How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is directed by Dean DeBlois, who also wrote and directed the original animated trilogy as well as Lilo & Stitch. His return to the property ensures a faithful live-action adaptation that honors the tone and emotional core of the original. Visually, the film captures the bond between humans and dragons, with the exception of some controversial choices in casting presentation.

Mason Thames, best known for The Black Phone, gives his best performance yet as Hiccup. He brings a believable vulnerability and growth to the role, matching the spirit of the original character while adding more emotional nuance in live-action.

Nico Parker plays Astrid and is strong in the role, though the decision to light and style her to resemble a white Viking, despite her mixed heritage, has sparked justified conversation. Despite that, Parker's acting is solid, and she handles the action and emotional beats well. You might remember her from Dumbo.

Gerard Butler returns as Stoick the Vast and delivers his best performance since 300. He brings power and presence to the role, portraying a commanding yet deeply conflicted father. His chemistry with Thames strengthens the core of the story.

Nick Frost and Julian Dennison provide the comic relief as Gobber and Fishlegs, respectively. Their timing and energy help keep the tone light when needed and match the spirit of their animated counterparts. Frost you'll remember from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. While Dennison you'll remember from Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

This remake doesn’t reinvent the franchise, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a loving adaptation that succeeds in casting, direction, and emotional depth, even if not without controversy. Result: B+

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Americana (2025)

Americana (2025) is written and directed by Tony Tost , best known for his work on Longmire . His approach here focuses more on character work than plot, with the script itself being serviceable but not remarkable. Still, it provides a strong platform for the cast to showcase their abilities. Sydney Sweeney delivers an impressive performance as a waitress with a stutter, bringing nuance and empathy to a role that could have easily felt one-note. It’s one of her more grounded performances and a highlight of the film. You'll remember Syd from her American Eagle commercial. Halsey is nearly unrecognizable in her role, playing with a fierceness that stands out and proves her versatility outside of music. Her presence commands attention whenever she’s on screen. I was first introduced to her from MGK 's music video Forget Me Too. Eric Dane takes on a villain role and succeeds at being thoroughly hate-able, leaning into his darker side effectively. His work gives the film muc...

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)

Five Nights at Freddy's is an adaptation of a children's horror video game. With a relatively unknown director, Emma Tammi , the film relies on its source material, Scott Cawthon, and creative liberties, Seth Cuddeback . There was some poor dialogue in some of the character-building and exposition scenes but the film allows you to suspend your disbelief. Josh Hutcherson plays Mike the main character who's just trying to take care of his sister played by Piper Rubio . You might remember Josh from The Hunger Games as Peeta. He tries to carry the movie and does a mediocre job in doing so. He's still a one-note-Andy. He does have a sort of unspoken romance with Elizabeth Lail's character. Elizabeth has this sort of look that Mackenzie Davis really pioneered and a first I thought she was mimicking her. She does tend to over-act a tad but that might be due to her TV background and inexperienced director. The CG was good, didn't see anything outstanding th...

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) is a modern reboot that struggles under the weight of its own messaging. Written and directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson , known for Do Revenge and co-writing Thor: Love and Thunder , the script leans heavily into a feminist slant that often feels forced and out of sync with the slasher tone. Instead of enhancing the story, it undercuts tension with cringeworthy dialogue and awkward character beats. Madelyn Cline , seen in Outer Banks and Glass Onion , is easily the film’s highlight. She delivers the most natural performance, blending beauty with presence, and does her best to anchor a shaky narrative. Unfortunately, the material rarely rises to meet her. Tyriq Withers , who appears in The Game and has the upcoming film Him. I'm quite excited to see how he does in that. He' s likable and shows promise. His role is disappointingly small, sidelined by Robinson’s writing choices. He deserved more screen time and depth, as his chari...

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