Ranking and Reviewing All Films I watched in Quarter 1 of 2025

           

Note: * = Early screening


        11) Black Bag (R)-

This movie was one I thought looked interesting. I mean it’s an espionage film. It sounded really cool. It wasn’t. The script was rushed and complicated. There was a lot of characters, and I didn’t really care about most of them. I feel like this should've been a book. 

         10) Rule Breakers (PG)-

This story was a neat story and one that I think needs told; however, the script was stale. The acting was bland. I thought it was a little too long. I think this story would've made a better documentary. 

               9) Brave the Dark (PG-13)-

This movie, I liked the storyline; however, the low budget, the acting and the script let what would’ve made a compelling story feel flat and lifeless. The story follows real life events and it is a great story of overcoming when the odds are stacked against you. 

         


      8) Dog Man (PG)-

This movie was cute. It is not as good as Captain Underpants, from the same studio and author. I felt a little let down because of how much I enjoyed Captain Underpants. I laughed a lot but it was extremely silly. 

               7) Last Breath* (PG-13)-

Good acting. Good pacing. But it was only good. Nothing about this film was great. It was just a solid entry to the cinema universe. I got to see this one early as part of AMC’s Screen Unseen. I liked the story, but it was a story that you can tell in 5 minutes. To stretch it out to 100 minutes was a tall order. I do think the team did a good job with that task. 

               6) One of Them Days (R)-

This movie felt like it could’ve been made into a sitcom. It was funny, original but I think it would’ve done better as a duo that people could visit weekly. The comedy was great (although a little raunchy). The acting was solid. The script was clever. Keke Palmer and Sza's chemistry was incredible. 


               5) Unbreakable Boy (PG)-

This movie was so heartwarming. I loved the acting. I love the script. But it did feel a little too family-friendly at times. I think this story would’ve done well as a PG-13 movie. Patricia Heaton and John Krasinski are both in it. They are two of my favorite actors. I also liked the young actors in the film.

               4) The Fire Inside (PG-13)-

This story was a great adaption of a real-life events. I really enjoyed the rise of this legend. The acting was good. The script was good, but I was wanting a little bit more from to make it great. I liked the story, I cried. I was frustrated for the characters when unfortunate events happened and felt happy when they had successes. I think with a larger budget this film would've ranked higher on my list. 

               3) The Day The Earth Blew Up (PG)-

The newest Looney Tune film was quite the surprise. I did not expect to like this as much. It makes me sad there wasn’t more promotion to this. I think Looney Tunes doesn’t have as large of a market as before; however, I do think with word of mouth this movie will catch on over the years and turn into a cult classic.

               2) Love Hurts (R) –
This movie really took me by surprise. It is about a kung-fu fighting real estate agent. I didn’t know what to expect; however, this movie was a breath of fresh air. There is nothing else really like it. The story felt like Karate Kid, Home Alone and The Accountant rolled into one, which made it a really fun watch. I have recommended this one to most movie buffs. 

               1) The Penguin Lessons * (PG-13)-

I got to see this movie early as part of AMC Screen Unseen. (You don’t know what you are watching until it starts). It started off a little slow but about 15 minutes into the movie I was hooked. I loved pretty much everything about it. The budget was a little lower and you can tell it wasn’t as polished as other films; however, I think that was part of its charm. It allowed the script and acting to shine, which both were solid. I didn't know any of the actors which made the story even more believable. 

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