Tag: 2025

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Movie Review

All I Want for Christmas is You (2025) Movie Review

All I Want For Christmas Is You – Movie Review

All I Want For Christmas Is You is a traditional holiday romance where a woman's love is tested by loss and unexpected reunions.

First Reaction – All I Want For Christmas Is You fits the holiday romance movie.

Where to Watch

All I Want For Christmas Is You (VOD Release 11/11/25).

Director: Ashish Chanana

Writer: Ashish Chanana (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Logen Cheatham
  • Sean Perry
  • Brad West
  • Denise Borraz Trepat
  • Joe Maria Fernandez

Plot: A charming marketing manager and a free-spirited creative entrepreneur fall deeply in love, until he vanishes in a snowstorm. Heartbroken after many months, she finds comfort in a new life and marriage.  But when her first love reappears just before Christmas, she must follow her heart and choose between the life she’s built and the love she lost.

Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: All I Want For Christmas Is You starts when marketing manager Ashley (Cheatham) meets entrepreneur Nick (West). At first, she refuses his advances because of their first meeting. However, a chance second encounter gives her a chance for love with him. However, tragedy strikes and Nick is lost in a snowstorm.

Ashley tries to move on with her life and meets someone new and begins a new life. She falls in love and marries a new person. However, Nick reappears, putting her life in chaos.

Verdict on All I Want For Christmas Is You

Recap

The movie follows a woman who falls madly in love before tragedy tears her apart. She moves on with her life until an unlikely return from her former love changes her life forever.

Best Parts

This plays into the traditional Christmas romance story, and if you are a fan of those movies, you will enjoy this. There is some fun music and solid performances throughout.

Worst Parts

Where the movie struggles is in doing anything original; there are also a few strange editing choices. It makes things very jarring, making it hard to enjoy the montages. Elsewhere, it is a bit longer than needed, with the major reveal happening much later than required.

Final Thoughts –All I Want For Christmas Is You is a by-the-book holiday romance movie.

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Movie Review

Bitter Desire (2025) Movie Review

Bitter Desire – Movie Review

Bitter Desire takes an interesting spin on the bigger revenge story.

First Reaction – Bitter Desire takes an interesting spin on the bigger revenge story.

Director: Simon Oliver

Writer: Thomas Bodine (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A policeman injured in the line of duty recovers at home, unaware that the nurse sent to take care of him is the girlfriend of the criminal he just put away for life.

Runtime: 1 Hour 10 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Bitter Desire begins when police officer Steve (Hill) is injured while taking down a criminal. His partner, Lexi (Dee), tries to take care of him, but they need a nurse for more full-time commitments. Elsewhere, Sasha (Benjamin) wants to avenge for boyfriend Steve placed in prison.

Sasha takes Harmony’s role as the nurse, getting close to Steve and understanding his everyday life. However, her methods put him through a tougher test, slowing down his recovery.

Verdict on Bitter Desire

Recap

The movie follows a police officer who gets injured in the line of duty. His partner supports him, and he needs a nurse to help with recovery. However, the new nurse happens to be the partner of the man who injured Steve and is in prison.

Best Parts

The concept of having a partner of a criminal entering the police officer’s life is an interesting and intense idea. It keeps us on edge, wondering where things could go next.

Worst Parts

The intense story never seems to feel as intense as the idea. A lot more is getting to know each other, rather than dealing with what they want to do. Elsewhere, the injury Steve receives doesn’t seem serious enough to need a full day of nurse treatment.

Final Thoughts – Bitter Desire is an interesting spin on a revenge story.

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Movie Review

Predator: Badlands (2025) Movie Review

Predator: Badlands – Movie Review

Predator: Badlands is an engaging action film that revitalizes the franchise through its unique characters and captivating storyline.

First Reaction – Predator: Badlands is a great addition to the Predator franchise.

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

Writer: Patrick Aison (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A young Predator outcast from his clan finds an unlikely ally on his journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

Runtime: 1 Hour 47 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Predator: Badlands starts when young Yautja clan member Dek (Schuster-Koloamatangi) must prove himself to the clan. He goes against his Father’s (De Jong) wishes to hunt the deadliest creature known to his clan.

Once he lands on the planet, he meets droid Thia (Fanning), who helps him navigate the area. However, their journey together helps him understand the bigger problems he is going to face. All gave him a chance to understand his place in the universe.

Verdict on Predator: Badlands

Recap

The movie follows a young Yautja clan member wanting to prove himself to his clan. However, his plan gets interrupted, leading to him needing to face the deadliest creature they know. Alone and on an unknown planet, he makes an unlikely alliance in his attempt to fight back.

Best Parts

Whenever Dek is unleashed into combat, we get a brilliant series of events. The world feels flushed out, and you want to watch as many different interactions with the unknown there. Thia lightens the mood, with her attempts to make friends with Dek and the chemistry the two show keeps us wanting to see more. This also shines by having the connection to the other movies, without needing to bring any of the characters back.

Worst Parts

The movie has a 3D gimmick which adds very little to the movie in the long run.

Final Thoughts –Predator: Badlands is a brilliant action movie and a welcome addition to the franchise.

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Movie Review

Frankenstein (2025) Movie Review

Frankenstein – Movie Review

Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro, offers a brilliant adaptation of the classic tale, showcasing compelling performances and a dual perspective narrative.

First Reaction – Frankenstein is a brilliant telling of one of the best stories of all time.

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Writer: Guillermo del Toro (Screenplay)

Writer: Mary Shelley (Novel)

Cast

Plot: A brilliant but egotistical scientist brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.

Runtime: 2 Hours 29 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Frankenstein starts when Victor (Isaac) is found in the Arctic Circle. However, he isn’t alone; his Creature (Elordi) is hunting him down and clashes with the crew. Victor recounts his story of coming from a wealthy family and meeting Harlander (Waltz) at medical school.

The two work together to understand reincarnation and master its power. However, the Creature they create becomes more difficult to handle — and, worse, to destroy.

Verdict on Frankenstein

Recap

The movie follows the legendary story of Frankenstein and his Creature. We follow the story from Victor’s point of view and his determination to learn science, and the Creature’s point of view, where he learned more about the world.

Best Parts

The movie splits the story into two points of view, which offers up the bigger conversation the original story presents. It keeps everyone having a motivation for what they see as the best thing in life, even if it causes trouble to others. The performances are fantastic and elevate the story throughout the movie. Elsewhere, the sets a brilliant, and take us into the world with ease. This is one of the best visions of the story and keeps things feeling more grounded to the original idea.

Final Thoughts –Frankenstein is an outstanding vision of the iconic story.

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Movie Review

Long Shadows (2025) Movie Review

Long Shadows – Movie Review

Long Shadows takes us down the typical revenge story, only to try something bigger in the outcome.

First Reaction – Long Shadows takes us down the typical revenge story, only to try something bigger in the outcome.

Where to Watch

Long Shadows, opening theatrically in 100 markets on November 7.

Director: William Shockley

Writer: Shelley Reid, William Shockley, Grainger Hines (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: In the twilight of the Wild West, one man’s mission to avenge his parents’ death turns hopeful when he discovers true love and the promise of a new life.

Runtime: 1 Hour 41 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Long Shadows starts when Marcus Dollar (Maye) arrives in a troubled town. Vivian Villere (Bisset) welcomes him into the saloon, where he meets troubled woman Dulce Flores (Cortez). Marcus goes on the run and saves Dulce, but quickly makes more enemies in the local area.

However, he has been planning his revenge against the people who murdered his parents and left him for dead. Meanwhile, the townspeople discover his true identity and look to finish off unfinished business.

Verdict on Long Shadows

Recap

The movie follows a young man who wants revenge against a ruthless gang that murdered his family. He disrupts a local town and begins eliminating members of the gang. However, his path creates new enemies who start hunting for him, too.

Best Parts

The core of the story shows the difference between wanting revenge and facing the reality of finding yourself deeper than expected. We get good performances throughout, which drive the story forward.

Worst Parts

The story pushes too hard for a bigger outcome, which felt overplayed. This only makes the story even more complicated to follow, as we jump around a lot and nothing feels as connected as it could be.

Final Thoughts –Long Shadows tries too hard for a shocking outcome.

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Movie Review

A Chrismystery (2025) Movie Review

Chrismystery- Movie Review

Chrismystery is a heartfelt holiday film about a cop and her daughter resolving personal loss while solving a theft in their hometown.

First Reaction – Chrismystery is a charming, enjoyable, festive film.

Where to Watch

A Chrismystery (VOD Release 11/4/25).

Director: Matthew Toronto

Writer: Sean Wathen (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A big-city cop reluctantly returns with her daughter to her hometown taking a deputy sheriff job.  Though determined not to stay, when the town’s Christmas lights, decorations, and tree are stolen, she sets her mind on the case where everyone is a suspect.   Solving the holiday mystery, along with the charming sheriff, she may just discover that love is always a gift worth giving.

Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Chrismystery starts when grieving deputy Annie (Lilley) and her teenage daughter, Leia (Levien) prepare for the next move. Christmas is coming, and Leia is desperate to celebrate this year, while her mother still holds back after losing her husband.

When the small town experiences a proper crime, someone steals the Christmas decorations. Annie must work with Sheriff Tom (Mayo) to uncover the truth and save Christmas. However, she has lost her Christmas spirit, and the case brings a new spark to her life.

Verdict on Chrismystery

Recap

The movie follows a mother and daughter as they prepare for their next Christmas after the death of their husband and father. They have a different way to look at the future and Annie must accept moving on with her life for her daughter’s future.

Best Parts

This uses the struggles of moving on after an unexpected family death. It shows the small town can be what you make it, you could be the outsider, or you could join a tight-knit community. Where the movie shines in holding back the romantic side of the story and focusing more on the community aspect of the story. The performances are great and give us a festive charm.

Worst Parts

There is the bigger question about whether Annie ever talked to Leia about their loss and why they need to move around so much. It seems like something is missed with the bigger problem between their strained relationship.

Final Thoughts –Chrismystery is a charming, festive film with a bigger point on community.

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Movie Review

Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers (2025) Movie Review

Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers – Movie Review

Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers gives a glimpse into her trial life

First Reaction – Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers gives a glimpse into her trial life.

Director: Emily Turner

Plot: Aileen Wuornos killed 7 men while working as a prostitute in Florida (1989-90), claiming self-defense against rape.

Runtime: 1 Hour 43 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers

Recap

The documentary follows the court case which exposed the trial Alieen Wuornos faced for the murders. She maintained the deaths came from self-defence against rape, but the case used her prostitution as a motive. It investigates how the trial became difficult because of her claims versus what could have been planned.

Best Parts

The documentary examines the complex decisions behind the debate over the death penalty. It uses this to show how motives could maintain a murder charge, rather than the death penalty. This raises the larger conversation and what it means to deal with criminals with questionable motivations.

Worst Parts

This focuses more on the trials rather than the cases. It focuses more on the serial killer and what drives her to maintain her popularity in search of not facing consequences.

Final Thoughts –Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers gives an interesting spin on dealing with death row.

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Movie Review

Facing War (2025) Movie Review

Facing War – Movie Review

Facing War explores NATO chief Stoltenberg's final year, highlighting challenges of supporting Ukraine and maintaining alliance unity amid rising tensions.

First Reaction – Facing War is a fascinating exploration into the challenging daily routine of the NATO leader.

Director: Tommy Gulliksen

Plot: NATO chief Stoltenberg navigates his final year, balancing Ukraine support promises with rising European war fears. His diplomatic skills face tests in maintaining alliance unity, especially with leaders like Erdogan and Orban.

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on Facing War 

Recap

The documentary follows NATO chief Stoltenberg in his final year in his role. He faces one of his biggest challenges with Russian invasion of Ukraine, as Ukraine plans to join NATO. However, political positions make things difficult, and he must find the best solution for peace between the nations. We follow how he navigates the problems between nations and his haunted past dealing with terrorists.

Best Parts

We get to see the daily routine, the big decisions and the process which must be followed to create and accept a new nation into NATO. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, we see the importance of calm and the differences in opinions between nations. This should open your eyes to the delicate lines between what seems right and what can be done.

Worst Parts

This is an important documentary exploring the final year. However, it isn’t going to be for everyone and tends to move away from the bigger conversation about what NATO is about. While this is more about what gets said behind closed doors, rather than hiding information.

Final Thoughts – Facing War is a fascinating journey through the final year of duty.

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Movie Review

A House of Dynamite (2025) Movie Review

A House of Dynamite – Movie Review

A House of Dynamite is a tense thriller about military and political figures responding to an unexpected missile launch.

First Reaction – A House of Dynamite keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Writer: Noah Oppenheim (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: When a single, unattributed missile is launched at the United States, a race begins to determine who is responsible and how to respond.

Runtime: 1 Hour 52 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: A House of Dynamite starts when Captain Olivia Walker’s (Ferguson) normal day of military surveillance takes a sudden turn. What seems like a normal test missile launch turns into panic. They run every test to explore what it could be and if America is in danger.

When the danger begins to appear real, Olivia must lead her team in confirming the threat. It follows the rest of the important figures in the White House, making a decision that could defy the outcome of the incident.

Verdict on A House of Dynamite

Recap

The movie follows military and political figures as they deal with an unexpected missile launch towards America. We follow different offices dealing with the situation as the best solution is being put together to stop the disaster.

Best Parts

The tension is palpable throughout every scene of the movie, as we witness the difficult decisions military and political figures are forced to make during a crisis. It does a great job of balancing the outcome, with ifs, buts and maybes about what could be happening. The performances are fantastic and keep us wanting to know more as the situation becomes more serious.

Worst Parts

The movie jumps between a couple of different points of view of the same situation before hitting the outcome. It can pull the tension of the situation away, especially when we meet POTUS and his daily routine.

Final Thoughts –A House of Dynamite is a tense, edge-of-the-seat thriller.