Snow White Review

 I saw Snow White on March 23, 2025! I vividly remember watching the 1937 animated classic several times when I was younger. It's a staple of Disney, and a huge reason why the company is one of the most profitable in the world. Animation was always a cornerstone for Disney. In recent years, we've seen Disney adapt their animated classics into live action versions. Some have worked. Some have not. For me, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast were well made live action versions. I haven't really enjoyed other live action versions...until, I saw the newest iteration of Snow White. I was hesitant on initially checking this out due to the "controversies" around it, but then I thought about it, and realized the "controversies" surrounding the movie have more to do with media fascination and people getting caught up in a frenzy rather than just ignoring it and see what the movie's about it. I was thoroughly impressed with this live action version which, in my opinion, holds the spirit of the original well, while also adding a more well rounded interpretation of the story and it's characters. 

Rachel Zegler's casting as Snow White may have turned heads, but she was exceptionally brilliant in her performance! She someone fearless! She's someone fair! She's someone brave! She's someone true! Zegler takes the elements that established Snow White as the preeminent Disney princess, but adds qualities to her that make her a female character that speaks to the girls and women of a new generation, while also being inspirational to everyone around her as a beacon of truth and hope that establishes that good can win. She has such a natural, innocent effervescence about her, displaying beauty both externally and internally in a way that helps her become one of the most likable heroines of Disney canon. Zegler made me appreciate and love Snow White more than I did when I was watching the younger animated movie. This Snow White is all about her connection to the roots of her parents, her people, and her kingdom. Zegler's sublime performance really pulled me in, and made me a huge fan of what I was watching unfold. She is simply remarkable here! 

Gal Gadot's casting as the Evil Queen/Grimhilde was fantastic. She portrayed her as a remorseless dictator that took the soul of her kingdom and snuffed it out. Gadot's accent and appearance makes the original queen's motivations work really well in this modern setting. She's able to add some dark humor elements to her performance as well that make her stand out as a more intriguing character. Her dark magic is mysterious and does a great job of balancing out the light that Snow White brings. She's the yin to Snow White's yang. Whenever she's on screen, there's an intimidating presence about her that accentuates her villainous qualities. If we were talking about Lana Parilla's Regina from Once Upon A Time, then I'd be rooting for her, but I 100% support Zegler's Snow White over Gadot's Grimhilde, because the storytelling really made the hero and villain dynamics work exceedingly well throughout the course of the movie. However, Gadot's performance here is indicative of how well she understands the roles she takes. She made her completely ruthless, and that worked so well for the overall crux of the story. 

While there may not be a traditional Prince Charming role, there certainly is a solid love story within this movie. Andrew Burnap's casting as the bandit Jonathan was great. Jonathan grows into a more courageous character throughout the movie. His role as a bandit rather than a prince made him more interesting, and his chemistry with Zegler's Snow White was palpable. It was very fun and believable. He had a Robin Hood aura about him, and, in many ways it reminded me of the Snow White and Prince Charming from Once Upon A Time as Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas had a similar aura to their story. He was a great male protagonist that helps to keep the story flowing, while adding some solid action sequences along the way

When I was younger, I always liked the seven dwarfs. I still fondly recalling Doc saying apple dumpkins and laughing. In this version, the dwarfs are highly entertaining, and, there are even more interesting qualities added to them. Each of the dwarfs has a unique quality about them, while the voice work and visual representations worked really well. Snow White helps each of the dwarfs to realize how important they are to one another, while also helping their brotherhood and camaraderie to naturally grow. Bringing more out of the Dopey character was especially great to see, and Dopey adds so much raw emotion to the whole group. There's some standout moments with all the dwarfs, but be on the lookout for Dopey, especially, because he steals the show for the dwarfs. 

While I enjoyed the performances and the story a great deal, one aspect of this movie that helps to add more heart and excitement to everything is the incredible music.The songs add a melodious aura of lyrical luminescence that displays how powerful musicals can be. Rachel Zegler's voice is so beautiful, and I felt her emotion and energy in each of her lyrics. Waiting on a Wish is such an incredible song that exemplifies how a character can maintain it's original identity, while also showing the importance of evolving to stay relevant in an ever changing world. It's such a poignant and powerful song that helps define Snow White's fairness, courage and beauty so vividly. Her personality is extremely likable, and that's what you want from your protagonist. While Snow White has amazing songs, a big standout song is the Evil Queen/Grimhilde's All Is Fair which displayed her cunning and intellect, as well as her ruthless character. Gadot was having so much fun with this song and showed it through her charismatic presentation of the lyrics. Where Zegler's songs for Snow White displayed her sweet innocence, Gadot's rock opera style was perfect for her antagonist nature. I also loved the inclusion of traditional songs like Whistle While You Work and Heigh-Ho. This is an exceptional soundtrack that would be perfect if Broadway decides to adapt this to a stage production. I really can't say enough good things about the songs here. It's the heartbeat of the movie, and helps to add commentary and inner monologuing to the storytelling for the audience. 

Through brilliant performances led by the astonishing Rachel Zegler, fun storytelling holding true to the original animated version, while also adding more depth to speak to future generations, excellent soundtrack, and beautiful costumes and make-up, this is proof that a solid live action version of Disney animated classics can be made. For me, it's currently my favorite movie of 2025, and I've seen a lot so far this year. I would ask people to stop focusing on the "controversies" the media is spreading, and the unfair low ratings it's getting, because it's really an excellent movie. It's a lot of fun, and there's so much heart at it's core. 

Wicked: Part 1 Review

I saw Wicked: Part 1 on November 23, 2024! I have always been fascinated by the world of Oz. My mother was the one who introduced me and my brothers to this incredible world with the 1939 MGM Classic, and I never lost my fondness for it and anything Oz related. When I found out there was a musical called Wicked coming out on Broadway, I was excited as it was going to be based on the incredible book by Gregory Maguire, which is a favorite of mine. My favorite character of all time is the Wicked Witch of the West, and, naturally, much like the book, this musical was going to focus on her side of the story, and how misunderstood she's always been. I remember the first time seeing it enamored with the creative storytelling and perspective that created an even more immersive world to enjoy. There is so much narrative storytelling throughout along with one of the best musical soundtracks you'll find. This movie adaptation was adept at bringing the book and the stage to the screen in such a spectacular manner that allowed the audience to feel everything. Jon M. Chu did a remarkable job capturing every nook and cranny of what makes this such a special piece of pop culture. Oz is a world that bonds generations both young and old, and I think Chu's presentation of this remarkable musical really builds that to a crescendo throughout here.

Essentially, much like the musical, Wicked is split into two acts, or parts. Act 1 is covered in this installment, and we look at the backstory of Elphaba, growing up being ostracized by everybody around her simply because of what she looked like. Nobody bothered to learn about the great person she is underneath. I think Cynthia Erivo is superb as Elphaba! She captured the vulnerability, clever wit, and underlying confidence inside her so brilliantly. She nailed the mood and tone of each moment of her movements and dialogue. The green tone used blended so well on screen with the rest of Chu's interpretation of Oz, as well as the darker wardrobe choices. Her black dress and boots have a subtle hint of dark purple in them, which said a lot. It says that while she is put in a figurative bubble by everybody around her, causing her to appear as the black sheep so to speak, there is a light beaming within her that will fuel her to greatness. Erivo conveys that emotional pain and anguish into each lyric of her songs. Her voice was exceptional as it matched so well with the initial composition of the notes. Her ability to bring that emotion to Elphaba on the big screen was astounding to witness. Elphaba is the heart of Oz, and everything considered bad about it is thrust upon her, but the audience knows the truth, and she will fight to protect Oz, her friends, and her family. She might be wicked, but she's certainly not evil! 

Green looks great, but it looks even better when it's paired with pink. Yes, Elphaba is the main focus of the story, but it wouldn't be complete without Galinda/Glinda. Her bubbly, vibrant personality is such a great contrast to Elphaba. Her bright, pink attire is beautiful, and apropos for Glinda's sunny disposition. I thought Ariana Grande was magnificent as Glinda. She was such an exceptional casting choice for this role. I've been a big fan of her ever since she was Cat Valentine on Victorious, and I always thought if they ever made a Wicked movie, she'd be great in the role, and here we are, and she completely took the ball and ran with it. She conveyed everything about what and who Glinda in such vivid detail, while also adding more likability to her as well throughout the movie. Her apparent love for everything about Wicked was felt in everything she did. Grande was highly entertaining in every scene she was in, whether it was the delivery of her dialogue, or her physical comedy moments. Her hair flip was legitimately funny, and it was all about the timing in all of it whether she's bond with Elphaba, flirting with Fiyero, or just being the social butterfly she is.

There are so many incredible scenes in Act 1, but I think the scene that had me feeling the most emotionally was the Ozdust Ball. In the stage musical, the scene is very good, but I think the movie added so much to it. Elphaba dancing by herself being mocked and ridiculed by those around her, only for Glinda to join her and match her Dancing Through Life movements forming an unbreakable bond hit me. There was something so beautiful about it. Erivo's tears and Grande's eyes and genuine smile sold the whole scene so well. Chu's direction captured everything that this musical truly is about at it's core through this scene. It's a movie about friendship and acceptance above all else, and everything came together in this moment. The Defying Gravity finale was brilliant as well. Defying Gravity is one of my all time favorite songs, and everything this song means even beyond Oz is presented in such brilliant detail through each lyric. 

Along with the performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the movie boasts great supporting performances from Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Marissa Bode as NessaRose, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, brilliant set designs of Shiz University and the Emerald City, beautiful colorful tulip landscapes, practical effects and sets that added a more personal element to the story, excellent make-up, costumes, fun cameos from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, and of course the incredible soundtrack. Everything about this movie delivered, and is a great example of why Wicked is so beloved! 

Geek Girl Review

Normally, I use this blog to discuss movies, but sometimes there are television shows that I enjoy so much that I feel they warrant a formal review, and such is the case with Geek Girl! For a while, Netflix had been suggesting this title for me for quite some time, and given that I am a fan of several movies and shows from this genre, I decided to check it out. Geek Girl is easily the most refreshing entry into the genre in years, and a show where I found each episode to perfectly connect the overall story arc, while also demonstrating astute character development, and overall excitement. The story follows the adventures of our self professed "geek", Harriet Manners as she traverses between her "normal" life at Hollyridge Secondary School and her sudden thrust into stardom as a model in the glamorous, yet intense world of fashion predominantly set in my favorite city, London. 

For a story like this to work, your protagonist needs to be likable and has your audience rooting for them. From the first frame of Episode 1 to the last frame of Episode 10, Emily Carey's performance as Harriet Manners presents a character that is quirky, awkward, hilarious, intelligent and lovable. It's a phenomenal performance, and one of the better female performances I've seen in a while. I really love this character, and Emily's performance is the biggest reason why. She's so much fun in this role. We watch her grow from her timidity into a courageous spirit that was always brimming inside her. She deals with unfair judgment all around her at school and in her new surroundings. Even with negative energy directed at her, the show has such an incredible, positive vibe to it. It becomes a very feel good story that has you shedding happy tears by the end. Emily commands the direction of the story, and in the process becomes a five star general creating something unique that begs for more stories from this character. I am a Harriet Manners fan! She absolutely rocks! She's easy to like! She has her haters like the envious Poppy, the former model trying to hold on to relevance in Jude Paignton and the ghastly trio of Lexi and the Olives, but she is able to turn the tables on all of them and show everybody how amazing Harriet Manners truly is! 

There are great supporting characters in this show as well such as Nick Park, who is an extremely likable male character 100% of the time, and that's impressive as usually that isn't the case with most movies or shows, but he's legitimately a good guy. He treats Harriet right, has a great moral conscience and has a mindset that connects to Harriet naturally. The chemistry between Emily Carey and Liam Woodrum is excellent. It feels natural between them. There's a little spark there. Harriet's smitten with Nick, but Nick's definitely smitten with her. What's great about the romantic subplot is that there's such an innocence to it. The scenes between them whether it's at a picnic, a museum or a photoshoot are so cute. The chemistry jumps off the screen between the actors and the characters at the same time creating that magical symbiosis that movies and television shows strive for. They nail it at every turn, and it's one of the best aspects of the show. 

Other great characters such as Harriet's best friend, Nat, and her parents Richard and Annabell add to the story of who Harriet is at her core. I love how much Harriet treasures her relationship with Nat. She is more like a sister to her. The importance of the heart necklace symbolizes so much about not only their friendship, but the trajectory of Harriet's journey. Her connection to her father Richard is great. He is still young at heart and likes to have fun, whereas Annabell keeps everybody grounded. At the same time showing her ability to open up and let loose once in a while was great to see as the family dynamic grows stronger over the course of the show. On the other side of the story, you knew there would be fun fashion characters, and one of the biggest show stealers is Emmanuel Imani's Wilbur. He is so flamboyant and charismatic at every turn. He genuinely takes care of Harriet and tries to protect her from the toxicity that can definitely flow from fame, and more importantly never falters on his belief in her. I also thought Sandra Yi Sencindiver's Yuji Lee was incredible. The aura around her character is impressive, and her performance is enigmatic, demonstrating a true authenticity of the designers in the industry. The importance of her character helps the fashion side of the story to develop further. Both sides of the story are crafted brilliantly converging into a satisfying conclusion. 

The fashion aspects of this show are astounding. The clothes, the hair, the make-up, the set designs, as well as the overall theatricality of it all are magnificent. I'd just like to point out along with Emily Carey's other incredible attributes she provides for Harriet, it must be stated that she is absolutely gorgeous. She has such a natural beautiful look, an effervescence about her that allows her to really deliver in the fashion scenes. I love her scenes at the perfume shoot, especially, but she just makes each of these scenes her own, and she looks amazing through all of it. She pops off the screen and proves that she can do this and balance it all. She's a gorgeous geek, and we're all here for it!  Also, she never loses track of who she is. She remains the grounded, lovable girl we meet at the beginning of the show. She has a support system that keeps her marching on, even when she wants to retreat herself. She finds that fire inside her and shows the world that Harriet Manners indeed matters! 

Helmed by an excellent lead performance by Emily Carey, Geek Girl adds a jolt to the romantic comedy genre that is sorely needed. It's a story filled with self-discovery, fashionistas and future paleontologists. Harriet Manners is finding out more about herself on a daily basis, much like all of us are. While her story is fantastical, it's also grounded in a way to help us all realize we're all capable of more. Harriet Manners is the protagonist romantic comedies have been looking for. I am looking forward to more adventures from this character and this world, because it's such a feel good story that has you invested in every step of the journey, and that's something not easily attained in this age of television. GO HARRIET MANNERS! 

Five Nights At Freddy's Review

I saw Five Nights At Freddy's on October 29, 2023! Based on the popular video game series, I was interested in seeing this simply because of the cool characters in the universe. I see why kids gravitate towards this series as there's such a compelling story involved. The movie could have just coasted on the aura of the characters, but what I really enjoyed about it is that it delves deeper into storytelling and creating an intriguing dynamic to connect with both kids and adults on different levels. 

The emotion in the movie has an authentic feel to it, particularly around the family dynamic with Mike and Abby. Josh Hutcherson gives one of his best performances here as Mike Schmidt. I've always found Hutcherson to be underrated, but this definitely shows how much he gets into his characters for the sake of the audience, and he was fantastic here. Traumatic events from his past plague his mind, and Hutcherson captures that vividly here. You can tell how much it weighs on him. His whole story is about the preservation of his family, ameliorating wrongs in the past and ensuring a positive future for himself, and more specifically, his sister, Abby. 

The highlight of the movie is Piper Rubio's performance as Abby. It's an exceptional young actress performance that helps provide so much of that natural emotion that emanates off the screen here. The chemistry with Rubio and Hutcherson feels so real. You definitely get a familial bond from their interactions. Rubio's dialogue had me laughing or crying depending on what was happening on screen. She really is the heart of the movie, and helps heal Mike in many ways. She's his light that keeps him from drifting towards the darkness. Her artistic mind is integral to the story, and also indicative of how all children's minds work differently. 

Along with the deeper family story, the Freddy Fazbear's Pizza aspect is a great mix of frivolity and fright perfectly blended for all audiences. The visuals of Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy are extraordinary. As each character was created using Jim Henson's Creature Shop, all of them felt more authentic than they would using CGI. It helped tell a better story. I was so impressed with the movements of the animatronics. The puppeteers, stunt actors and detailed imagery really worked together to create something truly special.

Through two excellent lead performances by Josh Hutcherson and Piper Rubio, two compelling storylines combined to create a deeper, more complex movie, the aura and actual representation of the robotic characters and solid supporting performances by Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lillard, this movie has me belting out Talking In My Sleep, wanting a slice of pizza from Freddy Fazbear's and hoping for another movie from this universe, because it's such a compelling world to explore, as well as being one of my absolute favorite movies of the year! 

Oppenheimer Review

I initially saw Oppenheimer on July 27, 2023! One view was just not enough for this, so I saw it again on August 5, 2023 to truly capture how special this movie really is! On the surface, people will look at this movie and see it's about the Manhattan Project, which centered around the creation of the atomic bomb. While that is certainly the crux of what audiences go in expecting, Christopher Nolan's brilliant work here brings us further into the core of what this movie truly represents, as well as showcasing how he is one of the very best in the industry. The core of this movie is more about the literal and figurative aftershock of the creation of this horrific weapon. It's about people rising up to stop looming threats, particularly Jewish scientists finding a way to get back at the tyranny and atrocities of the Nazis. It's also an analytical study of the complexity of humanity. It's about the looming presence of power, and the actions and consequences that can come from wielding it. It also bridges past, present and future as constant technological advancements continue to exemplify this. It's truly one of the most important movies, and easily one of the very best you'll find in any genre. The dramatic tension of this movie is exceedingly palpable. 

What makes this movie as great as it is lies in the performances of the cast. Cillian Murphy has become one of my favorite actors in the industry, due largely in part to his exceptional work as Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, but his performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer is his career best performance. He does an outstanding job capturing the emotions of a conflicted man, bringing the audience right into his mind. His struggle with his decisions shows a hero, but a flawed one, which one can identify with as we're all flawed. He serves as a picture of humanity's decision making process. It's also amazing to watch this movie as we get it through his view point, which is one of the most intriguing aspects. He has this ability to see beyond what is happening in the now, so his viewpoint being filled with vibrant color works so well. Watch how he becomes fearful of the power he wields. It's really interesting to watch as everybody around him is thinking about the present, wanting him to keep building bigger and more effective bombs, while his keen intellect allows him to realize the ramifications of even considering it. Murphy's performance really provides the different layers of the intriguing person Oppenheimer was, and is indicative of a truly gifted actor. Oppenheimer certainly had a life filled with challenges and regrets, but, IMO, he's also one of the most important people in human history. 

Another performance that I felt was excellent was Robert Downey, Jr.'s Lewis Strauss! Downey has had several great performances in his career, but, aforementioned, much like Murphy I'd consider this his best work as well. Where Oppenheimer's point of view is in vibrant color, Strauss's is in black and white, because he only sees things certain ways and only does things to serve himself rather than the American people or anybody else around him. It's a fantastic dichotomy that really adds to the overall story. In many ways, the story of Oppenheimer and Strauss is very Shakespearean, and I could easily see ol' William Shakespeare writing this as a play and putting it at the Globe Theater for all to see. Their interactions show two different minds, but Downey's performance as Strauss really shows an underhanded, despicable human being that will stop at nothing to gain more power no matter who he has to take out along the way. He's such a great part of the movie, though, and really provides that extra dramatic element to the movie. It's a character you love to hate, and it's all because Downey took the ball and ran with it, providing a phenomenal foil almost serving as a Lex Luthor to Murphy's, albeit flawed, but still heroic, porkpie hat wearing Superman. 

Along with these brilliant performances, writing and directing, the effects were astounding, particularly the Trinity test scenes. The utter silence as everybody watches is tremendous. The silence speaks volumes approach is so effective here. The audience watches the cloud rise high and the wondrous, but also treacherous nature of the fire is visually stunning. Then, you're hit with a cacophony of the blaring sounds emanating from this monstrosity. It's both magnificent and malevolent at the same time. The use of color and black and white to dance between view points is great keeping each aspect of the movie flowing, and adding to the overall feel and general scope of the story unfolding before our eyes. The musical score by Ludwig Goransson is truly one of the best as it captures tension marvelously, and, as a result, the music becomes a living, breathing part of the movie. 

Through brilliant writing and directing by Christopher Nolan, excellent performances from Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey, Jr., great supporting performances by Emily Blunt, Tom Conti, Matt Damon, Gary Oldman and Rami Malek, a layered plot centering around the conundrum that is humanity, as well as the music and the effects, this movie represents importance, significance as well as cultural relevance to our world, while also truly serving as a great movie allowing audiences to appreciate what makes watching them such an incredible experience.

Barbie Review

I saw Barbie on July 21, 2023! When you hear the word Barbie, it's globally recognizable as one of the biggest brands of all time from signature doll lines and accessories through multiple generations. Girls all over the world have purchased them, played with them and in some cases, just liked the idea of collecting them. Barbie is a word that conjures up so many feelings of both jubilance, while also being a subject of controversy among many people as well over the years. Barbie is just a force that has been the linchpin for Mattel for years going through several different iterations from the signature look to more diverse lines truly presenting that global impact Ruth Handler created in 1959. Barbie is something that will stand the test of time, and this brilliant movie helmed by renowned film director, Greta Gerwig will only further that notion. 

When you think about movies that are highly anticipated, nothing has piqued movie audiences interests more than Barbie has in recent memory. From the initial 2001: A Space Odyssey motif to the shots of Margot Robbie clapping to upbeat music, the mystery surrounding this movie's plot and overall ambience was intriguing. After seeing the movie, I was completely astonished at how much I enjoyed this. This isn't just a movie about a toy; it's a movie taking a toy towing the line between social satire and sublime sincerity to create a truly unique movie that stands out in the best possible way. 

Margot Robbie has become one of the preeminent actresses in Hollywood over the last decade and I've enjoyed many of her performances such as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey to Sharon Tate in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, but, in all honesty, her performance in Barbie is her tour-de-force thus far in her career. She is simply phenomenal in this role. Her ability to alternate between the mindset of her glamorous doll life and the daunting ominous real life side is truly remarkable. As you would imagine, she is simply gorgeous through both smiles and tears, trying to navigate her place in two worlds and recognizing her purpose in every facet of her existence. I was moved by how much she put herself into this role, making it special and one of true great female performances of the year. She deserves the praise she is getting for her commitment to making Barbie one of the most layered characters. It's pretty impressive to take a plastic doll, and turn it into one of the most emotionally driven character performances in recent memory. 

Where Margot Robbie is the literal and figurative heart of this movie, Ryan Gosling's performance in this movie is simply outstanding. Gosling has always been a gifted actor, but his work as Ken is one of his absolute best displaying both brutish naivety as well as a sense of genuine veneration he wants from both Barbie and the world. A lot of his story forms the core of the overall plot, and when that plot takes shape, the movie becomes a whole new story which instantly gripped me more as a viewer keeping me invested at each turn. It's also really clever on the parts of the film makers where the audience realizes that Ken matters a lot more than he thinks he does, but, obviously Ken's character can't see that quite yet, which is apropos for the character's mindset in real...and, well, doll life. 

The overall look of Barbie Land is one of the impressive aesthetic designs you'll find. The set pieces are amazing from the design of the houses to the outfits to the land and the beach all centered around a pink hue. The bright, technicolor aspects of the pink blended with the genuine matriarchal society creates a bright, vivid picture exciting audiences from the outset. Compared to the earthy tones and darker colors of the real world, it really creates a beautiful symbiosis, showcasing both the similarities and differences emanating in both worlds. 

With two excellent leading performances by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, a compelling, layered plot centering on social and political commentary, brilliant costume, make-up and set designs, a brilliant mix of comedy utilizing both double entendre and slapstick, genuine emotion that makes the audience feel for Barbie's journey, a great supporting cast such as Kate McKinnon (genuine show stealer as Weird Barbie), America Ferrera, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell, brilliant  writing and directing by Greta Gerwig and an overall movie that supplants the notion that Barbie is more than a doll; she is the very idea that continues to motivate girls and women to reach through the glass ceiling, shatter it and become more than they are in physical, emotional and spiritual ways, as well as providing that bridge between both work and play in every day life. The power of Barbie is truly universal, and her light will continue to shine bright for generations to come! 

Love Again Review

I saw Love Again on May 7, 2023! I'm a guy that likes movies from all different genres. I like drama, comedy, thriller, action, etc., but one genre I've always really enjoyed is the good ol' fashioned romantic comedies, or rom-com, for short. Yes, I like a lot of so-called chick flicks as they say, but a lot of them have great stories, so that's why I've always liked them. Now, this movie definitely has romance, and definitely it's fair share of comedy (watch our for a truly hysterical Nick Jonas cameo), but there's such a beautiful story underneath the surface creating a deeper movie for audiences. I had been invested in the movie from the initial trailers. The actual movie ended up being really enthralling certainly tearing at my heart strings, and feeling for the characters. 

The movie deals with love and romance on the surface, but, the core of this movie lies in dealing with the loss of a loved one, the grief one feels from it, and a journey back to normalcy in some way. The movie does an exemplary job of presenting how people will always be a part of your life, despite them no longer being with us. It also does an illuminating job of portraying the ideal that people are put into our lives for a certain purpose. I have a strong credence that there are people in our lives for a reason. They are sent to us to heal, grow, laugh, and bring us back into the light from the darkness we may have been feeling. The core of this movie really delves into that, and, along with the initial romantic plot, this piece of the movie is why I enjoyed it so much. 

Priyanka Chopra Jonas performance as Mira Ray is exceptional. She conveys so much in her performance of the constant hurt and suffering from losing a loved one. Watching her deal with it in a sullen, gloomy manner is such an apropos feeling that many can empathize with. It takes a long time for somebody to move on and feel a sense of betterment. You're in this constant flux of despair, trying to swim out from the abyss. I like her backstory as a children's author/illustrator. That caterpillar character is a great motif of capturing how she's feeling in her life whether it was happy, sad, or frustrated. Along with being one of, if not, the most physically beautiful woman in the world, PCJ is such a kind soul as well, really making the Mira character somebody you want to just reach out and help in any way. Trying to deal with her loss, she starts texting his old number, unaware that it's been reassigned to somebody else's phone. 

This leads to the other half of the story in Sam Heughan's Rob Burns. While PCJ is the overall star of the movie and does a tremendous job as the female lead, I think Heughan really gives the movie it's heart as it's male lead. While Mira is dealing with loss of her own, Rob is also dealing with his own loss in the romance department as well. Yes, it's in a completely different way, and, while not as tragic, is still loss that can definitely be hard to come back from. In a way, these two characters feel like they're both sent to each other to heal. Mira's messages give Rob that sentiment that love, though an absolute manic emotion at times, is possible to find in the most unexpected ways. Rob's presence and overall commitment to finding out what and who these messages are about ultimately helps Mira's heart mend and make the first steps to embracing the light again. Watching Mira and Rob heal each other in their own ways is such a beautiful story to watch, especially in Rob's case in taking care of Mira. I really like watching Mira smile and laugh again. It legitimately made me tear up, because, you just want her to get to that place. Watching how much Rob genuinely cares about Mira and goes out of his way to help heal her is truly delightful to watch. I liked their conversations. The dialogue was clever and witty, as well as lighthearted, but also really does a great job of delving into that dramatic spark that gives the movie more heart and warmth for audiences. 

Through the performances of Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan, a beautiful story with a deeper meaning, and the music of Celine Dion, this is a movie that will make your heart feel, and truly appreciate how good the romantic comedy, or, in this case dramedy can be when it's done properly. I really recommend this movie, especially if you're dealing with loss or just going through a hard time. By the end of the movie, it will make you feel better. It's a really beautiful movie!