How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

 

This week Dreamworks joins the trend of making live-action versions of beloved animated films with How to Train Your Dragon (2025) based on their 2010 film of the same name. I headed to my local theater of choice, joined by my friend (hi Jen) to check it out. I absolutely love the animated version of this film and had been looking forward to seeing how this one matches up.

For those of you who “poo, poo” the making of live-action films based on their animated predecessors, I think you’ll be happy with this one. Although there’s almost an extra 30 minutes of added content bringing the total running time to 2-hours 5-minutes, the faithful recreation of the original is abundant. Yes, there are tweaks here and there with expanded scenes, plot points, and world building yet the original story is still front and center.

Gorgeous cinematography and CGI work bring the isle of Berk and beyond to life. The dragons are incredible. I feel in love with Toothless all over again. It’s a stunning, believable feast for the eyes. The costumes and sets are rich with textures and details. The musical score soars.

The first twenty to thirty minutes of the film didn’t hold up for me as well as I hoped. The story is flat and a bit dry. I’m still not sure what it was about it for me, pacing? But it just lays there, and I was afraid the movie was going to be a total bust. I wasn't engaged and felt a bit bored. Once I got past the hump though, Toothless, I was all in for the duration.

Gerard Butler returning to reprise the role of Stoick brings everything full circle. However, it also showcases something that may very well be a “me” issue with the film overall. His performance felt more subdued and smaller. I felt that way about most of the actors/characters. Mason Thames’ Hiccup is more world weary and depressed than idealistic, self-deprecating, and lively. Nick Frost’s Gobbler is generic and forgettable. Nico Parker’s Astrid is fine but not fiery. The supporting cast of characters are so sidelined they aren’t as vibrant, defined, or impactful.

Everyone seemed restrained, and to varying degrees joyless. Again, may just be a me thing.

This version also dials back the overall edginess/darkness, snarcasm, and humor. It’s a kinder, safer Viking tale. I really wish they’d gone bigger and more in depth across the board. New takes are introduced but not explored so, why bother?

I’m still mulling this one over, but where I stand currently is How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a safe retelling of a beloved animated film. While going live-action expands the overall world various aspects simultaneously makes it feel much smaller.

It’s still fun, still enjoyable, still worth seeing on the big screen to get out of the summer heat for a couple of hours, but for me falls a bit short. I liked it but wanted to absolutely love it.

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) gets a 7 from me.

#howtotrainyourdragon

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

Another week. Another highly anticipated (at least by me) new film release in From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, the first film spinoff from the popular John Wick series. Len Wiseman of Underworld fame takes the helm, directing this 2-hour four-minute action-packed world building enterprise. The haters are already hating (no surprise) about having a female lead and John Wick not being the main character. So, if that sounds like you, don’t bother with this film or my review.

Anywho, I went in pumped to see where this franchise is headed to next, and I left with a huge smile on my face.

Ballerina has a simple, straightforward, solid script that does a terrific job of fusing the familiar world and characters of John Wick with the new world building story of Ana de Armas’ Eve in an organic and plausible way. The traditions, rules, and methods of the Ruska Roma are the backdrop for an entertaining tale of revenge every bit as satisfying as John Wick’s.  

Great casting old and new. de Amas’ is a sight to behold and there’s no doubt about the badassery she brings to the role. Yes, she’s physically smaller and weaker (she gets thrown around like a rag doll and gets the snot beat out of her) but the whole “fight like a girl” directive works and sells each and every smackdown convincingly and firmly puts her in the John Wick world. Watching her character’s skills development throughout the film is on point and impressive.  Weaponizing unpredictability in a brutal ballet, Eve's scrappy and fierce.

Yes, as shown in the trailers, Keanu Reeves does reprise his role as John Wick in Ballerina. Yes, it’s a fun as ever to see him.  A pure delight in fact. However, the best part of having Reeves return is it doesn’t define the film, only enhances it. I was completely engaged in the characters and story, not just waiting to see when he would pop up. Not an easy thing to accomplish in a franchise he helped establish, but Ballerina would actually work without Reeves at all. Yet having him present ties in nicely and is the perfect bonus. Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and the late Lance Reddick also ground the film in the familiar adding texture, depth, and connectivity. 

As with the other films in the franchise, there’s beautiful cinematography, great soundtrack, plenty of stunts and action, sly humor, and extreme violence resulting in a high body count. So, everything you’ve come to expect and more. New characters. New settings. New baddies. And Flamethrowers people! Flamethrowers! 

Squee!

Ballerina had me bouncing in my seat with excitement, squealing with delight, clapping excitedly, and “damning” out loud from start to finish. It’s an exciting thrill ride and a fresh, yet familiar take that breathes new life into the world of John Wick. Easily one of the best and successful spinoffs out there.  Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a film best seen on the big screen of your local movie theater. 

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina gets a 10 from me.

#ballerina

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

This week after embarking on a couple of impossible missions myself (finding an enhanced viewing at a reasonable time - epic fail and sneaking in and out of the house without tripping the security system (rotten dog) - success) I made it to Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning. The big question, after 29 years could this 8th film in the franchise deliver the goods and give a satisfying end to Tom Cruise’s run as Ethan Hunt? Overcoming my mental block of doing a late-night viewing, I’m happy to report that over the course of the 2-hours and 50-minutes, Cruise and company most certainly earned my trust and respect one last time.

Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning is the ultimate love letter to the franchise and its characters in the best possible way. The highest of stakes, jaw dropping and breath-taking action, out of this world visuals, surprise twists, homages, and going full circle going back the film franchises roots. All wonderfully executed in the manner that’s come to be expected (there is one scene that threw me off in its wtf/nonsensical vibe, but it was small and I’m overlooking it). 

Best of all? The heartwarming/heartbreaking emotions of, by, and for the characters. I’m not ashamed to admit, this film not only had me repeatedly on the edge of my seat. It broke me.  I choked up, I fought back tears and outright cried several times. Emotional damage alert! If you can hear the final message and not be affected, there’s something seriously wrong with you. 

There’s a nice balance of humor throughout. The pacing for such a long film is on point so there’s never a moment of boredom and you don’t “feel” the length weighing on you as you watch.  The script is great and does something so many films fail to do. You get swept up in the story to the point where logically you know it will work out, but emotionally you doubt it. You really buy into the possibility/probability this mission will fail.

While signs of Cruise’s 62 years are starting to show on his face a bit (enhanced screening is no one’s friend on that point) that’s pretty much the only place it’s showing. He gives us what we want and have come to expect.  “The run” is highlighted throughout without missing a step or slowing down. Cruise runs his ass off in these one folks. His refusal to take a knee or pull back on any of the crazy stunt work and action sequences pays huge dividends and it’s glorious.

The casts and their characters across the board are an embarrassment of riches that deliver on every level. Even some of the smallest roles that would be throwaways in most films are impactful and memorable, making you wish there would be more to come. I mean the soldier just wishing him luck? Hello, I wanted more of her backstory, please.

I can go on and on about this one (the current state of the world and political climate for one) but I won't. 

If this is truly the last Mission Impossible, Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning is a satisfying, worthy, chef’s kiss of a swan song. As the movie said: our lives are the sum of our choices. Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning is indeed the sum of all the previous films wrapped up in a memorable, sentimental, entertaining, and masterful bow.

Slow clap for Cruise and everyone associated with bringing this franchise to the big screen for the last 29 years over 8 films. Thanks for the memories. 

Do yourself a favor, accept the mission on last time and see Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning on the big screen as intended.

Mission impossible: The Final Reckoning gets a 10 from me. This review will not self-destruct in 5 seconds.

#missionimpossiblefinalreckoning

Lilo & Stitch (2025)

 

Ignore the calendar. 

The rising temperatures and the fast and furious new releases at the box office say summer movie season is upon us. This week I took to the theater to check out the latest Disney live action film release, Lilo & Stitch (2025). 

First, a small bit of housekeeping. When the original film came out in 2002, I thought it was cute and enjoyed it, but it never held a particular place in my heart. Still, being a Disney “kid” and having seen all their other live action takes, I didn’t want to miss seeing this one on the big screen. 

Onwards.

Like the other Disney live action releases, Lilo & Stitch (2025) takes heavily from the original, tweaks, and expands it and I for one found myself loving every minute of its 1-hour 48-minute runtime. 

Solid casting pays off.

Chris Sanders once again works his magic not only as writer but as title character Stitch. His fleshing out the character of Nani (Sydney Agudong) and adding Tutu (Amy Hill) brings new depth and richness to the story which ups the "feels" quotient. Tia Carrere returning to the film this time in the role as the social worker Mrs. Kekoa is a special bonus. Billy Magnussen (you can tell he had a blast) and Zach Galifianakis are delightful as Pleakley and Jumba. Courtney B Vance’s Bubbles isn’t as intimidating but nonetheless works fine since his role is now split with Carrere. 

Then most importantly is the casting of Maia Kealoha as Lilo. Not all child actors are equal and having the right on will often make or break a film. Kealoha makes this one. She's the perfect blend of sweet, sassy, infuriating, and heartbreaking. 

Missing is the character of Captain Gantu, but I didn’t have an issue with that choice. Unpopular opinion I’m sure, but with the tweaks and changes to the story his presence was neither required nor missed.

Great CGI work, beautiful cinematography, and kicking soundtrack all mesh together beautifully to bring this film to life. Lilo & Stitch (2025) feels more grounded and organic yet remains heartfelt and fun. 

I laughed. I had fun. I got verklempt and ended up fighting back tears. 

Dammit.

My theater was packed with families, many with young kids and all of them along with the adults had a good time. It was a rowdy viewing for sure, but the fact that I was so into the film that the clamor not only didn't bother me, but actually added to the experience, speaks volumes. 

I’m sure Disney “purist” will take exception to this version of the film, but I actually liked it better than the original. It captures the spirit of the original and adds the right amount of freshness to keep it entertaining, energetic, and relevant. Lilo & Stitch (2025) is still very much a touching story about love, loss, and the meaning of 'ohana

Far from broken, Lilo & Stitch (2025) gets an 8.5 from me.

#liloandstitch

Thunderbolts*

Once again let me start with my standard comic book disclaimer. I went into this film with no previous knowledge of the characters or story beyond previous films or television shows.  For that I defer to my man Ruben’s knowledge and insights (if he so chooses to comment). So, yes, my review is based solely on what appeared on the movie screen.

Onward.

My expectations going into Thunderbolts* was pretty basic. I wanted a solid film with decent writing that didn’t make me regret leaving the house to go see. Bonus points for having Sebastian Stan once again inhabit the character of Bucky Barnes.  Fairly low expectations to be sure, but let’s face it, Marvel Studios has been hit or miss for a minute.  What Thunderbolts* delivered, however, was all that and happily quite a bit more.

Thunderbolts* quite aptly for mental health awareness month brings the trauma, healing, and redemption in this emotionally heavy and dark team up. Stan’s Bucky is the chef’s kiss I wanted and came as no surprise. 

But for me, it was the rest of the cast, especially Florence Pugh as Yelena who gloriously shines.  I haven’t really given much of a crap for Yelena going back to Black Widow. Personally, I’ve been harboring some real resentment of the way her character has been shoved down our throats with Scarlett Johansson’s Marvel departure. But Thunderbolts* has changed that for me and I’m now excited about this character and thrilled with Pugh’s performance. 

Adding to my excitement this go around is David Harbour’s Alexei (his turn in Black Widow did little for me as well), and Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost (Ant-Man and the Wasp make her nothing more than a plot device). Both actors/characters are actually utilized to great advantage this go around and their fleshed-out characters shine and add depth and texture to the story.  As for Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, simply seeing him get his ass handed to him time and again just gives me a perverse sense of joy. 

Julie Louis-Dreyfus continues to shine as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and the glimpse of her past is a nice nugget to help unravel some of her mystery. Lewis Pullman’s Bob is engaging and intriguing in the best ways.

Speaking of joy, for all the heaviness of the film’s subject matter the joy of making it shines through. The script is solid, the actors are engaged, everything and everyone feels committed to the process of making a good film. The action sequences are fun, the character moments/beats are nicely balanced, and the pacing is good.  The humor works well; I especially enjoy the self-deprecation.

 All told Thunderbolts* does fire on all cylinders. It’s definitely a solid, enjoyable, and entertaining film. While it lacks some of the spectacle of many of the earlier phase Marvel films, it certain gives me hope that things are back on track and excites me for future films. 

Thunderbolts* is worth a trip to your local theater to escape the heat, get all up in your feels, and be entertained for 2-hours and 6-minutes. As always, if you do check it out, stay through the credits. There’s one mid credit and one post credit sequence. 

Thunderbolts* gets an 8 from me.

#thunderbolts

The Accountant 2

 

As the weather is heating up, so are the choices at the theaters. This week I decided to venture out to check out the sequel to 2016s The Accountant.  The Accountant 2 is set eight years after the original film left off.  Clocking in with a 2-hour 4-minute runtime The Accountant 2 brings more action, more violence, more humor, and more family along for the adventure.

The “feel” and narrative A2 is different from the original so it’s not simply more of the same with a bigger budget. Having Jon Bernthal as co-lead to Ben Affleck works well and the two have good chemistry and play off one another brilliantly. Their character moments elevate the entire production and give heart to the film. 

I'll never be able to hear Copperhead Road the same way. Certainly, put a smile on my face and made my heart happy.

J.K. Simmons shines to no real surprise. As for Cynthia Addai-Robinson’s return as Marybeth Medina, it works well, but only to a point. For me it feels like her naivety this time round is a step backwards for her character and undercuts her overall character arc.  She’s seen and been through too much at this point.

Justine and company are next level badasses that take “the guy in the chair” to scary levels and it’s awesome and exciting to watch.  

The story line is pretty straight forward this time around and it works but also loses some of the flavor the original film possesses. The villains are pretty one dimensional and generic, a problem indicative of many films these days.  They serve as plot points more than characters and are quite forgettable in and of themselves.  There's no "can't wait for this s.o.b. to get it" desire a worthy villain evokes. 

It’s all about the Affleck and Bernthal show.  

The Accountant 2 is entertaining. It’s a solid film overall and a worthy sequel that for my money falls just a tad short of the original but is well worth checking out on the big screen.  If you’re in the mood for some good action, violence, and humor be sure to check this one out.

The Accountant 2 gets a 7 from me.

#TheAccountant2

 

A little housekeeping here. Full disclosure, I’m a Disney kid/adult and do own stock in the company.

My, my, my!

Where to start?

Disney’s live action Snow White (2025) has been nothing but one lightning bolt of controversy after another for the last five years.  My interest in seeing the completed film in all honestly ranged from pure apathy to genuine curiosity at best.  This week, curiosity won out and I made the trip to the theater to see a discounted matinee showing along with a handful of other viewers.

I was actually ready to leave before the movie started, gawd damn they’re adding too many ads before, during, and after the previews these days! I stuck it out and with an open mind, sat back to see what Disney has wrought. 

The long and short of it, and much to the dismay of many I’m sure, I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed my viewing experience.

Snow White (2025) is one of the better live action remakes that Disney has made. 

The music, both old and new, is delightful. All is Fair and Princess Problems are fun compilations that musically and lyrically really add to the overall film. The performances were engaging (I’ll take Rachel Zeglar’s Snow over Kristen Stewart’s any day of the week and twice on Sunday). Gal Godot was wickedly good fun as the Evil Queen and those costumes are killer. Her capes alone are characters on to themselves. The expanded, updated, and fleshed out storyline and characters work well. The pacing throughout is good. I had zero problem getting pulled into or staying engaged with the film. I was entertained.

I absolutely loved how many moments/visuals from the original 1937 Snow White were captured, recreated, and brought to life. Pure delight on my part. Yes, I even bounced in my seat and quietly clapped over this. Honestly, I spent the hour forty-nine-minute runtime smiling, laughing, tapping my feet and glad I actually took the time to go to the movies to see this one. 

I did have a couple of issues. 

The timing of Snow’s costume change. Seriously, make that make sense. And girlfriend not only having pockets in her dress, but they’re apparently waterproof?! 

Then there are the dwarves...I just don’t know about them. 

I’m feeling some kind of way about them. Their looks fluctuated between creepy as hell and okay, nicely done leaving me a bit unsettled any time they were on the screen. It was also nice that they were more characters than affectations in this version.

The messaging in the film can get a bit heavy handed and saccharine at times, and I’m sure the messaging in particular will piss people off. But, oddly enough, neither really bothered me. Both work and are appropriate for this film.

Snow White (2025) is definitely not the Snow White of 1937, but it takes the bones from the original and does a solid and entertaining job of modernizing this classic fairytale. External controversies aside, the film itself is a good watch, a fun way to spend a couple of hours, and I’m glad I went to see it.

Snow White (2025) gets a 9.5 from me.

#SnowWhite