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.