Freakier Friday (2025)

Freakier Friday (2025) is directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Elyse Hollander and Jordan Weiss. The writing is the weakest aspect of the film, leaning into a fantasy of having it all: a dream career, a perfect love interest, motherhood, and a magically open and understanding teenager. Both writers are relatively new and this might just be a learning curve. Ganatra isn't new to film, but had more success in television.

Jamie Lee Curtis, known for Halloween (1978) and Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), overacts in her role, leaning too heavily into physical comedy. Lindsay Lohan, best known for Mean Girls (2004), also struggles to find the right balance between charm and believability.

Julia Butters, who stood out in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), and Sophia Hammons, from Under Wraps (2021), do much better, giving grounded and heartfelt performances that carry the emotional weight of the film.

The movie is just okay, with a final act that saves it from being bad. Result: C

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Jay Kelly (2025)

Jay Kelly (2025) is written and directed by Noah Baumbach , known for Marriage Story and Barbie , and this time he turns his sharp eye toward the chaotic, funny, and often heartbreaking dynamics between actors, their families, and the people who try to manage both. Baumbach’s writing is witty and grounded, and the film finds a balance between being self-aware and deeply sincere. It is easily one of his lighter works, but that warmth works in its favor. George Clooney , known for Michael Clayton and Up in the Air , was born to play this role. He slips effortlessly into the character, blending charm, worn-down maturity, and a subtle comedic touch that feels tailor-made for the story. Clooney brings so much authenticity that half the time it feels like he is simply letting the camera catch him existing in the world Baumbach built. Adam Sandler , known for Uncut Gems and Hustle , brings the total opposite energy from Clooney, which is exactly why their dynamic works so well. He leans...

One Battle After Another (2025)

One Battle After Another (2025) is written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson , who is no stranger to ambitious projects after films like Licorice Pizza and, one of the best films of all time, There Will Be Blood. His direction once again shows his knack for blending complex characters with striking visuals, though the film occasionally falters in how it handles some of its supporting roles. Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio , known for The Wolf of Wall Street and Titanic , is nothing short of amazing. He completely commits to the role, bringing intensity and emotional depth that anchors the movie. Oscar winner Sean Penn , best remembered for Mystic River and Milk , transforms himself into a truly awful villain. His presence is unsettling and effective, giving the story one of its strongest dramatic cores. Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro , from Sicario and Traffic , plays the calm and collected Sensei with quiet authority. His controlled performance contrasts...

Dumb Money (2023)

Dumb Money is a drama following the GameStop squeeze back in 2021. Craig Gillespie had done a "based on a true story" before with I, Tonya and I think The Finest Hours. I, Tonya is his best movie, and after seeing this I still wouldn't say that I look forward to seeing a Gillespie movie. Paul Dano does a pretty good job as Keith Gill , but I think anyone could have played this role. Pete Davidson looks worse than he's ever been in previous films but does an okay job being the asshole brother Kevin. There are lots of little characters who don't add anything to the story other than diversity. There are two lesbians, Anthony Ramos is just there to dance and flip off Dane DeHaan, and a Hispanic nurse who just watches TV with her best friend. I believe the whole purpose was sort of disingenuous as it made it seem like anyone who isn't white is poor. Dumb Money doesn't have a lot to say so it fills time with all these other characters and odd scenes like...

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