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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Build up for the next one

[6/10 · 23 May 2024]

Generations after Caesar's sacrifice, apes populate the world, humans are scarce and wild, and nature has retaken the things made by man. Noa is part of the clan of birds. While preparing for his right of passage, he encounters a human, and the world as he knows it falls apart. With his clan kidnapped, Noa must find and rescue them. As he travels across the land, he learns the history of humans and apes, the way of Caesar, and what it means to be a leader.

This is the fourth or fifth installment, depending on which movies you count in this franchise. The story leaves much to be desired and creates many questions and plotholes. It picks up decades into the future with a new set of characters but references the first three movies. The movie has a long runtime, with long, slow parts building up to short-lived, thrilling parts. The overall purpose of this movie is to introduce the next time period and characters and act as a build-up for the next installment. This is a must-see for fans of the franchise and completionists, but it can be waited on to stream, and for others, it can be skipped.

The Fall Guy (2024)

Romantic Comedy wrapped in an action flick

[7/10 · 18 May 2024]

After a near-fatal stunt accident, Colt Seavers leaves the job he loves and the woman who makes his heart soar and hides away from reality. After a year and a half in hiding, he is sucked back into being a stuntman in the hope of helping the same woman he left to fulfill her dream of directing a movie. While filming, he searches for the actor he doubles for and stumbles into a dangerous situation.

This is a romantic comedy wrapped in an action movie. The movie focuses on the unsung heroes, the stunt people and crew, and their fantastic contributions to movies. It is funny, action-packed, and has cute romantic comedy moments. The movie has a good story, which pokes fun at many action arches, stunts, and the supposed relationship between actors and their stunt doubles. The ending drags on a bit, but the movie is an excellent watch, especially for a date night.

Unsung Hero (2024)

Viewer determines the hero

[6/10 · 15 May 2024]

An Australian music promoter goes belly up after investing in a massive tour. With all possibilities exhausted, he moves his family to Nashville, hoping to start over. With the support of his wife and kids, they get to work surviving in their new home. Doing what he does best, he invests in his daughter and sets out to make her dream of a music career a reality.

This is the true story of how the Smallbones migrated from Australia to America and achieved their dreams of becoming musical sensations. The movie is heavy on Christianity and religion, but the hero is dependent on the viewer. The movie shifts its focus from religion to family, struggle, and the music industry. This movie is definitely for the Christian fan base, but anyone can enjoy it.

Spy x Family Code: White (2023)

Don't need to watch the series to enjoy this

[7/10 · 9 May 2024]

Agent Loid created a fake family to accomplish his mission, but little did he know that each family member had a secret. His fake wife, Yor, was an international assassin, their adopted daughter, Anya, was a telepath, and their family pet, Bond, could predict the future. Anya was the key to his mission, and she now had to win a school cooking competition, so the family vacationed to find the perfect dessert. While enjoying their time together, they unknowingly stumble into a military operation. They must resolve the situation while maintaining their secrets.

This is an anime movie that extends a running series. Watching the series before this movie will help clarify what is happening, but it is unnecessary. The movie does a great job quickly recapping the essential elements of the series and focusing on the story. The movie is funny, entertaining, and a bit on the mature side. If you are a fan of the series or just want to watch an anime movie, this is entertaining.

Civil War (2024)

Completely fictional, but shows the part the press during war time

[8/10 · 7 May 2024]

A group of journalists risk life and limb to travel through war-torn America, from New York City to Washington, D. C., to be the first to interview the President of the United States of America. As they journey through the country, they encounter and document different people, observe the devastation of the civil war, and experience the horrors of war. By the end of their journey, things did not go as planned, and the war took an unexpected turn, but they still did not give up on their goal.

Another outstanding A24-produced film focuses on the press and photojournalists' role during times of war. The story is engaging, sharing how the mentality of war differs from person to person and how society can change depending on that mentality. The story leaves it up to the audience to determine what may have started the war. The film has many warfare scenes, which adds to the depth and breadth of the story. This is an excellent watch, especially in theaters, because of the better sound quality.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

A true story told with some comedy

[8/10 · 27 April 2024]

With the Nazis advancing across Europe and U-boats cutting off the safe passage of supplies and soldiers from America, Winston Churchill decides to take an unorthodox approach. He turns to a man to undertake an unsanctioned mission to turn the tide of the war and give Great Britain and the rest of the world a fighting chance.

This movie is based on documents declassified in 2016. It shares the story of these brave men in a simple, humorous, and straightforward way. The movie is a mix of war, espionage, and history. The action is not over the top, gory, or excessively violent. This is an excellent watch for history buffs, spy fans, or anyone looking for something entertaining and not requiring a lot of thought.

Sasquatch Sunset (2024)

Can go either way.

[6/10 · 24 April 2024]

A "nature" film follows four Sasquatch living in their habitat. Going through the natural cycle of the seasons and mating season, they travel through the woods. As they migrate across the region, they sense a change, encounter strange things, and experience tragedy.

This movie is supposed to be a comedy, which may be appropriate if you are really into dark humor. However, the movie has no dialogue, which can cause your attention to drift. Quite a few WTF moments will make you laugh and take a moment. The movie's underlying premise is how humans affect the environment and natural habits. This movie is not for everyone, but it will impress you if you can get through it. Stream it for something different.

La Chimera (2023)

Interesting but lacks backstory

[6/10 · 18 April 2024]

A foreign archeologist, out of touch with reality, uses his gift to find and raid tombs with his gang of grave robbers. Events have transpired, leaving him roaming the country, isolated. With every tomb they raid, the man looks for more than artifacts left by a past society.

This is an intriguing Italian film, but some cultural background might be necessary to understand the story entirely. The protagonist's lack of a backstory makes the story a bit complicated. The film is long, slow, and requires the reading of subtitles. This film may not be for everyone, but it is worth a watch if you are looking for something outside of mainstream Hollywood.

Arcadian (2024)

No backstory, all survival

[6/10 · 17 April 2024]

A father and his twin sons have survived the end of the world for fifteen years. As teenagers, the boys have grown into young men and become independent and rambunctious. As they quarrel and go their separate ways one day, their lives are threatened again, and they must fight for survival.

This is a simple end-of-the-world, post-apocalypse survival movie. The story gets straight to the point, giving little to no backstory on the characters or what caused the world's end. There is not a lot of action and a bit of suspense. The runtime of the movie is short. This might not be worth watching in theaters, but it is worth streaming.

The Long Game (I) (2023)

Enjoyable for both golfers and non-golfers

[8/10 · 16 April 2024]

A superintendent and five high school students set out to show that everyone, even Mexicans, is welcome on the golf course. They start a golf team with a single goal: to win and reach the state championship. Along the way, they face racism and obstacles but do not waver in their goal.

This is an inspirational true story about a group of teenagers and their coaches going against the odds and societal norms. The film has a bit of comedy, emotion, drama, and golf. The film quickly gets to the main parts of the story, sharing details and backstory along the way. The film is not heavy on golf but has enough to keep golf and non-golf fans interested. The film sheds some light on how non-white American soldiers were treated during and after the war, which is eye-opening and heartbreaking. This is a great sports film, regardless of whether you are a golf fan.

Monkey Man (2024)

Revenge movie, but Indian

[8/10 · 13 April 2024]

Tormented by his past and bereaved by the murder of his mother, a young man gets knocked around while plotting his revenge. Before he can exact his revenge, he must come to terms with his past and accept who he is.

This movie has a straightforward storyline: revenge. What makes it different from other revenge movies is that it is set entirely in India and incorporates aspects of the culture, people, politics, and religion. Despite the story getting straight to the point, some parts could be removed to streamline it. The action is on par with other great action movies, and the violence, gore, blood, and viscera are out the top. This is an excellent watch for adults and what inclusion should be like in Hollywood.

Wicked Little Letters (2023)

Based on a true story, this is a fun watch.

[8/10 · 9 April 2024]

Edith Swan has been anonymously receiving vulgar and profane letters, and she decided to take action. She reports her neighbor, a foul-mouthed single mother who does not conform to society's constructs, as the culprit. As the investigation proceeds, more letters are sent, and the victim count increases, grabbing the entire country's attention.

This film is based on a true story and is hilarious. It is a period piece set in 1920 in a small town in England. The film gets to the point, full of foul language and insults. The casting may not be historically accurate, but it is well done and enjoyable. This is an excellent watch for a date night or to see something less mainstream Hollywood.

Crew (2024)

Slow and Predictable

[5/10 · 7 April 2024]

An airline is struggling financially, and its chairman reassures his staff to have faith. As the employees work without being paid and serve customers, three flight attendants reach their breaking point. They decide to take matters into their own hands and enter the world of international smuggling.

This movie is supposed to be a buddy heist comedy, but it falls short of that. The film has comedy, but it also has an equal amount of drama and emotion. The movie is long, slow, and predictable. Many of the songs are remixes of old Bollywood songs, which can be good or bad depending on the viewer. The movie is a decent stream and can be watched with divided attention.

Problemista (2023)

Immigration and Achieving Goals

[8/10 · 5 April 2024]

After losing his job, Alejandro must find a new employer to sponsor his visa. At the same time, he awaits his dream job, designing toys. With limited options, he freelances for a woman who is difficult with everyone and is trying to sell her frozen husband's paintings to fund his continued cryogenesis. Alejandro is willing to do anything to achieve his dream, even working for a "Karen."

This film has different themes, depending on which character you focus on. There are many cringy and frustrating parts, but the overall experience is satisfying. The film takes a unique approach to the complicated immigration system in America. The film also touches on the concept of being difficult or a "Karen," which is intriguing. This is an interesting watch if you are looking for something unique that touches on societal topics.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Entertaining, but it isn't like the classics

[7/10 · 3 April 2024]

With the territory dispute settled between Godzilla and Kong, Monarch sets out to monitor Godzilla on the surface and explore Hollow Earth with Kong. As Kong searches for remnants of his species, something has Godzilla in a frenzy on the surface. What they discover in Hollow Earth teaches them more about the history of the Titans and requires Kong and Godzilla to team up to save the world.

This franchise has drifted away from the original premise of King Kong and Godzilla but has managed to create something unique and entertaining. The story is simple, with loads of classic characters and some epic battles. The monsters have slowly developed human characteristics and mannerisms, which can be good or bad, depending on the person. Overall, the movie is easy to watch, family-friendly for older children, and has components of the classics, which might satisfy long-time fans.

Ricky Stanicky (2024)

Raunchy trio buddy comedy

[6/10 · 31 March 2024]

Three childhood friends created an imaginary friend in their youth to blame all their mishaps and mischief on. As adults, they still use Ricky Stanicky as a scapegoat to get away from their adult lives and hang out. Their lie is on the verge of being divulged when they hire an actor to pose as Ricky and convince their families he exists. Their plan works well until the actor decides to become Ricky.

This is an easy-to-watch, raunchy buddy comedy. The movie gets straight to the point and does not give the characters much backstory. There are a decent amount of laughs throughout. This is an excellent low-thought comedy to stream with a couple of friends.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Sex, weightlifting, and violence

[6/10 · 29 March 2024]

Lou manages a quiet town gym while avoiding her past and her father. Things are dull and routine until a stranger joins the gym, Jackie. Lou and Jackie hit it off, and it's all sex, working out, and getting Jackie ready for the national bodybuilding competition. Everything goes splendidly until Jackie goes off the rails and does something that thrusts Lou back into her dark, mysterious past and her father's life.

This is another A24 film that will leave you wondering what you just watched. The movie is intriguing, has lots of sex, and is full of WTF moments. The movie gets right to the point. This could be it if you want something different or are an A24 fan. Otherwise, you can skip it.

Arthur the King (2024)

1 part adventure, 1 part animal

[7/10 · 27 March 2024]

After an embarrassing loss in 2015, Michael formed a team to compete in the 2018 World Championship Adventure Race to redeem himself with a win. With limited funding and only their determination and grit, the team sets out to do the impossible. On their way to the finish line, they befriend a stray dog who joins them for the rest of the race and struggles with his own survival.

Based on a true story, this movie can be broken into two parts, the first being an adventure film with a team racing across the beautiful country of the Dominican Republic and the second being about the bond between man and dog. Both parts have the same underlying theme, anything is possible with hard work and determination. The movie is exciting, emotional, and captivating. The runtime is appropriate for covering the story of Michael and Arthur, but some parts are slow. This is a great family watch, and for anyone who loves the outdoors, racing, or dogs, catch it in theaters or stream it when available.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Flashback, but predictable

[6/10 · 24 March 2024]

The Spenglers have relocated to the original Ghostbusters firehouse and taken up the call. As they go around New York catching ghosts, the original Ghostbusters still do things related to ghosts. When Ray acquires an ancient artifact, things start to get spooky. The Ghostbusters must save New York City and the world from another ghost-caused apocalypse.

This sequel to the reboot is an excellent walk down memory lane. It references the original movies, toys, theme song, and cartoon, and has many of the original cast returning, but that is the best part of it. The story is drawn out, predictable, and boring in some parts. If you are a diehard fan, this movie is worth a stream; otherwise, it could be skipped.

Yolo (2024)

Great movie about self discovery

[8/10 · 21 March 2024]

Le Ying is a quiet, soft-spoken, and withdrawn woman who spends her life on her parents' couch. After getting into a fight with her sister, she decides to make a change and sets out on her own. Done being taken advantage of, she decides to do something for herself. She dedicates herself to training and winning a boxing match.

This is an unexpectedly great film. It starts emotionally and is slow but takes an exciting twist. The story is terrific and shows that it is okay to put yourself first. Some comedy is peppered throughout the movie, keeping it light. The subtitles are fast, but the dialogue can be picked up from the body language and context clues. The film's director is also the lead and did a fantastic job creating this film. I highly recommend watching this film if you can find it on a streaming service.

Cabrini (2024)

Focused on her work and not religion

[8/10 · 20 March 2024]

Mother Cabrini dreams of building a network of orphanages worldwide, and she is determined. The church invites her to Rome to deny her in person, but her persistence gets her a meeting with the Pope and approval to start her mission. As the leader of the first female-led mission, Cabrini sets off to New York to help the Italian immigrants. Her mission was to get the orphanage up and running, but she changed the world.

This is a biopic about the first United States Saint, Mother Cabrini. The story is more about the bureaucracy, politics, and prejudice she overcame to achieve her goals and less about religion and the church. The story is inspiring, heart-wrenching, and applicable today. The film is long and slow but very satisfying to watch. I highly recommend watching this film either in theaters or when available to stream, regardless of your faith or religion.

Knox Goes Away (2023)

A different kind of hitman movie

[6/10 · 16 March 2024]

A hitman who has a spotless record faces a challenge when he is suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia. With his last job going sideways, he makes plans to retire. While putting all the pieces in place, his estranged son shows up at his doorstep, covered in blood. Now John Knox is racing against the clock to do one last job, save his son.

This is not a typical hitman movie with a high body count. It is more about setting the stage and creating a mystery. Unfortunately, the mystery is predictable but still entertaining. The portrayal of the progression of dementia adds a unique layer to the story. This is an easy-to-watch hitman mystery that can be streamed.

One Life (2023)

One person can make a difference

[8/10 · 15 March 2024]

Nicolas Winton did the impossible, despite what others said. During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, he and a group of others managed to get about 669 children out and placed them in foster care in the United Kingdom. He spent most of his life in anonymity until he made an effort to ensure the work he and others did was not lost to history but used as a lesson.

This is the incredible true story of a man who proves that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard. This reenactment of Nicolas Winton's life is inspirational, especially at a time when the world seems so divided. The movie is short, but the story is told slowly, which makes it feel long. Even though the story is predictable, it is shared in an emotional and uplifting way. This is worth watching if you need hope, inspiration, and an emotional release.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Solid sequel, but still need some explaining

[8/10 · 14 March 2024]

Paul and his mother have managed to earn the protection of the desert people. Some believe Paul to be the prophecy's messiah, while others do not trust him. Paul must earn their trust and become one of them to exact his revenge. He learns the way of the desert, amasses a following, develops his abilities, and prepares to do what is necessary.

This sequel picks up where the first movie leaves off and is full of mysticism, political drama, and war. The story unfolds a bit more, shedding light on some aspects of the first movie. Unfortunately, some elements of the film are still not completely clear. The visual effects and sound make this film worth watching on a premium screen. The movie has a long runtime but gets to the point and keeps moving. This is a must-see movie if you are a fan of the original, the novel, or sci-fi.

Bob Marley: One Love (2024)

A Brief Summary of the Legend

[7/10 · 6 March 2024]

After a failed assassination attempt on himself and his wife, Bob Marley leaves Jamaica. He settles in London to work on his next album. As the political and civil unrest continues in Jamaica, Bob struggles with his own turmoil and the creation of his album. After the album's release and on tour, he becomes an international phenomenon.

This biopic is only part of the life of Bob Marley. It focuses on the later years of his life and what led to his international fame and becoming a legend. The film briefly touches on his youth and her personal life. The telling of how the music was created is fantastic. The film is excellent for learning more about Bob Marley, but not overwhelmed with all his history.