Red, White & Royal Blue

Red, White & Royal Blue is an Amazon Prime Video romantic comedy based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name. It follows Alex (Taylor Zakhar Perez), the son of the US President, and Prince Henry of Britain (Nicholas Galitzine), who initially dislike each other. However, when they clash publicly, they are forced to pretend to be friends for the sake of US-British relations. As they spend time together, their animosity turns into an unexpected spark.

The film expertly navigated a range of emotions with humor, drama, and heartwarming moments, keeping me hooked throughout. It explored coming as age themes like first love and embracing authenticity, offering much-needed LGBTQIA2S+ representation.

I appreciated seeing the diversity of the cast with Perez and Galitzine leading the way with captivating performances. Their undeniable on-screen chemistry made it easy to root for their characters. Perez shined as a leading man, showcasing his talent beyond previous roles, while Galitzine continued to impress with his charisma and range. Notable supporting performances came from Sarah Shahi as the no-nonsense deputy chief of staff, Rachel Hilson as Alex's blunt best friend, and Uma Thurman as the confident and loving first female US President, despite her questionable Texas accent.

The film's costume design was meticulously tailored, which enhanced the visual appeal and depth of the characters.

While not flawless, Red, White & Royal Blue was a breath of fresh air in the romantic comedy genre, offering an engaging, inclusive, and heartwarming tale of love and acceptance.

Purple Hearts

 

Purple Hearts is a Netflix produced, romantic drama starring Sofia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine. The film tackles the unlikely bond between Cassie, a passionate singer-songwriter and Luke, a troubled Marine who agree to marry for the financial and health benefits.

For me, even though the plot was predictable it still managed to be a heart-tugging journey. The film weaved in themes of addiction and the often-broken American healthcare system as well as forgiveness and rebuilding trust. Cassie's health struggles added another layer of complexity, showcasing the harsh realities of managing a chronic illness.

The soundtrack was a true gem. Carson as Cassie had a beautifully unique vocal range and edgy aesthetic that perfectly complemented the genera, making it one of the better soundtracks and performances I've heard and seen in a straight-to-streaming movie in quite a while.

Regarding casting, I found the diversity refreshing, and the development of even the minor characters, helped to add depth to the story. Carson and Galitzine shined as Cassie and Luke. Their undeniable chemistry made it easy to root for them, even in the worst of circumstances. Speaking of Galitzine, this is the latest in a string of impressive roles that I’ve seen of his, solidifying his position as a rising star to watch.

This film surprised me in the best way possible. Despite initial low expectations with it being a straight to video Netflix film, it delivered a charming story with strong performances and a soundtrack that lingered. It was a film that proved you shouldn't judge a book (or movie) by its platform. With its engaging characters, powerful performances, and a memorable soundtrack, Purple Hearts is a must-watch for those seeking a sweet romance wrapped around themes that resonate in today's world.

Civil War

Civil War is an action film set in a dystopian near-future America starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny. It follows a group of journalists as they fight their way through war-torn landscapes, in a heart-pounding race against time, to reach the White House.

Suspense hung heavy in the air as the journalists navigated battlefields and faced the potential collapse of democracy. The film served as a chilling cautionary tale, prompting viewers to consider the fragility of societal order.

While the story itself was timely and thought-provoking, it suffered slightly from a lack of backstory. A more detailed explanation of how America descended into this fractured state would have added depth. Likewise, some character development could have further strengthened the emotional impact.

Nevertheless, Civil War shined in its technical aspects. The cinematography was masterful, placing viewers right in the heart of the action. The creative use of camerawork, particularly from the perspective of the press, added another layer of realism.

The cast delivered strong performances, with Dunst particularly captivating as a hardened war photographer battling combat fatigue. Spaeny, who I also enjoyed in her film Pricilla, did a wonderful job as a more naive aspiring photographer. She is really one to watch with her fantastic range.

In the end, Civil War is a gripping journey through a dystopian America. While the film could have benefited from a stronger foundation and more fleshed-out characters, it remained a suspenseful and thought-provoking watch.

Irish Wish

 

Irish Wish is a Netflix romantic comedy starring Lindsay Lohan as Maddie, a book editor whose love life takes a backseat when her best friend gets engaged to the man of her dreams, Paul Kennedy, played by Ed Speleers. When all hope is lost, a magical wish lands Maddie in an alternate reality where she's the bride-to-be, but is this happily ever after or a recipe for disaster?

Unfortunately, the script fell flat. It was typical straight-to-video rom-com cheese with its corny dialogue and a predictable plot. While I did appreciated all of the diversity in the supporting cast, their characters remained largely one-dimensional. In this regard, Ayesha Curry, who played Heather, was still able to hold her own as Maddie's supportive friend. While not a standout performance, she delivered a steady and even-keeled portrayal that avoided distracting from the main characters. This is the first time I've seen Curry in a film, and it will be interesting to see if she pursues larger acting roles in the further.

The film's biggest charm came from Lohan herself who was likable and effortlessly stylish as Maddie, navigating the complexities of love and friendship. Both Speleers and James Thomas, who played a charming photographer, shared good chemistry with Lohan, which helped to make the central love triangle somewhat engaging.

Despite some shortcomings, the film still managed to offer some redeeming qualities. The stunning Irish scenery provided a beautiful backdrop, and the film championed themes of self-expression, following your dreams, and the importance of finding your voice.

With all that being said, Irish Wish was a predictable escape, perfect for anyone with a lighthearted rom-com craving. Just don't expect to be surprised by the plot or wowed by the acting.

The Idea of You

 

The Idea of You is a romantic comedy based on the debut novel of the same name by actress and author Robinne Lee. Starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine in an unlikely romance between a divorced mom, Solène, and Hayes Campbell, the charismatic lead singer of a popular boy band.

 

The film's greatest strength lies in its leads. Both Hathaway and Galitzine delivered captivating performances with palpable chemistry. Solène, played by Hathaway, was a testament to a woman's right to choose. She was beautiful, confident, and brave in her defiance of societal expectations. Hathaway's portrayal was a breath of fresh air, reminding us that love and desire have no age limit. Galitzine, a rising star with impressive range, shined as Hayes Campbell. Kind, firm in his convictions, and unwavering in what he wants, Hayes was a refreshing departure from typical heartthrob stereotypes. This is only the second project I've seen Galitzine in, and I'm eagerly anticipating his next.

The cinematography was beautifully cut as we are taken on a whirlwind of a love story though different sets and counties. The story itself was refreshingly unique, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as Solène grapples with the pressures of an age-gap and the complexities of fame. The film tugs at the heartstrings, exploring themes of second chances and defying expectations.

Adding to its charm, the film boasts a welcome dose of diversity in its casting. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore these particular characters, leaving them feeling underdeveloped and one dimensional.

In the end, even with its flaws, The Idea of You still managed to deliver a heartwarming and engaging story. If you're looking for a charming romantic comedy, that will strike an emotional cord, this film is worth a watch or two.

Challengers

Challengers is a romantic sports drama starring Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor. The film follows Tashi, played by Zendaya, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, who is laser-focused on one thing: winning. When her husband Art, played by Faist, a champion she molded, falls into a slump, she throws him into a low-level tournament where he faces Patrick, played by O'Connor, Tashi's ex-boyfriend and Art's former best friend. This sets off a steamy love triangle loaded with repressed desires and past baggage.

Zendaya aced her first leading role in a film. She was able to successfully portray a woman who was ruthless in her pursuit of victory, and her frosty demeanor made it clear that anything less was a personal failure. Her performance was the heart of the film, perfectly capturing a woman driven by a singular passion. I also thought that her costumes were beautiful and a perfect paring for her character. Supporting performances by Faist and O'Connor were equally strong, which helped to create a palpable web of sexual tension and unspoken desires that fueled the film's emotional core.

I could see some themes of repressed longing that were similar to what director Luca Guadagnino tackled in his acclaimed film Call Me By Your Name. The muted LGBTQ+ subplot added a layer of intrigue and was a welcome step towards more nuanced representation, even if it didn’t receive full exploration. Representation in mainstream media is crucial, and despite its shortcomings, Challengers offered a glimpse of questioning or potentially bisexual characters navigating complex relationships.

Unfortunately Challengers stumbled with its storytelling. The narrative was a confusing volley of flashbacks that disrupted the flow of the story. Guadagnino's stylistic cinematography choices, like filming from the players' perspectives during matches, was more disorienting than engaging. And the techno-heavy soundtrack also felt like a strange choice with the film's overall mood.

Despite these narrative stumbles, Challengers did not entirely disappoint. The central trio's chemistry was undeniable, and the exploration of ambition, desire, and the price of victory was thought-provoking. If you're a Zendaya fan, this film might be worth a watch. Just be prepared for some uneven editing and a soundtrack that might leave you reaching for the mute button.

Good Grief

 

Good Grief is a Netflix rom-com drama marking Daniel Levy’s film directorial debut. He also wrote, produced and started in this film that follows Marc, played by Levy, who must grapple with overwhelming grief after the sudden death of his husband. Seeking solace and a fresh start, he embarks on a soul-searching trip to Paris with his two best friends. This Parisian adventure becomes a catalyst for growth and self-discovery, as the group confronts hidden truths and redefines their bonds.

The plot was heartfelt and engaging. Though not focused on Christmas, it interestingly folded during the holiday season, offering a unique perspective on loss amidst a time typically filled with cheer. Levy was able to tell a beautiful and creative story that skillfully blended humor and heartbreak, offering a realistic portrayal of grief's messy reality. He was able to masterfully navigated themes of love, loss, healing, trust, and the power of friendship.

The Parisian setting added a touch of elegance, without overshadowing the film's emotional core which was undeniably reinforced by the exceptional performances of its diverse cast. Levy delivered a powerful portrayal of Marc, showcasing a depth we haven't seen before in his comedic roles. His vulnerability and raw grief resonate deeply, allowing viewers to connect with his character's journey. Ruth Negga and Himesh Patel shined as Sophie and Thomas, Marc's best friends. Their portrayals perfectly captured the complexities of their bond. The mix of unwavering loyalty, gentle humor, and a deep understanding of Marc's pain were on full display. The chemistry between Levy, Negga, and Patel was undeniable, creating a profound sense of friendship that felt genuine and supportive. Adding another dimension to the film was Luke Evans as Oliver, Marc's late husband. Evans portrayal of Oliver was larger-than-life, even in flashbacks. We see the love and affection Oliver shared with Marc, leaving a void that made Marc's grief even more profound. The dynamic between Levy and Evans was particularly well-played, showcasing the deep love and respect they shared as a couple.

Overall Good Grief was a powerful debut from Daniel Levy, showcasing his talent not just in front of the camera, but behind it as well. The film delved deep into the emotional depths of grief with relatable characters that were beautifully portrayed by a stellar cast. If you're a fan of Levy's work and appreciate a film that tackles difficult themes with humor and warmth, then Good Grief is definitely one to check out.