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