20s Movie Review - Wild Mountain Thyme

Director: John Patrick Shanley
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, Christopher Walken, Jon Hamm
Description: A pair of star-crossed lovers (Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan) in Ireland get caught up in their family’s land dispute.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 26: A MOVIE  WITH EMILY BLUNT
 
Review: The Irish landscape is lovingly captured in “Wild Mountain Thyme”. Unfortunately, that is the only good thing about this ridiculous romance movie.

Director John Patrick Shanley based “Wild Mountain Thyme” on his own play, which was performed on Broadway in 2014. American press was positive about the play, Irish and Britisch press were not. The main criticism, the accumulation of Irish stereotypes, has also made it into the film adaptation, including a number of implausible accents from the American and British actors. In the movie, the accents of Christopher Walken and Emily Blunt are strange to hear, but Irish actor Jamie Dornan is the least convincing as an Irishman. His flat acting does not help. Or is it the poor script that makes the main character Anthony Reilly such a one-dimensional, flat character.

When we’re almost at the end of the film, Anthony tells  the reason why he never declared his love for his neighbor Rosemary Muldoon. It is even a fundamental part of his character. It’s only elaborated on at the end, so that it can serve as a stupid twist. Which makes the ridiculous collection of clichés about stereotypical Guinness-drinking Irish farmers even more stupid. It's impossible to feel romantic emotions that the climax should have evoked.

Was the ending meant to funny? No, I don’t think so. And that’s why it’s so weird Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt also have no chemistry whatsoever. This movie was really bad.

Rating: 1,5/ 5

Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag 2025

We are half-way through the year already, time goes by way too fast. And So far, I have finished 35 books (out of the 60 book I try to read in 2025). I’m pretty certain I will meet and maybe even surpass that goal. But now is the perfect time to see how my reading has been going this year and to look back at the first six months of my reading year, by doing this tag.  I just simply answer some bookish questions about all the books I read in the first half of 2025.
 

Best book you’ve read so far in 2024?
I have few favorites and I have to be honest, I’m not ready to commit to my favorite of those. “Gone Girl” is one of them. One of those books, where I did already know I was going to love it. The characters jump of the page, the story is engaging and the plot twist is one of the best ever. “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins exceeded all my expectations, more about that later. And my most recent read, “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, really blew my mind. It was such a beautiful book. Her best so far in my opinion.
 

Best sequel you've read so far in 2024?
Definitely “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins, which was also my most anticipated book of the year. But I also loved “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” by T.J. Klune (from the “Ceruslean Chronicles” series) and “Wayward” by Blake Crouch (from the “Wayward Pines” series). The books are so different from each other, but I loved them so much.
 

New release you haven’t read yet, but want to?
“Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng” by Kylie Lee Baker somehow intrigues, after seeing Syd talk about it with so much passion. And “With a Vengeance” by Riley Sager is coming out in June. Still excited about that, after last year’s release was a major disappointment. “Say You’ll Remember Me” by Abby Jimenez is also on the list, since I discovered this author is my kind of romance writer. And finally “A Box Full of Murders”, the children’s book debut by Janice Hallett. I want o read everything by her, even if I’m not within the age demographic.
 

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
That’s an easy one, the fifth book in “The Thursday Murder Club” series: “The Impossible Fortune” by Richard Osman, which will be released in September. Since this series has come out, a new book has been released each year, but not 2024. So, I really missed my favorite amateur sleuths.
 

Biggest disappointment?
“Jar of Hearts” by Jennifer Hillier. People kept recommending it to me and I had such high hopes and expectations. I couldn’t relate to the characters, didn’t understand any motivations and really didn’t like the romantic subplot. And for a book being marketed with having many unexpected twists and reveals, I was very underwhelmed.
 

Biggest surprise?
Probably “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix. Even though Hendrix is my horror guy when it comes to horror books, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. Because most people weren’t loving it, or even DNF’ing it, I wasn’t very hopeful I would like it. And it actually ended up being my favorite Hendrix.
 

Favorite new author (debut or new to you)?
I read both books by Coco Mellors, which I enjoyed. She is very talented and knows how to write good, deep and interesting characters. But I think I will go for Gillian Flynn. Only haven read one book by her so far, I will be reading everything she has ever written. Her writing is so amazing, engaging and immersive. The same goes for Charlotte McConaghy, who I also was introduced to this year. And I immediately added all of her backlist to my TBR.
 

Newest favorite character?
Jacob Maddox from “Yours Truly”. I loved the introvert representation in this book, someone dealing with anxiety. I felt like I was reading about myself. And its kind of weird to add a character that reminds me of myself as an answer, but I simply like people who are like me. A closed second is Joan Goodwin from “Atmosphere”.
 

Book that made you cry?
I literally sobbed while reading “Sunrise on the Reaping”. Several times. It’s such a sad book. I really loved delving into this world again, but you’re also remember what a fucked up world these characters live in. And no one is safe. This book broke me.
 

Book that made you happy?
“Yours Truly” by Abby Jimenez and “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” by T.J. Klune. Both books made smile, they just made me happy. I also cried at points, but they are for the most part books that put a smile on your face. 
 

Favorite book to movie adaptation?
This has to be “Gone Girl”. I watched the movie before reading the book, which is still okay, but I would recommend to do it the other way around. Because that twist will hit you so much harder then. This is one of those examples where I really can’t say which one is better, the book or the movie. Because both are all-time favorites of mine now.
 

Most beautiful book you’ve bought this year?
“Water Moon” by Samantha Sotto Yambao. The cover looks like it came straight from a Studio Ghibli movie. Sadly, I DNF’ed the book, because it was really boring and I just couldn’t get into it. But I’m keeping it, just for the cover.
 

What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
Of course, the previous mentioned new releases. But also “The Drowning Woman” by Robyn Harding, because I borrowed it from my friend. I don’t like holding on to books too long, that are not mine. I finally want to read some more classics on my shelf, like “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. And I definitely want to knock off some of the books that have been on my shelf for way too long, like “Razorblade Tears” by S.A. Cosby, “Whalefall” by Daniel Kraus, the ‘Whispering Pines” series by Heidi Lange and Katie Bartkowski and maybe some Agatha Christie.

Book Review - Desperation by Stephen King

Title: Desperation
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Horror/ Fiction/ Thriller
Published: 1996
 
Description: There’s a place along Interstate 50 that some call the loneliest place on Earth. It’s know as Desperation, Nevada. It’s not a very nice place to live. It’s an even worse place to die. Let the battle against evil begin. Welcome to… Desperation,
 
Review: I have read my fair share of Stephen King books. I picked “Desperation” up for a few euros at a thrift store. I’m always a bit intimidated by King’s book, especially when they are longer. “Desperation” was such a book.
 
The book starts with Mary Jackson and her husband Peter who are stopped by a cop on an empty desert road. When a bag of drugs is found in their car, they have to go with the cop to the nearest town: Desperation. Locked in a jail cell, together with some other travelers, Mary and Peter realize that the ended up in a nightmare and the person holding them captive is a lot more than a crazy cop.  
 
King takes an everyday, normal happening and slowly builds up the tension and the scares, while you start realizing that this cop, Entragian, is not really sound minded. Something is really wrong with him. With the entire town in fact. This kind of creeping tension is something Stephen King is very good at.
 
King writes so vividly, you can always easily picture the characters and especially the setting. Desperation really came to life in my head.
 
I have never hated or dislikes a Stephen King. A complaint I do have about some of his books is the length. For “It” that wasn’t a problem at all, even though this book was almost 1200 pages long. With almost 600 pages, “Desperation” felt too long though. There were moments in the book that felt dragged out, I lost interest several times in the book. But it always picked up.
 
In the end, I’m glad I finished it. But “Desperation” is not one of my favorites nor is it one of King’s best books. If you have already read a ton of Stephen King, yes, you need to read this. You used to his work. If you’ve never read anything by him, this is not the book to start with.
 
Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Atmosphere
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Romance
Published: 2025
 
Description: Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.

Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.

As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.

Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant.
 
Review: “Atmosphere” is the latest book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, whom I previously read “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones and the Six” from. Like other books, Reid choses a certain period in time, focusing on a field of work. In her previous book, the ones I read, they were 1950s Hollywood and the 60s and 70s music scene. For “Atmosphere” it’s the 1980s and NASA.
 
The story follows Joan. For as long as she can remember, she has been obsessed with the stars. She is content with her job as an astronomy professor, until she sees an advertisement asking for female scientists for the NASA Space Shuttle Program; a dream come true. In the summer of 1980, she begins her training, together with a group of fellow candidates. As unexpected friendships develop, Joan discovers a passion and love she never thought possible. But then, during the STS-LR9 mission, everything changes in an instant.
 
I was already a fan of her work, but based on two book, I couldn’t really say whether I could call her a favorite author yet. I usually say that after I have loved three books. And with “Atmosphere”, it’s Reid at her best. She transports readers back to an iconic time and place in a breathtaking novel about the transcendent power of love.
 
The novel combines elements of romance, science fiction and historical fiction, with a strong focus on the emotional journey of the characters and the impact of their choices. It explores the complex relationships between Joan and other characters, including her family friends and romantic interests, particular in the context of the intense pressure of the space program. I loved Joan, she is one of my favorite characters I read from this year. I loved her relationship with Vanessa, but my favorite was definitely the bond she has with her niece Frances.
 
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing style is compelling and she again manages to create vivid characters. She made me laugh and cry several times throughout the story. I was hooked from start to finish and can confidently say that this is my favorite book by her so far. And it’s most definitely a favorite of the year and of all-time.
 
In short “Atmosphere” is a novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from fans of Reid’s previous work to lovers of historical fiction and stories about space travel and the human experience. I will be recommending this book to everyone that loves to read.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Layer Cake

Director: Matthew Vaughn
Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 2003
Starring: Daniel Craig, Michael Gambon, Colm Meany, Tom Hardy, Sienna Miller, Sally Hawkins, George Harris

Description: A successful cocaine dealer (Daniel Craig) gets two tough assignments from his boss on the eve of his planned early retirement.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 25: S FILM FROM 2004
 
Review: We know Matthew Vaughn now for his work as a director on “Kingsmen: The Secret Service”, “Kick-Ass” and “X-Men: First Class” and he produced films like “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch”. “Layer Cake” was Vaughn’s directorial debut and has especially a lot of similarities with these last two films (set in the criminal underworld, mixing humor with violence, following many different characters).

Daniel Craig plays an unnamed drug dealer who wants to quit, but his clients won’t let him go. He gets new assignments, that are a little out of his expertise. And, of course, nothing really goes according to plan.

I’m a fan of Vaughn’s work, both as a producer and a director. I like his style. “Layer Cake”, although getting a lot of praise and love, is just fine for me. I understand why people love it, but it’s not a favorite for me.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - The Monkey

Director: Osgood Perkins
Genre: Horror
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Adam Scott, Elijah Wood, Sarah Levy, Colin O’Brien
 
Description: When twin brothers Bill and Hal (Theo James) find their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths starts. The siblings decide to throw the toy away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years.
 
Review: As a child, Hal finds a toy money with a drum. He winds it up and shortly afterwards someone dies. He quickly realizes that there is a connection, but even if he wanted to, he cannot control it; the monkey decides who dies. Together with his twin brother Bill, he throws the thing away. Years later, Hal is now an adult, and mysterious deaths occur again in his hometown.

The opening scene, starring Adam Scott, shows u exactly what the tone of the film is. A comedic horror film. And the start of the film, when Hal and Bill were just kids, is the strongest. The first half hour maintains an excellent balance between suspense and humor.

“The Monkey” is based on a short story by Stephen King from 1980, but is reminiscent of the movie “Final Destination”. Death is inevitable and always very bloody.

After a strong first act, the film shifts to the present. Hal and twin brother Bill are portrayed by Theo James. He is fine, not always credible, but okay. And the film goes downhill here. The humor largely disappears, and in the absence of the monkey, the tension comes mainly from the forced dream sequences.

Director and screenwriter Osgood Perkins made “Longlegs” in 2024, which was one of the better horror films I had seen in a long time. “The Monkey” is more mainstream, but not really that good.
Even though the film had a very strong start, “The Monkey” doesn’t deliver in the end.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond

Director: Chris Smith
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Jim Carrey, Danny DeVito, Milos Forman, Paul Giamatti, Judd Hirsch, Carol Kane, Courteny Love

Description: A behind-the-scenes look of how Jim Carrey adopted the persona of idiosyncratic comedian Andy Kaufman on the set of “Man on the Moon” (1999)

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 24: A FILM WITH JIM CARREY
 
Review: In “Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond”, we see behind-the-scene footage of the making of “Man on the Moon”, where Jim Carrey portrayed real-life comedian Andy Kaufman, with Carrey giving in-depth commentary of his experiences.

During the four months of filming the 1999 movie “Man on the Moon”, we get a glimpse of Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Andy Kaufman. In those four months, Carrey never steps out of his role as Kaufman (and his alter ego Tony Clifton_. The cast and crew go crazy with him, and occasionally the audience does too. But at the same time it is an ode to the effort actors put into a role.

It's a shocking yet inspiring look behind the scenes of this Andy Kaufman biopic. With Jim Carrey himself looking back at this period. Which was decisive for his later life.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Materialists

Director: Celine Song
Genre: Romance/ Drama
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal
 
Description: A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) finds herself town between the perfect match (Pedro Pascal) and her imperfect ex (Chris Evans).
 
Review: With “Materialist”, director Celine Song breathes new life into the romcom genre. But don’t expect anything sugar sweet or cheesy; the romance in Song’s second film is raw and brutally honest.
Beautiful A-list actors gazing sultrily at each other, cheesy one-liners about eternal love, and passionate relationships in the heart of New York: judging by the synopsis and the trailer for “Materialists” moviegoers could look forward to a sweet rom-com. But it’s nothing like that. And that’s why I, a movie lover that is not the biggest fan of romcoms, loved “Materialists” so much more then I expected to. And it’s one of my favorite movies of 2025 so far.

Romantically inclined viewers would do well to adjust their expectations somewhat, because “Materialists” will not have you swooning or laughing out loud. Not that there isn’t any flirting or passionate longing in Song’s film, but she is more concerned with the psychology behind love than with its romantic portrayal. The main characters’ reflections are at the forefront.

The film follows Lucy, a highly successful professional matchmaker with nine marriages on her credit. For her, love is a matter of supply and demand: you “market value” is determined by your appearance, your income, and other material things. Lucy scours New York, pairing one perfect match after another.
Her own love life is less successful; her friends teasingly call her the eternal bachelorette. But then she meets the charming harry, who on paper is her perfect match. Lucy makes no secret of the fact that she wants to marry a rich man, and with Harry, she doesn’t have to worry about money. Ans besides his exorbitantly expensive apartment, designer clothes, and preference for high-quality restaurants, Harry also has good manners, is eloquent, and smart. Perfect, right?

When her ex John suddenly reappears in her life, Lucy begins to have doubts. This penniless, aspiring actor may not have money, but to Lucy he is a soulmate who really listens to her, is always there for her, and effortlessly makes her laugh.

It sounds like the classic premise for a lighthearted romcom, but in Song’s hands it becomes a very honest reflection of modern love. “Materialists” is emotionally charged and manages to get a grip on the deepest emotions of its characters. I went to see this movie, mainly for the amazing cast, expecting a solid romcom that I was going to enjoy just fine. But I got a completely different film, that totally surprised me, with a cast so strong and such an emotional load, and romance on a much deeper level. In my eyes, it’s definitely not a romcom, which is a good thing. Fans of the romcom genre might be disappointed, but as a non-romcom girlie I absolutely loved “Materialists”.

Rating: 5/ 5

80s Movie Review - The Lost Boys

Director: Joel Schumacher
Genre: Horror/ Comedy
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 1987
Starring: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Kiefer Sutherland, Diane Wiest, Barnard Hughes, Alex Winter, Jami Gertz, Jamison Newlander, Edward Herrmann

Description: When a recently divorced mother (Diane Wiest) and het two teenage sons (Jason Patric, Corey Haim) move to a coastal town to stay with her father, it doesn’t take long for the brothers to realize the area is a haven for something much more sinister than party-going surfers.

Review: In “The Lost Boys” the danger comes from vampires in a little town Santa Carla. There are some baleful omens, like posters with missing children, that show us that Santa Carla isn’t the safest place. But even with all those missing people, the vampires keep taking victims. The only ones trying to do something about it are the strange Frog brothers. 

A single mom and her two sons moves in with her dad in Santa Carla. While sons Michael and Sam are exploring town, Michael meets a girl named Star. With that he also meets a strange group of rebels. After their meeting, Michael starts hallucinating, can’t stand sunlight and hardly has a reflection in the mirror. He is turning into a vampire and little brother Sam asks the Frog brothers to help him. 

The movie is filled with horror moments, but it also has some comedy. This mostly comes from Sam and the Frog brothers. The way the vampires get their victims give us some scares, although it’s not very explicit. 

The vampires aren’t as prominent as you would hope in a vampire movie. The leader David, played by Kiefer Sutherland, gets a lot of attention, but the rest of his gang stays in the background. 

There is a good mix of tension, horror and humor, but the movie is never really scary. And “The Lost Boys” is also as ‘80s as it can be (that saxophone player in the beginning of the movie). An enjoyable vampire flick, one I rewatch a lot.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Book Review - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Author: Oscar Wilde
Genre: Classic/ Horror/ Fiction
Published: 1890
 
Description: Handsome young Dorian Gray sees a painter’s stunning portrait of him and becomes transfixed by his own beauty. Troubled by the knowledge that the painting will remain handsome while he himself will wither, Dorian exchanges his soul for eternal youth. From that point on, Dorian lives a life of hedonistic indulgence, knowing that only the painting will show his moral corruption.
 
Review: We meet Dorian Gray, a handsome young man. A friend of Dorian, Basil Hallward, paints of portrait of him. One of Basil’s friends, Lord Henry Wotton, makes Dorian aware of his beauty and tells him that he should enjoy it, because he will not remain beautiful forever. He will eventually grow old and lose his beauty. Therefore, Dorian wishes that he will never age, but instead the portrait will. He exclaims that he would give his soul for it. And, somehow, his wish is granted.
 
The story is well constructed. From the beginning, you sense the clash between two ways of life, personified in Basil and Lord henry. The fateful events that follow are immediately apparent. The role that the painting subsequently plays in this is fascinating.
 
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” is well written, indeed worthy of classic status in terms of themes. Often very misogynistic or so ridiculously amoral that it is clear that Oscar Wilde is mocking them through his characters.
 
It took me a while to really get into the story, and for a book with not even 250 pages, that’s a bit of a problem. And I found a lot of it very boring to be honest and I never sympathized with any of the characters. That last part didn’t bother me though, because that’s what Wilde intended. The books has some long passages that seemed to lead to nowhere, but the exuberant writing style and fascinating approach to philosophical themes made up for that.
 
In have mixed feelings about “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. I understand why it has a classic status and why people love. I liked it, but overall it was not fully my cup of tea.
 
Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - November by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

Title: November
Author: Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Genre: Horror
Published: 2022
 
Description: Welcome to Lock haven, Washington, home to the happiest street in the world. A walk down Bird Street won’t feel unusual, except that all the residents are doing well. There are large houses, with beautiful cars. If you were to meet the residents, you would notice that they are all genuinely happy. They have successful careers or are doing exactly what they always wanted to do. They are all healthy, physicialy, mentally and spiritually. They are thoughtful, energetic, educated and generous. And their children? They are perfect. Each of them talented.
 
Until November comes. Luana and Ralph know it, and so do their children Kayla and Django. They live in the most modest of the five houses. Every year, November is the moment when their luck turns and they are struck by misfortune. There are the aches and pains, accidents, the financial setback. Periods of illness, mental confusion, and depression. Usually nothing insurmountable, but they better sit out November every year. After about four weeks, it passes and ultimate happiness returns… but only at a price. And every year, Luana and Ralph wonder if that price isn’t too high.
 
Review: Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a Dutch author, of whom I read “Hex” last year. That was a great, very scary book. “November” is a book about the happiest street in the U.S. The residents in this street live the perfect, flawless lives. At least, until November, because in that month things turn for the worse. In order to get the happiness back, they have pay a price.
 
The story is told from the perspectice of the four  members of the Lewis da Silva family: father Ralph, mother Luana, 15-year-old daughter Kayla and 10-year-old son Django. The chapters alternate between their POV’s. Through them you also learn more about the other residents od the street and their relationships with each other.
 
Olde Heuvelt has a very descriptive, very reminiscent of Stephen King. It’s very easy to picture Lock Haven. Trigger warnings for themes such as euthanasia, bipolar disorder, suicide, self-harm and death. The story is somewhat long-winded, but there is underlying tension. The weight that hangs over this street becomes heavier and heavier. And the feelings and actions of Bird Street become increasingly darker. The story drags on here and there, and the story is a bit too long for my taste. But it has an amazing twist at the end, that I did not see coming. I really like this author.
 
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Saturday Night

Director: Jason Reitman
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennot, Corey Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien, Emily Fairn, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Kim Matula, Finn Wolfhard, J.K. Simmons, Willem Dafoe, Brad Garrett
 
Description: At 11.30 p.m. on October 11^th 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live”.
 
Review: “Saturday Night Live” is an entertaining sketch comedy show. In the movie “Saturday Night” we see what happened in the 90 minutes before its first episode aired. A half-finished set and a nerve-wrecking deadline, it’s not really looking great. But on October 11^th 1975, this show changed television forever.

We are taken behind the scenes of the first groundbreaking episode of “Saturday night Live”. And it’s a crazy, chaotic 90 minutes. If you enjoy fast-paced punchline comedy performances, you will be in for a treat. This doesn’t leave any room for in-depth relationships or characters. But is that always necessary? As an absurd sketch, this comedy succeeds in its purpose and the way its filmed really fits with the sketch show it’s about.

It's clear that the actors we’re having a great time in this film. Few characters really stand out though, but the dialogues are sharp. Moreover, the tension builds well towards the start of the live broadcast. The nervous, chaotic film draws you in until the end. I had a blast watching “Saturday Night” and it’s a fun look behind the scenes.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - While We're Young

Director: Noah Baumbach
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried, Charles Grodin

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 23: A FILM WITH AMANDA SEYFRIED
 
Description: A middle-aged couple’s (Naomi Watts, Ben Stiller) career and marriage are overturned when a disarming young couple (Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried) enters their lives.

Review: Growing older is not easy, especially in a society as youth-oriented as ours. Becoming an adult is even more difficult these days, and increasingly less the same as growing older. What does it mean to be an adult, if it is no longer strictly tied to age? How do you become an adult and stay young at the same time? These questions are the basis of “While We’re Young”, by director Noah Baumbach.

Josh and Cornelia are a couple in their forties who are torn between what is expected of them at their age and their longing for their younger selves. The lives of their best friends revolve solely around children and parenthood, but the couple is not (yet) interested in that. Josh is a documentary filmmaker who has been working on his second film for ten years, without success. In doing so, he is actually postponing further development in his life, always citing the completion of his film as a reason for not doing anything else.

Then they meet Jamie and Darby, two incredibly hip twenty-somethings. They come acress as so original and spontaneous to Josh that he tries to become young again through his interactions with them and drags Cornelia along with him. This results in some funny scenes, where for example Cornelia is learning to dance to hip-hop after fleeing her best friend’s baby music class.

Baumbach skillfully interweaves artistic doubts with uncertainty about growing older and/ or becoming an adult, and the question of how to deal with this (and how not to). Baumbach has his own unique style, I always love his tragicomedies. And I feel like this is a movie that is overlooked by many.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Review - Sinners

Director: Ryan Coogler
Genre: Horror/ Drama/ Action
Runtime: 114 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connoll, Delroy Lindo, Omar Benson Miller, Wunmi Mosaku
 
Description: Trying to leave their troubles lives behind, twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
 
Review: In 1932, the immaculately dressed twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both portrayed by a fantastic Michael B. Jordan, return from Chicago to their home in Mississippi, where they hope to turn an old sawmill into a juke joint. A place where people can have a few drinks and listen to good live music. Their cousin Sammie is an aspiring musician, so they bring him along. Together with Delta Slims, who plays his music at the train station.

This town is not an easy place to live, since its earth is still blood-soaked from the atrocities of the Ku Klux Klan. But music is everywhere, blues is everywhere. The twins manage to open their juke joint and their opening evening already seems very successful. But after about an hour, when the party in the juke joint reaches its climax, the film suddenly breaks loose. And I won’t spoil much for you, but all hell breaks loose. There is a comparison to a Robert Rodriguez movie that I can definitely see, but “Sinners is much more powerful and grandiose, and the horror cuts much deeper than you think.

“Sinners” is without a doubt one of the best films that 2025 has brought us so far. All praise for director Ryan Coogler!

Rating: 4,5/ 5