Wicked: For Good

As the second part of this sweeping cinematic adaptation, Wicked: For Good follows the deepening relationship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good. 

This installment leaned heavily into mature themes regarding the power of propaganda and misinformation, expertly illustrating how "the truth is what everyone agrees on." The film masterfully explored how perception becomes reality, particularly as Elphaba’s genuine attempts to help are twisted into perceived hindrances by those in power.

The central cast was truly the heart of the film; Jonathan Bailey, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande played off one another with incredible chemistry and delivered superb vocal performances throughout. I particularly enjoyed watching the personal evolution of Glinda which provided a touching anchor to a film that challenged us to look at the world "another way." Jeff Goldblum was also a standout, perfectly capturing the manipulative essence of the Wizard in his role as the ultimate puppet master. While Michelle Yeoh’s singing may not reach the same vocal heights as her co-stars, her acting remained top-tier and commanding, adding a necessary gravity to the story's complex political landscape.

Visually, the film was stunningly beautiful and colorful, maintaining a sense of wonder even when the world of Oz became chaotic. While the songs in this second half didn't feel quite as catchy to me as those in the first, the emotional weight of the story made up for it. The narrative successfully balanced the clear presence of a villain with a cast of complex characters whose well-meaning actions were often misunderstood. 

In the end, while not as impactful as the first film, it still managed to tug at the heartstrings and remained an enjoyable conclusion to the story.

Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning

 

In the final film of the Mission Impossible franchise, Final Reckoning, Ethan Hunt is caught in a high-stakes race against time with only 72 hours to find and kill "The Entity," a threat that could end the world if not stopped. Starring Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell and Ving Rhames.

This installment pushed the tension to its limit, as it truly felt like any of the legacy cast members could die this time around. Central to the story were the powerful themes that "our lives are the sums of our choices" and that "we are masters of our fate, nothing is written." These ideas manifested in Ethan’s refusal to sacrifice those he held close, choosing instead to do the right thing at all costs.

While the plot followed the familiar franchise formula of things ticking down to the final second, it cleverly tied back to previous films, reinforcing the team’s bond and their iconic confidence that they "will figure it out."

The film exceled in its technical execution, offering action-packed fight choreography and suspenseful, at times claustrophobic, sequences.

I enjoyed the cast and thought the director did a decent job in hiring diverse folks. Everyone played well off of one another. I particularly enjoyed that they had Angela Bassett’s character in a strong leadership driven position. However, the character development, especially for the women, could have been deeper.

Despite being marketed as the final film, it felt like the door was left slightly open for future stories. Ultimately, it was a thrilling, high-stakes conclusion that successfully honored the long-running themes of the series.

Freakier Friday

 

Freakier Friday revisits the body-swap chaos two decades after the 2003 classic, this time following Anna’s blended family as they navigate a new generation of growing pains and possibly a repeat of Tess and Anna’s magical mishaps.

The film leans heavily into nostalgia, but it does so with enough heart and humor to keep it engaging. One of the more enjoyable elements was the return of familiar faces from the original. The cameos and callbacks acted as a warm homage, and the movie was sprinkled with thoughtful Easter eggs that longtime fans will appreciate. Even the soundtrack felt like a loving continuation of what made the original so memorable.

Emotionally, the film hit the right notes. It’s heartfelt and often pulled at the heartstrings, especially as it explored the complexities of family and second chances. While the plot was undeniably predictable, at times feeling like a copy-paste of its predecessor, it still managed to keep me engaged thanks to its storytelling and solid character development.

Jamie Lee Curtis once again stole the show; her comedic timing was sharp, and she brought an infectious energy that elevated every scene she was in. The expanded cast also introduced a more diverse ensemble. Not all of the new characters felt fully fleshed out, but their presence added dimension and reflected a more modern family dynamic.

Overall, Freakier Friday doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It successfully balanced nostalgia with new emotional stakes, delivering a funny, warm, and entertaining follow-up that respects its roots and welcomes a new generation into the chaos.