Film reviews

Eternity Review

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There is a unique approach to life after death in Eternity. In this film, permanence exists in all forms and the world after one life is lost finds a place of purpose. The idea of happiness forever is where the debacle in this film’s narrative becomes exhilarating. The title carries meaning as the story explores themes of empathy, acceptance and reconciliation. It is just a matter of how people choose to move on. Written and directed by David Freyne, who co-wrote the film with writer and producer Patrick Cunnane. Together they bring the world a one-of-a-kind portrait of individuals who are looking for life in the universe after their passing. 

The main characters are Larry, Joan, and Luke. Larry is played by Miles Teller, Joan is played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Luke is played by Callum Turner. The setting is an afterlife setup where humans that have passed are given seven days to figure out where to spend their “eternity.” Joan is in the middle between Larry and Luke, because she was in love with Luke at one point and then Larry afterwards. One died before she fell in love with the other. Now that they are all in the place of life after death, all three are faced with tough decisions.

The film is vibrant with creativity. David Freyne creates a world that looks like a heavenly setting with resources and transportation. There are timetables with arrivals of new souls and lounge areas. A portrait is created of the happiness experienced after humans pass away. Eternity elicits empathy that is spellbinding. Considering the typical world where scenarios cannot be reversed, finding love in a new universe is mesmerizing.

As the film moves forward, there are scenes involving places in which Joan, Larry and Luke revisit the moments of their lives. This leads to some sadness when looking back causes meaningful revelations. Eternity paints a portrait of how to have a loving heart with those we feel connected to. Even when there are various resentments, there are still moments to forever cherish. The story has a carefully woven narrative that demonstrates the power of courage.

There is a realization in the storyline regarding the value of moderation. To provide context, the world of the afterlife has a setting where people can walk through and revisit past frames of their life. It is set up like an exhibit. The usher in the ticket booth reminds them that it may not be healthy to frequently revisit the exhibit because it may be triggering. Despite the sad setup, there minder to revisit the past in moderation holds value in Eternity. It combines with messages of well-being and healthy communication between all parties involved. Once people are there forever, they are not going back.

Eternity is compelling. The film’s writing has a form of clarity which prompts sympathy and understanding. I experienced deepappreciation while watching this wonderful and inspiring movie. The message is powerful …love is cherished forever. Four out of four stars for Eternity.

Film reviews

Rental Family Review

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From the mind of director Hikari comes a mesmerizing and diverse portrait where some unique connections are found in her latest film, Rental Family. The purpose here focuses on a character in a struggling career who decides to take a different path—one that requires having a heart. Brendan Fraser delivers one of the best performances of 2025, and ultimately one of the best of his career. Rental Family is a film that blends diversity and human connection to form parallel values of context that come out of hiding. 

Fraser plays Philip Vanderploeg, an actor for commercials, who finds himself not doing so great. His gigs are in Tokyo. His new opportunity is to take a job with an agency titled “rental family.” The purpose of it is to fill in roles for strangers. For example, if one is missing a father, one fulfills that role in the family. That is the role that Philip ends up filling. He does so for a young girl named Mia, played by Shannon Gorman. Moving forward, Philip tries to fill the father role, and as hard as it is, he finds himself in the stage of his life where the position becomes rewarding and meaningful in this role of a “stranger.”

Rental Family is mind-boggling in its ability to create curiosity for its audiences to wonder what it would be like to have someone stand in for a role in a family. It leads to many questions. What dynamics would it twist? What conversations would it confuse? How would the moving parts feel? A lot of those questions come and go in the film’s writing, but at the same time, empathy weaves throughout with a sense of style in Rental Family. The Tokyo setting brings in a lot of value and culture through the eyes of Philip and Mia amid the narrative.

A lot of thoughts revolving around the idea of a fake family come to mind when watching Rental Family. The subject of routine came around a lot for me, because the agency finds itself in hurdles with others outside of Philip’s life doing this process as well. It proves that not everyone has it right and that having a family that’s “rented” does not easily find common ground. It is, however, a door for connection and new beginnings to evolve.

There is the motion of a weaving narrative that is enchanting, while also questionable. However, Fraser is the savior of the film. He plays the one that works to have a heart, while also dealing with the realities of life in Tokyo. Being in a father role that he had not planned for is not easy, but his heart grows. The film will inspire, as Rental Family is unique, diverse, and brilliant. Also, it was quite amazing. I love how there is a side of being included while also trying to deal with a strange, newreality. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Rental Family.

Film reviews

Wicked: For Good Review

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Wicked: For Good is an enchanting ride that is a continuation of the first film which was released last year. There are many special musical moments that fans will love. This time, however, there is a lot more exploration into The Wizard of Oz territory. The two witches are in their own spaces yet with a strong friendship that the songs highlight. Wicked: For Good brings wonderful glory to the big screen this holiday season. Director Jon. M Chu continues to bring the colors of the rainbow for audiences around the world. 

In the second installment, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) have been labeled with new identities. Elphabais referred to as the “Wicked Witch of the West” and Glinda has the title of, “Glinda the Good.” The friendship vibes between Elphaba and Glinda are still woven into the story, but the land of OZ finds itself in chaos. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) only cares about his public image, and he may not be the caring man he says he is. Meanwhile, power struggles are occurring between the witches while the land of Oz finds itself filled with many fanciful creatures.

In this film, audiences are introduced to more Munchkins, a Tin Man, and many animals. All sorts of things are set in motion in Wicked: For Good. The battle between friendship and power comes with choices. Overall, the territory is not easy to navigate. Wicked: For Good, is one of the most fascinating films of 2025. It dazzles with splendid scenes and looks closely at how hard it can be when friendship falls. I also felt the musical numbers went a step above in Wicked: For Good.

The song that captured my attention and warmed my heart most was For Good. This touching and memorable song reminded me of how people and lives change, but above all there is always good in human beings. When this number was performed, it created moving moments that brought back many vivid theatrical memories. It also reminded me of the incredible stage version of Wicked. Wicked: For Good took me on a ride to new horizons. The outstanding performances of Erivo and Grande will mesmerize audiences in this continued franchise.

The land of Oz remains a place of, but its turmoil is where the conflict lies. It provides the foundation and holds the key to magical musical moments. This is especially the case when trust is on the line, and the audience is trying to determine good vs. bad. Deep-down, the bad side is fueled by the various moving parts. I love Wicked: For Good because it reminded me how there is still time to change. Even when challenges in life seem unsolvable, we can remember the goodness in the people we are lucky to have or have had in our lives. For Elphaba and Glinda, they need to remember where it all began for them as friends. Moving forward, they must decide where their friendship stands.Find out in Wicked: For Good. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

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