The Roses

 

As August draws to a close so does the 2025 summer movie season. As I wait for the break in this relentless heat, I once again sought refuge in the cool confines of my local movie theater to check out this weeks’ latest release, The Roses. While being inspired by the 1981 novel by Warren Adler, The Roses is neither a direct remake or reboot of the 1989's The War of the Roses dark comedy classic starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. This time around we have Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch facing off as Ivy and Theo Rose.

The Roses while still a dark comedy is also tonally a different in its focus and approach. Over its hour forty-five-minute runtime this love story turned cautionary tale takes you from the initial “meet cute” through to the explosive end of a relationship highlighting how competition and unspoken resentments slowly erode the facade of a picture-perfect couple to no one's surprise but their own.  It’s a raw, powerful, heartfelt/heart breaking, whip smart, charming, delightful ride. 

Colman and Cumberbatch are perfectly cast/matched with undeniable chemistry and energy. These two British powerhouses deliver magical performances that I could and wanted to watch all day. The repressed sensibility of British humor combines well with the “American” humor highlighted through Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg. The only disappointment for me on the American front is Allison Janney not getting a bigger part to play. Janney kills with what she's given, but I wanted so much more. 

Beautiful cinematography, great direction, good pacing, stellar dialogue, mature comedy that can be a bit raunchy at times (be warned if you have an issue with that), good soundtrack that will definitely get Happy Together stuck in your head for a few hours. I also want to give a shout out to the costume department for the creations they came up with for Colman’s character. They really helped tell her story.

The Roses retains an element of the absurd but feels more grounded and relatable than The War of the Roses. The character development, motivations, and lives are richer and actually made me like this film even more.  It’s definitely worth seeing in the theaters if you have a chance. I sound this one highly enjoyable.

The Roses gets a 10 from me.

#TheRoses

Nobody 2

 

I once again braved the outside world and ventured out of the house to check out a new film release. This week I opted to see Nobody 2. I failed to see the original Nobody when it came out in 2021 for reasons I can’t recall now. Only seeing it about a year to a year and a half ago but loved it enough to want to see the sequel on the big screen this time around. 

I’m glad I made the trip.

Nobody 2 picks up four years after events in the original as Hutch Mansell is still dealing with the fallout from his actions. And he’s tired. Really tired and just wants to take a vacation and make memories with his family. Unfortunately for him (and the entire Mansell clan) but lucky for us viewers, that simple, relatable attempt goes horribly wrong. Think John Wick on summer vacation.

If you enjoyed the original film, you’re in for a treat. Nobody 2 doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel. In fact, it leans into the original formula. Hard. And it works beautifully. It’s one of those rare sequels that unabashedly takes from the original, expands upon it in a manner that’s both ‘more of the same” yet entertainingly “fresh”.   

Much to my delight all the key characters from the original film return. The added bonus of John Ortiz, Colin Hanks, and an unrecognizable Sharon Stone add to the chaos, mayhem, and body count in spades. 

Solid direction. Great soundtrack. Awesome well-choreographed action-packed fight sequences. 

With a run time of only an hour twenty-nine-minute Nobody 2 packs in all the over-the-top desperation, violence, action, and humor possible against the heartfelt backdrop of family into such a tiny package perfectly. 

Nobody 2 simply put it just plain fun and entertaining from beginning to end. A summer popcorn flick that’s simple, but not basic. Pure mindless, brutal escapism at its best. A sequel that’s as good as if not better than the original. They did this one right.

Nobody 2 gets a 10 from me.

#nobody2

The Naked Gun (2025)

 

A new month and another trip to my local movie theater to check out one of this week’s newest release, The Naked Gun (2025).  Based on the beloved 1982 television series Police Squad that spawned the trilogy of late 80s early 90s films starring Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin, The Naked Gun (2025) looks to bring this brand of ridiculous over the top comedy to a newer generation. Having grown up watch the series and the films with my dad, I’d been stoked to see what kind of spin writer/director Akiva Schaffer, writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, and producer Seth MacFarlane would put on the franchise.

Without a doubt the best part of The Naked Gun (2025) is casting Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin, Jr. He leans into the role and is the perfect actor to inherit/inhabit the legacy established by Nielsen. The surrounding cast of Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Danny Huston, and CCH Pounder also came to gamely play. I wish that Kevin Durand was better utilized, but what we were given works so I’m not too upset about that.

As for the rest of the film, I hate to say I was left underwhelmed. 

All the pieces are there but they just don’t quite fit together and deliver the movie experience it should, or I hoped for. The script is fine, borrows from Kingsman Secret Service. Good music. Solid direction. Fun cameos, and the expected gags in a Naked Gun film.

The real problems, however, start with the pacing. With a running time of an hour twenty-five minutes The Naked Gun (2025) feels much longer. And that’s due to the largest problem I had with the film. 

The humor. 

I have a pretty great and broad sense of humor but in this comedy only about fifty to sixty percent of the jokes land. And of those there’s only a handful of laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled among the slightly amused to appreciative chuckle moments. When the humor lands, it slaps hard, but it’s not nearly enough to overcome the prevailing flatness this comedy delivers. 

A real let down for sure. I wanted a consistent comedy at the least and a laugh riot at best. Instead, I got a glimpse of what could’ve been.  There are little sparks of greatness but no real fire. A shiny example of “close, but no cigar.” 

It pains me to say for me The Naked Gun (2025) is a big swing that unfortunately misses.

The Naked Gun (2025) gets a paltry 5.5 from me.

#theNakedGun

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The summer movie releases continue to chug along and this week I headed to the theater to check out the latest Marvel release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Why? I honestly don’t know.

I think the 2005 Fantastic Four film is trash, 2007s The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, doubly so, and didn’t even waste my time seeing the 2015 Miles Teller led Fantastic Four. And no, I never watched the cartoon or read the comics. My interest/enthusiasm in this iteration has been lacking to say the least. Still, it’s hot and I figured an hour fifty-five minutes under someone else’s AC was worth a trip to the theater to check it out.

And here’s where I officially and respectfully tap out in giving a review.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is easily the best film version of this group of Marvel superheroes. A thousand times better than that 2005 mess.

Great retro sets and costumes. A solid script. Good actors/acting (truth bomb - Joseph Quinn’s younger, Dollar Tree, Robert Downey Jr. look kept messing with me and taking me out of the film). Good musical score, direction, action, and visuals.

It’s an entertaining film.

I’m not upset I went.

I just really didn’t care about any of it.

These characters simply do nothing for me for whatever reason. I’m not sure what it is but I never got past being apathetic about everything as it unfolded on the screen. There’s just something about this group that I've once again failed to connect with. No doubt it's a "me" thing for whatever reason. As such I’m not comfortable giving an opinion on whether or not you should give this one a gander at the theater. There’s definitely a lot there for folks to like and enjoy if you're considering going but I don't feel comfortable encouraging or discouraging you either way.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps gets a shoulder shrug from me. If you check it out, let me know what you think and how you feel about it. And yes, there are 2 end credits scenes. The first sets up next steps and the second is a splash of nostalgia.

#FantasticFourFirstSteps

Superman (2025)

This weeks’ new movie release had me returning to the realm of superheroes to see Superman (2025). For me going to see this one was more out of curiosity to see what new CEO of DC Studios James Gunn came up with in his first outing than a deep seeded interest in the actual film. The last few DC movies under the previous head left me underwhelmed to put it kindly. In order to keep myself open-minded for this one I made a concerted effort to avoid everything related going in except for a gander at the first couple of trailers.

As always, I preface the following review with my standard non-comic book reader disclaimer. My Superman knowledge/experience is limited to my exposure to Saturday morning cartoons, Christopher Reeves’ films and beyond, Smallville, sans the final season (one of these days I’ve gotta finish that series), and what’s included in Superman (2025). I’m well aware that I’m missing some major context as a result, so my take is going to probably differ vastly from that of someone like my comic book guru Ruben. Sorry buddy, but you’re gonna have to educate me on the error of my ways, yet again.

Anywho, I went in with the bar set pretty low as far as expectations. Namely that Nick Hoult to slay as Lex Luthor and not to be totally pissed I ventured out in 110+ degree heat to watch this on the big screen.

Down to the proverbial tacks of brass, while there are some things I personally have issues with (too nitpicky perhaps) when all was said and done, I really enjoyed Superman (2025).  It’s easily the best and most entertaining DC film to come out the chute for a while. Admittedly that’s been a pretty low bar for me and it’s early in the process, but Gunn has raised it exponentially. Delivering not only a solid film but a solid foundation to build upon for DC moving forward under his leadership.

Superman (2025) is ambitious and doesn’t mess around. Foregoing the standard origin story, this 2-hour 9-minute ride (complete with 2 end credit scenes which honestly you can take or leave depending on how your bladder holds up) pops off with minimal preamble and never looks back. While nice to get things moving, and largely paying off, having more context/development of where we are in the overall story would’ve served this reboot well. The presumption that we are familiar with this version of the characters/story I don’t completely love it, but I don’t completely hate either. You're joining in mid conversation.

Doing things this way also undercuts the development of a number of characters and the seeds being sown for not only this film but future projects across the DCU as well.  There’s A LOT packed in here and the feeling of being underdeveloped carried some frustration with me, especially with the cast.

So many great actors, Wendell Pierce, Skyler Gisondo, Frank Grillo, Nathan Fillion (bad rug aside), Maria Gabriele de Faria, and Isabela Merced (the screaming got old really quick) did what they could but there were just too many characters and not enough time to devote to fleshing them out as much as I’d like. Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific being a rarer exception. Loved every moment of screen time he got, had me wanting even more, and I wouldn’t be upset to have a spinoff. Definitely want to see and learn more about his character.

The casting of David Corenswet as the new Superman is a solid choice though honestly, I really had no idea who he was going in. Apparently, I saw him in Twisters but it ain’t ringing no bells. Whatever. I bought him as Clark/Superman and he and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois have good chemistry and play off each other well. I can stand a bit more “fire” from her Lois, but again, I’m being nitpicky. Corenswet’s portrayal is easily one of the most human depictions of Superman. It’s a shift that won’t appeal to everyone as all the weaknesses and vulnerabilities are on full display, but it works.

Nick Hoult absolutely slays and doesn't disappoint. Yas! His manipulative, dangerous, and terrifyingly intelligent take on Lex Luthor is everything I hoped for and more. If I’m honest between Hoult and Gathegi I’m good and everyone else is a welcome but just an added bonus. Great casting all around. Bonus surprise cameos both physically and vocally.

Superman (2025) has good pacing, direction, a solid script that reflects the current times without being overly heavy handed with the messaging so you can still enjoy the film. Lots of action, wit, heart, and charm. Heavy CGI, which is to be expected, but it’s largely well done and visually stunning. I only experienced a couple of eye-rolling induced moments, but they were few and far between. There are some subtle nods to Donner’s ‘78 Superman including one William Reeve (Christopher’s son) making an appearance.

Vibrant and alive, falling between the hopeful/optimistic and the darker versions sits Gunn’s Superman (2025). It’s scope and ambition soars on many levels while coming up short on others. Still overall the world building for this franchise in particular and the DCU in general looks promising.  When all was said and done and I’d mulled over everything, I can’t deny I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining and how much fun I had watching Superman (2025). It’s familiar yet new, predictable, yet surprising. I left the theater feeling satisfied and wasn’t pissed I left the house in extreme heat to see it in the theater.

Superman (2025) gets an 8.5 from me.

#superman2025

Jurassic World Rebirth

YES!

It’s hot as hell. 

It’s a long holiday weekend. 

The dinosaurs are back with a vengeance and I for one am all for it.

Great time to head to the movies.

This week writer David Koepp has teamed up with director Gareth Edwards and a stellar cast to once again bring the thrills and action based on the works from novelist Michael Crichton to the big screen in one of the biggest and most popular film franchises as Jurassic World Rebirth made its debut.

Short take.

Over the course of 2-hours and 14-minutes, Jurassic World Rebirth delivers in spades by going back to its original film(s) roots. Unlike the last film, we actually get to see and experience human/dinosaur interaction. 

Yay! 

Perfectly balanced moments of humor. Edge of your seat, tension filled action.  Wonderfully placed callbacks and homages to the original trilogy. T-Rex! Traumatized children! The music! And more! It's all there and it brings great joy.  

Squee.

Bonus points! Added fun watching Jurassic World Rebirth lies in how the film uses your expectations against you. I’m always a big fan of that.

The new cast delivers on performance and the new characters while not all equally well-rounded are developed enough to make you invested in whether or not they live or die.  There's enough there allowing you to pick sides on which you prefer and glorying in the end results. 

Jurassic World Rebirth has the character moments needed to make it more than an action film, good pacing, solid direction and editing. You also get the elements/tropes you want/expect in a Jurassic film. Familiar scenes/sights/references abound both from the Jurassic franchise and a few other popular films. There’s a comforting predictability that manages not to undermine the viewing experience interwoven with new surprises. 

Jurassic World Rebirth isn't just fan service or an obvious money grab. There's real thought and effort put into it and it's a payoff. For longtime fans, Rebirth feels like a respectful evolution from the original that gives us what we've been asking for and brings new hope for the future of a beloved film franchise. Jurassic World Rebirth is a great popcorn movie that need to be seen on the big screen at least once.

I’m giving Jurassic World Rebirth a 9.5

#jurassicworldrebirth

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