chicken wing has the most feathers? The outside! Ha haThe title of the film comes from the very last scene of the movie. THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:I was surprised that the image used in the beginning during the opening credits wasn’t footage. The image was lovely, but would have been better as film. That being said, it could have been footage but I didn’t see movement. We see the same image at the very end of the movie but that time, I did see movement.Sometimes, it’s hard to understand what everyone says due to the thick Irish accent.There will be some who don’t enjoy this kind of film because they want something to “happen”. INTERESTING LINES:“You know, the rain comes down, the sun shines, grass grows, children grow old and die. That’s the wholly all of it. We all know it fully well, but can’t even whisper it.” – Jamesie Murphy (Phillip Dolan)“Tell the truth and ask no favors.” – Patrick Ryan (Lalor Roddy)“Isn’t that the beauty of it: living day to day?” – Joe Ruttledge (Barry Ward)I just really wanted to get into some of those super old farmhouses to clean them.“What use is regret? You can’t light the fire with regret.” – Johnny Murphy (Sean McGinley)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: BIN A NUTSHELL:A middle-aged, type-A attorney’s life spirals as she juggles her handful of an ex-cop father, forgetful mother, unemployed son, a reignited romance, and a hostile takeover in the biggest corporate control battle of her career.RELATIVE CONTROL captures the humor, heartbreak, and chaos of balancing family caregiving and career with poignant authenticity. With over 30 million family caregivers in the U.S., RELATIVE CONTROL offers a relatable and timely story for multigenerational **** film was directed by Dafna Yachin. Writing credits go to Charlene Davis.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Kids will be completely bored with adult problems.Some profanityTalk of death and funeralsTHEMES:Family responsibilitiesStressControl issuesChoicesLetting goTHINGS I LIKED:I just watched Meet the Parents which, I think, was the first time I had ever seen Teri Polo in a movie. She stars in this one and did a terrific job painting an extremely realistic picture of the lessons embedded in the title.Patrick McDade does a great job as the aging father and grandpa. I thought it was a cute tradition that he always tossed some hard candies to his daughter before she left his house, almost as if she were trick-or-treating on Halloween. Other cast members Jeff Mark, Brian Anthony Wilson, Richard Lyntton, Nicholas Delany and **** a personal note, I could relate to many of the elements in this movie. A lot of people my age are in the thick of caring for the the generations before and after us, all while managing our own aging bodies. I lived this movie. I lost 3 parents in 3 months 2 years ago. Heartbreaking. Needless to say, this movie made me **** looked like the movie was filmed in Wilmington, Delaware. What a charming city, especially with all of the fall colors. I actually lived there when I was 2 years old! All I remember is there was a door in the kitchen that went down to the basement. My niece and nephew both live there now. I hope to visit them there soon!THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Teri Polo has a lot on her plate but is a control freak, which underscores the title of the film. She’s eternally cranky. She doesn’t smile or laugh until well into an hour in the movie.There are some amusing moments, but the film is more serious because it’s about everyday drama and how hard life is. More humor would have been helpful to balance out all of the depressing **** time could have been edited down a bit.Most people go to the movies to get a break from their lives. For those currently going through these types of situations, this movie might be too much.FUNNY LINES:“I’m not wearing any underwear.” – Joe (Patrick McDade) “Oh, that’s not surprising but kind of weird.” – Sara (Teri Polo)

IN A NUTSHELL:I’ve never played Minecraft, but I have 4 sons who were obsessed with the game for years. No, the movie isn’t the greatest film ever made, but Minecraft fans will be amused by the worldbuilding and the enthusiastic, goofy performances by Jack Black and Jason Mamoa. As expected, film critics hate it by awarding it a low 49% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences are showing some love with a score of **** action comedy was directed by Jared Hess. He also voices the character General Chungus. Writing credits go to Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, and Neil **** story is about four misfits who are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they’ll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected, expert crafter.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Talk of the death of a momSome profanity like “OMG”.Violence with Minecraft “creatures”Various weapons are usedLots of destructionPeople are in perilous situationsTwo men hang on to each other in a suggestive mannerJason Mamoa’s character uses a lot of Spanish phrases incorrectlyTHEMES:FriendshipSecond chancesImaginationThe challenges of being a CreativeTHINGS I LIKED:Jack Black. You love him or hate him. Personally, I get a kick out of him. Like most of the movies he’s in, he sings quite a few times, which always makes me laugh. He definitely brings The School of Rock vibe with him in this **** doesn’t love Jason Mamoa? I loved the little details of his character, including the chipped, black fingernail polish and bangs. I love that he never takes himself seriously.Other cast members include Kate McKinnon, Jennifer Coolidge, Jemaine Clement, Rachel House, and Danielle Brooks. Speaking of Jemaine Clement, he was the voice of Aquaman in the DC League of Super Pets in 2022, while Jason Mamoa played Aquaman in the **** young cast members include Sebastian Hansen and Emma Myers.There are a lot of cute Easter eggs for fans. For example, when we see a pig wearing a crown, it’s a respectful shoutout to Technoblade, a popular YouTuber who featured Minecraft in his videos. Jack Black’s character points out that “He’s a legend.” Sadly, Technoblade passed away in 2022. The Minecraft company’s home screen wrote, “Technoblade never dies” on its home screen. Sweet.Kids might get excited about a cameo performance of Aphmau.There were quite a few moments that made me laugh out **** can never go wrong with a llama.There’s almost non-stop action.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:The first 8 minutes are a whole lot of exposition. I didn’t really mind though because it filled me in on how Minecraft works…sort ****’s extremely obvious that the actors worked in front **** screen for 80% of the movie. I was surprised at how bad it looked.This movie would have been more successful if it came out about 10 years ago.Parents may get tired of all the mayhem and loud music.FUNNY LINES:“It was the kind of life that makes a man stare into his potatoes.” – Steve (Jack Black)“I mined my brains out. I found this thingie and that thingie.” – Steve (Jack Black)“If you make this happen for me, I’ll seriously consider hanging out with you.” – Garrett (Jason Mamoa)“This man has no respect for the storage community.” – Storage guy“You know the fire went out in our marriage 20 years ago, but we stuck it out for the dogs.” –“My dad says math has been debunked.” – Trevor’s friend (Frankie Creagh-Leslie)“I have a small business too, but one thing I do is have my jingles not **** butt.” – Garrett (Jason Mamoa)“Are you finished?” – waitress “No, I think he’s Swedish. But we’re done with our meal.” – Vice Principal Marlene (Jennifer Coolidge)“First we mine, then we craft. Let’s Minecraft!” – Steve (Jack Black)INTERESTING LINES: “Creativity in this world is the key to survival.” – Steve (Jack Black)“It is harder to create than destroy.” – Steve (Jack Black)“You can create the life you dream of.” – Steve (Jack Black)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: C+IN A NUTSHELL:The movie was inspired by true events that occurred in 1984 when a man named Michael Larson competed for cash on a popular game show called “Press Your Luck.” I was alive in the 1980s but never watched this show. I don’t even remember hearing about it in the **** quirky film was directed by Samir Oliveros, who also wrote the screenplay with Constanza Munoz.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Kids will be bored.Some profanity, including F-bombsSome inappropriate humorTHEMES:HopeDreamsGreedFamilyTV game show politicsSecond chancesTHINGS I LIKED:The cast is really terrific and includes Paul Walter Hauser, Walton Goggins, David Strathairn, Maisie Williams, and Shamier Anderson. They all did a fantastic job with the script they were given.Paul Walter Hauser gives us a fascinating character that we just can’t figure out in the beginning. The film has been labeled as a mystery because the protagonist’s character is slowly revealed. It’s interesting to see the behind-the-scenes action of creating a TV game show.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Sadly, the ending doesn’t give the viewer the satisfaction and closure they’re hoping **** story promises something bigger and better, even a reveal that will surprise us, but it never quite delivers.I wanted to see photos or footage of the real people involved in the events illustrated in the movie. Considering it’s based on a real event, I wonder why they didn’t include that. I found out that you can watch the Game Show Network 2003 documentary on Vimeo to learn more details about what really **** the film is meant to be a biography of sorts, we definitely don’t learn that much about the main character. You can watch the Game Show Network, a 2003 documentary on Vimeo about the real people this feature film depicts but with a lot more detail.

Movie Review Mom GRADE: AIN A NUTSHELL:The heartfelt drama was inspired by true events and features a farm, faith, and family living on a dairy farm in Wisconsin in the 1990s. The narrative centers on Buck, portrayed by Craig T. Nelson, a fourth-generation dairy farmer grappling with the imminent foreclosure of his farm. In a desperate bid to save his livelihood, Buck places a high-stakes bet on the Green Bay Packers winning the Super Bowl. Simultaneously, his granddaughter Jenny, played by Madison Lawlor, aspires to pursue a musical career, leading to a poignant exploration of generational conflicts and shared dreams.This is the directorial debut of Anders Lindwall. Writing credits for the movie go to Missy Mareau Garcia, Michael Graf, Steven Shafer, and the director, Anders Lindwall. Already, the film has won two film festival awards, including the “Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award”, which seems like a perfect honor for this film because it captures the goodness and heart of Americana.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Firearms are usedWe see a calf being bornLots of spittingTalk of the death of a family memberSome profanity but no F-bombsWe see a man from the back exercising in only his underwearTHEMES:CommunityGenerational legacyRural America and farm lifeResilienceSacrificeSecond ChancesFaith in humanityForeclosureHopeAmbitionAllowing changeTHINGS I LIKED:Green Bay Packers fans will especially enjoy this movie because you get to see Favre, Sterling Sharpe, Reggie White, and a few more, but you don’t have to be a big football fan to enjoy the flick. It’s not a typical football movie if that’s what you’re ****’ll definitely recognize Craig T. Nelson in the starring role, who did an excellent job. Craig T. Nelson embodies the resilience and determination of a seasoned farmer, while Madison Lawlor brings depth to Jenny’s journey of self-discovery. The chemistry between the cast members enhances the film’s emotional resonance, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs feel genuine and **** rest of the cast is also really good, featuring Madison Lawlor, Brandon Sklenar, M. Emmet Walsh, and Charlie **** movie was mostly filmed in Door County, Wisconsin, using many local residents as extras in the cast.Sadly, this was the last movie for actor M. Emmet Walsh. At the end of the movie, we see a card on the screen that lovingly dedicates the film to several people who passed away during the making of the ****’s refreshing to see the spotlight shine on the Midwest and the salt-of-the-earth people who live and work hard there.There is some light humor in the dialogue.Beautiful **** title is perfect for what happens in the story, especially when you see another meaning for the words “green” and “gold”.I liked the addition of the title cards throughout the film that show us how the Green Bay Packers are doing in the season, revealing the risk of the bet the family takes with the banker to save their **** get to hear some absolutely lovely music.I loved the ending during the final rolling credits where we get to watch “Jenny” sitting in a field with the sun shining down on her and cows wandering by.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:It’s pretty predictable. Some might even say it’s too cheesy and manipulative. I didn’t care. It gave me all the feels and I loved it, especially the ****’s hard to imagine the women who had to put up with such an unsupportive, stubborn man in their life were able to remain positive for decades. A slight apology at the end seemed to tie a pretty bow around his years of emotinoal abuse to make everything okay. That is NOT okay.Sometimes it’s hard to understand what people are saying in **** all of the story lines are resolved in the end.FUNNY LINES:“Your license plate says ‘A-Hole’.” – Buck (Craig T. Nelson)“I’m vegetarian.” – Billy (Brandon Sklenar) “So is a chicken.” – Buck (Craig T. Nelson)INTERESTING LINES:“Some people value a formal education.” – Jenny (Madison Lawlor) “Well, I’ll tell you something. Redneck Tech is a fine education.” – Buck (Craig T. Nelson)“I see God smile when you sing.” – Margaret (Annabel Armour)“He’s talking truth up there if you’d just listen.” – Margaret (Annabel Armour)“You farm like it’s the 1800s.” – Jerry Moncton (Tim Frank) “He’s trying to do right by the soil and the animals.” – Jenny (Madison Lawlor)“We just need a little bit of grace.” – Jenny (Madison Lawlor) “When you’re a little older, you’ll understand that grace isn’t how things work.” – Jerry Moncton (Tim Frank)“After all these years, kisses can still make me dizzy.” – Margaret (Annabel Armour)“We’re betting folks; we do it every year on six inches of topsoil and hope that it rains.” – Jenny (Madison Lawlor)“There are right and wrong ways to make money, Jenny.” – Buck (Craig T. Nelson)“Just because I don’t necessarily agree with you doesn’t mean I’m against you.” – Margaret (Annabel Armour)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+IN A NUTSHELL:This dramatic film is based on the untold true story of Dr. Audrey Evans, a trailblazing physician whose groundbreaking work starting in the 1970s continues to save millions of lives today.Battling sexism, medical conventions, and the subterfuge of her peers, Dr. Evans developed the first Neuroblastoma Staging System, and co-founded the first Ronald McDonald House for families of cancer **** biopic was directed by Ami Canaan Mann. Writing credits go to Julia Fisher Farbman. Already, the film as been nominated and won several film festival awards.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Although there are children in the film, kids will be bored with all of the scientific talk and adult conversationsTalk of deathWe see doctors injecting mice with various serums.THEMES:CancerHopeScienceChildrenKnowledgeDeterminationParentingExperimentationTHINGS I LIKED:Dormer does a great job as a medical **** see old footage of interviews with cancer experts from decades ago.Flashbacks provide us insights into Audrey’s motivations and **** set designs immediately and effectively take us back to the 1960s and 1970s.I loved learning about the origins of the famous Ronald McDonald House Charity. They do incredibly important work and offer valuable services to families. At the end of the film, we learn that more than 685 Ronald McDonald House Charities programs in over 60 countries have served tens of millions of children and their families. As if that weren’t enough, they also support teenagers who want to go to college. In the city where I live, the organization offers college scholarships to graduating high school students who have given significant volunteer service in their communities. One of my sons received their generous scholarship!It’s always great to learn about women who made significant contributions in the world.I thought it was sweet that Dr. Evans insisted that the doctors who were going to test mice be respectful and kind to them, reminding the doctors to thank the mice for giving such service to the greater ****. Evans is seen been extraordinarily sweet to the sick children. Those scenes are the most heartwarming.Keep watching during the final rolling credits to learn what happened next and to see photos of the real people who were portrayed in the movie. I love that when biopics do that. We also get to hear the real voice of Dr. Audrey Evans in a video clip! She shares a message to the audience before she passed in 2022. So touching.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:The screenplay falls into conventional biopic tropes.Certain plot elements are predictable.A little bit more humor would have balanced out all of the serious and sorrowful moments.FUNNY LINES:“You didn’t laugh.” – Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer) “I didn’t realize it was a joke.” – Dr. Dan D’Angio (Jimmi Simpson)INTERESTING LINES:“It’s something you always think happens to someone else and not you.” – Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer)“And if we do nothing, the child likely dies.” – Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer)“It’s a big world out there.” – Dr. Evans “But who gets to see it?” – Kate Watson “Anyone who wants to.” – Dr. Evans “I don’t think it’s as easy as that.” – Kate Watson “I didn’t say it was easy.” – Dr. Evans“For what it’s worth, I think you would make a great mom.” – Kate Watson (Evelyn Giovine)“We have the opportunity to do something extraordinary, to change the course of a deadly disease.” – Dr. Evans (Natalie Dormer)“What some saw as brilliant, others saw as reckless. I’ve learned the difference between impulse and action, Doctor. It’s a fine line. When that line is crossed, it can be near impossible to reverse course.” – Dr. C. Everett Koop (Clancy Brown)“Why is the sky pink?” – Mia McAlister (Julianna Layne) “God took a paintbrush and made it extra pretty because He knew you were coming to see it.” – Dr. Evans (Natalie Dormer)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: BIN A NUTSHELL:There is a Netflix documentary about the same story by the same director that came out in 2019, also called Last Breath. This is a feature film of the true story that follows seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging ocean during a storm to rescue their crew mate who is trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean’s **** film was directed by Alex Parkinson. Writing credits go to Mitchell LaFortune, David Brooks, and the director.TIPS FOR PARENTS: Young kids might be bored or scaredTalk of deathTHEMES:CourageTeamworkMiracles still happenSurvivalQuick-thinking persistenceHopeTHINGS I LIKED:The casting is great. Woody Harrelson looks so much like the real-life man he plays in the story and provides the star power the film needs to drive more interest to **** rest of the cast also does a great job and includes Simu Liu, Finn Cole, Cliff Curtis,Gorgeous ****’s fascinating to learn about the incredibly dangerous job of saturation deep-sea diving and everything the crews go through on a daily basis to maintain the undersea gas lines in the North **** the movie, we see real underwater drone footage of the rescue.Once the divers go in the water, you feel the tension until the very **** effective sound effects really take you **** crew on the ship exchange friendly barbs, which provides some humor to break up the serious **** film is pretty straightforward. Because it’s a true story, there aren’t a bunch of twists and turns.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:If you get seasick watching ocean movies, you might want to skip this **** feels pretty short and ****’s best to NOT watch the trailer or look up any information about the true story so that you can be surprised.

Movie Review Mom GRADE: BIN A NUTSHELL: The story is about a guy who is incapable of feeling physical pain. When the girl of his dreams gets kidnapped, he turns his rare condition into an unexpected advantage in the fight to rescue **** film was directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. Writing credits go to Lars Jacobson.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Profanity and F-bombsWe see a man’s bare chest covered in tattoos.Bloody, gory, brutally violent bloodbathFirearms and and other weapons are usedExtreme violence and tortureTHEMES:Pleasure vs. painCongenital insensitivity to pain (CIP) – This is a real and rare medical condition!The pain we endure to save the one we loveTHINGS I LIKED:The film stars Jack Quaid. Yes…Quaid. He’s the son of legendary actor Dennis Quaid and America’s Sweetheart of the 1990s Meg Ryan. Jack also starred in the movie Companion, which is still playing in select theaters. You can see my review on the Movie Review Mom YouTube channel. Some are calling Jack Quaid the “Everyman” and this generation’s Tom Hanks. Great compliments!The descendants of great actors includes another cast member: Jack Nicholson’s son Ray Nicholson!Other cast members include Matt Walsh, Amber Midthunder, Betty Gabriel, Lou Beatty Jr., and Jacob Batalon.Production took place in Cape Town, South **** directors carefully thought out the fight sequences because they wanted the movie to seem believable for someone who couldn’t feel pain but wasn’t a **** officially opened on “Pi Day”, which was March 14, 2025 (3/14). Pie actually works as a metaphor in the film.There are some fun **** 1 feels like a rom-com, while Acts 2 & 3 are full-on **** fight sequences are brutal and creative.When the movie starts, we hear R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” for an ironic opener.Lots of dark comedy, both spoken and visual.I love the title of the movie. It obviously speaks to the protagonist’s inability to feel pain, but it also underscores how falling in love with someone can make you willing to go through almost anything to protect that person.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: Severe and brutal, bloody, gory violence and tortureFUNNY LINES:“It’s not about the money. What’s important is that we had fun.” – Simon (Ray Nicholson)“You might want to launder that, by the way.” – Nate (Jack Quaid)“Oh, I might be dying!” – Nate (Jack Quaid) “But I’m going to kill you first!” – Simon (Ray Nicholson)INTERESTING LINES:“It’s not just you and me. Everybody’s hiding something. I think we’re all just looking for someone we can show it to.” – Sherry (Amber Midthunder)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-IN A NUTSHELL:The film was directed by Fleur Fortune’. In her notes to the press, she described her desire and attempts to get pregnant to have her own childWriting credits go to Neil and Dave Thomas and John **** the near future where parenthood is strictly controlled, a couple’s seven-day assessment for the right to have a child unravels into a psychological nightmare, forcing them to question the very foundations of their society and what it truly means to be human.Already, the film has been nominated for several awards at several film festivals, such as Best Lead Performance, Best Debut Screenwriter.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Kids will be bored. There’s a lot of adults **** see a woman wearing a revealing clothes (Elizabeth Olsen never wears a bra.)We see the naked backside of a woman getting out of a bathtub.Talk of the extermination of **** see a couple getting frisky in several scenes with movement and sound effects.A lesbian couple is represented.Talk of an inappropriate affairSome profanity, including F-bombsPortrayal of a bloody **** controlHumanitySocietyDissidentBelongingMarriageInsecuritiesHuman relationshipsControl vs. freedomEnvironmentalismSacrificePopulation controlTHINGS I LIKED:The cast is really great and includes stellar performances by Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, and Himesh Patel. Other outstanding shoutouts go to Minnie Driver, Indira Varma, Nicholas Pinnock, Charlotte Ritchie, and Leah **** fact: Alicia Vikander was one of the first IVF babies born in Sweden!The film asks some very good questions such as why would people want to have children, what role should society play in that decision and the parenting of children.I thought it was sweet to watch her talk to her plants. I do the same **** food options look terrible. I sure hope that I don’t have to live in that **** technology, as well as the ocean outside the house offer lurking threats that increase the tension.There’s a moment where a character breaks the fourth wall, which challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice.I appreciated the symbolism of the delicate orchid which could relate so well to so many themes in the story: raising children, the connection to Mia’s mother and the old world, **** you’re a fan of Rice University, look for the Easter eggs.There are plenty of moments that will make you feel discomfort and incredulity. I love movies that make you ask questions and **** set designs were interesting and provided an interesting dystopian environment.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Sometimes it’s hard to understand what people are saying either due to whispered conversations or sound effects that drown out ****’s very artsy-fartsy. Some viewers won’t appreciate or understand certain **** 3 dragged a bit, making the movie feel long.While there is some wit, there aren’t any humorous lines to break up the dramatic **** makes parenting look absolutely difficult and horrible. Parenting IS hard, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can ever do in your life. It pushes you in ways you never thought possible, but also makes your heart swell to previously unknown depths.FUNNY LINES: None. This is a serious drama.INTERESTING LINES:“What if we’re not good enough?” – Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) “If we’re not, who is?” – Aaryan (Himesh Patel)“I love you.” – Aaryan (Himesh Patel) “That’s right.” – Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) “I want a real child, not this.” – Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) “This is how we get a real child.” – Aaryan (Himesh Patel)“It’s a choice. Parenthood is full of them.” – Virginia (Alicia Vikander)“This society needs people who know what it’s like to love a child.” – Virginia (Alicia Vikander)

IN A NUTSHELL:The story is based on true events and is about an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine **** film was directed by Peter Cattaneo. Writing credits go to Jeff Pope and Tom Michell.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Some profanity, including an F-bombSome inappropriate humor and talk of “relations”A lot of Spanish is spoken with English **** see a penguin poop.Talk of the death of a loved one due to a drunken driverPeople are “disappeared” due to their political opinionsWe see that some people have been beat up with bruises and some bloodA sad funeral sceneTHEMES:PoliticsFearMetaphorsCourage to speak against what’s wrongArgentine inflationMilitary dictatorshipFreedomCompassionPersonal growthThere is so much we can learn from animals.FriendshipInternational differences in mindset and **** person…and one penguin…can make a difference in the world.THINGS I LIKED:The beginning scroll quickly immerses us in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the 1970s. Even though the story takes place in Argentina with a few scenes in Uruguay, the movie was actually filmed in Spain! I lived there for 2 years! They used Argentine actors, so the accent is authentic.I’ve been a fan of 7-time BAFTA award winner Steve Coogan for years. He looks great and we get to hear him speak a bit of Spanish. I thought his performance was ****’s always good to see Jonathan Pryce. Bjorn Gustafsson was another **** young cast members did a fantastic job and include David Herrero, Aimar Miranda, Hugo Fuertes, and Alfonsina **** on earth did they get that penguin to do everything it did? Adorable.There is a fun, bouncy musical score during most of the movie, until it slowly matches the change of mood. Lovely.A lot of the dialogue is extremely **** get to hear some beautiful lines of literature and poetry recited by the English professor played by Steve Coogan.I expected some of the characters to say or do certain things and was constantly surprised when they didn’t, adding interesting layers to their conversations and **** learn about the “Mothers of Plaza de Mayo” who protested against the Argentine military government, demanding to know where their loved ones were when they were “disappeared” for political **** film is filled with insightful metaphors that brought tears to my eyes.Keep watching after the last scene to see actual footage that Tom Michell took when he taught at St. George’s College. It’s what inspired him to write the book the movie is based on. So touching.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:The students were terribly disrespectful and the English professor was incredibly lazy in the beginning. As a professor, myself, both bad behaviors drive me nuts.Some history buffs may complain that the movie glosses over the gravity of the political unrest of 1970s Argentina. I actually thought what was covered was appropriate and well done for family-friendly film.FUNNY LINES:“How was your flight?” – Headmaster (Jonathan Pryce) “Good. Uneventful. Explosion-free.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)“Fussy eaters eventually become food for less fussy eaters.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) “I am… I was…I have been a socialist pig.” – Ramiro (Hugo Fuertes)“Argentina…where everyone is a millionaire.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)“Why did you choose him?” – rowdy student “Because I’m a dictator.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)INTERESTING LINES:“Some people have two sides to them.” – Physics teacher (Bjorn Gustafsson)“Interesting…people’s lives…where we end up where we do.” – Physics teacher (Bjorn Gustafsson)“I think everyone who comes here is looking for something. What are you looking for?” – woman from the bar in Uruguay (Micaela Breque)“In this life, no one gets what they deserve; they only get what they negotiate” – shop owner“I used to be young and idealistic like you, Sofia, but life changes you.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) “Then, I look forward to being old and cynical.” – Sofia (Alfonsina Carrocio)“You can get used to anything in the end.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)“I’m sad but I’m happy that I’m sad.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+IN A NUTSHELL:What’s it like to die? The film is an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s quirky novel Mickey 7. It is said the director wanted to call this movie Mickey 17 so he could kill the character ten more **** film stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” crew member on a colonization mission to the icy planet Niflheim. Mickey’s role involves undertaking perilous tasks, with his consciousness being transferred to a new clone upon each death. Complications arise when Mickey 17 survives an assignment and returns to find Mickey 18 already in his place, leading to existential dilemmas and ethical **** film was directed by Bon Joon Ho, who won 4 Academy Awards, including “Best Picture” for his movie Parasite in 2019. You’ll actually see one of the sets in this movie which was also used in Parasite.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Lots of profanity and F-bombsWe see a tube going inside a guy’s bum and later, we see his entire naked **** see an unmarried couple going at it (private parts not shown)We see animated stick figures going at itBlood, gore, and vomitPeople get high on drugsViolenceTHEMES:Expendable people and the value of human lifeFriendshipIdentityPolitical satireDualityPowerControlCloningCapitalismColonizationExperimentationExploitationLearning from failureTHINGS I LIKED:Robert Pattinson is such a fantastic actor, showing us nuanced differences between his two characters: Mickey 17 & Mickey 18. I used to just think he was a pretty boy from the Twilight franchise, but he has really shown us how much more he can do since then. He was incredible in the movie The Lighthouse (****/41OQCnI )I’ll bet he had a lot of fun making this **** fantastic cast includes 3 Oscar nominees: Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, and Steven Yeun.Other cast standouts include Naomi Ackie and Patsy **** order to capture spontaneous, raw performances, the director filmed certain scenes without Pattinson knowing which version of Mickey he was going to play before **** get to hear the famous “Wilhelm Scream” at the 1 hour, 16 minutes, 30-second mark when a bulkhead door slams closed. Ha ha In case you didn’t know… The Wilhelm scream is a famous stock sound effect that has been used in over 400 movies, TV shows, and video games. It’s a high-pitched, dramatic scream that was first recorded in 1951 for the film Distant Drums, where a soldier gets attacked by an alligator. The scream was later named after the character Pvt. Wilhelm, who lets out the same scream when shot by an arrow in the 1953 film The Charge at Feather River. It became an inside joke among sound designers, especially after Ben Burtt, a sound designer for Star Wars, started using it in the franchise. Since then, it has appeared in movies like Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, Toy Story, and many more. Once you recognize it, you’ll start hearing it everywhere!A fun cameo performance of a news reporter is by Sabet Choudhury, who is a real news reporter in real **** see stark contrasts between the chilling beauty of the icy landscapes of Niflheim and the sleek realism of the futuristic technology.Speaking of technology, the film explores the ethical boundaries of advancement that humans may not be prepared to deal with. With the surge of AI software, this movie is timely.There’s a lot of humor in both dialogue and visual situations.Kudos to Marios Hamboulides for creating a terrific trailer that makes you want to see the **** an identical twin myself, I thought the whole conversation about multiples was interesting.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:There are some flashbacks that might confuse viewers of the **** order to capture spontaneous, raw performances, the director filmed certain scenes without Pattinson knowing which version of Mickey he was going to play before **** movie is unnecessarily long to say what it needs to **** pacing is uneven.Sometimes, it’s hard to understand what people are saying during whispered conversations.FUNNY LINES: “I’m sure you’re used to it by now, but what’s it feel like to die?” – Berto “Why don’t you guys do rock, paper, scissors? And then we’ll just shoot the loser.” – Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson)INTERESTING LINES:“Each soul shall only have one body.” – bureaucrat“Sauce is the true litmus test of civilizations.” – Yifa (Toni Collette)“Every time you die, we learn something new and humanity moves forward.” – Red Hair (Holliday Grainger)

IN A NUTSHELL:The film was directed, produced, and written by Jang Seongho! Screenwriting credits also go to Rob ****’s a simple telling of the greatest story ever told, that of the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the words of Charles **** father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child.This is the first animated feature film distributed by Angel Studios!TIPS FOR PARENTS:Adult bullyingTalk of when King Herod wanted to kill all of the babies and when the Jewish leadership wanted to kill Jesus.Some violent content. We see men hanging from the cross, but we don’t see much blood.Swords are seen and used. A man’s ear is cut.A man almost drownsWe hear Jesus being scourged, but most of the brutality is visually blocked by a pillar.Talk of the death of Lazarus and a portrayal of him coming out of the tomb/cave wearing burial linens.Young children might be scared a few times such as when demons were inside a man and then Jesus casts them into swine who jump off a cliff.Point out to your children that some of the Jews wear phylacteries (small, black leather boxes on their foreheads), and finger cords. Traditionally, they’re worn by Jewish men during weekday morning prayers because of the commandment in Deuteronomy 6:8.THEMES:ForgivenessUnderstandingFaithThe birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus ChristNew Testament scripturesTHINGS I LIKED:The voice talents are brought to us by a fantastic cast that includes Sir Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, Jim Cummings, Pierce Brosnan, Roman Griffin Davis, and Ava Sanger.Charles **** was raised in a Christian household and remained a believer throughout his life. He was an Anglican who held deep personal religious convictions that matured over time, especially as he became more concerned with the plight of the poor and the moral responsibilities of individuals and society. His book The Life of Our Lord (written between 1846-1849 for his children but published posthumously in 1934) reflects his personal and simple Christian beliefs. This movie is ****’ testimony of Jesus Christ. **** admired Christ’s teachings on kindness and charity but was critical of religious hypocrisy and dogmatism, which he often satirized in his novels. It’s sweet that the movie begins with a scene of Ebenezer Scrooge from the story “A Christmas Carol” that was written by Charles **** animation is adorable and does a great job showing us what Jerusalem would have looked like at the time of **** storytelling technique is really sweet because it shows Charles **** with his son, Walter, immersed within the story and scriptures.They did a great job portraying all of the selected scriptures in the story in creative **** animated face of Jesus is kind and appealing. He is voiced by Oscar **** introduction of the 12 apostles is humorous and creative. Loved it.Lovely musical **** many scene transitions were done in creative, clever, and touching ways.Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see the initial pencil sketches of the animation. So sweet.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Some of the animated characters have clunky movements.Some might complain that so many parts of Jesus’ ministry were skipped. It would take much longer than an hour and 41 minutes to cover all of them!Some scenes are not scripturally accurate. In addition, not all of the conversations occur in the correct locations.FUNNY LINES: None noted.INTERESTING LINES:“Behavior has consequences.” – Charles **** (Sir Kenneth Branagh)“Even though Jesus was tempted by Satan, He defeated him using only the word of God, not with a magic sword.” – Charles **** (Sir Kenneth Branagh)“You’re asking the wrong question. It doesn’t matter if he sinned or if his parents have sinned. It only matters that, when we see him, we see the work of God.” – Jesus Christ (Oscar Isaac) when a disciple asks why a man was born blindWhen Charles **** asked why Jesus didn’t want anyone to talk about His miracles yet, the father replies, “Because they weren’t miracles for the sake of miracles; they were miracles to prove the power of faith.”“We’re alive again because He is risen.” – Charles **** (Sir Kenneth Branagh)“King Arthur’s story was based on this story!” – Walter (Roman Griffin Davis)

MOVIE TITLE: The Annihilation of Fish by trinaboice | posted in: Action | 2This unique dramedy by Charles Burnett was lost and restored in 4K by UCLA Film & Television Archive and the Film Foundation in collaboration with Milestone Films. It is now playing in select theaters.RATING: RLENGTH: 1 hour 48 minutesMovie Review Mom GRADE: B+IN A NUTSHELL:The film was directed by Charles Burnett, winner of an Honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement. It’s amazing that this film has never been released until now, shortly after the loss of the beloved actor James Earl Jones. It has taken decades to get to this film to theaters. It was filmed in 1999! The movie is based on a short story by Anthony C. Winkler. It’s about an eccentric black man and white woman who both struggle with mental **** quirky film won “Best Cinematography” and “Best Feature” by several film festivals.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Kids will be completely bored.Some **** see an unmarried couple in bed getting frisky under the covers with movement and sound effects.THEMES:Mental illnessRomanceLoveAgingRaceKilling people’s dreamsThe invisible demons we battleHumanityCaring for othersTolerating other people’s eccentricities.THINGS I LIKED: James Earl Jones plays a Jamaican immigrant who constantly fights with an imaginary man named Hank. We’ve never seen such physicality from him before!Lynn Redgrave plays a woman who believes the dead opera composer Giacomo Puccini was in love with her and that they were “living in sin” together because no one would perform their wedding ceremony.Margot Kidder offers an additional eccentric character. I also got a kick out of the mailman who stumbled on the steps to the apartment building every **** imaginary demons the two leading actors battle provide entertaining and heartbreaking moments for viewers, as well as personal **** get to spend time in San Francisco and Los Angeles.Award-winning Martin Scorsese described this film as beautiful and **** movie feels a bit unconventional, which may be a plus for those who enjoy thought-provoking stories with offbeat characters.There is a lot of humor offered in amusing dialogue and situations. It does a fantastic job of balancing the humor with the more serious drama.While The Annihilation of Fish might not have garnered widespread attention, it has a certain cult classic appeal due to its quirky narrative and exploration of themes like family dynamics, personal freedom, and identity. The surreal elements and unpredictable nature of the film may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate films that take risks with their storytelling may find it an intriguing **** title The Annihilation of Fish is both metaphorical and symbolic, and it plays a significant role in setting the tone for the film’s themes of self-discovery, emotional unraveling, and transformation. While the movie’s plot itself is quirky and surreal, the title refers to the inner conflict and emotional destruction that the main character, Fish, undergoes as she confronts the constraints of her life and her past.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.Some viewers might get tired of the crazy.FUNNY LINES: “Things just haven’t been right on planet Earth since Richard Nixon was elected president.” – Kathy (hippy wedding lady) Shannon Wilcox“I’m never laughing again as long as I live.” – Poinsettia (Lynn Redgrave)“Do you have any insidious vices I should know about?” – Mrs. Muldroon (Margot Kidder)“Oh, excuse me. I thought you were someone else.” – guy in a bar (Hoyt Richards) “I used to be.” – Poinsettia (Lynn Redgrave)“You’re just about the weirdest man in the whole dxxmn world!” – Poinsettia (Lynn Redgrave)“I can hardly wait to wake up each morning to see what’s going to happen next.” – Mrs. Muldroon (Margot Kidder)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+IN A NUTSHELL:The Canadian thriller was directed and written by Atom Egoyan. This is the second movie Amanda Seyfried has been in that was directed by Atom Egoyan. The real opera was in production while this movie was being filmed, allowing both projects to use the same sets. **** story is about an earnest theater director who has the task of remounting her former mentor’s most famous work, the opera Salome. Some disturbing memories from her past allow her repressed trauma to color the **** story of Salame’s dance in the court of King Herod is based on Mark 6:22 and Matthew 14, which led to the beheading of John the Baptist.Already, the film has been nominated for several awards, including Best Director, Best Female Actor, and Best Supporting Female Actor.TIPS FOR PARENTS:This movie is not appropriate for kids.Kids will be extremely bored.Quite a bit of implied sexual content.A theatrical suicide is portrayed.Lesbians are portrayed.Talk of several illicit affairs.THEMES:ForgivenessAbuseLoveBad behavior in the name of artRevengeInnocenceTraumaObsession with things you can’t haveExploitationPassion vs. punishmentThe ghosts that haunt usTHINGS I LIKED:Atom Egoyan has directed many operas during his career, the first being Salome in 1996. He began directing film in the 1980s and often wondered if he could combine his love for both media. That’s exactly what he does in this movie, and very well I might add!Amanda Seyfried did an outstanding job and also looks fantastic. She is a lovely singer, so it would have been fun to hear her sing a little bit during the opera **** rest of the cast is also terrific and includes Rebecca Liddiard, Douglas Smith, Mark O’Brien, Vinessa Antoine, and Lanette Ware, among many others.Some of the actors in the real opera are also in the movie such as Ambur Braid and Michael **** title of the film is appropriate because it alludes to the fact that some truths are veiled or hidden in this multi-layered movie. A veil has traditionally been a symbol of a covering that represents modesty, authority, consecration, and fidelity. The actual term “dance of the seven veils” was used in the 1891 stage production of Salome by Oscar Wilde. There are many interpretations of the phrase throughout history; I’d love to have a conversation with the director to learn which meanings he has applied to the title!We see visuals on a screen that illustrate what Salome and Jeanine have gone **** film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film.Several characters are faced with moral dilemmas; it’s fascinating to see how they handle them.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Those who don’t enjoy opera might not like this film **** film is extremely “artsy-fartsy”. Some viewers may not appreciate it or understand it. Some will be bored and think it’s overly pretentious. Others will think it’s brilliant.Many viewers will find they won’t be able to relate to most of the characters in the movie.FUNNY LINES: None. This is a serious drama.INTERESTING LINES: “I’ve been asked to make this personal, so I shall.” – Jeanine (Amanda Seyfried)“Take away one sense and others are heightened.” – Jeanine (Amanda Seyfried)“You’re worthy of being loved.” – Jeanine (Amanda Seyfried)“Nothing is clear to you right now except your pain.” – Jeanine (Amanda Seyfried)“The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death.” – Jeanine (Amanda Seyfried)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-IN A NUTSHELL:The film is based on a true story of a World War II Veteran’s journey back to Normandy, France. I had the great privilege of visiting Normandy for the first time a couple of years ago. It’s an extremely powerful place. I blubbered like a baby. Last year, my twin sister, who is a Nurse Practitioner, had the experience of a lifetime by accompanying some veterans to Normandy for the 80th anniversary. She was in complete awe how everyone treated the veterans as if they were royalty. The French people were so grateful and respectful. She said even the young children swarmed around the vets, asking for autographs and pictures. That just warms my heart. That “Greatest Generation” definitely deserves our praise and admiration. Kudos to Delta Airlines for paying for all of them. We only have a few of those Normandy vets remaining.TIPS FOR PARENTS:We see a dead paratrooper hanging from a tree.Lots of firearms and other weapons are used.Battle scenes of WWII are represented.Some idiot teenagers bully an old man. To contrast, we see a young man treat the same old man with kindness.THEMES:World War IIAging heroesHonoring the soldiers who fought and diedBrotherhood among soldiersDeterminationClosureDiabetesThe kindness of strangersDeath of a loved oneTHINGS I LIKED:Wow! We’ve never seen the handsome Pierce Brosnan look this old before! Of course, he has a lot of makeup on because he’s aging quite well in real life. He filmed this movie when he was only 70. The older I get, the younger 70 sounds to me. The man he played was 92 years old (and ¾ he reminds us) when he escaped the nursing home to go on his adventure! I thought Pierce Brosnan did an excellent **** story was inspired by Bernard Jordan, a British WWII veteran who slipped out of his nursing home to travel to Normandy to be a part of the 70th D-Day landings. He wore his war medals on his jacket, traveling by bus and ferry at the age of 92! He said he was going to do it again in 2015, but he died peacefully that year before the ****’s heartbreaking to see Pierce Brosnan’s character feeding his wife with Alzheimer’s. I did that with my mother many times. She often didn’t recognize me but was always super sweet. This was John Amos’ last role before passing in August 2024.This was the second time Juergen Prochnow has sung “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” in a movie! The first time was when he was in “Das Boot”! ****/3QzNQ0kJohn Amos did a great job teaching us about the Black soldiers who fought in the battle at Normandy.Keep watching during the final rolling credits to see what happened next.Awww, man. That last song and ending scene in the airplane hangar brought me to tears.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:The movie is a slow burn. For some, it will be too slow.There isn’t much humor to balance out the somber sadness.FUNNY LINES: None. This is a serious drama.INTERESTING LINES:“It doesn’t matter what age we are, we all have our expiry date.” – lady on the train“Bloody Germans!” – Artie (Pierce Brosnan) “They were soldiers, just like you.” – Juliette Bellamy (Clemence Poesy)“It’s a shock to learn you’ve lost the war. It’s a greater shock to discover you’ve been on the wrong side.” – German soldier played by Juergen Prochnow“None of us can ever forget, but maybe we can forgive.” – German soldier played by Juergen Prochnow“That’s the thing about folks like us Artie: we’re all living with ghosts.” – Lincoln Jefferson (John Amos)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: AIN A NUTSHELL:German-Swiss filmmaker Tim Fehlbaum created a film that almost looks like a documentary in style; you feel like you were right there with the ABC news crew. He helped write it with Moritz Binder and Alex **** docudrama is about the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, when an American broadcasting team covered the terrorist events that shocked the world. As a follow-up to Black September, a group of Palestinian militants broke into the Olympic Village, held 9 Israeli athletes hostage, and killed two of them. (I won’t tell you what else happened as a spoiler in case you don’t know what happened.)September 5, 1972 was the first time an act of terrorism was broadcast live around the world. Nine hundred million people were watching.Already, the film has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, among other titles during award season, including nominee for Best Motion Picture at the recent Golden Globes.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Kids will be extremely bored.Talk of the HolocaustPortrayal of guns, but we don’t see any firedSome profanity, including F-bombsTHEMES:HolocaustPoliticsJournalismMedia interferenceProfessional responsibilityMoral uncertaintyBlack SeptemberTHINGS I LIKED:The cast is fantastic and includes Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, Leonie Benesch, Zinedine Soualem, and more.John Magaro is also credited as a co-producer. The first time he was ever on a movie set was as an Extra in the 2005 film Munich!One of the movie’s producers was Sean **** dusty color palette immediately takes you back to 1972, making the old ABC footage seamlessly appear as part of the new **** get to see original footage from the real 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. It’s the actual footage from the ABC broadcasts taken from their **** film does a good job of showing how the media can interfere with live events while trying to report **** dialogue is outstanding and shows crew members on the news team debating what they should or should not cover as the hostage events unfold.Some experts have said that the media coverage during these events gave rise to terrorists across the globe ever since, seeing how broadcasted fear can be powerful. In other words, this movie is still very relevant in today’s volatile world.This movie will give you goosebumps. The tension is almost **** tight spaces of the ABC control room and hallway allow you to feel isolated from the actual events, yet are the heartbeat of the news coverage that was seen worldwide. In the movie, we’re told that more people watched ABC’s coverage of this hostage crisis live than when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon in 1969!After you watch this movie, you’ll, no doubt, go online to learn more about the events. I love films that make me want to learn and know more.Really great editing!The movie is entirely from the perspective of the media. To learn more about the Palestinian terrorists and the Israeli victims of the event, check out the 2005 movie Munich. You’ll see some of the same news footage used in that movie too. It covers everything from the September 5 film in about 10 minutes. The remaining 2 1/2 hours show the aftermath of the 1972 Olympics and how Israel handled the terrorist attack.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Some viewers may be interested in history, but most viewers will shrug their shoulders and say it hasn’t changed how they feel about the unscrupulous media.Young viewers need to recognize that all of this took place in an analog era and with equipment that simply doesn’t do what today’s media can. Gen Z might be amused by the rotary phones, 2-way radios, reels of video tape, and even cigarette smoke filling the TV control room’s workspace.Some people may wonder why this movie was even made.

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B-IN A NUTSHELL:This film is timely with the growing strength of AI and robotics. I recently read an article about men who were asked whether or not they would prefer a human woman or a realistic robot. An alarmingly high percentage of men said they preferred a robot. Yikes! The film does a great job exploring humanity’s evolving relationship with technology.This is the feature debut of writer/director Drew Hancock. Nice start! The story is about a weekend getaway with friends at a remote cabin that turns into chaos after it’s revealed that one of the guests is not who they say they are.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Lots of blood and gore. One of the characters is covered in blood throughout the majority of the film.Violent murdersA married man goes after other womenLots of sound effects during “intimate moments”Lots of profanity, including F-bombsGay kissingWe see a charred hand after it’s held over fire.THEMES:Emotional support robotsFeminismConsentMurderControlSelf-awarenessPurposeGreedToxic relationshipsTHINGS I LIKED:The young cast did a great job and includes Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, and Harvey Guillen. As soon as Jack Quaid smiles, you instantly know he’s the son of actor Dennis Quaid.Speaking of Sophie Thatcher, she did a great job in the horror Heretic and seems to have a knack for horror movies. I was even more impressed with her performance in this **** color palette attempts to make this dark comedy feel like bubble gum.Twists. I love twists.There is a lot of dark humor.There are some “meet cutes” that will give you the romance **** it intentional that “Iris” is “Siri” backwards?On the one hand, the movie is a bloody slasher horror. On the other hand, the movie explores toxic relationships where one person has all the control and the other person tolerates it because they’re so in love. On the third hand…(no, that’s not a thing)…the movie really makes you think about how you use technology to enhance your life and maybe even substitue it for human connection.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:There is some jumping around in the timeline that might confuse ****’ll enjoy this more if you don’t watch the trailer and don’t know anything about the story. The trailer reveals way too much and spoils some of the surprises.I thought the final twist was pretty lame.There are a lot of plot holes in this story, so don’t overthink this too **** worst part of this experience is that the movie’s poster gives away the big reveal/twist.FUNNY LINES: “Are you f’n robo-shaming me?” – Eli (Harvey Guillen)“Look at that! My very first lie. I see the appeal.” – Iris (Sophie Thatcher)INTERESTING LINES:“It’s just programming.” – Josh (Jack Quaid)“There were two times I felt truly happy. First, the day I met Josh; second, the day I killed him.” – Iris (Sophie Thatcher)“It’s like there’s this thick black cloud covering everything, like we see the world, b ut we don’t really see the world, you know. We’re all just stumbling around directionless. No sense of meaning, no sense of purpose.” – Iris (Sophie Thatcher)

RATING: PG-13LENGTH: 2 hours 7 minutesMovie Review Mom GRADE: BIN A NUTSHELL:Two highly-trained operatives are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from an undisclosed, mysterious evil that lurks within. They bond from a distance while trying to stay vigilant in defending against an unseen enemy. When the cataclysmic threat to humanity is revealed to them, they must work together in a test of both their physical and mental strength to keep the secret in the gorge before it’s too **** film was directed by Scott Derrickson. Writing credits go to Zach Dean.TIPS FOR PARENTS:ProfanityViolence with bloodKissing that we assume leads to other things but we don’t see anything **** see the naked backside of a man.Talk of suicideScary monster people and creaturesTons of destructionTHEMES:Government control & coverupsTruthMercenariesThe art of the perfect shotBiochemicalsChoosing your own life and deathRomanceTHINGS I LIKED:I really like both of the talented leads: Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. They have both put out some incredible films in their young careers and have palpable chemistry together. There’s a cute Christmas scene that shows a montage of fun things the two main characters do such as play chess (referencing Taylor-Joy’s Golden Globe-winning role in The Queen’s Gambit) and playing drums (referencing Teller’s Odyssey Award-winning role in Whiplash). Those were both great **** top off the cast, we also get Academy Award winner Sigourney **** story blends mystery, romance, sci-fi horror and some ****’s said that certain elements were inspired by the Polish painter Zdzislaw **** movie was filmed in Teesdale, County Durham in England. The fantastic movie 1917 was also filmed nearby at Low **** setting is intriguing and mysterious with lots of atmospheric fog, rain, candles, and spooky darkness.Great musical score and sound **** special effects, especially that of the “creatures” is terrific and extremely **** creepy set designs keep you guessing, filled with tension the entire time.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:Don’t overthink any of this and you’ll get a kick out of it.I like Apple TV+ but this would have been great to see on the big screen in theaters.A lot of action scenes occur at night or in the dark gorge, making it difficult to see what’s happening.FUNNY LINES: “I’ll have the rabbit pie.” – Levi (Miles Teller)INTERESTING LINES:“Give it to me. Give me your shame.” – Erikas (William Houston)“J.D. What do you think’s really going on here?” – Levi (Miles Teller) “Well, the theory I think summarizes the situation most succinctly is the Gorge is the door to hell and we’re standing guard at the gate.” – Jasper (J.D.) Drake (Sope Dirisu)There actually quite a lot of inspirational quotes written by famous writers that characters recite.“Drasa, you don’t want to know the truth. It’s better if you don’t know.” – Erikas (William Houston) The name “Drasa” means “courage” in Lithuanian. Drasa’s father calls her a “little lion”.“Too much truth puts sadness in your heart and madness in your mind.” – Drasa quoting her father“I can’t compartmentalize the way I used to.” – Levi (Miles Teller)“You bury enough secrets, the graveyard runs out of room.” – Levi (Miles Teller)

RATING: RLENGTH: 3 hours 34 minutes (This is the 5th longest movie nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture)Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-IN A NUTSHELL:This dramatic movie was written and directed by actor Brady Corbet, along with writing help from his partner, Mona Fastvold. The film was loosely inspired by the 1943 novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, which is about architect Howard Roark’s story. Two real-life Hungarian architects of the same period provided insights into creating Adrien Brody’s **** story is about a visionary architect and his wife who flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern United States. Their lives are changed forever when by a mysterious, wealthy client.TIPS FOR PARENTS:We see some “action” and nudity in a brothel. Later, we see full frontal nudity and full-on orgies.Talk of the Holocaust and WWIIThere are subtitles to read when Hungarian and Italian are **** hear some racial slurs.A clothed **** see heroin usage.THEMES:The immigration experiencePost World War IIArchitectureMentorshipHard workRich vs. poorAddictionAmbitionGreedLegacyThe Displaced Persons ActBeing on the “outside” as a foreignerTHINGS I LIKED:The cast is fantastic and includes 1 Oscar winner: Adrien Brody, and 2 Oscar nominees: Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce. Already, Adrien Brody has been nominated for another Academy Award for Best Actor his role in this movie, after winning a Golden Globe just last month. He’s, obviously, fantastic in this.When the movie was first announced during the pandemic, the cast was going to be quite different. Half of the roles were recast in 2023.Sadly, we don’t even see Felicity Jones until almost 1 1/2 hours into the film. Her sex scene with Adrien Brody was shot entirely with body **** get to learn a little bit about US history with old footage. I liked the look of the opening credits. Different. Different is good.Gorgeous musical score.Lovely **** movie was shot in 34 days in Budapest, Hungary and in Carrara, **** theaters, the film has a 15-minute intermission, something that hasn’t been seen in a film since The Hateful Eight in 2015. When watching from home, the intermission is only 1 minute long.Another thing that makes this film unique is that it was shot in something called VistaVision, a widescreen format that hasn’t been done in 61 years since the 1963 film Six Loves. When shown in theaters, 70mmm film prints were **** the title, “brutalist” refers to the famous architectural style which is charactrized by its use of raw, exposed concrete, large, blocky forms, and a minimalist aesthetic, often appearing rough and unadorned. It also describes some of the people in the film in their manner of treating **** see symbolism in Erzsebet Toth’s broken legs how all of the characters are also broken emotionally. The symbolism in the gigantic building Laszlo was trying to construct also imitates the great American Dream that is imperfect and often ****’s fascinating to learn more about the architecture in the epilogue and what the symbolic structures meant to Laszlo Toth.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the director explained that he loves shaking things up to keep the audience searching for the themes and big message of the film until the end. Some viewers will think the ending is brilliant, while others will complain it’s confusing, odd, and has a completely different tone from the rest of the film. I actually really liked it.When the writer is also the director of a film, the result is often an overly-long, overstuffed indulgence. I saw quite a few scenes that could have easily been cut without sacrificing anything in the ****’s hard to understand everything that’s spoken because so many conversations are whispered or stated in hushed tones.FUNNY LINES:“Can’t you say anything kind to me?” – Erzsebet Toth (Felicity Jones) “I love you, you cow.” – Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody)INTERESTING LINES:“Nothing is of its own explanation.” – Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody) “Dreams slip away.” – Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. (Guy Pearce)“Laszlo, we tolerate you.” – Harry Lee (Joe Alwyn)“To lose one’s birth mother is to lose the very foundation on which we stand.” – (Felicity Jones)“What have you done to yourself? It’s a shame seeing how your people treat themselves. If you resent your persecution, why then do you make yourself such an easy target?” – Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. (Guy Pearce)“You have so much potential but you squander it.” – Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. (Guy Pearce)“My uncle is, above all, a principled artist. His lifelong ambition was not only to define an epoch, but to transcend all time.” – niece (Ariane Labed)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: CIN A NUTSHELL:The newest and 35th Marvel superhero movie was directed by Julius Onah. Writing credits go to Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, and Dalan **** story is about Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, who finds himself in the middle of an international incident and must discover the motive behind a nefarious global plan.TIPS FOR PARENTS:DestructionViolence with some bloodSomeone gets hurt badly and ends up in the hospitalSome profanityTHEMES: LoyaltyFriendshipBelief in othersSelf-confidenceIdentityForgivenessSecond chancesReconciliationHope THINGS I LIKED:Anthony Mackie tried very hard in this film to fill the capable, beloved shoes of Chris Evans’ Captain America. He’s the third MCU actor to also receive “Executive Producer” credit next to his ****’s always fun to see Harrison Ford in anything. I love that he’s still making films. He replaces the late William Hurt in the movie as Thaddeus Ross. Some viewers might think Harrison Ford is a new character in the story, but he’s not. In the Spanish version of the film, Salvador Vidal voiced Harrison Ford and William Hurt.Congratulations to Israeli actress Shira Haas for making it big time in a Hollywood blockbuster film. I thought she did a great job in the film Unorthodox.I’ve been a fan of Tim Blake Nelson for years, so I’m happy he was able to snag this role as a Marvel villain.Sebastian Stan appears and is, in fact, the only character to appear in all four Captain America movies! I thought he was terrific in A Different Man and I’m glad he’s getting some award attention for his performance in ****, there really are gorgeous cherry trees in Washington, D.C.! They were a gift from Japan as a sign of friendship. Friendship is one of the themes of the film. The director thought it was appropriate to film one of the scenes there to show the theme of empathy.There is a clear attempt to give comic book fans what they’re looking for. For example, Sidewinder has blue eyes, so Giancarlo Esposito was given blue eyes during the filming. Sidewinder was actually added to the movie during the reshoots!This is also the first time we see the appearance of the Red Hulk in the MCU. Early in the film, we see a character holding a red ****, a foreshadow that the character will turn into the Red Hulk later on.There is talk that Sam will receive some kind of power that allows him to talk to birds in his next **** you’re a fan of Kendrick Lamar, you’ll love that another one of his songs is used in the credit **** wouldn’t be a proper Marvel movie without a sneak peek scene at the very end of the final rolling credits. Stay seated!DIDN’T LIKE:One word describes this film: snorefest. My husband fell asleep and was snoring in the theater. I almost did too. It didn’t feel very brave or **** fight sequences were boring and poorly filmed. It would have been fun to see Chris Evans provide a short cameo performance. Disappointing and missed **** villain didn’t feel all that **** enough **** this film was supposed to launch a new era in the MCU, it’s a major disappointment and completely forgettable. Drats. Marvel, what’s happening to you? You had the magic formula and lost the recipe.INTERESTING LINES:“You may be Captain America, but you’re not Steve Rogers.” – Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: AIN A NUTSHELL:The story is about a visionary woman who dared to teach young girls to dream of a better future in a nation where educating girls was seen as rebellion. They learn how to build robots for international competitions only to invoke the anger of the controlling Taliban. What kind of insanity says that females shouldn’t be allowed to use computers? This movie will make you angry to see such injustice but also inspire you when you see what the girls were able to **** film was written, directed, and produced by two-time Oscar-winning Bill Guttentag. Already, the movie has won an award from ReFrame.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Sharia law is illustrated, although not quite **** profanity (Yay!)We see a bomb explode in an Afghan townWe see real footage of the aftermath of a bomb explosionTHEMES:Education for girls in AfghanistanHopeCourageRoboticsPersistenceFemale empowermentSTEM programs in schoolsTHINGS I LIKED:This movie will give you all the feels. I got choked up several times and loved it. It’s so heartwarming to learn about the good things that are happening in the world.I thought it was so sweet at the 8-minute mark when Roya was learning how to use computers and we see through her eyes how the world looks through the internet and **** cast did a great job and included Ali Fazal, Nikohl Boosheri, Noorin Gulamgaus, Amber Afzali, Nina Hosseinzadeh, Sara Malal Rowe, and **** get to see clips from real robotics competitions and hear from international students who were **** get to learn about Afghan and Muslim culture a little bit.There is a moment when a young man offers to shake hands with the girls on the Afghan team. According to Sharia Law for Muslims, women are not allowed to shake hands with non-Muslim **** get to see some delicious-looking Afghan food.Amidst all of the exciting competitions, we see footage from real bombings in Afghanistan that remind us what a dangerous place Afghanistan is. We also learn about the huge numbers of land mines in the world and the frightening number of children that are killed because of **** robotics team of girls faced endless obstacles, one after another. Their determination is amazing.There is a little bit of humor, which is always **** of the international competitions required the teams to solve a problem in the world. We get to see what some of the teams created, which is so impressive. Remember, these are teenagers still in high school who do all of this!Before the movie ends, we get to see pictures of the real people the movie was about, as well as learn about the inspiring things they are currently doing.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:There is a lot of jumping around in timelines in Act 1, so be sure to pay attention to the screen when it shows the date. FUNNY LINES: None. It’s mostly a drama.INTERESTING LINES:“Knowledge is power. Here is the door to knowledge.” – Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri)“This is no longer our father’s, our grandfather’s Afghanistan. This is our Afghanistan too, our time.” – Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri)“If the boys can use the computers, then so can the girls.” – father“Nothing ever happened unless someone dreamed it first.” – Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri)“If the world were a different place, I would always say yes.” – father “How will things ever change unless men like you start saying yes?” – Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri)“I have a father who said yes to me and it gave me wings. And unless more fathers start saying yes, we will always live in fear. Is that who we are?” – Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri)“Don’t worry about where you start; it’s where you go.” – Samir Khan (Ali Fazal)“We are strong…and we can complain or we can fight.” – Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri)“This is the only sport in the world where everyone of you can turn pro!” – competition announcer“This is the Taliban winning. They want our girls to feel dirty and inferior. Is that what you want?” – Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri)“Most of the robots are going to lose; all of the kids are going to win.” – competition announcer

Movie Review Mom GRADE: CIN A NUTSHELL:The story is about a pilot who transports an Air Marshal who is accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness by air, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they **** film was directed by Mel Gibson. Writing credits go to Jared Rosenberg.TIPS FOR PARENTS:Lots of profanity, including F-bombsViolenceBlood and gory woundsTHEMES:Talk of crimesWitness transportCourageTenacityTHINGS I LIKED:Mark Wahlberg was off-the-charts craze-balls in this movie. He was the one who suggested his character be bald. Hilarious. He shaved his head rather than wear a bald cap. The poster got me because I’m such a Mark Wahlberg fan. Mel Gibson stated that Wahlberg improvised a ton of his character’s dialogue. Apparently, they had to cut a lot of the “really sick” comments he made. It’s the first time Wahlberg has played a villain since the 1996 movie **** fantastic cast also includes Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace, who both did a good job. The three of them looked like they were having a **** also hear the voices of Leah Remini, Paul Ben-Victor, Eilise Patton, and Monib Abhat.There is some comedy and a lot of **** had to have been difficult to film in such a tight space in a Cessna **** title is perfect and has a double meaning.There are some twists and a little mystery which help to provide some substance to the plot.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:I expected a lot more from Mel Gibson. He stated that he wanted the movie to just be a fun thriller for entertainment’s sake, but it could have been much **** trailer gives away the first half **** writing isn’t very good. The movie kind of felt like a dark comedy than a real thriller.Topher Grace’s character bounces from being hysterical to cracking jokes, which seemed **** makeup on various wounds looked terrible and super fake.FUNNY LINES:“If you don’t take off these cuffs, you’re going to be the one who has to do the paperwork.” – Winston (Topher Grace) when asking to use the bathroom“Honestly, I’d rather be on Spirit Airlines.” – Winston (Topher Grace)“I do this for fun. I do this for free.” – Daryl (Mark Wahlberg)“We like our pilots crispy.” – Winston (Topher Grace)INTERESTING LINES: None worth noting.

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+IN A NUTSHELL:This unique film was directed by Aaron Schimberg who also wrote the screenplay. The story is about an aspiring actor who undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance, but his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare.TIPS FOR PARENTS:This movie is not appropriate for kids.Young kids might be frightened by the monstrous-looking **** see blood, wounds, gore, and vomit. Bleh.Some profanity, including F-bombsPortrayal of a suicideWe see a completely nude woman “going at it” with a man in **** see full-frontal nudity of a man.Some bloody violenceTHEMES:HappinessFinding yourself: IdentitySelf-confidenceSelf-acceptanceSocietal pressuresManhoodInsecurityBe careful what you wish forVictim vs. heroTHINGS I LIKED:I’m so impressed with A24 for all of the interesting, creative films they have been pumping out in recent years.Sebastian Stan gives a fantastic performance and has already been nominated for several awards. His body language and demeaner really sold the role. Early in the film, we see a picture of the main character as a young boy with his mother. That’s actually Sebastian Stan with his real mother! Sebastian and the director also worked as the Executive Producers.Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve is lovely. I had never seen her in anything before. She reminded me of German actress Vicky Krieps.Adam Pearson is a British actor who has neurofibromatosis type 1 in real life. Speaking about living with his condition, he stated, “Kindness goes a long way.” It was filmed in only 22 days.Michael Shannon plays himself in a fun cameo **** play within the movie shows us many of the themes and messages. THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:The film makes New York City look like a complete **** film is marketed as a dark comedy, but it feels more like a body horrorNot everyone is going to enjoy or appreciate this type of movie. An audience member watching the play within the movie later comments about how long it was and how hard it was to watch. Those who didn’t like the movie are saying the same things.INTERESTING LINES: “Oh, my old friend, you haven’t changed a bit.” – Oswald (Adam Pearson)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: CIN A NUTSHELL:Jacques Audiard wrote, directed, and produced this ambitious, messy, and controversial film. He said he was inspired to write this musical by the 2018 novel “Ecoute’” by Boris Razon. “Ecoute” means “listen” in French, which is a word and theme used in the film over and over.I was an exchange student in Mexico way back when I was in high school, so I was curious how this movie was going to portray the country and its **** story is about a Mexican attorney who gets wrapped up in the drama of a drug lord who wants to change his gender to a woman.TIPS FOR PARENTS:This movie is not appropriate for **** see bloody images of a murder sceneEverything is spoken in Spanish, so we have to read subtitles.Talk of suicideDrug TraffickingSome violenceProfanity and F-bombsVarious weapons are **** see dead bodies.THEMES:HappinessRestitutionForgivenessFamilyDesireSecond chancesMexico’s drug trafficking catastropheTHINGS I LIKED: Zoe Saldana shows us more what she can do which includes singing and dancing. Selena Gomez provides the singing chops. She admitted she wasn’t happy with her Spanish abilities in the film, switching back and forth between English and Spanish. I thought her songs would be the best, but they’re disappointing.Karla Sofia Gascon is the first Trans actor/actress to win an award at the Cannes Film **** rest of the cast includes Edgar Ramirez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:We’re supposed to praise a drug lord who decides to have surgery to become a Trans woman? This is the hero of the movie? Really?Both Mexicans and the Trans communities have expressed deep disappointment and offense over how their people are portrayed in the movie. The word “disrespectful” has been tossed around quite a bit.I was surprised at how many errors there were in Spanish. What? Supposedly, the script was written in French and then translated into Spanish…by AI? The director admitted he didn’t really spend any time studying Mexico in order to ensure the culture, language, and trafficking issues were portrayed correctly. Later, he offered a half-hearted apology by saying, “Cinema doesn’t provide answers; it only asks questions. But maybe the questions in Emilia Perez are incorrect.”Even though the story is supposed to take place in Mexico, the entire movie was filmed in a studio in France!Zoe Saldana’s accent in Spanish switches from American, Colombian, Puerto Rican and Dominican, but her character is supposed to be Mexican. What?The AI voice software “Respeecher” was used in the film to make Karla Sofia Gascon’s voice sound deeper when he/she sings as a **** only Mexican in a big role is Adriana Paz. Mexicans have complained that she was given only 11 minutes of screentime, wasn’t on the movie poster, didn’t walk the red carpet at the Golden Globes, and didn’t get to sit next to her co-stars at the **** song “Vos Ya Sabes” has been rumored to be a rip-off of an Argentine pop song from 2011.Mexico is #3 in gender-reassignment surgeries in the world, but the movie shows Emilia going all the way to Israel to have her surgery there.These lyrics and choreography are not going to be all the rage on TikTok like they still are with Wicked Part **** length of the film is self-indulgent and **** night scenes are super dark, making it difficult to see what’s going on, especially if you watch this on a small **** film is simply trying to cover too much material.INTERESTING LINES:“To listen is to accept.” – Rita (Zoe Saldana)“Do you want to change your life or change your sex?” – Rita (Zoe Saldana) “What is the difference?” – Manitas (Karla Sofia Gascon)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: AIN A NUTSHELL:The story is about a former actress in the Hollywood Hills who is now married and a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband throw a party with some A-listers in the movie industry when an elderly woman arrives at their home, claiming it as her **** insightful comedy was written and directed by Nadia Conners. Already, the film has won “Best Drama” at the San Diego International Film Festival. Congrats to the team!THINGS I LIKED:The leads are fantastic and include Walton Goggins, Elizabeth Reaser,and Lois Smith.Other outstanding cast members include Pedro Pascal, Rufus Sewell, Michael Panes, Eva De Dominici, and Kate **** pacing is energetic with enough quiet moments to really think about some of the things people **** dialogue is witty, deep, and leaves you in a very reflective mood.A photographer takes photos of the party guests’ auras. How interesting!The story that Rose told her mother offers intriguing metaphors about love and life.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:I can always do without the profanity, drunkedness, and drugs…TIPS FOR PARENTS:Kids will be bored.Some crude language, profanity, including F-bombsAlcohol and cigarettesSome people snort lines of CocaineWe see a lot of cleavageTHEMES:WomanhoodAging and dementiaThe desire to be importantKindnessIdentityRelationshipsLove and lossRegretInfidelityLife’s expectationsTimeMarriageMotherhoodHollywood’s standards of beauty and successFUNNY LINES:“And Rose said I couldn’t survive the apocalypse.” – Sammy (Walton Goggins)“That doesn’t even sound remotely like a sentence your brain could manufacture.” – Rose (Elizabeth Reaser)INTERESTING LINES:“I want you to feel something!” – Rose (Elizabeth Reaser)“Without a sense of time, we’d just be lost, alone in the dark.” – Rose (Elizabeth Reaser)“You swear too much. It cheapens life. What’s the good of even getting dressed in the morning if all is obscenity?” – Helen“I thought you liked being a mother.” – fancy Latina “No. No. I do not. It’s lonely. And no one tells you that no matter how much help you seek from experts, there’s no way to fix that loneliness because the person you miss is yourself.” – Rose (Elizabeth Reaser)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: AIN A NUTSHELL:Congratulations to Jesse Eisenberg, who wrote, directed, and starred in the movie. Already, the film has received 75 nominations and won 31 of them. It was nominated for several Golden Globe awards, so we’ll see if that folds into some Oscar **** story is about mix-matched cousins who reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother, but their old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.TIPS FOR PARENTS: Profanity and lots of F-bombs Kids will be bored. The tour group sees the inside of a concentration camp, while the tour guide explains the horrors that happened there.Polish is spoken a few times without subtitles.A man slaps another man.THEMES:JudaismHolocaustPolandPainResilienceMental HealthRememberingTHINGS I LIKED:We get to spend some time in Poland! It’s on my Bucket List to go there someday. My husband has ancestors from Gdansk. I don’t think they were Jewish, but I need to research that side of his family tree more. In the movie, the characters visit their mother’s home in Poland, which is the same area where Jesse Eisenberg’s real-life ancestors settled in **** get to learn a bit about Poland and its culture. For example, Kieran Culkin’s character buys a traditional Polish hat called highlander or Gorale hat. It’s traditionally worn by men living in the mountains in southern Poland. We also see people eating Zurek, a Polish soup made with sourdough, which gives it a sour **** Jesse Eisenberg’s credit, this is the first time a narrative feature film was allowed to shoot at an actual German concentration camp where 59,000 Jews were murdered. We get to see the inside areas of the famous Majdanek just 2 miles outside Lublin. It’s hard to imagine a bustling town of people living so close to such a horrific place. Back when I was in college, I got to visit Dachau, one of the first concentration camps in Germany. I will never forget the images, nor how they made me feel that **** cast includes Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Jennifer Grey, Daniel Oreskes, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Will Sharpe. Kieran Culkin steals the show. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because he is the younger brother of Macaulay Culkin from the Home Alone franchise, among other films.I remember when people criticized Jennifer Grey when she got a nose job many years ago. She is aging beautifully and looks great in this.This movie is the film debut of Jesse Eisenberg’s son, Banner. Adorable.Emma Stone was one of the producers. She and Jesse Eisenberg starred in Zombieland and its sequel back in 2009.Jennifer Grey’s character uses the word “mishegas” when describing Kieran Culkin’s character he plays. I had never heard it before and had to look it up. It’s a Yiddish word that means craziness or senseless **** get to hear several piano pieces during the film which were composed by Fryderyk Chopin, a Polish composer and piano **** British tour guide played by Will Sharpe made an important point when he tells the tour group that it’s not accurate to paint a picture of Jews being led like lambs to the slaughter; many of them joined the resistance movement and tried to fight back in whatever way they could.I love the Jewish tradition of putting a stone on someone’s tombstone to show that they are not forgotten. There’s a scene toward the end of the movie when the two cousins try to put a stone on the stoop of the house where their grandmother lived 85 years ago, but someone tells them not to do it because the elderly woman who currently lives there might trip over it. Jesse Eisenberg explained that he wrote that scene to show that time moves on, irrespective of our strong, flailing attempts to hold on to it. In an interview on the Roger Ebert website, he stated, “You have to live in the present as much as you’re trying to grasp onto the past.”There is some humor to balance some of the heavy, dramatic moments.I love the triple meaning of the title. Kieran Culkin’s character is a real pain the neck, often leaving Jesse Eisenberg’s character grappling with how to handle him. The real pain also has to do with the struggles their ancestors went through during the Holocaust, as well as the current pain that everyone in the tour group deals with in their everyday lives.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: Sooo many F-bombs.INTERESTING LINES: “I didn’t expect to be crying before the tour started.” – Marsha (Jennifer Grey)“It’s good to be here.” – James (Will Sharpe)“This will be a tour about pain.” – James (Will Sharpe)“We numb ourselves to avoid thinking about our impact.” – Marsha (Jennifer Grey)“Yeah, but isn’t everyone in pain in some way? I mean, look at what happened to our families. Look at where we came from. I mean, who isn’t…you know, who isn’t wrought?” – David Kaplan (Jesse Eisenberg

RATING: RLENGTH: 1 hour 56 minutesMovie Review Mom GRADE: A-IN A NUTSHELL: The movie is based on Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey”. The movie was directed by Uberto Pasolini, who also co-produced it, and co-wrote it with John Collee and Edward Bond.TIPS FOR PARENTS:We see the naked backside of a man, full frontal of a man, and a lot of shirtless **** see topless women, one in an intimate moment with a man.Bullying THEMES:FamilyFidelityWarMarriagePower & **** mythsTHINGS I LIKED: Ralph Fiennes has had an incredible year in film. If he doesn’t get nominated (and win) Best Actor for Conclave, he very well could for this role. He has been nominated before but it’s crazy that he has never won! He’s a fantastic actor. He’s 62-years-old and looks like a ripped warrior! He gives us a magnificent, humbled, beaten-down soldier/king in this.Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche does a terrific job, as expected. She and Ralph Fiennes starred in two other films together: Wuthering Heights in 1992, and The English Patient in 1996.Beautiful cinematography by Marius ****’s refreshing to see a movie without a bunch of CGI and other special **** musical score by Rachel Portman felt epic and tender at the same time.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: Some scenes could have been easily cut to shorten the length of the movie.There are some dumb moments and lack of attention to detail. For example, there is a big, bloody battle that results in Odyssius covered in blood, yet his son who fought along side him remains ****’t expect a big action movie like Gladiator II. This is a slow burn with a couple of violent squirmishes here and there and a big action sequence at the very end.Some of the casting selected actors who looked like they spent more time in a gym or spa than in the old Greek **** you don’t like this movie, you’ll be happy to know that Christopher Nolan is currently working on another movie based on “The Odyssey” by Homer. It’s going to feature Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Ann Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson to name a few! Its premiere is scheduled for July 2026. Can’t wait! FUNNY LINES: None (This is a serious drama)INTERESTING LINES:“We all have our place in the world to uphold.” – Eumaes (Claudio Santamaria)“People love stories.” – Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes)“Glory? You think that’s what feeds our widows?” – Leodes (Aaron Cobham)“How can a man find war but not their way home?” – Penelope (Juliette Binoche)“Has all this waiting been for nothing?” – Penelope (Juliette Binoche)“We must not tell her. She’s not strong like us.” – Eurycleia (Angela Molina)“You didn’t know that the dead are the lucky ones.” – Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes)“Your war isn’t with Troy now. It’s here now.” – Eumaes (Claudio Santamaria)“My queen and the bow make a man of a beggar.” – Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes)’“My queen, is this the love you wanted? If she had been mine, I never would have left her.” – Antinous (Marwan Kenzari)“Would you still love the man I have become?” – Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes)“You cannot understand. I cannot understand.” – Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes)“We will remember and we will forget together.” – Penelope (Juliette Binoche)“We will grow old, friends again.” – Penelope (Juliette Binoche)

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-SPONSOR of Today’s movie review:IN A NUTSHELL:The music-filled biopic is about British pop-star Robbie Williams, focusing on his childhood and struggles with fame and vice. So, how is this biopic different from all of the others out there? Replace the star with a monkey, of **** movie was directed by Michael Gracey, who also wrote the screenplay with Simon Gleeson and Oliver Cole.Already, the movie has been nominated for 35 awards, including Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation, Best Original Song, and Best Motion Capture Performance. Kudos to the team.TIPS FOR PARENTS:This is not appropriate for kidsWe see Robbie do drugsSome violenceProfanity, crude language, and a million F-bombs, sometimes spoken by childrenBullying is portrayedSome girls lift up their shirts to show their bare chests. Later, we see three naked women in bed with RobbieWe see the facial reaction and movements during an intimate momentTHEMES:MusicDeterminationDreaming bigNegative self-talkConfidenceThe power of therapyMental healthFeeling like you’re never enoughFather/son relationshipsLove and lossFickle fameForgivenessHealing relationshipsTHINGS I LIKED:I love the unique way this music biopic of Robbie Williams is presented! It’s genius on several levels and was extremely risky. The use of a monkey is never outright explained in the movie, although the metaphor is very clear about how celebrities are often treated like performing monkeys. That’s definitely how Robbie Williams felt. It also reveals that he felt he was never good enough or “evolved” as others. The honesty he reveals in the film is raw, vulnerable, and powerful. Very few celebrities would be willing to bare all like this in a movie about their life. Luckily, audiences are really relating to the metaphor. Without the gimmick, this would have just been another basic biopic.British singer Robbie Williams earned his initial fame as a member of the pop group “Take That”, and later launched his solo career, all the while, struggling with drugs and alcohol. The majority of Robbie Williams’ voiceover in the movie is from recordings the director casually made in a studio before the movie was ever thought of. I’m American and had never really heard of Robbie Williams before. He’s a huge hit in the UK, but a bit of an unknown in the USA. I don’t know why he never had the crossover success that others have had, but Americans will definitely know all about him now because of this film! When he spoke at a premiere in Amsterdam recently, he said, “I’m showing everything in this movie except my hemorrhoids.”The visual effects are amazing, impressively detailed, and so creative. Jonno Davies does an excellent job providing the body-capture work as Robbie **** cast includes Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Kate Mulvany, Frazer Hadfield, Alison Steadman, and Raechelle **** film illustrates points in very creative ways, such as the underwater scene. The scene transitions were really clever **** get to enjoy some good music and great dance scenes. The first one is at the 33-minute mark. There’s a fun dance scene that was filmed on Regent Street in London. It took a year and a half to get permission since the British royal family owns it. Then, just two nights before they were going to finally film the scene, Queen Elizabeth II passed away, so the shooting was cancelled. Five months later, the producers raised more money and they were able to shoot the **** movie poster replaces the monkey’s image with the real Robbie Williams’ face that was used on his 1997 debut solo album “Life Thru A Lens.”I loved the energy of the movie, especially because the film is over 2 hours **** movie will give you all the feels. The ending is very sweet and earned.THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:It’s hard to feel too bad for people who earn fame and fortune and cause many of their own problems due to bad behavior and choices. Robbie Williams appears to be a classic narcissist in the film.Some viewers are calling this movie just another marketing project, describing it as a mix between Planet of the Apes and **** length of the movie feels self-indulgent, yet I do appreciate how Robbie Williams wanted to share his story and personal growth as a cautionary tale.FUNNY LINES:“Fame is a powerful aphrodisiac. It means even ugly people can get laid.” – Robbie Williams“You’re not as crap as I thought.” – Nigel (Damon Herriman)INTERESTING LINES:“There’s no such thing as a nobody.” – Betty (Alison Steadman)“You make me feel so small.” – Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno)“You’ve always been there for Robbie Williams, Dad. Why can’t you just be there for Robert?” – Robbie Williams (self)“Sometimes, it’s a curse to get everything we want.” – group therapy leader