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 

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

Movie Review: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

Title: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Length: 2h 2m

Released: 2024

Genre:  War, Comedy, Action/Adventure
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Delta

SUMMARY:

The British military recruits a small group of highly skilled soldiers to strike against German forces behind enemy lines during World War II.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I watched this on the plane while flying out to LA. I've been meaning to watch this so why not on a 4 hour flight??

The British are struggling against the flood of the Nazis. They are up against the wall, so Churchill and his group recruit a small group of highly skilled soldiers to strike against the Nazis behind enemy lines. They need to strike them where it hurts and in the most ungentlemanly way possible. 

So this was based off a true story. Records were recently released that Churchill authorized an unauthorized group of saboteurs to do what they can to give the US the open they need to enter the war and help the British. I feel like we keep finding out more and more about WWII. I don't think we'll ever know everything those men and women did to fend off the Nazis. It's unbelievable sometimes. 

I really enjoyed this. It was..........fun. I hate to say a war movie is "fun" but it really was. These guys in this group really don't take themselves seriously. They don't even really care about King and country. They want to kill Nazis and win and live. So yes there really was a humor behind all the seriousness of a serious war. 

The acting was great. I loved everyone they got. They worked well off of each other. 

The ending was great. I wouldn't mind seeing more of their adventures, but they gave the "what happened to them after the war" thing so I doubt we'll get more. 

All-in-all, I had a great time watching this action-packed war movie while flying. I was chuckling and rooting for these guys. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Absorbing

Movie Review: 1917 (2019)

Title: 1917

Length: 1 hr, 59 mins

Released: 2019

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

SUMMARY:

April 6th, 1917. As an infantry battalion assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Another movie I've been wanting to watch for a while. Thank goodness for long flights ;) 

It is 1917 and war is raging on. Two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message to stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap. They will have to go behind enemies lines to get there.

One of the main reasons I wanted to watch this is because WWI is highly overshadowed compared to WWII. It is rare we get a WWI movie, plus....that trailer? How could you not need to know what happens?

I hate to use this word....but this movie was beautifully done. Yes, it is war and dark and filled with death. But they did a great job. 

Honestly...I was speechless when I finished this movie. It was so good. The acting was amazing. The tension had me on the edge of my seat. 

The scene in the woods gave me chills. 

All-in-all, this was great. I want to watch it again NOT on a plane. This time on my TV screen that is bigger. Great cast, great music, great story...great everything. Def 5 out 5 from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Chilling

Movie Review: The Little Mermaid (2023)

Title: The Little Mermaid

Length: 2h 15m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Romance, Family
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Disney+

SUMMARY:

The youngest of King Triton's daughters, Ariel is a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. Longing to find out more about the world beyond the sea, Ariel visits the surface and falls for the dashing Prince Eric. Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Well....I bit the bullet and decided to watch this. I'm not crazy about Live Action adaptions so I'm so picky on what I'll watch. This had such mixed reviews so I wasn't sure...well...the siren's call finally got me.

Here we have Ariel who is a mermaid and she wants more. She wants a different life...she wants to be human. This desire becomes more ardent when she sees Prince Eric and how amazing he is. He is compassionate, passionate, adventurous, kind to animals, and handsome. When her family won't listen, she turns to the evil sea witch to help. 

Oh Ariel you innocent gal. I will say this version of the Prince I can see why she fell for him. She actually got to see him in action and hear him speak. Any young gal would find it hard not to fall for him. 

Now...there are some minor changes to the plot and to some of the songs. I didn't mind them at all. I did appreciate the mention of the siren's song and how its magical and actually saved Eric at the same time as cursing him. That addition made me happy. I also loved the addition that when Ariel was turned she was given a little bit of amnesia. She couldn't remember the fact that she HAS to kiss him before the sun sets. I honestly felt like this made her not seem desperate. She got to know him and fall for him and then WANT to kiss just to kiss him. I liked that. 

I am SUPER bummed that they cut out the French cook. Booo! I loved his little feud with the crab and the song lives in my head rent free.

The cast was okay. Surprisingly....I felt the weakest was King Triton. The actor is amazing but...he didn't seem hot-headed enough for the role. He had the sad thing going well, but when he was supposed to be angry....I just didn't buy it. I loved our Ariel and our evil witch. The voice acting was fun! I liked how they made the creatures look like actual creatures. Very cute. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the whole race thing. People lost their minds. But let's be real....it's a damned mermaid in a FANTASY movie. Who cares? She had the red hair still and a beautiful voice. That's all Ariel really is. I found it interesting pretty much all the daughters were of a different race. That was different. Did they all have different moms? I'm curious about the lore there. 

But again......everyone chill on the race thing. It's a mermaid movie for kids. No one cared when they casted Brandy as Cinderella with an Asian prince who had a white dad and black mom..............Not sure why THIS is the hill people want to die on. The actress did a wonderful job and that is all I care about. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy this much more than I thought I would. Some changes were great...some cuts I missed, but not enough to naysay the whole film. This was fun and a nice nod to the original. Casting was 95% okay. I had some issues with King Triton (he was too kind). Def worth the watch if you like the original. I'll give this 4 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Surprising

Movie Review: Godzilla x Kong - The New Empire (2024)

Title: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Length: 1h 55 m

Released: 2024

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

SUMMARY:

Two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island's mysteries.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I am such a sucker for Godzilla. Love that beasty. I've never been a huge Kong fan (there's something about monkeys and gorillas that I'm meh about). I missed the Kong movie and the last time these two shared the screen. However, I was assured that you could watch this fine without watching those two movies. 

Here we follow a group of humans trying to keep the peace between all the titans and the humans. Things start to bubble up (literally) and it's time to take action. There is something dark heading to the surface. They will have to try and get Kong and Godzilla to join forces. Yikes. 

Oh Godzilla! Love you! But we did spend more time with Kong here...and suprisingly....I wasn't mad about it. Kong actually had a storyline. He feels so alone since he thinks he's the last of his kind, but low and behold...he learns more. His knowledge quest, though, will unlock some secrets that could destroy the fragile peace. He'll need help from the humans and enemy...Godzilla. 

The people were right and you can def watch this film without the knowledge of the past movies. They give you JUST enough info to be all, "Ah. Okay. Fair enough" and keep watching on. 

Yes, we get to see Godzilla, but he isn't doing much besides kicking ass of other titans (don't worry they are baddies) and getting ready for the battle. Godzilla doesn't know what's coming, but he can feel it and he hears a call in the air warning and asking for his help. Love it, but yes, not much story there so we only get to Godzilla for a little bit until the big battle. 

WHICH I had more hope for that big battle. It seemed the baddie wasn't THAT bad on his own. He just has a secret weapon, but without that weapon. Meh. Weakling. 

This was loads of fun even the human stories! Whaaaa?! I know crazy. I actually cared about this group of humans and their part in the story! 

OOOOO! That twist melted my wee little heart. I was so excited to see a certain character!!!! Didn't see that coming!!!

TBH...I'm now curious to backtrack and watch the Kong movie and the previous Kong/Zilla films. This Kong isn't too shabby. He has personality and I was intrigued. Wow.....is this creator making me LIKE Kong? Past Carole is shocked and shook. 

All-in-all....this was fun. I enjoyed it. Beautiful CGI and I loved all facets of the story. The humans, Zilla, and Kong. I'll always be a Godzilla Gal, but I can appreciate Kong a little more. Strange when a movie can change your opinion a bit ;) 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Exciting

Not-So Saturday Movie Night: Damsel (2024)

This month we decided to review 'Damsel'. 

Blodeuedd is in purple and Carole is in red.

Title: Damsel

Genre: Action/Adventure, Fantasy

Released: 2024

Rating: PG-14

Site: Netflix 


A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt.

Click here for the trailer. 

DISCUSSION:

Movie review time!

Yayy! Movie!!! 

I wanted to watch this because it looked pretty awesome, and it was pretty kick-ass. She was certainly no damsel in distress.

Agreed! I wanted to watch this because it looked badass and a twist on the atypical story. I also wanted to learn the WHYS and HOWS. I’m glad we watched it. 

Of course I knew something bad is coming, hello trailer, but it is really bad isn¨t it. Like wtf those people!!??

THOSE PEOPLE! OMG!!! Especially when we learn….more….and the truth. No spoilers from me, but damn. 

You all effing disgust me! It was a lot. But it made for a good storyline as she learns more.

For real. And I was so mad at the dad for a while there. Ugh. Why are people so greedy???

I was mad too, but at the same time I understood. His kingdom and people were dying. Dunno what much help money will do though, it is obvi pretty bad there.

Yess, the money doesn’t seem that helpful at the end of the day. They literally need to move or something. The area is R.O.U.G.H. 

I kind of wanted to know why that was? Everything should suffer. I am thinking Volcano? Or little ice age for it to look that bad. But then here comes a green paradise

Yes….I feel like they should’ve showed us WHY it was so rough. Bad winter(s)? And I also wanted more in the end. I feel like we needed to see more. 

We will never know….

Sadly not. I can’t imagine a 2nd movie. Not sure where they can go with the whole thing. Unless they do something with the sister. Or if Elodie is THAT unlucky and finds herself in a whole different wild situation. 

I am good with no more. It was a good movie, and it ended. More would be…tricky. I do not want to see Elodie getting unlucky again. Then they are surely cursed. Oh and I will try to say this without spoilers. So at the end the island is just left…like who. And they just can. Dunno if you know what I am getting at. Turmoil people, turmoil!

Same. I’m fine with it being one movie. Elodie is a gem and doesn’t need more struggles. Same with that surprise/twist character. Eeeee. Okay. I need to spoil….[SPOILER ALERT] I wonder if Elodie is going back to their home to bring them back to this land? I mean…it is empty now. Unless the land will go to being poopy because they won’t have the dragon’s heat keeping everything like paradise? [END OF SPOILER]

Ooo! There is a book FYI. I wonder if we could get more answers LOL.

I was also worried near the end, I wanted the story to happen in a certain way, and it did! But I was wondering there for a moment

TBH…I had no idea how it was going to end. SO many twists and turns. When we learned a certain fact, I had an idea in mind…and I’m glad I was right but OMG I was worried!!!

Make it happen any other way and I would have been maaaad! A really good ending. Hahaha

Yes, a good ending even though we needed more answers. 

I honestly do not have a lot more to say, it would be all spoilers. Def worth watching.

It’s so stinkin’ hard to not give away more spoilers than I already did. Hahahaha. This was a nice watch. Fun, action-y, and loads of twists.

The end?

The end! ‘Til next time!

Book Review: Never for Glory by Lloyd Lofthouse

Author: Lloyd Lofthouse

Title: Never for Glory

Series: Josh Kavanagh #2

Genre: Military Fiction, Action, Suspense, Thriller

Format: ebook

Pages: 259

Published: June 25, 2023

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

He’d give his life for his country. But this time, it’s personal.

Josh Kavanagh burns for vengeance. Parachuting with no backup into a lawless area of southern Venezuela, the Special Ops legend is intent on hunting down the rogue agent who put his wife in a coma. But as soon as he gets feet on the ground, the loyal protector discovers he’s dropped into a trap… and a sex trafficking operation run by the Russian mob.

Fighting his way out and desperate to rescue the victims with minimal body count, Josh plans a daring raid on a remote ranch. But after learning the identity of the mastermind behind the hit on a former lover, the talented operative takes the law into his own hands on a hell-bent solo mission for revenge…

Will Josh’s single-minded thirst for justice finish on the wrong side of a gun barrel?

Never for Glory is the pulse-pounding second book in the Josh Kavanagh thriller series. If you like determined heroes, tough conflict ripped from the headlines, and page-turning action, then you’ll love Lloyd Lofthouse’s pursuit of payback.

Review: 

After reading the summary, I knew I had to check this out! I will admit, I was a little nervous.

Here we follow Josh Kavanagh. He burns for vengeance after his wife is put in a coma. After dropping into southern Venezuela, he soon realizes that he landed in a trap. He will have to fight his way out and bring down the sex trafficking operation run by a Russian mob and the mastermind behind the hit on his former lover. Will Josh succeed or find himself on the wrong side of a gun barrel?

Now, this is technically book 2 of the series. I didn't read book 1, but I had zero issues reading this. It did well as a standalone. Yes, some references are there about book 1, but the author did a good job of allowing the reader to understand enough to read forward. However...I am now curious about reading book 1 ;) 

Honestly, I was a little nervous when starting this. 1) this is book 2 - which I quickly realized this stands alone well and 2) My history with military-type books has been so hit-or-miss over the years. I am so picky when it comes to reading for a publisher/author so I didn't want this to be a miss. I took a gamble. Luck would have it that I quickly realized I liked the story! 

Josh is a gem. You can't help but root him on! I also adored his friend Cheete. Yes, he was a womanizer, but he was funny and very sweet. 

Oo! I also adored Adrienne!! I won't give anything away with her. Just know she is awesome. 

I must compliment the author. One of the issues I find with some military fiction is that the author gets a little heavy-handed with the military jargon. They get too stuck in the details to the point it feels like a textbook instead of a story. The author did a wonderful job balancing this. Yes, there is the jargon and we can tell the author knows what they are talking about, but a civvy like me can follow along easily enough and ENJOY what I'm reading. 

A nice set of characters and the plot was fun. Yes, seeking justice and blood is always classically fun. There is some darkness here, but with just enough comedy to combat the darkness. I really, really enjoyed this. I didn't and couldn't stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen to everyone and see the resolution. 

That scene with Cheete! Gah! I cheered but I also wanted to cry.

All-in-all, I found myself really enjoying this! I went into this a little weary, but I quickly found out that I liked this. Might I even say love? To be honest, I would like to read book 1 so I can understand Josh and some of the others better. I'm sure there is some history I'm missing out on. This has a good set of characters, an exciting plot, and it will make you feel. I'll give this 5 stars. I had zero issues with it and I didn't want to stop reading!!

 

Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger - #1 (Thriller/Suspense)

Movie Review: Napoleon (2023)

Title: Napoleon

Length: 2h 49m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Biography
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater 

SUMMARY:

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Trailer

REVIEW:

The moment I first saw the trailer I KNEW I had to see this in theaters. There was no other option for me. The cast....the director....the subject matter? Yes. 

This is about the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. We get to witness his rise and fall politically and with Josephine. While he conquered the world....Josephine conquered his every waking thought. 

The reviews of this are SO polarized. Which is fitting for Napoleon. In his life and even today he is either loved or hated. Makes sense the film would settle in the hearts of people differently. 

Personally....I ended up LOVING this movie. It was really good. I will admit that it was a slow, slow burn...........but it oddly fit. I loved watching the tension rise and rise until everything shattered at the Battle of Waterloo. Damn, that was a scene. 

The cast was brilliant and I loved watching them. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off Napoleon and Josephine. They were captivating in their portrayals and if they don't win SOMETHING I would be utterly shocked.

Lots and lots of people are mad since there were some liberties taken like the first scene with Marie Antoinette. Many claim Napoleon was not there. Well..........do we know 100% for sure? Who knows. And yes I could spot a couple of historical inaccuracies but you have to take Hollywood historicals with a grain of salt. The creators will change things and for lack of a better phrase...butter up the screen. Now there is a fine, fine line to be careful of and I found that they did a good job on that line. Historically accurate enough for History Nerds like me to enjoy it, but still have it be entertaining enough for people like my husband who is meh about history. *chefs kiss* Very nice. 

But yesssssss I loved it. It was good. I wouldn't mind a re-watch one day. I think it's going on the Apple Streaming Service (boo), so I may have to buy it on DVD one day. 

5 stars for sure. I for sure recommend this BUT be warned that there is a lot of blood. It is a war film at the end of the day.

Movie Review: Dungeons & Dragons Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Title: 

Dungeons & Dragons Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Length:  2h 14m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Action/Adventure, Comedy, & Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Watched at theater

SUMMARY:

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

Click here for the trailer

REVIEW:

I have been itching to watch this since I seen the first trailer eons ago. I love D&D and I love this cast. What could go wrong???

A charming thief and band of unlikely adventurers embark on a quest to retrieve a lost relic but things go wrong when they realize that there are dark forces at bay that could kill them all. 

Again, what a fun cast! And I loved the creatures and characters they used. The world of D&D is HUGE and there are so many character types and creatures they could've used, but I applaud what they picked! The bard is the main character...risky, but perfect with Chris Pine's charm and humor. Perfect main character. 

This was SO fun. What else can I really say? 

Lots of action. 

Comedy that will have you LOLing!

Heart that will make your heart beat!

Fun. You won't want it to end 

An evil and scary baddie that will make you scared for everyone.

Great times. Even if you don't like/know D&D, if you like fantasy in anyway you will adore this film. It was perfect and I can't wait for more. 

5 stars of course.