Movie Review: Red, White, & Royal Blue (2023)

Title: Red, White, & Royal Blue

Length: 1h 58m

Released: 2023

Genre: Romantic Comedy, What If
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Amazon Prime

SUMMARY:

When the feud between the son of the American President and Britain's prince threatens to drive a wedge in U.S./British relations, the two are forced into a staged truce that sparks something deeper.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this since it was first announced! I adored the book and this cast looks so good. Finally got myself to sit down and watch it. 

There is a feud between the sons of the President of the US and Britain's prince. This feud hits an all-time high at a wedding and now it is a worry that this feud could drive a wedge in UK/US relations. PR steps in and decides that they need to become besties. However, this forced proximity sparks something deeper and much more controvesal. 

This was so much fun. It made me feel nostalgic for the book!! I may have to re-read it ;) 

Amazing cast. They were great. Can Umma be the next president? I loved her in this role. 

Such a fun story! I loved seeing these two go from enemies to lovers.Adoooorabllleeee!!!!

Yes, there is comedy, but there are some serious tones that I felt like they did a good job going over...especially for our prince. His grandfather, the King, knows his secret but in order to protect him and the Crown...he has made Henry keep it a deep, DEEP secret. I just want to squeeze Henry!! I get where the King is coming from though. This is unprecedent and he's scared. He doesn't think the British people will accept Henry if he were to come out as gay. If this was real life....I can see the fear. 

It's been a while since I read the book, but I felt like this movie did a good job respresenting it. I'll have to re-read it and see I guess....for research ;)

But yesssssssss I loved this movie. I can see myself watching it again when I need background noise. 

5 stars from me. 

Movie Review: All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

Title: All Quiet on the Western Front

Length: 2h 28m

Released: 2022

Genre: Drama, Historical, War
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

A young German soldier's eagerness to serve his country quickly fades when he witnesses the horrors of combat on the Western Front during World War I.

Trailer

REVIEW:

So I read the book a few years ago and I think I seen the 1930s version of the film when I was super young (or at least clips of it) so I was eager to watch this eventually. 

The story follows Paul and his friends. It is midway through WWI and they are eager to fight. However, they quickly realize war isn't pretty. Especially this war. While Paul and his friends struggle to stay alive and sane, the political world is on fire. Germany is losing the war and running out of bodies to send to the front. They will have to decide what to do.

I couldn't remember much of what happened in the book. There were a couple of things I remembered so I was prepared for some parts. 

You can't help but feel for Paul and his friends. War is hell....especially WWI. It was the dawn of a new age of fighting and they were being led by old folk used to the old style of war so the casualties were staggering. New technologies, new styles of fighting....no rules. This was war was a bloodbath. The film did a great job showing this. This was visually gorgeous. The music filled in the gaps and made this so intense. 

Now they did take away a few scenes of Paul going home at one point. I'm kind of bummed they did that because it shows how Paul is transforming. The beginning...he is a young dumb boy. The middle...he is losing his old self. The ending...he is the hardened soldier. Honestly, they could've compromised and just had him interact with civilians in some way just to show his realization he is not the old Paul anymore. 

However, they did add some political scenes which I did appreciate overall. It showed the bloated elite making decisions and being unsure if they should stop the war and sign the deal. The scene when they are all signing made me cry. That Armistice of Compiègne would seal the fate of Germany. Yes, the war is over which is awesome, but signing the armistice would begin a treaty that would be so harsh on Germany that it will lead to another and even more deadly war. The way they filmed that scene was so haunting and perfect.

This film was hauntingly beautiful. It was really good and I highly recommend it even if you haven't seen the past renditions or read the book.

I'll give this 5 stars. Yes, I was bummed they altered some scenes and removed Paul going home for a few, but the added behind-the-scenes political parts made up for it. Especially that signing scene. Oof. 100% recommend this film.  

Movie Review: Happy Gilmore 2 (2025)

Title: Happy Gilmore 2

Length: 1h 54m

Released: 2025

Genre: Comedy, Sports
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Revisit Happy Gilmore's golf career after his win in the Tour Championship.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Growing up 'Happy Gilmore' was a regular movie we would watch. Honestly, we were big Adam Sandler fans in my household. I was nervous when this was announced and then put on Netflix...

Here we follow Happy who had an amazing career until...it fell apart after tragedy struck. He is stuck and can't find his footing. His kids are now grown and his daughter has a chance to go to a famous ballet school in Paris. However, he's not golfing anymore and the money is gone. He will have to pick himself up by his untied boots and golf again. 

I was terrified to watch this. So many reboots and years later sequels crashed and burned. I wasn't sure if my little heart could handle it. With Netflix freezing on this and not letting me scroll to something else....I clicked "watch" and watched with my breath held. 

And I was blown away.

I actually enjoyed this immensely!!!!

WHAT?

Yes! This was a lovely sequel. Funny with big heart. I loved seeing some old faces pop up. I was giggling and forgetting that I am a women in my 30s. I felt like a kid and teen again. It was classic Sandler writing!!!

I loved the twists and turns with characters. There is one character I didn't expect to be a good guy after all they did (no spoiler). I loved that! Even baddies can get redeemed. 

The ending was sweet (with one last laugh) and gives us hope that there could be a 3rd film BUT it could end here and be fine. Love that. 

Issues? Mmmm nothing really. Maybe a couple of jokes didn't hit like it should and there were some characterizations that felt a little 2D. Like ALL his sons are all little rage monsters. I would've liked more depth in his sons. Maybe one could've been more like the daughter? I adored them because you could tell they all loved each other and especially their dad.

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. It was funny and had heart. I wanted more depth with some of the characters. Some felt hollow. BUUUUT the twists and turns were fun. We got to see some characters from the past pop up. Lots of fighting, lots of golfing, and lots of humor. 4 stars from me. 

Movie (Documentary) Review: The First American (2016)

Title: The First American

Length: 1h 35m

Released: 2016

Genre: Biography, Documentary
Rating: Not Rated (I would say MAYBE PG)
Where I Got It: Amazon

SUMMARY:

George Washington is central to understanding America's founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first President. George Washington's sense of virtue, his lifelong activity as a citizen, his reverence for the rule of law, and his commitment to establishing the American Republic make him the essential figure for every American to know and study.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I technically watched this July 4th weekend, but I honestly forgot to write this review. I watch so few movies these days. I've been more into my TV shows lately. So yeah - I went back and watched this just so I could remember what I watched. 

Here we dive deep into George Washington and his life and impact on the United States. He was the first president. He was very beloved back then and for some...still beloved today. 

I thought this was very well done overall. I'm happy that the creators kept this bi-partisan and didn't try to push their political parties' agenda. This was about Washington and his impact on this country. Nicely done. 

I'm glad they dug into his pre-Revolution life; his childhood and his young adult life. From the research I've done on the man, his early life is really interesting and really would lead him to victory in the future. He was a complex man and unknown man. He was quiet and reserved. I think the documentary did a good job reflecting that. 

The acting scenes were.....okay. Some bits were really good like the battles. But there were some cringey moments. I'm not sure the person playing Martha was the person to do it. Maybe it was the script? She seemed SO awkward. George was nicely portrayed, but Martha was a bit off. 

This was a nice documentary and I would recommend it to people who would like to learn more. Very informative AND interesting. It wasn't boring at all. I think this would be a nice tape for students. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Movie Review: Clue (1985)

Title: Clue

Length: 1h 34m

Released: 1985

Genre: Comedy, Mystery
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Pluto TV

SUMMARY:

Six guests are anonymously invited to a strange mansion for dinner, but after their host is killed, they must cooperate with the staff to identify the murderer as the bodies pile up.

Trailer

REVIEW:

The blogging world may or may not know, but I'm (at the time of this post) in a play rendition of this movie. Weee. I play Yvette the maid. Last time I watched this film I was a teenager (maybe young adult like 18 or 19) since the final weekend of shows are happening I decided to make my hubby watch this film with me. 

When six guests are anonymously invited to dinner at a strange mansion...bad things start happening. The host is killed and with the butler leading the way they need to unmask the killer before they too join the body pile. 

Man it has been a LONG time since I watched this. It was strange seeing this cast so young. Such a fan cast they were!

The humor is there and still funny. Some jokes might be a little dated, but still fun. 

I love, love, LOVE the fact that they have multiple endings! How fun! From what I have been told, back in the day they would give different theaters different endings just to cause chaos and confusion. How hilarious. Why can't movies be a joke upon themselves like this anymore?!?!?!

The whodunnit is hilarious because these are all very bad people (even the staff) so it's hard to determine who is the murder(s). Hilarious. 

Not sure if I'm just being biased because our version is a little more fast paced, but some bits (especially the beginning) just feels soooo slow. Maybe I'll rewatch this in like a year when the memories of my play fades and see if I feel the same way. 

All-in-all, this was a nice blast from the past and it was great having my hubby experience this before he watched our version of the movie on stage. 4 stars from me. 

For funsies...here is a picture of me and the cast: 

Movie Review: The Queen (2006)

Title: The Queen

Length: 1h 43m

Released: 2024

Genre: Biography, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: On the plane

SUMMARY:

After the death of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II struggles with her reaction to a sequence of events nobody could have predicted.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I swore I had watched this movie years and year ago. Some scenes seemed familiar, but it must've been before I started this blog or I just didn't type up a review. 

ANYWAY.

Here we follow Queen Elizabeth II after the death of Princess Diana. We get to see her perspective and that of her family. We also get to see the perspective of the new Prime Minister and his team and family. This event will make or break the crown. 

You have to feel bad for Elizabeth. She is a complex woman and had a complex relationship with Diana. People loved Diana but she wasn't perfect. The same can be said about Elizabeth. She is loved and hated all at the same time. I loved how they portrayed her. Helen Mirren is a treasure and everything she touches is gold *chef kiss*

Like I said, I feel like I watched this movie before. Some scenes felt familiar especially with the deer. The more I think about it....the more I think I watched this with Hubby. Now I feel bad because I never typed up a review from what I find. 

But yes, I really enjoyed this movie and I liked the mixing of real footage with filmed footage. It felt so real. 

I wonder if that scene with the deer really happened. Or was it made up? I should look it up, but in my heart I'll be sad if it was made up.

Again, great cast (especially who played our Queen) and it makes you see how complex these people are. Sure they are royalty, but they are so human.

All-in-all, I'll give this 5 stars. It was really good. It really gives you a nice behind-the-scenes look at such a tragic event. 

Movie Review: Wicked (2024)

Title: Wicked P.1

Length: 2h 40m

Released: 2024

Genre: Fantasy, Musical, Romance
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: On the plane

SUMMARY:

Elphaba, a young woman ridiculed for her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Honestly I have never really given much thought about 'Wicked'. Never seen the play....or read the book. I'm a bad musical nerd ;) I did know the basic premise and a couple of the songs. However, long plane rides makes the brain bored so I decided to give this a watch.

Here we follow young Elphaba and Galinda. The two can't be more different. Elphaba was born with unnatural green skin and is blamed for her sister's disability. She is ridiculed by everyone. And then there is pretty Galinda. She is popular and beloved. They are enemies to start, but soon find an unlikely friendship. They will find themselves meeting the powerful Wizard of Oz and come to crossroads. 

What a golden cast! Even the background/side people are gems. No wonder why they advertised the crap out of this. Golden casts cost a lot of gold!

The music was fun and captivating. 

The effects and scenery? GORGEOUS! A star just for that!

The story was...alright. I enjoyed it for what it was but I guess I don't truly get it. Maybe I need to see part 2 to get the full picture and WHY people are obsessed. It's entertaining, don't get me twisted, but I'm not IN love with the story. 

I'm honestly on Elphaba's side. Screw the Wizard and that society...especially what they are doing to their animal neighbors. Monsters the lot of them. Is that the point? If so....screw Galinda too for not standing up for her friend in the opening scene.

I am curious to see how it all ends. Sure I could read the book or whatnot, but eh. I'll wait. 

It was a fun watch. Nice music and a great cast. Not 100% on the story yet. I'll see how part 2 goes. 

4 stars for now. :) 

Movie Review: Nosferatu (2024)

Title: Nosferatu

Length: 2h 12m

Released: 2024

Genre: Horror, Dark Fantasy
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I've been wanting to see this since I first heard of it being in production. The oldie was a classic so yessss it was about time we get this remake. 

This is the story of a woman who is being haunted by something dark and evil. She's been haunted since she was a child. It disappeared for a while, but now it's back. 

Dark. Extremely dark. There are no glittery vamps here. This vamp is evil and will kill anything and everything. He's been locked up but his powers can still reach far and wide. What a scary dude. 

The acting was PHENOMENAL! Our vamp was certainly scary and creepy. Our heroine and hubby you rooted for and wanted to win. You want everyone to live, but you know they won't especially when he arrives (no spoiler here). 

This isn't a jump-scare. Sure a couple of moments might make you jump, but the horror was creepiness and feeling uncomfortable. Loved it. I get tired of scary movies relying on jump-scares and blood/gore. Sure we have it here, but that is not what makes this horror-filled. There is such a sense of unease and you know something is bubbling to the surface. The location and tones they used for the film made it even more dark. Such a beautiful job!

Honestly, I barely remember the original. I watched it when I was in High School....I should track down the original and re-watch it. From what I recall, this did a good job sticking with the heart of the story.

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this film. It was beautifully done and it stuck with me. Great acting. Great script. Great feel to the film. 5 stars. 

Movie Review: Downton Abbey A New Era (2022)

Title: Downton Abbey A New Era

Length: 2h 4m

Released: 2022

Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

The Crawleys go on a grand journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess' newly inherited villa.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Yayy. Movie 2. I'm still not ready to say goodbye so I was itching to watch this. Finally got my friend to come over and we watched this!

The Crawleys are landing in more drama. Some will journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager's newly inherited villa. Others will hang back and monitor the film industry coming into their home to film a movie. 

Yes, there is the humor, the love, the drama, and charm that you love from the show. It was all there!

I did cry twice while watching this, especially during a scene near the end. Oh my heart! *cries* 

I enjoyed this a lot, but there were a couple of plot points that seemed SO unnecessary to the flow of the story. Like....really? Why add that extra drama? There is already stuff happening. I won't say anything additional to spoil it....but I will say....don't trust London doctors. That is one thing this show has taught me. ;) 

The ending was lovely. It felt like everything was tied up nicely and it could end and I'd be okay with it. There is some wiggle room especially with what we know of history to see what the family does and how they react. It would be good, but I would be okay if we stopped here. It was a lovely ending and I would be content. 

All-in-all, if you like the show, you'll like this one. Make sure to watch the previous movie though. There were a couple of plot points I felt wasn't needed for the story, but other than that I enjoyed myself. 4 stars. 

Movie Review: Downton Abbey (2019)

Title: Downton Abbey

Length: 2h 2m

Released: 2019

Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Amazon

SUMMARY:

The Crawleys and their servants prepare to host King George V and Queen Mary at Downton Abbey.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I finished the show and had to watch the movie!

The Crawleys and their servants are called to host the king and queen. What an honor! What an adventure! Nothing can ever be simple though for Downton Abbey though. 

As I mentioned above, I finished the show and I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters, this world, and the story. I'm SO glad we have two movies. I watched this one literally the moment I watched the last episode. 

One can't help but love a good drama sprinkled with some romance and comedy. I love that we get to see the rich people and the servants. I love their relationship with each other. When you see each other every day you can't help but become friends. It's a tough friendship due to rank. It's pretty much boss and employee friendships. There is a lot of lines you have to be careful of.

OoooOooo the twist was good! I seen it coming a mile away, but I don't think the writer's tried hard to hide it. But it was lovely to see it come true. 

Poor Thomas. I want him to find love. 

What else can I say? This was great. It had all the charms of the TV show but just longer. We got to see our favorite characters running amuck. 

I can't wait to watch movie 2! I promised my friend I would watch it with him. UGH!!! Patience is not my virture ;) 

All-in-all, if you liked the show, you'll like the movie. 5 stars. 

Movie Review: Enola Holmes 2 (2022)

Title: Enola Holmes 2

Length: 2h 9m

Released: 2022

Genre:  Mystery, Drama, Action/Adventure
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Now a detective-for-hire, Enola Holmes takes on her first official case to find a missing girl as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that requires the help of friends - and Sherlock himself - to unravel.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Finally decided to turn this on. I'm so bad at watching movies. LOL

Enola is back at it! She gets her first official case to find a missing girl. This sparks a dangerous conspiracy. She will have to learn to turn to her allies for help...which includes her brother. This will take everything they have to unravel the conspiracies and mysteries. 

Honestly - I didn't know there was a book series. Eee. Whoops. I should read those someday. 

But yes, I enjoyed movie 1 and I enjoyed this one too. I'm actually really excited for movie 3 which is slated to come out in late 2025. The ending has me itching to see what is next!!

The cast is great. The mystery was fun. Now...I did guess who the big baddie was after a small clue. Yayy! I was right. But how deep it went and some of the twists? I was shocked a certain character was actually good. Oooo. No spoilers from me!

Am I a grouchy old lady?? Enola talking to the camera annoys me still. I hate when movies do this unless it has a good reason for it. WHO is she talking to??????? I get it when it is 'The Office' and it is a camera crew for a documentary....but is she talking to her imaginary friend? I don't really get it and I loath those bits. 

Other than that, I still enjoyed myself. I love Sherlock. I love mysteries. It was a blast. 

In the end, 4 stars is what I'll stamp it. 

 

Movie Review: Red One (2024)

Title: Red One

Length: 2h 3m

Released: 2024

Genre:  Comedy, Action/Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Amazon Prime

SUMMARY:

After Santa Claus is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security must team up with a notorious hacker in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I've been wanting to watch this since I first seen the trailer. How freakin' fun!

Santa is kidnapped right before Christmas and now the North Pole's Head of Security must team up with a notorious hacker and tracker. The two will travel the world to find Santa. 

This was refreshing and different and kick-ass. 

There was humor but I really appreciated the fresh take on saving Santa and Christmas. It's so nice seeing something original. 

Loved the cast. They were great!!

The action was a hoot. 

I loved the humor. It was there but it wasn't overdone or campy. 

The big baddie was a nice touch. Won't spoil anything. 

I'm disappointed that Krampus didn't more time at the end there. Again...no spoilers....but I was hoping for....more? Maybe there will be a movie 2. 

I also wanted more of the North Pole agents. They needed more kickass time. 

But yes, I really enjoyed this movie. It was fresh and fun and made me want Santa to be real. 

4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Kickass-y 

TV Short/Movie Review: A Garfield Christmas Special (1987)

Title: A Garfield Christmas Special

Length: 23 mins

Released: 1987

Genre: Comedy, Family, Animation
Rating: G
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

Garfield, Jon, and Odie go to Jon's grandmother's house for Christmas, where Garfield finds a present for Grandma.

REVIEW:

I love Garfield and I haven't watched this since I was a wee lil girl. I seen it on Peacock and had to watch it. :D 

Garfield and the gang go to Jon's grandma's house for the holidays. Garfield has to find a present for Grandma and...stay out of trouble. 

So cute. I loved Garfield as a kid and I still love that lil chonky boi. This was the perfect film to watch on the couch with a blankie and snacks. It's short and quick but it was funny. 

Even with the humor there were some serious tones here especially a certain scene with Grandma. It brought a little tear to my eye. 

Perfect for the holidays. I shouldn't let so many years go by before watching this again!!!

5 stars...of course. It's Garfield darnit. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Cute

Movie Review: Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Title: Despicable Me 4

Length: 1h 34m

Released: 2024

Genre:  Comedy, Family, SciFi, Action/Adventure
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Yayy I love these movies. I would say guilty pleasure, but I have no shame in liking kid or family movies. *sticks tongue out*

The story continues with our beloved ex-baddie Gru and his makeshift family. The introduce a new lil baby Gru Jr who seems to hate Gru. The family is forced to go on the run after Maxime and Valentina want to kidnap Gru Jr and ruin Gru's life. 

I was watching this while baking. Weeee so fun. I didn't realize this was on Peacock yet. I was waiting for this to show up. I'm bad and I hate going to the cinema lately. So expensive. Too many people. Gross. 

This was so entertaining! So funny! So adorable! 

I loved the scene with the honey badger. I hope he shows up more in the future. What a cutie pootie!!!!!!!!!!!

The side story of the minions was fantastic. The references were hilarious and great. 

I do recommend watching the past movies first to truly appreciate it, however, this was A-OK to watch on its own. Hubby sat down halfway through this and had no issues understanding things. I explained a thing or two, but he got it. Heck, he even chuckled at some parts. 

You know what? I'm give this 5 stars. This was enjoyable and if you need a good laugh....watch these movies. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Hilarious