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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.

Film reviews

Black Phone 2 Review

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Black Phone2 intensifies the suspense and horror. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film meets the high expectations set by its predecessor. The first installment was only the beginning. This time, the phone calls target both Finn and Gwen. Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw reprise their roles as brother and sister. Ethan Hawke returns as The Grabber. The new storyline adds more detail. I felt more scared than in the first film.

With the film moving forward, Finn’s nightmares carry a lot of weight into this sequel. Especially with the tones of a belittling attitude, and also the much horror he has experienced, he carries on with him. The visions of The Grabber have not left, but this time, Gwen is having her own nightmares. This brings them to realize that a place called Alpine Lake may have answers to the terrors of their dreams.

What electrifies Black Phone 2 is its spiraling momentum, pulling viewers deeper into a maze of recurring nightmares and lurking mysteries. The eerie phone booth at Alpine Lake becomes the epicenter of their fears. When it rings, reality and nightmare blur, unleashing supernatural horrors that thrive at the camp. Here, Finn and Gwen piece together the cryptic patterns from their visions, each nightmare a vital clue in their search for the truth.

The writing delves into the depths of evil lying in wait, layering the sequel with fresh, unexpected scares. The film is a labyrinth of campfire terrors and shadowy histories, each piece fitting into a larger, sinister puzzle. The Black Phone 2 masterfully maintains its surreal continuity, always hinting at new horrors to come. The Grabber’s chilling voice and twisted motives remain unforgettable, and Hawke’s wicked grin steals every scene.

Overall, The Black Phone 2 is vivid. One that still has a promising continuation. I adored all the extra evidence to maintain momentum. I will also say that I felt it had a heartfelt side with the brother and sister dynamic battling horror . Especially with one that is bound to continue. Three out of four stars for Black Phone 2.

Film reviews

Nobody 2 Review

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The first film was just an introduction, but Nobody 2 brings a new level of explosions and mayhem. Fuming with funniness is Bob Odenkirk as the center of attention. It is a sequel in which action and humor work together to please audiences. The party in Nobody 2 results from the problems of the first film being multiplied when the main character in this sequel goes on vacation with his family of four. What can go wrong? What more can explode? Nobody 2 is unique while remaining slightly silly because it is infused with an enthralling magic touch.

The plot of the sequel involves Hutch (Odenkirk) recovering from the events of the first film. The life of being a dad in the suburbs has not been an easy adjustment for him because his sense of mayhem still lingers. He tries to be in dad mode, but it does not come easily. Therefore, he decides to take his family on a vacation. He is accompanied by his wife Becca (played by Connie Nielsen) and his kids, Sammy (played by Paisley Cadorath) and Brady (played by Gage Munroe). They also bring Hutch’s father David (played by Christopher Lloyd). The vacation dynamic is dominated by Hutch trying to repeatedly dismiss his assassin side. In addition, they discover that his son may have the same type of personality as he does. The stages of getting overly angry and violent do not fly well when they’re trying to enjoy their family vacation in Nobody 2.

The film feels slightly redundant since many moments from the first film feel like they are repeated within the second. Because this is an action and comedy sequel, that is kind of expected. However, the approach used in the sequel is the main problem. During the second film, the nemesis characters are looped in as well. Hutch’s wife has a bad past of her own, and that addselements of bad karma. The result is that there are some bad people after Hutch, his wife, and the entire family. 

As Hutch navigates the challenge of keeping his assassin-side intact, the new enemies make his urges harder to resist. This is especially the case when it comes to a questionable police officer. That individual is Abel (played by Colin Hanks), and he follows Hutch and his family to unravel some of the hidden dangers that exist for this family. Additionally, there is the head criminal, Lendina (played by Sharon Stone). With this cast of characters, there is a rough, powerhouse dynamic where funny can be deadly, but which also struggles due to the redundancy in its writing.

With Odenkirk, Hanks, and Stone playing out the good guys versus bad guys dynamic, Nobody 2 felt a bit simplistic. These characters are right for the roles and are able to keep the generic yet silly tone that works for this film. Fortunately, the comedy vibe mixed with evil is faithful. In the end, Odenkirk still rises as a suburban dad with a bad attitude to take on all kinds of cinematic mayhem. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Nobody 2.