20s Movie Review - We Live in Time

Director: John Crowley
Genre: Romance/ Drama
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh

Description: After an unusual encounter, a talented chef (Florence Pugh) and a recently divorcée (Andrew Garfield) fall in love and build the home and family they’ve always dreamed of, until a painful truth puts their love story to the test.

Review: We meet Tobias and Almut, who fall in love after an unusual encounter. But their world crashes down when Almut is diagnosed with cancer.

The story has a non-linear narrative, going back and forth between when they first meet to the life after they get the bad news. It’s original, but seems unnecessary. I could easily tell where in time we were, but it could be confusing for some people.

The actors are the highlight of the film. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh really elevate this movie with their performances, because the central plot of the film is not very innovative and has been done before. But because of Garfield and Pugh’s chemistry and also their separate performances, the movie is a lot more engaging.

Although the film has a heavy theme, the story never really grabbed me. I’m a very emotional person and even though I was moved by some moments in the film, I never really related or felt connected with the characters on a deeper level. I also felt like some of the scenes felt implausible.

I had expectations, but this movie didn’t live up to them, sadly. I loved Garfield and Pugh, they were great. If it wasn’t for them, I would probably not even watch it. But the film never grabbed me, I didn’t feel the emotional connection, that I did expect to have with a film with this topic. I don’t know why, probably just me.

Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - Future Boy by Michael J. Fox

Title: Future Boy
Author: Michael J. Fox
Genre: Non-Fiction/ memoir
Published: 2025
 
Description: In early 1985, Michaael J. Fox was one of the biggest stars on television. His world was bout to get even bigger, but only if he could survive duty unheard of in Hollywood. Fox’s days were already dedicated to rehearsing and taping the hit sitcom “Family Ties”, but then the change of a lifetime came his way. Soon, he committed his nights to a new time-travel adventure film being directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg – “Back to the Future”. Sitcom during the day, movie at night. Day after day, for months.
 
Fox’s nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the back lot at Universal Studios, from one dram job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFLy while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex’ bravado, Marty’s flair, and Fox’s comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.
 
Review: In “Future Boy”, actor Michael J. Fox tells his story of when he filmed “Back to the Future” while also still rehearsing and taping for the sitcom he was on, “Family Ties”. Working on the show during the day, an filming for “Back to the Future” at night.
 
To start off, if you want to read this book, I highly recommend the audiobook. It’s narrated by Fox himself and also has some of the people he worked with sharing anecdotes, like Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Robert Zemeckis.
 
The book is very short, but for the fans of “Back to the Future” it’s definitely a must-read. It’s a fun, honest story, told with humor. It has a lighhearted tone that provides a lot fo insight into that period of his life. And although I really enjoyed it and it’s very inspiring, I felt like the book was too short and it does not delve deep enough. I would have liked to read more about this period in Fox’s life. The book does have a clear focus, specifically the time that he was shooting “Back to the Future” and what happened before and after that. It doesn’t go into his personal life too deep. Which doesn’t mean it’s not personal. It is. And it’s also a very positive book, it’s told with a sense of gratitude and optimism.
 
It's not a biography of Fox, it’s just one specific part of his life. A pivotal moment in his career. He has written other books, that focus on a more personal aspect of his life. If you’re looking for that, “Future Boy” is not the book for you. But if you’re a fan of “Back to the Future”, please read this. It might also give you some new insight on the movie and on the actor. I know it did for me. I for example did not know that the DeLorean was an afterthought and they initially wanted to use a refrigerator.
 
“Future Boy” is a quick non-fiction book, that gives you a glimpse into Michael J. Fox’s career during the making of “Back to the Future”, that is especially a must-read for lovers of this film. I surely enjoyed it.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

20s Movie Review - 2 Hearts

Director: Lance Hool
Genre: Romance/ Drama
Runtime: 101 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Jacob Elordi, Tiera Skovbye, Adan Canto, Radha Mitchell, Tahmo Petikett, Kari Matchett

Description: For two couples the future unfolds in different decades and different places, but a hidden connection will bring them together in a way no one could have predicted.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 43: A FILM FROM 2020
 
Review: In “2 Hearts” we follow two different love stories, about couples who are seemingly not linked, but they have a very important connection. It’s based on a true story.

The story overall is very moving and inspiring, especially since it’s based on a true story. I especially liked the story of Chris and Sam.

The film can be a bit sentimental and also a little but predictable at times. Although they did try something during the mid-way point that could throw you off. But I did like the emotional load this film brought with it. And the conclusion is satisfying, even though over-sentimental. And that’s because it’s a true story.

“2 Hearts” is a nice film about the power of love and hope, but it’s nothing groundbreaking or too memorable.

Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

Title: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Genre: Fiction/ Contemporary
Published: 2014
 
Description: A.J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island – from Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who’s always felt kindly toward Fikry; from Ismay, his sister-in-law who is hell-bent on saving him from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who keeps on taking the ferry to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J. bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, A.J. can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.
 
And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It’s a small package, but large in weight. It’s that unexpected arrival that give A.J. Fikry the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J.; or for the determined sales rep, Amelia, to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light; or for the wisdom of all those books to overcome again the lifeblood of A.J.’s world; or for  everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn’t see coming.
 
Review: A.J. Fikry is a bookshop owner, who has, after his wife’s death, become a little bitter and isolated. But when someone leaves something for him in his story, it changes his life forever. And for the better.
 
I have read “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” earlier this year, by author Gabrielle Zevin. Absolutely loved that book. I really wanted to pick up her other work, starting with “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. And I’m glad I did.
 
This story is warm, funny and moving and a true declaration of love for books. But also the unexpected twists and turns in life, that can sometimes look like challenges, but turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to you.
 
A.J. Fikry is a grumpy widower, whose life changes forever and he gets a chance for a new beginning. I loved this story and A.J. Fikry is a memorable character. The humor the books brings with itself and the message about second chances and finding joy in the unexpected really grabbed me.
 
As a booklover, I always love books about books. About writers, booksellers, readers, you name it. You share a love for books with the characters you’re reading about and you can more easily relate to them. At least with that aspect of the character.
 
There are a ton of other great characters in the book, like Ismay, A.J. sister-in-law. A woman who married a handsome man, but realizes she isn’t happy with him anymore. Because she never had him alone, he is not a good man. He never was. She just settled for it. And Amelia is also a lovely character, headstrong and never gave up on A.J., even though he was rude to her in the beginning. I love Lambiase, the police officer, who become a book lover because of A.J.
 
You don’t expect a contemporary fiction book like “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” to have major twists, but it does have a couple. And I liked them. But overall it’s a pretty straightforward story. I do feel like the conclusion was wrapped up a bit too fast. Something happens to A.J. at the end of the book, which Zevin doesn’t pay enough attention to, in my opinion. I had hoped that it would have been explored in more depth.
 
Should you pick this up? Definitely, it’s a beautiful story with amazing characters and a heartwarming story.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Steve

Director: Tim Mielants
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 93 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Jay Lycurgo, Emily Watson, Tracy Ullman
 
Description: Follows headteacher Steve (Cillian Murphy) for his reform college’s survival while managing his mental health. Concurrently, troubled student Shy (Jay Lycurgo) navigates his violent tendencies and fragility, torn between his past and future prospects.
 
Review: “Steve” is about a school principal fighting to keep his reform school open while struggling with his own problems.

Cillian Murphy is one of my favorite actors and definitely one of the best ones out there right now. He is a reason for me to watch any film. And in “Steve” his performance is amazing, as always. I have a lot of praise for the film’s authenticity and the thematic depth about youth, guilt and survival. The atmosphere is raw, it has some intense scenes and feels realistic. The film has an emotional burden and it’s a heartbreaking portrait of the challenges within education. I also have to point out that Jay Lycurgo, as student Shy, is really good. Very powerful and convincing.

The structure of the film is a bit confusing though, it has a mix of documentary footage and a traditional narrative, which makes it a little incoherent and messy at times.

This film fully leans on the performance of Cillian Murphy and the strong theme, that lots of people will connect with. But because of the somewhat messy structure, it could take you out of it and doesn’t always work.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - Black Bag

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Crime/ Thriller/ Drama
Runtime: 93 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Pierce Brosnan, Naomie Harris, Regé-Jean Page, Tom Burke, Marisa Abela,
 
Description: When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse (Cate Blanchett) is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband (Michael Fassbender) – also a legendary agent - faces the ultimate test whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country.
 
I WATCHED THIS FILM FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 42: A FILM WITH MICHAEL FASSBENDER
 
Review: We follow secret agent George Woodhouse, who must find out which of his fellow spies has betrayed the country. His wife Kathryn is at the top of the list of suspects.
“Black Bag” is spy thriller by Steven Soderbergh. It’s a clever and intimate thriller with a mix of suspense and psychological drama.

The cast is strong, Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender are great as ever and have excellent chemistry. The style and atmosphere is elegant, stylish and mysterious. But that’s where the positivity ends for me.

For the genre that it is, the great cast it has and the interesting and intriguing plot, “Black Bag” is boring. And the story is unnecessarily complex, incoherent and complicated. And this way it’s really difficult to stay engaged. The pace is very slow, the film mostly consists of conversations. And there is nothing wrong with that, some of my favorite films are very heavy on dialogue. But for this movie it works to its disadvantage.

Probably the biggest disappointment of the year.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - The First Wives Club

Director: Hugh Wilson
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Dan Hedaya, Victor Garber, Stephen Collins, Sarah Jessica Parker, Stockard Channing, Elizabeth Berkley, Marcia Gay Harden, Maggie Smith, Bronson Pinchot

Description: Reunited by the death of a college friend, three divorced women seek revenge on the husbands who left them for younger women.

Review: “The First Wives Club” is a revenge comedy, that is mostly fun because of their three leads Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler. They play three women who reunite after a college friend suddenly passed away. All three are recently divorced and their husbands left them for a younger woman. Together they seek justice.

The film has many funny moments Not very realistic, but enjoyable. Especially Hawn and Midler are really funny. The film does lack depth and the characters are all a bit superficial because of it.

A fun no-nonsense comedy, about gender struggles and independent women. Nothing spectacular.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - John Candy: I Like Me

Director: Colin Hanks
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 2025
Starring: John Candy, Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, Dan Aykroyd, Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Martin Short
 
Description: Explores the life and legacy of the iconic funnyman John Candy, who died of a heart attack in 1994, at the age of 43.
 
Review: If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, like me, you probably also grew up with John Candy movies. The funnyman who starred in movies like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”, “Uncle Buck” “Splash” and “Home Alone” was a big part of my childhood. And for anyone like me, the documentary “John Candy: I Like Me” is a must-see.

The title refers to a quote from his character Del Griffith, in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”, where he tells Steve Martin that he likes who he is, after Martin just completely trashed him. If you have no idea who Candy was, this documentary gives you some insight into his life and career. But it will not have the emotional load. For me, this was a very heartwarming, moving tribute to the comedian. His family, friends and colleagues praise Candy with warm and honest stories about him. Candy was such a loving man and he touched the lives of everyone he met. And of the people who watch his movies.

Like I stated before, we watched a lot of John Candy films during my childhood years, and still. “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is an absolute favorite in my family and we still revisit it every holiday season. If you grew watching him, this documentary will definitely get you emotional.

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - Baby X by Kira Peikoff

Title: Baby X
Author: Kira Peikoff
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Published: 2024
 
Description: In the near-future United States, where advanced technology can create eggs or sperm from any person’s cells, celebrities face the alarming potential of meeting biological children they never conceived. Famous singer Trace Thorne is tired of being targeted by the Vault, a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. Sick of paying ransom for his own cell matter, he hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to ensure his biological safety.
 
Ember will do anything she can to protect her clients. She knows all the Vault’s tricks and has prevented countless DNA thefts. Working for Thorne, her focus becomes split when she begins to fall for him, but she knows she hasn’t let anything slip – love or not, his DNA is safe. But then she and Thorne are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby, and all bets are off.
Review: “Baby X” is set in the near future, where eggs and sperm can easily be created from  any person’s cells. A company called Vault, steals DNA from celebrities and sells it on the black market. Musician Trace Thorne is one of the victims and he hires Ember Ryan as his security agent to help prevent it. But when a woman named Quinn claims she is pregnant with Thorne’s baby, they have to figure out what went wrong.
 
For fans of John Marrs books, like “The One” or “The Marriage Act”, “Baby X” is a great alternative. Kira Peikoff wrote a futuristic thriller that excels in the exciting, speculative science fiction genre, exploring the risks of genetic technology and its ethical dilemmas.
 
The book is fast paced. The chapters are short and each one is told from the perspective of different character. The plotting is clever and it has several really good twist that I never saw coming. Especially the final one.
 
Even though you’re spending a lot of time with these characters, not all are as interesting or as developed. Quinn was lacking depth, although her storyline was my favorite. And Lily’s arc wasn’t grabbing me, until the final few chapters.
 
If you like realistic science fiction thrillers, with excellent world-building, you will probably enjoy this.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

Ranking the Franchise - Robert Langdon

Based on the famous Robert Langdon book series, by author Dan Brown, director Ron Howard has turned three of the books in the series into movies. By the time I’m rewatching these movies, Dan Brown has just released his sixth book in this series. The books were kind of randomly turned into movies, starting with book 2, then book 1 and the last was book 4.
 

3. Inferno (2016)
This film, based on the fourth book in the series, was released six years after its last Robert Langdon film. It was clearly my least favorite of the three films and the one I remember the least about. Even though it’s the most recent film in the series. Mainly because it’s feels a lot like the other ones and unoriginal. Check our my full review HERE.
 

2. Angels & Demons (2009)
I really enjoyed the mystery here, more than its sequel. The film opens with a bang and I loved the setting. There is a lot of explaining and the runtime is fairly long, but I did enjoy this film. HERE is my full review.  
 

1. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
This is clearly my favorite. I actually first saw it in theaters and was obsessed with it for a long time. I have rewatched it many times since then, but it had been a while since I last watched it. But it still holds up. This is the only really good adaptation of one of the Robert Langdon books. It’s also very true to its source material. The performances in this movie are  very strong overall, which is not the case for the other two films. The characters in “The Da Vinci Code” are more memorable. Read my full review HERE.

10s Movie Review - The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Director: Desiree Akhavan
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 91 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz, Sasha Lane, Jennifer Ehle, Forrest Goodluck, Emily Skeggs, John Gallagher Jr.

Description: In 1993, teenage girl Cameron (Chloe Grace Moretz) is forced into a gay conversion therapy center by her conservative guardians.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 41: A FILM WITH CHLOE GRACE MORETZ
 
Review: Cameron Post if a teenage girl in 1993, who is gay. She lost her parents at a very young age and is now living with her aunt. Who is very conservative. When she finds out about Cameron’s love for women, she is sent to a conversion therapy center.

The film is well-made and compelling, but can sometimes drag a little bit. The emphasis is on the harmful effect on homophobia on young people and this is done very well.

The people are all portrayed in a very believable way, especially the adults who try to help, albeit in the wrong way. The cast is strong, but the chemistry between the three main actors, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sasha Lane and Forrest Goodluck, is lacking. Their individual scenes are more powerful than the ones they have together. With that, the characters are a bit bland.

The theme of the film is strong and hits, but the characters lack chemistry and depth, which is somewhat essential in a movie like this. Because it’s a more character driven story.

Rating: 3/ 5

Book Review - That's Not My Name by Megan Lally

Title: That’s Not My Name
Author: Megan Lally
Genre: Mystery/ Young Adult/ Thriller
Published: 2023
 
Description: Shivering and bruised, a teen wakes up on the side of the a dirt road with no memory of how she got there – or who she is. A passing officer takes her to the police station, and not long after, a frantic man arrives. He’s been searching for her for hours. He has her school ID, her birth certificate, and even family photos. He is her father. Her name is Mary. Or so he says.
 
When Lola slammed the car door and stormed off into the night, drew thought they just needed some time to cool off. Except Lola disappeared, and the sheriff, his friends, and the whole town are convinced Drew murdered his girlfriend. Forget proving his innocence, he needs to find her before it’s too late. The longer Lola is missing, the fewer leads there are to follow… and the more danger they both are in.
 
Review: “That’s Not My Name” is a young adult mystery thriller, perfect if you’re looking for a blood-curdling thriller with an exciting plot. In this YA thriller, a girl wakes up confused on the side of the road. She has no idea what happened, where she is, or who she even is. Officer Bowman finds her and takes her to the local police station in Alton. It doesn’t take long before her father walks into the station asking if a girl with short brown hair and green eyes has been found; he has apparently been looking for his daughter for hours. The officer takes the man to the girl, and they turn out to be related. The girl’s name is Mary Boone, and the man proves to be her father by showing the officer her birth certificate and family photos. Mary goes home with her father.
 
In another town, a girl names Lola has been missing for some time. Her boyfriend Drew was the last person to see her the night before she disappeared. The local sheriff suspects that Drew may have something to do with her disappearance or may even have killed her. Drew insists that he had nothing to do with is and is doing his best to find Lola. However, he is keeping secret what exactly happened the night before she went missing.
 
The book is divided into chapters from the perspective of Mary and Drew from the beginning, you naturally get the idea that the two storylines must be related, but author Megan Lally manages to keep the dénouement a surprise until the very end. It has both predictable and unpredictable plot points, but in all it’s a very surprising story.
 
If you’re a fan of Holly Jackson’s YA thrillers, you will probably enjoy “That’s Not May Name” as well. Lally’s writing style is pleasant and very accessible and it will appeal to younger readers. But even if you’re not a young adult anymore, like I am, you will enjoy it. Because it doesn’t scream YA.
 
“That’s Not My Name” is an excellent debut novel for Megan Lally and I would read more of her work in the future. Strong YA thriller, enjoyable for not only young adults.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

Book Review - I Who Have Never Known Men

Title: I Who Have Never Known Men
Author: Jacqueline Harpman
Genre: Fiction/ Dystopian
Published: 1995
 
Description: Deep underground, forty women live imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only a vague recollection of their lives before.
 
As the burn of electric light merges day into night and numberless years pass, a young girl – the fortieth prisoner – sits alone and outcast in the corner. Soo she will show herself to be the key to the others’ escape and survival in the strange world that awaits them above ground.
 
Review: In “I Who Have Never Known Men” we follow a group of forty women who are all locked up in a cage, underground. The fortieth woman has just entered the cage and we follow the story from her perspective. None of the women have any recollection of how they got their and don’t remember a lot of their lives before. Why they are there? No one knows.
 
The story is very unique. It’s an impressive, philosophical and dystopian story. The story provides only few answers and requires lots of imagination, the journey through mystery and philosophical depth is a very special and impactful reading experience.  
 
The setting and the unexplained circumstances create a deep mystery that draws into the hope of the main character. We never learn her name, her backstory, who she was before this. But we see her growth, feel every one of her emotions and really go through it with her. And the beautiful writing by Jacqueline Harpman helps us immerse ourselves in the inner world of the main character.
 
Despite its feminist undertones, there is an emphasis on misogynism with the emphasis on the necessity of men for a meaningful life. I don’t believe that’s what Harpman believes, but these women, who only have each other, believe this to be the truth.
 
When going into this book, just be aware that you will be left with more questions at the end. You will not get a satisfying, spectacular, big conclusion. It’s not fast paced or action packed. “I Who Have Never Known Men” is a character driven book, told from the perspective of a young woman who never experienced life as it is. She only knows  the life she is living  now. If you enjoy philosophical, mysterious stories, that make you think, and you’re not afraid of a book that doesn’t provide you with clear answers, then this one is for you. It’s a unique reading experience and this book will definitely stay with me for a very long time.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - A Real Pain

Director: Jesse Eisenberg
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 90 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Jennifer Grey,
 
Description: Mismatched cousins (Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg) reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother, but their old tension resurfaces against the backdrop of their family history.

 
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 40: A FILM FROM 2024

Review: In “A Real Pain”, we meet Benji and David, cousins who get together for a trip through Poland, in honor of their grandmother who has just passed. Benji is a troubled, complex man with no real plan in life and David seems to have his life together with a wife and son, and couldn’t be more different from Benji.

The film is a layered dramedy that explores the complexity of family, trauma, and identity. This through the duo of Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, who, despite their differences, create a moving road movie about the Holocaust past. The film combines sharp humor and deep drama to address universal themes. The chemistry between Eisenberg and Culkin is the heart of the movie. They are so different from each other, though they do look up to one another and learn from each other as well.

There is a perfect balance between humor and drama. It’s not just your everyday buddy road trip movie. It’s a journey through Poland, with a focus on the Holocaust. It serves as a backdrop for personal growth and the discovery of their family roots.

The film is fairly slow, which can throw viewers off, and the ending might feel abrupt as well. I think both worked in their favor. The slow pace fits the story and tone and the ending also felt right for this film. But I do understand this being a negative for some people.

“A Real Pain” is a wonderful film, that was nominated for two Academy Awards: best original screenplay (Jesse Eisenberg) and best supporting actor (Kieran Culkin). Culkin very deservedly took home the award, he is so good in this film. For only a 90 minute runtime, this film showed us a lot of character growth and emotional baggage. A definite must-see.

Rating: 4,5/ 5