Category Archives: Drama

ANORA (2024): The Things I Liked… 

My favourite thing about Anora is how it captures youthful abandon. Perfectly paced and edited in parts, the soundtrack fits the movie flawlessly, even though I can’t name a single song.

Directed by Sean Baker and winner of the coveted Palme d’Or award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Anora is a comedy/drama/romance about a sex worker whose Cinderella story takes quite a turn.

Starring Mikey Madison, Yura Borisov, Mark Eydelshteyn, Paul Weissman and Lindsey Normington, who all, including the rest of the cast, performed flawlessly, I’m glad Anora is getting some due praise. Nevertheless, I can’t say I felt happy about dedicating more than two hours to the film.

It may be true that I’m in my ‘chill only’ era because I found Anora too chaotic and long. Unfortunately, I wanted things to wrap up before the halfway point. I became bored of the tease of who Ivan/Vanya’s parents were, what they do, and precisely why he’s so terrified of them. 

I’m certainly aware that Anora is generally well-received by many. So, as always, if you’re curious enough, definitely give it a chance. It’s not for me, but it may be right up your street, as the saying goes. 

Happy Film Loving,

G

THE PENGUIN LESSONS (2024): New Trailer From Steve Coogan, Björn Gustafsson, David Herrero, Jonathan Pryce…

Read my spoiler-free movie review of The Penguin Lessons (2024).


An actual penguin is at the heart of Steve Coogan’s latest drama, The Penguin Lessons.

Directed by Peter Cattaneo, Coogan plays an Englishman who goes through an awakening after adopting a penguin.

I am fully charmed and can already see all the smiles this film will put on my face.

Is anyone else suddenly dreaming about a pet penguin?

Jonathan Pryce, Björn Gustafsson, David Herrero, Aimar Miranda, Hugo Fuertes, Ramiro Blas, Micaela Breque, Romina Cocca, Tomás Pozzi and Gra Maleh also star.

The Penguin Lessons Release Dates: April 18th, 2025 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

WE LIVE IN TIME (2024) The Things I Liked… 

We Live In Time (2024), Florence Pugh, A24
We Live In Time (2024), Florence Pugh, A24

I was almost certain I wouldn’t watch We Live in Time, the new Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh drama/romance, because of its potential to be emotionally taxing.

Having now seen it, I don’t think I cried at all. My eyes may have misted over a few times. But, director John Crowley’s story about a couple who fall in love only for one of them to fall tragically ill soon after proved easily watchable.

I’m sure partly to blame for my experience being less involved emotionally is the non-linear storytelling structure. All the jumping back and forth to different periods in the couple’s relationship, covering several years bordered on the overuse of flashbacks. Something I rarely appreciate. if at all.

The great news is, unsurprisingly, Garfield and Pugh perform brilliantly. Also, don’t be surprised if the phrases ‘perfect husband’ and ‘ideal husband’ come to mind as the movie plays.

Another thought that may come to you is: ‘Have spectacles ever complimented a human’s face more than they do Andrew Garfield’s face in this movie? The answer, quite simply is, no. Not ever.

Watch We Live in Time if you’re curious. It may give you plenty to think about, including whether you would gamble on your own life/health for a possibility because of love. There are also a few giggles to be enjoyed.

Happy Film Loving,

G

WARFARE (2025): New Trailer Starring Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Noah Centineo, and Kit Connor…

Warfare (2025): Will Poulter, Noa Centnaio, A24
Warfare (2025): Will Poulter, Noa Centnaio, A24

Co-written/co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, Warfare is an action/drama/docudrama about an ex-Navy Seal’s real-life experiences during the war in Iraq.

Joseph Quinn, Will Poulter, Noah Centineo, Cosmo Jarvis, Finn Bennett and Kit Connor are among the key cast.

This looks quite terrifying. It also seems to have that good The Hurt Locker (2008) quality and the promise of fun male banter, the latter of which I can be quite partial to. Blame it on having brothers.

I also have to admit that I’m already worried because the trailer might be dropping hints about who may not make it to the end. Fingers crossed, I’m wrong.

Finn Bennett, Michael Gandolfini, Charles Melton, Henrique Zaga, Taylor John Smith, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Adain Bradley, Alex Brockdorff, Evan Holtzman and Jake Lampert also star.

Warfare Release Dates: 2025…

Happy Film Loving,

G

KARATE KID – LEGENDS (2025): New Trailer Starring Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson…

Karate Kid - Legends (2025), Ben Wang, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Karate Kid – Legends (2025), Ben Wang, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Karate Kid – Legends follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a Kung Fu prodigy who’s forced to leave his Beijing home and move to New York City.

Directed by Jonathan Entwistle; Joshua Jackson, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ming-Na Wen are among the key cast.

Nostalgia is the reason this appeals. That and the chance to watch bullies get silenced. Some impressive martial art, especially courtesy of young Wang, won’t hurt either.

Anyone else notice how the warm colours in this trailer make everything feel so cosy?

Shaunette Renée Wilson, Sadie Stanley, Aramis Knight, Wyatt Oleff, Ben Wang, Jennifer-Lynn Christie, Katrina Batur and Emile Pazzano also star.

Karate Kid – Legends Release Dates: May 30th, 2025 (UK & US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G