‘Love me’: Top 5 Vday Classics
‘He loves me…He loves me…NOT.’ Check out my watchlist & reviews for Top 5 Valentine’s Day films.
1.) EVER AFTER
20th Century Studios; Click image to view trailer!!
‘Ever After’ is a timeless, captivating and refreshing film, beautifully directed by Andy Tennant, that offers a delightful twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale. Drew Barrymore stars as Danielle, a resilient and spirited young woman who finds herself trapped in servitude under the heartless rule of her stepmother, fiercely played by Anjelica Huston. The film follows Danielle's journey from hardship to empowerment, as she encounters ruthless adversity and blossoms true love with the charming Prince Henry, handsomely portrayed by Dougray Scott. “A fish may love a bird, but where would they love?” The film is visually stunning, transporting us into an enchanting story set in the South of France, with masterful costumes and medieval set design. Castle walls and lush gardens ignite the screen, along with vibrant performances and sincere touches of comedy. ‘Ever After’ is forever a true legacy film, for fans of love seeking a heartwarming and empowering experience.
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺5/5
2.) GHOST
Paramount Pictures; Click image to view trailer!!
‘Ghost’ is a gritty, heart stopping, and emotional film set in the late 80s New York City. Molly and Sam, played by the infamous Demi Moore and beloved Patrick Swayze, are madly in love. They can literally melt pottery, no kiln needed. However, when Sam is murdered over a shady business deal, he’s left to roam the earth as a powerless spirit. After he learns the truth about his murder, Sam seeks justice with the help of a fraudulent eccentric psychic, Oda Mae Brown, hysterically played by Whoopi Goldberg. “Molly, you in danger girl.” Directed by Jerry Zucker, this film showcases the use of nostalgic special effects that seamlessly blend the supernatural with the real world. By twisting the power of love and fear of the unknown together, ‘Ghost’ delivers something haunting and truly heartbreaking, distinguishing it still as one of the most romantic films to ever grace the screen.
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺5/5
3.) ROMEO + JULIET
20th Century Studios; Click image to view trailer!!
‘Romeo + Juliet’ is a visually chaotic and modern adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless romantic tragedy, brought to life by esteemed director Baz Luhrmann. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes deliver captivating authentic performances as the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, amidst the colorful backdrop of Verona Beach. “Thus from my lips, by thine my sin is purged.” Luhrmann's bold decision to transform the feuding Capulets and Montagues into rival street gangs adds a fresh and dynamic alternative to the tale. Throughout the film were catapulted into some insane visual aesthetics, vibrant costumes, and breathtaking cinematography. ‘Romeo + Juliet’ is a heartfelt and cinematic portrayal of tragic love, similar to a sour candy. Sweet at the start, and bitter in the end.
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺5/5
4.) ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
Focus Features; Click image to view trailer!!
‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is a crazy, deep, thought-provoking drama that delves into the intricacies of relationships and the profound impact of memory. After a painful breakup, Clementine, played by Kate Winslet, undergoes a procedure to erase the memories of her former boyfriend Joel, portrayed by Jim Carrey. When Joel discovers that Clementine is going to extremes to forget their relationship, he undergoes the same procedure and slowly begins to forget the woman that he loved. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet both give us remarkable performances, showcasing their versatility as they navigate the emotional depths of their characters. “I’m sorry. It’s just, you know, my life isn’t that interesting.” Directed by Michel Gondry, the film captivates with its unique visual style and imaginative storytelling. As everything unfolds, it skillfully explores themes of love, loss, heartache, depression, anxiety, and the human desire to escape pain. ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is a masterpiece that challenges the ideals of love and questions the conventional.
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺5/5
5.) The Notebook
New Line Cinema; Click image to view trailer!!
"The Notebook" is a touching and poignant love story set in the 1940s South Carolina. Based on the Best-selling Nicholas Sparks novel and vintagly directed by Nick Cassavetes, it follows the story of mill worker Noah Calhoun and rich girl Allie who are desperately in love. Played by the amazing Ryan Gosling and skilled Rachel McAdams, they express one of the most captivating on and off screen romances in cinematic history. Their chemistry is undeniably palpable, passionate and enduring. I admire how expertly they played on the nuance of two individuals from different social backgrounds who share a meaningful connection. “If I’m a bird, then you’re a bird.” However, when Noah goes off to serve in World War II, their love affair seemingly ends. But when Noah returns years later, it becomes clear that their romance is far from over. "The Notebook" is a gut wrenching tale that tugs at the heartstrings and still leaves you sobbing on the floor after all these years.
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺5/5
Until we meet again: ‘All of Us Strangers’
Searchlight Pictures; Click image to view trailer!!
"All of Us Strangers" is a spooktacular romance fantasy film directed by Andrew Haigh. The movie takes place in London tower block, where screenwriter Adam, ‘Fleabag’ alum Andrew Scott, has a chance encounter with his mysterious neighbor Harry, the talented Paul Mescal. As their relationship develops, Adam goes back to his childhood home, where his deceased parents seem to still be living as they were 30 years ago. I really enjoyed their chemistry together most of all and seeing significant representation of LGBTQ+ characters on the big screen! As a young child, I never thought as an adult I’d see it. As to not spoil it too much, this film offers a poignant, suspenseful, and mysterious storyline, with a ‘Sixth Sense’ vibe. In the end “All of us strangers” had unexpected twists and a beautiful love story that was truly a haunting experience.
🐺🐺🐺🐺4/5
Everyone’s mad here: ‘American Fiction’
MGM; Click image to view trailer!!
"American Fiction" is a slice of Dramedy heaven. The film, directed by Cord Jefferson, revolves around Monk, a disillusioned novelist who is fed up with the entertainment industry's exploitation of Black culture. He adopts a pen name and writes a provocative book that exposes the hypocrisy and madness he criticizes. Jeffrey Wright delivers a standout performance as Monk, capturing the character's frustrations and disdain. I thought this film had an excellent flow, exposing information as you’d expect. Additionally, it’s a pleasure to see Issa Rae, who consistently brings her best to the screen. "American Fiction", in my view, offers an exploration of cultural appropriation and the compelling power dynamics within the industry.
🐺🐺🐺🐺4/5
You still can’t sit with us!: ‘Mean Girls’
Paramount Pictures; Click image to view trailer!!
‘Mean Girls : The Musical’ is a film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical notoriously sung throughout thespian competitions for the last decade. The story once again, follows Cady Heron as she navigates the social hierarchy of high school and gets involved with the popular group known as the Plastics. However, when Cady falls for Regina George's ex-boyfriend, she becomes a target all on her own. The film features Renee Rapp as Regina, who brings a certain attitude to the role but lacks the sparkle. The characters in the film feel emotionally vacant, and the overall adaptation seems to have been dumbed down from its original source material. The singing performances, unfortunately, lack depth and formidable talent. ‘Mean Girls’ was disappointing and fell short. It’s unfortunate to see this beloved musical not live up to its Broadway reputation.
🐺🐺2/5
No pain, no gain: ‘Pain Hustlers’
Netflix; Click image to view trailer!!
"Pain Hustlers" is a cheeky crime thriller that puts you into the life of a struggling woman who desperately takes a job at a failing pharmaceutical startup. Directed by David Yates, famously known for his work on the Harry Potter series, this film showcases his talent for creating intense moments of uncertainty. Emily Blunt delivers, yet again, a marvelous performance here. She soon unwittingly becomes entangled in a dangerous racketeering scheme, along with Chris Evan’s character who had a touch of levity. But special shout out to the sensational Katherine O’hara, playing her mother, who was dynamite as always. The movie explores high stakes and the relentless pursuit of victory. "Pain Hustlers" delivers a joyride of emotion with a raw and unapologetic approach.
🐺🐺🐺3/5
Surviving, not thriving: ‘Society Of the Snow’
Netflix; Click image to view trailer!!
"Society of the Snow" is a freezing good movie! A drama based on a true story that takes place in 1972 when an Uruguayan flight crashes in the desolate heart of the Andes. Directed by the talented J.A. Bayona, the film expertly portrays the harrowing journey of the survivors who are forced to rely on each other for survival. With skillful direction, the movie captures the emotional and physical challenges faced by the characters, highlighting their resilience and the depths of human strength. "Society of the Snow" is a fantastically brilliant film that showcases the power of the human spirit in the face of nature’s adversity.
🐺🐺🐺🐺4/5
Friend or ‘FOE’:
MGM; Click image to view trailer!!
‘FOE’ is a captivating future-rustic film that takes you on a journey to a secluded piece of land owned by Hen and Junior, a couple whose quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of an uninvited stranger. It is a bit of a slow burn as the true nature of the stranger's proposal is revealed. But the performances from Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan, combined with lows and highs, helps to keep you engaged throughout. Leading us to a heart-wrenching climax that might leave you in tears. If you’ve ever been in love, ‘FOE’ is an emotionally resonant film that will linger with you long after the credits roll.
🐺🐺🐺3/5
Third Degree, ‘Saltburn’:
MGM; Click image to view trailer!!
‘Saltburn’ is a gripping and darkly humorous psychological thriller that takes you on a twisted journey. Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, the story follows Barry Keoghan’s character Ollie as he attends Oxford University under false terms. He becomes enthralled in a new friendship with Jacob Elordi’s character Felix and is invited to spend the summer at his eccentric family’s estate, leading to a series of dazzling, unexpected, and bone chilling events. The highlight set design by Suzie Davies is simply magnificent and satisfying, using color and depth to enhance the tone. ‘Saltburn’ delivers a sensually haunting and obsessively intriguing storyline layered with freshly used entitled bath water, plunging you deep into a tangled complex spiderweb of submission.
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺5/5
Gimmie more, ‘Poor Things’:
Searchlight Pictures; Click image to view trailer!!
‘Poor Things’ is a thought-provoking and mindful film that immerses you in a dystopian Victorian world filled with salacious sex work and wild inventions. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the story revolves around Bella Baxter, a woman with a mysterious past and the brain of a child, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, experiencing life itself for the first time. Emma Stone delivers an extraordinary performance, portraying her with a captivating authenticity devoid of regret or remorse. William Dafoe expertly plays her creator, and Mark Ruffalo embodies her narcissistic lover with a comedic integrity. ‘Poor Things’ is perfectly executed, dancing with themes of romance and the essence of being alive. It challenges societal norms and the creation of existence through a wildly introspective lens, resulting in a compelling cinematic film experience that’ll have you craving for more.
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺5/5
Action vs. Reaction: ‘May December’
Netflix; Click image to view trailer!!
‘May December’ is a provacative and chilling drama that delves into the complexities of a controversial relationship. Directed by Todd Haynes and written by Samy Burch, the film loosely draws inspiration from the Mary Kay Letourneau scandal. Creepishly good, Natalie Portman delivers a captivating performance as an actress who inserts herself in the life of Julianne Moore’s character, who is tabloid public pariah skillfully portraying her self desire to protect her secrets and maintain a mask of happiness. The film explores relationships through the themes of paranoia, regret, and the life changing lengths one will go to embody a role. ‘May December’ is an unsettling exploration of human nature and the consequences of regrettable choices that dares to you question your own morality.
🐺🐺🐺🐺4/5
Special Agent, ‘Oppenheimer’:
Universal Pictures; Click image to view trailer!!
‘Oppenheimer’ was a fantastic biographical drama about the great Dr. Oppenheimer. The film chronicles his career predominantly focusing on his studies, his direction of the Manhattan Project during World War II, and his eventual fall from grace due to his 1954 security hearing. Directed and written by Christopher Nolan, he beautifully captures the sinister nature and essence of American History. A riveting and stellar performance from Cillian Murphy, as Doctor Oppenheimer, gives us a three dimensional portrayal of a complicated man. Emily Blunt was bold as his wife. And Robert Downey Jr., shined as his nemesis. ‘Oppenheimer’ was about one hour too long but, for story sake and humanity, I respect it. A stark reminder of the past that still haunts our society, reflecting on mankind’s desperation for survival.
🐺🐺🐺🐺4/5