Gladiator II

I’m so torn on this movie. It’s pretty epic for Gladiator fans (one of the battles in the arena is worth going to see on the big screen alone) but it also felt way too similar to the first movie. I was hoping the plot would be a completely different story. One bright light is Denzel, he’s so good- he honestly had me conflicted about his character most of the movie. I will say, I was throughly entertained. 1 watch check (pretty amazing considering the length), definitely try to see this on the big screen. Ryan would stay awake and probably love this one.

The Last Showgirl

It’s a little hard to watch, as most very real stories are- watching a delusional performer try desperately to cling to their glory days. Pamela Anderson is perfect in this role: a has been but still working it as best she can. This role shows she’s more than just a pretty face. Once a stunningly beautiful showgirl who pushed everything else in her life aside to sadly learn it wasn’t worth it. Jamie Lee Curtis is outstanding as well – such a chameleon, that one. It’s worth a watch: a glimpse at this life that feels glamorous but is really more sad. 2 watch checks from me. Not sure Ryan would have stayed awake. It’s totally rentable, don’t need the big screen.

Wicked

A well done adaptation of a musical, I enjoyed it. I was a little surprised at the length with it only being part 1. I’m hoping the second half goes beyond the Broadway musical (as I don’t remember a lot happening after this…but I never read the book). Both stars did a fantastic job, the sets & costume designs were beautiful. I was hoping for a little more “magic” & special effects but maybe a lot of that is saved for part 2? (Crossing fingers)

2 watch checks from me, it’s definitely worth going to see on the big screen, Ryan would be snoozing as soon as they started singing- not his thing.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The juice is loose alright. Fans of the first movie will love all the throwback nods. Fans of Tim Burton will love the bizare-ness of this one. It’s very much like a fever dream…but creepier. Michael Keaton is outstanding…again. Honestly, he should get an Oscar nod. The plot seemed a little all over the place though and some stuff seemed just unnecessary and some things didn’t add up (Lydia should not be so wimpy for example). 2 watch checks. Ryan would stay awake. It’s worth going to see it on the big screen. I think I liked it but honestly, I’m not totally sold.

Deadpool & Wolverine

Marvel fans will love this movie- the writing, cameos, slow-motion action scenes, and comedy are just what you’re looking for. Let’s face it, no one is funnier & wildly inappropriate than Deadpool. If you‘re not a fan of bad language and gore, this movie is not for you. It’s quite entertaining, even if the plot (space/time multi-dimension fuzzy specifics) is a little…confusing. Only 1 watch check (I just couldn’t look away!), Ryan would definitely stay awake for this one and it’s worth going to the big screen to see it.

Arthur The King

I’m a total sucker for a dog movie, this one tugs at the heartstrings and will make you want to go save a sweet boy off the streets. The story is a really cool one but it felt surface level- I would have liked more history of the main character’s story (the man, not the dog). It’s a total rentable movie, I think Ryan would have fallen asleep and it was 2 watch checks for me.

It Ends With Us

I loved this story, because DV is not always the way you expect it to be. Missing red flags, not sure if that was really an outburst, socio-economic classes you don’t put in that box- this movie exposes these. And just when you think you know what’s going to happen, it surprises you. It’s on the slower side, like real life. My only question is why Lily and Atlas weren’t fiercely together from the beginning, but sometimes that’s more like real life too. (I didn’t read the book, so can’t comment on that). 2 watch checks, this is rentable and Ryan would be asleep within the first 10 minutes.

Twisters

You know what you’re going to see when you go to this type of movie, and you won’t be disappointed- lots of twister destruction. I was a little surprised at how much it was like the original- down to what the heroine was wearing. At least there was some updating: Glen Powell doesn’t disappoint, and how refreshing to have male eye candy and a female hero. A fun summer blockbuster, don’t expect too much. 2 watch checks, Ryan would stay awake and it’s definitely worth seeing on the big screen.

Furiosa: a Mad Max Saga

A cool origin story of one of the best Mad Max characters, Furiosa was a visual feast but the plot lacked a little. If you’re a Mad Max fan, you’ll love all the insane vehicle hybrid creations and driving battles. But it felt like we only scratched the surface of who Furiosa was as a girl and what life was like where she came from. I was still left with a lot of questions. Mostly, I just want to see what happens in the next chapter for Furiosa, she’s pretty bad ass. Chris Hemsworth’s character, Dementus, was more of a distraction, or maybe that was just his fake nose. 3 watch checks, Ryan would stay awake for this one! Probably better on a big screen- but Max is streaming it now.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Ugh. Not even Paul Rudd could save this movie. Where is the originality? This felt like a lame attempt at re-doing more of the same. Was great to see most of the original Ghostbusters but they were sadly underutilized. Skip it- you’ve seen it already. 4 watch checks. Ryan would be asleep within the first 5 minutes. Don’t waste money for the big screen, it’s currently on Netflix.