Mr. Holland's Opus

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is not the first time I have seen this movie, though it has been some time. Mr. Holland is a music teacher for a local high school, though it's clear this is not initially the career he wanted as he longs to write music. He finds a place in the school however, as he comes to understand the way that he can touch his student's lives and sees them grow. There are ups and downs, as with any life film like this, especially as Mr. Holland grapples with the reality that his son is deaf and can't share or hear his music in the same way. Even this becomes a learning point later on as a new understanding and acceptance is reached, leading to the culmination at the end of the film with his students performing his very own opus at the end. It could be seen as very bittersweet given the circumstances, but it truly is very touching all in all.

Wicked 2: For Good

Wicked 2: For Good (2025)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The producers set a high bar with the first installment, and this conclusion delivers. Fans of the musical may be surprised as we have 3 new musical numbers and, of course, a few small adaptations to the film (like Glinda joining in Wonderful). The changes flow very well with the story, though on a whole there isn't as much non-stop action as there was in the first installment. This is expected given the timing of intermission in the musical, yet they still manage to keep emotions high and drive the story even with the slower pace. Definitely one you'll want to see at least once. Now I'm waiting for it to come out on streaming so I can watch it again. 

Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


In some ways, this is similar to The Lion King 1 1/2 as it's formatted in a retelling format, except it's a story we haven't heard before and done in live action instead of animated. Timon and Pumba are also present as part of the story telling entertainment, but the real story is coming from Rafiki. He tells the tale of how Mufasa became the king of the pride lands, going back to his own days as a cub and how he ended up on an adventure of his own leading to meeting Scar (then known as Taka), Sarabi, and Zazu, all of whom will become foundational characters for the rest of the series. It also makes a lot more sense why Scar has always looked so different from the rest of the lions in the pride lands, as well as where the "outlanders" came from, along with why Scar would have a connection to them. It seems this version also merges the series together better as we're introduced to Kion, though his name isn't shared. It sets up rather nicely why Simba and Nala are away for Rafiki to tell Kiara this tale in the first place.

Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires

Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires (2025)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Zed, Addison, and their friends still have a central part in this addition, but it's more in the context of passing the torch to the next generation and helping these new monsters mend their bridges, using their own history and friendship as proof that you don't need to be the same species to get along. There are many parallels in the story and, as always, lots of music. Where the original movie portrayed zombies vs humans, this tells the tale of daywalkers vs vampires, though it would seem they are more similar than they were previous led to believe. It also sets the stage for another installment if the series does indeed continue with yet another unusual occurrence at the end of the film. Fans that have followed the series since the beginning will recognize some of the music as well as there are several references and throw backs to past experiences and songs.

Descendants 4: The Rise of Red

Descendants 4: The Rise of Red (2024)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I remember Red was a popular costume choice the year this came out, putting this at nearly a year later that I'm finally getting around to watching this. There was some apprehension about the film given the majority of the original cast is barely even mentioned and largely off screen for this film, leaving the story in the hands of a new generation. The majority of the tale is actually in the past as Red and Chloe set off on an unexpected adventure to try and fix the future before it's too late. As with all of the Descendants movies, the narration at the end leaves the story open to continuation should the creators choose to keep it going. There is a bit of an ominous vibe at the end as well with the warning to essentially be careful what you wish for, though at least for the moment, it would appear that there are many more positive options now open to the future.

Snow White

Snow White (2025)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


There are a lot of small changes to the story here, making it both similar and entirely different from the animated version Disney is already well known for. As with many of the other live action versions, there are some changes that are not as popular with the audience overall. The romance woven in the story is much more believable than the classic prince on a white horse sweeping in to save the day, let alone the queen's ending and what happens to the kingdom in the two versions. Dopey and the dwarfs get a larger part of the story as well, adding a bit of charm, despite Grumpy's vocal complaints. Overall, it was worth seeing it at least once for comparison, but wasn't a favorite that is likely to be at the top of a re-watch list.

The Bad Guys 2

The Bad Guys 2 (2025)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


It's understandable why there was so much hype leading up to this release. The artwork is incredible and the humor continues very well inline with the original movie, making for a very well done sequel. Secrets, reputations, treasures, and more are on the line as the Bad Guys try to prove they are still good while falling into some unlikely scenarios where their old skills come in more than a little useful. Some new friendships may be strained and put to the test, but this crazy group somehow manages to stay together. The ending is a bit of a surprise, though it plays in well with the rest of the series and leaves enough open that this could end where it is or lead into a new branch of adventure depending on the focus chosen. Even with all the secrets coming out, there may be even more hope than there was in the beginning.

Mission Impossible 8: The Final Reckoning

Mission Impossible 8: The Final Reckoning (2025)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This ties directly to events from the previous movie Dead Reckoning and the race against the Entity. While the title and indications are that this is meant to be the end of the MI movie series, the ending is along the same vein of all the other endings where it could continue in the future, though likely with some changes given allegiances that are tested and damages the team takes in the course of the mission. As usual, there is lots of action and seeming impossible situations that must be navigated to try and achieve their goals with the mission before they run out of time. In this case, stakes are higher than ever with earth's destruction and/or a new world war on the verge of breaking out if a different alternative can't be found to stop the Entity and save the world. Any one of the close calls in this film could have gone very wrong, and some certainly did, leaving some unlikely allies and unexpected decisions along the line as trust is tested and time is running out.

Mission Impossible 7: Dead Reckoning

Mission Impossible 7: Dead Reckoning (2023)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Hunt continues to end up in insane scenarios where missions never go as planned and he must beat death defying odds to achieve MIF's goals. Of course it's not an MI adventure without a girl to protect and enemies coming from multiple directions, including sometimes from within their own ranks. More than one familiar face returns from previous films. It's amazing the number of stunts they manage to come out of in one piece, let alone survive at the end of the day. Unlike many of the other movies, this ends on a clear cliff hanger note, where the mission is not entirely over yet, and it's clear there is still more to come tying directly into the narrative and next steps set out in this film chasing the AI Entity. It's an unusual type of ending, but makes sense especially to those watching it after the last film was released in 2025. It may even have more of a ring at this day and age given the increased AI movements across tech and increasing platforms to support such functions online.

Mission Impossible 6: Fallout

Mission Impossible 6: Fallout (2018)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


The CIA seems to cause more trouble than be of any help when it comes to MIF and Hunt's operations, which is not helped at all by suspicions fed into the organization suspecting him as the leader of the very Apostles he has been trying to take down. We see some unexpected characters come back to the main screen, and plenty of tight situations that seem impossible. Even the CIA has to admit MIF has a purpose at the end, especially once they realize just how far Hunt will go to save those he cares for - a heart and purpose that it seems many in these intelligence agencies are lacking.

Marvel Cinematic Universe 36: The Fantastic Four [First Steps]

MCU 36: The Fantastic Four [First Steps] (2025)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


I was careful to avoid spoilers before watching this, so other than family members informing me that they really enjoyed the movie, I didn't know what to expect going in. I had suspected more of a tie-in with the current MCU universe given the ending of Thunderbolts* with the rocket, but this has an old-time feel while still having advanced technology for the Fantastic Four, which is an interesting combination. Shalla-Bal as the Silver Surfer instead of Norrin Radd is also an interesting choice. Curious if we'll see both Silver Surfers at some point in the future or if this token will be the only nod to this part of the franchise given the previous Silver Surfer film, though it was not nearly as well done in terms of the world building overall. The adaptation of Ben's beard is also hilarious and not something that has been considered in previous film variations. On a whole, this was a lot more true to the same feel as the original comic books, and even kept the origin story much the same, while still moving things along. Johnny is even toned down a bit so while he's still more flighty and a charmer, he's much more focused on his family and doing something rather than just playing all the time, which is a drastically improved attitude for his character, though you'll still get plenty of banter between Johnny and Ben especially. The cameo for Doctor Doom at the ending was also iconic and a fun easter egg for those who look up the uncredited cast of the film. Hopefully it doesn't change for the next full length feature if we see Doom step onto the stage more fully as that would be a fun win for the entire MCU fandom.

Marvel Cinematic Universe 35: Thunderbolts*

MCU 35: Thunderbolts* (2025)

Rating: 3 of 5 stars


Yelena is a central character in this movie, though she doesn't have an alter ego like the rest of the Thunderbolts or the Avengers. It's clear that she's not satisfied with her current life and still misses her sister. Similar to Natasha, they may have been trained as assassins since childhood, but there's a gentleness and clear heart in these sisters that goes against their training. Similarly, Yelena finds herself in a rather unique family situation, though it's clear sometimes she's so embarrassed by them, she may wish she was back on her own. It sounds like there may be some conflict with their claiming the title as the new Avengers, even though they themselves were not the ones who initially made that declaration. It will be interesting to see how things evolve and if de Fonte will continue to be a concern or if her new public image will keep her inline with the team's own agenda, though that may be difficult to maintain. Most of the team seems to be fairly level headed, except Alexei, who seems unusually obsessed with his past as a super soldier and his new "team." Bob also claims that the power comes with a specific identity and point of view, so he may remain the odd civilian hanging out with the team, or maybe there is more than he knows to his abilities that might allow him to regain some control. It's also relatively easy to tell where we are in the series if you pay attention to the narrative as they discuss both Sam's  possession of "the shield" and the Red Hulk from the last movie.

Marvel Cinematic Universe 34: Captain America 4 [Brave New World]

MCU 34: Captain America 4 [Brave New World] (2025)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


For anyone only following the movies that has not seen The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, this is the first time we see Mackie pick up the shield on the big screen instead of Evans. There's a lot of action packed in and more than a few easter eggs, but if you haven't followed the series so far, watchers may be more than a little lost in the subtext. As an action film, it is engaging, but it doesn't seem to have as much of a story that it's telling. There are a few hints, especially at the end, for anyone paying attention, which makes sense especially following films like The Multiverse of Madness. It would seem the multiverse is here to stay with the popularity and ongoing references, which opens up a lot of possibilities for the series.

Elio

Elio (2025)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Elio is an orphan living with his aunt, however all he dreams about is space. Through a series of crazy events, his dream comes true and he find a whole new universe. There are more than a few lessons learned along the way, including finding his first real friend. Turns out, maybe he has some good things back home as well, and so does his friend as they both start out running away for very different reasons. Overall, it's enjoyable, but also not anything amazing or remarkable, especially when held up against other Pixar/Disney big hits. 

Jurassic Park 7: Jurassic World Rebirth

Jurassic Park 7: Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Surprisingly, this resurgence of this series is still going strong with this latest addition. Time has moved on enough that dinosaurs are largely back to being forgotten outside of no-travel zones where the majority that still survive live, surroundings the island where the mutations who weren't deemed good enough for public viewing at the parks are housed. It's been long enough now that we have a new cast heading out for research, though anyone familiar with the series won't be expecting all of them to return home. Half of the group intentional head to the restricted zone on a mission to collect DNA from three colossal dinosaurs in the hopes that this DNA will hold the key to needed heart medication for the human race. The other half of the group consists of a small family and a lazy boyfriend caught out at sea. While the group starts off as rather cutthroat and out for their own benefits, it seems there's more than a few good ones mixed in with all that ambition. Of course, it isn't a Jurassic movie without a t-rex, too. 

DC Universe 1: Superman

DCU 1: Superman (2025)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It took awhile to get around to watching this, but glad to have finally caught up. In some ways this follows the classic Superman lore a lot, and even introduces Krypto, Supergirl's dog. Supergril also makes a brief cameo, but is nothing like previous series have portrayed her thus far. There is a lot of mixing with the Justice Gang (replacing the previously well known Justice League in the DC fandom). It's rather hilarious recognizing some of the actors in the series, especially Green Lantern, as this is very different casting from previous iterations. There is a fair bit of humor mixed in, but a lot of high impact content, leaving this version with a mix of emotions that overall are enjoyable, but could turn the other way - especially as we seem to see a lot of the "Man of Steel" not being so invincible after all. The addition of the robots are also an oddity, especially against the name "Fortress of Solitude."

How To Train Your Dragon

How To Train Your Dragon (2025)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is the live action remake of the original animated movie (though that is also based on a book series). The dragons are especially well done, which is good as Toothless remains a pivotal character in the movie. There are definite highlight moments in the movie, and overall it follows the animated movie very closely, making it more enjoyable for fans of the original series. Some of the line changes don't make much sense or are delivered in a very deadpan tone however, which lessens the acting rating in comparison. Still enjoyable and glad we finally watched it, but it won't outrank the animated series in terms of favorites.

Lilo & Stitch

Lilo & Stitch (2025)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the live action version of the original Lilo & Stitch animated movie. There are some rather obvious changes to the story, especially when it comes to interactions between Lilo and Nani. While there were rumblings about the changes from the fan community when it first came out, truthfully they are far more believable and fitting to the storyline than the original version. This wouldn't be possible without Tutu though, who also is a new highlight in this version of the story. All in all, this keeps up a high energy through the entire movie and has a lot of good learnings with highlight scenes mixed in. 

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle (2025)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


I may not know as much about the series as my children given I've only watched the anime and haven't read the books yet, but my daughter loves spoilers and adores this series, so it still felt familiar with just enough mixed in of the unknown to still be enjoyable. The movie picks up directly where the tv series left off, so fans who haven't finished the original media yet may feel out of sorts as they are dropped directly back into the action of the Infinity Castle. As with the rest of the series, there are plenty of fight scenes and more than a fair amount of blood interwoven with man stories. We get more backstory of several characters, including Shinobu, Akaza, Doma, and Zenitsu. Those that are lucky inside the castle are either working in groups as the lower ranks trying to deal with the weaker demons so the Hashira can focus their energy on the upper moons and Muzan, or have paired up with another slayer. Tanjiro fortunately finds Giyu at his back while their old master guards his sister to keep her out of Muzan's grasp. We meet more of the Kagaya's children who had not previously been seen in the series, as well as a revisit from some of the retired Hashira to guard those who are not fighting in the castle directly. The crows are a bit of hilarity mixed in to all of the seriousness as well, between their flight to map out the castle and the rather loud announcements of various slayer's status. It's not entirely clear how the crows managed to get it, though it seems it may have something to do with Yushiro's demon blood art and the plan he and Tamayo laid out with Kagaya. It's understandable given the amount of content that this arc is broken up into 3 movies, though hopefully the following 2 will not be delayed given the resounding success and current fandom that could be capitalized on if they keep up the momentum.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie 1 [Mugen Train]

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie 1 [Mugen Train] (2020)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This takes place directly after the events of season one in the anime series. Tanjiro and his friends are deployed to find Rengoku and help investigate demon attacks on the Mugen Train. We get some interesting insights into all 3 of the demon slayers in this case, and even get to see Rengoku open up a bit to Tanjiro where he seemed pretty set in his ways during the initial meeting with the other Hashira. While it would have been interesting to see Tanjiro team up with Rengoku for a time, especially to develop this new fire breathing, it seems that is not the fate for this group at this time. We do finally see one of the upper moons, though there's been a lot of confusion over who actually is or isn't part of the Twelve Kizuki and just how strong those demons are compared to the rest that the Demon Slayer Corps usually are out hunting. Tanjiro also may inadvertently prove how he's different from many others again in this story as he tries to piece together what is happening and ensure the safety of the passengers on this runaway train.