Christmas with You

 

Netflix's Christmas with You follows Angelina, a fading pop star struggling to stay relevant in the face of younger, trendier competition. Seeking refuge from the limelight and creative inspiration, she escapes to a small-town, leading to unexpected surprises and a shot at love.

The plot was super cute, heartwarming, and effortlessly gets you into the Christmas spirit. While there were moments of predictability and corniness that are typical of holiday rom-coms, overall Christmas with You managed to still keep me engaged. The themes of self-discovery, second chances, and the importance of embracing one's roots were prevalent throughout.

The cast breathes life into the story, showcasing genuine chemistry that makes their interactions believable and endearing. Freddie Prinze Jr.'s return to the big screen was impressive, adding a veteran charm to the ensemble. The diversity and authenticity shine through, with the intermingling of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture adding a refreshing layer to the narrative. The costumes are another highlight, adding vibrancy and personality to the characters. However, the soundtrack wasn’t quite on par with the rest of the film, feeling slightly generic and forgettable.

Overall, Christmas with You is a delightful surprise. It's funny, heartwarming, and offers a fresh perspective on the holiday genre. The quality elevated the film above its genre counterparts, making it more than just a fluffy holiday escape. With its charming cast and diverse representation this film is sure to put a smile on your face.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

 

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is the sequel to 2018’s Aquaman. The film plunges us back into the fantastical underwater world of Atlantis for the last time, where Jason Momoa's charismatic Aquaman struggles balancing the responsibilities of being king, along with being a husband and father. When the vengeful Black Manta, reprised by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, resurfaces with even more power than before, Aquaman must turn to former foes in order to save the world from irreversible destruction.

While the plot navigates familiar thematic territory I thought that it was still engaging. The film did a good job exploring themes of climate change, confronting and letting go of prejudices, family rivalries, and even forgiveness. The action sequences were fun, showcasing creative underwater battles and thrilling escapes. There were also some clever homages to films like Star Wars, Iron Man, and Black Panther. However, the CGI still fell short of achieving real cinematic magic, occasionally making the aquatic world feel like a video game. Additionally, the script often veered into cheesy territory with kid-friendly jokes that missed their mark.

As for casting, I appreciated the diversity of the group and could see Momoa’s influence in the friends he brought on to the project like Game of Thrones actor Pilou Asbæk. With Momoa also co-writing the film, I could also see his own personality and hobbies intertwined in his character, even more than before. From the rings he wears to the beer he chugs. Even the use of the haka and the motorcycle he stunts on, it's clear his passion for Aquaman permeates the film. I was a bit disappointed that they had Amber Heard back as Mera. Her chemistry with Momoa wasn’t really there and overall her performance was pretty lackluster. And when she wasn’t boring she was overacting. One scene in particular both she and Momoa's overplaying was cringe worthy. Also cringy and distracting was Dolph Lundgren's many confusing hair colors.

One of the only highlights in the film was Randall Park's casting as Dr. Stephen Shin. He is one of the select few who have now crossed into both Marvel and DC universes. He played a man with a conflict of conscious who was just trying to do the right thing.  He was really likable in this role. My only issue was him being casted as "smartest scientist".  It felt a little like a tried trope to me. 

In the end, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a fun adventure, notwithstanding some imperfections. It's not breaking any new ground in the superhero genre, but it delivered on its promise of action, entertainment, and a message about environmental responsibility. If you're looking for a lighthearted superhero escape with some familiar faces, dive in – but be prepared for some choppy waters along the way.

The Whale

 

Darren Aronofsky's The Whale plunges us into a week in the life of Charlie, an English teacher consumed by heartache and isolation that has translated into a severe binge eating disorder.

I thought that the plot was unique and engaging. Themes of mental health, grief, forgiveness, and the healing power of human connection form the backbone of the film. Aronofsky's signature visual style was present throughout, utilizing claustrophobic close-ups and suffocating interiors to immerse viewers in Charlie's emotional and physical prison. The film was heartbreakingly honest, refusing to shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, depression, and societal prejudice.

The casting was superb with Brendan Fraser at the helm delivering the best performance of his decades long career. It was no surprise that Fraser and the hair, makeup and prosthetics teams earned an Oscar. His a transformative performance as Charlie, both physically unrecognizable and deeply raw and nuanced in his emotional portrayal of a man drowning in regret and longing for redemption. He masterfully depicted the complex layers of Charlie's pain, weaving together his grief, the torment of self-loathing, and the flickering hope of reconciliation with his estranged teenage daughter, Elle played by Sadie Sink. Sink equally shined as Elle, a teenager grappling with abandonment and anger towards her father. Their strained relationship was one of the two emotional cores of the film, as Charlie desperately attempted to bridge the chasm between them. Hong Chau also deserved her recognition at the Oscars for her powerful performance as Liz, Charlie's fiercely loyal friend and caretaker. Liz was a beacon of compassion and rationality, constantly advocating for Charlie while also confronting his self-destructive tendencies. Her unwavering support offered a glimmer of hope in Charlie's otherwise bleak world.

While undeniably heartbreaking, The Whale ultimately left a lasting impression on me. It was a reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the importance of facing our demons with compassion and understanding.

Reptile

 

Netflix's Reptile is a crime thriller starring Benicio Del Toro as Detective Tom Nichols, a man on the hunt for a killer. As Nichols delves deeper into the murky waters of the case, he uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens his world and his sanity. But amidst the thrilling investigation, Nichols also grapples with remodeling his kitchen, adding a layer of relatable chaos to his pursuit of justice.

While the plot's originality might leave some wanting more, I appreciated the constant twists and turns that kept me glued to the screen. Director Grant Singer deliberately left some questions unanswered, inviting viewers to fill in the blanks and ponder the moral dilemmas presented, which I thought was an interesting choice. The themes of corruption, greed, and trust slither through every scene, forcing us to question who Nichols can truly rely on and how far he’d go to achieve his goals.

For me, the film's strength lied in its unpredictable characters. Singer aptly described them as "shedding skin," revealing hidden depths and blurring the lines between good and bad. Del Toro, as always, delivered a stellar performance. He embodied the weary detective with an obsession with his work, which sometimes bled into his personal life, creating a nuanced and believable character. His chemistry with Alicia Silverstone was a welcome highlight, adding genuine warmth to the cold blooded thriller. Silverstone shined as Judy Nichols, Tom's wife, showcasing a confident and complex portrayal beyond her usual roles. Justin Timberlake’s occasional overacting was a bit distracting, but overall he did well stepping out of his comfort zone as the slippery Will Grady. The supporting cast also held their own, with Domenick Lombardozzi excelling in his familiar tough-guy role and Michael Pitt offering a chillingly different side from his Boardwalk Empire days.

Overall, Reptile was a gripping and thought-provoking suspense thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. While the story may not be entirely original, the strong performances, unpredictable characters, and exploration of complex moral questions make it a worthwhile watch.

Falling for Christmas

 

Falling for Christmas is a Netflix holiday rom-com that follows a spoiled heiress who gets amnesia after a skiing accident and ends up in the care of a handsome cabin owner and his daughter. Starring Lindsay Lohan and Chord Overstreet.

I thought that the plot was easy to follow, although predictable at times, and definitely had a Hallmark Christmas movie vibe to it. I also liked its connection to the other movies in the Netflix Christmas Movie Universe with the A Castle for Christmas Easter egg. Even with its lighthearted nature, Falling for Christmas managed to also tackle some surprisingly emotional themes. The film delved into grief and reminding us of the importance of letting go and embracing new beginnings. This added depth to the story and made the characters feel more relatable.

While the acting was generally decent, the over-the-top makeup and costumes for Lohan, who played Sierra Belmont, in the beginning was a bit over the top. Other than that she shined in her return to the spotlight, leading us on a heartwarming journey of love, loss, and remembering what truly matters during the holidays. She delivered a charming performance, reminding us of her comedic timing and vulnerability that made her a star in the early 2000s. She embodied the transformation from a self-absorbed heiress to a grounded woman with surprising ease. The supporting cast was equally endearing, with Chord Overstreet bringing warmth and humor to the role of the cabin owner.

Overall, Falling for Christmas ticked all the boxes for a classic holiday rom-com, offering a sweet treat that delivers on its promise of holiday cheer. It's a perfect watch for anyone looking for a lighthearted escape into a world of love, laughter, and Christmas magic.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon is a gripping and poignant true crime drama that delves into a dark chapter in American history. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro, the film is set in 1920s Oklahoma and tells the compelling story of the Osage Nation targeted by greed and violence after oil is discovered on their land.

The plot masterfully explored themes of racial injustice, corruption, and the fight for truth, making the film relevant and thought-provoking. Gladstone, during her Variety's Power of Women speech and Vulture interview, emphasized the importance of avoiding the white savior trope when telling Indigenous stories. In this film, Scorsese honored her perspective, presenting a narrative where the Osage assert their agency and demand justice.

Scorsese's signature filmmaking style shined through meticulous period detail and masterful cinematography that created an immersive and unsettling atmosphere. However, some scenes felt unnecessarily drawn-out, making the film's runtime slightly longer than necessary.

The deliberate inclusion of a diverse and authentic cast, including the use of the Osage language, was commendable and added authenticity to the film. Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a captivating performance as Ernest Burkhart, a conflicted World War I veteran caught in a web of deceit. His portrayal of the character's internal struggle was convincing and added depth to the story. Lily Gladstone was equally impressive as Mollie Kyle, Ernest's wife. She embodied strength, resilience, and determination in her fight for justice, adding a crucial layer of humanity to the narrative.

Overall, despite a slightly long runtime, Killers of the Flower Moon was a gripping and well-crafted film that delivered a powerful message about the enduring spirit of a community facing adversity. Fans of historical dramas and true crime stories will find it a must-see.

Hot Girl Winter

 

Hot Girl Winter is a Tubi Original holiday comedy that offers a refreshing twist on the traditional Christmas movie formula. Starring Golden Brooks as Mrs. Claus, the film follows her as she embarks on a solo vacation to Miami after feeling neglected by Santa during the holiday season.

 

Golden Brooks was absolutely radiant and ageless in the role of Mrs. Claus, bringing her signature charm and charisma to the character. Schelle Purcell played her best friend Tamira. She brought the light hearted, comedic energy to the screen. The film also featured a beautiful and diverse cast, adding to its appeal.

 

While the film was clearly influenced by Hallmark-style holiday movies, it also managed to carve out its own unique identity. The Miami setting provided a welcome escape from the traditional snowy landscapes of Christmas movies, and the film's humor, while mostly corny did occasionally surprise with an edgy jab.

 

The film's twist on the Santa Claus mythology was also refreshing. Seeing a Black Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus was a welcome change of pace, and the film's exploration of second chances and self-discovery added depth to the story.

However, the film's low-budget feel was evident throughout. The production values were not as polished as those of bigger-budget films, and there were some awkward moments of overacting and poor script writing.

Despite these flaws, Hot Girl Winter was a lighthearted and cute holiday movie that offered a refreshing take on the genre. It's a great straight to video type movie that you will get you into the holiday spirit.