Tag Archives: Film reviews

Film reviews

Wicked: For Good Review

Leave a comment

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.

Film reviews

Peter Hujar’s Day Review

Leave a comment

This is an authentic film that pays attention to details. It finds its realism and stays on point. Directed by Ira Sachs, this is a true story that captures every essential aspect of someone telling a story. Peter Hujar’s Day plays out on an intriguing landscape. The cinematography has lighting that fuels the story with rapidly changing structures. It takes viewers on a deep and vivid journey. Overall, Peter Hujar’s Day is purely spectacular thanks to a mesmerizing performance by Ben Whishaw, who wasdestined to play Peter Hujar. It is a film about a long conversation between Peter Hujar and Linda Rosenkrantz in 1974. Rachel Hall plays Linda Rosenkrantz.  New York in the 1970s provides the perfect backdrop for a discussion that goes deep. The spiral of words in this story about the life of Hujar is spellbinding.

The film begins with Linda doing the interview with Peter on a cassette recorder. In the era before digital recording, Peter and Linda have tea and eat meals between takes. Peter continues to go deep about his many moments taking photographs of different people. It is an enlightening experience that makes audiences wonder how artists find their narrative. At the same time, it makes viewers wonder how art is created in an otherwise introverted life. Throughout Peter Hujar’s Day, the story prompted a variety of interconnected thoughts. The performances of Whishaw and Hall are the epitome of grandeur. 

I have had the opportunity to see both Whishaw and Hall in person. I saw Whishaw on stage in London in Waiting for Godotin 2024. I saw Hall on the Red Carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for The BFG in 2016. Watching them both in Peter Hujar’s Day felt natural, because they both display humanistic characteristics in their acting while portraying lead roles in this type of film. Peter Hujar’s Day is a one-of-a-kind movie. Hall is amazing playing the journalist seeking every deep word for her story. Whishaw is wonderful playing the photographer trying to be an open book while telling his story.

Peter Hujar’s Day has the New York art scene written into it right below the surface. The streets and city lights are the backdrop of Peter’s story. As the conversation goes forward, the moments of darkness come in and out of Peter’s mind. The writing of Peter Hujar’s Day carries a narrative that helps audiences appreciate how human minds can weave emotionally up and down, especially when so much energy is given to a craft, and nothing comes of it. Peter Hujar’s Day is a joyful wonder of amazement and a real treasure. It is a little too short though. There could have been more to the story, and the film felt a bit incomplete since it only runs for about seventy-six minutes. Overall, however, that timing is made up for by its artistic brilliance. Three out of four stars.

Film reviews

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t Review

Leave a comment

Hard to believe that nine years has passed since the gang of magic have last been seen. Now they are taking on a new mission. They want to steal a diamond. After Now You See Me: The Second Act, the fun of magic, twists, and illusions reach new levels. I went in with mixed expectations but walked out more dazzled than I had anticipated. Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is a film where the cards are shuffled, but the outcome is more successful than audiences might think. 

The Horsemen are back! Jesse Eisenberg as J. Daniel Atlas, Woody Harrelson as Merritt McKinney, Dave Franco as Jack Wilder and Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves. After being on the run from the law and using their magic skills to make bank, they reunite for a mission involving diamond heists, but more want to be part of the mission this time. There are three new young individuals joining on their heist journey. They are Bosco (Dominic Sessa), Charlie (Justice Smith), and June (played by Ariana Greenblatt). The evil nemesis is played by Veronika Vanderberg (Rosamund Pike). Can the Horsemen utilize their magic and tactics to help their new proteges stay out of trouble, and maintain their reputation? A lot is on the line in Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.

This sequel has a lot of adventures. I loved how the direction goes to places all around Europe and talks about theories to consider when utilizing magic and the mind in creating areas. So many of the tricks are just illusions, but this film creates areas of irony to maintain the adventure  and develop meaning.  The rapid escapes are still around, and so much of the heists and twists are non-stop.

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is a rather joyful continuation. Not amazing, but well worth the time. It is like an interactive escape room that does not end. Also at the same time, it felt good to see the illusion of magic and relativity finding forms of connection, because there is always something to magic that may or may not add up. Three out of four stars for Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.