Category Archives: No Spoiler Reviews

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

SIRENS (2025): The Things I Liked…

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Sirens (2025), Milly Alcock, Julianne Moore, Netflix
Sirens (2025), Milly Alcock, Julianne Moore, Netflix

Episode one of Sirens is perfect, especially because it feels as though it does not have a second of wasted screen time, thanks to a great edit.

Sirens is the story of Devon (Meghann Fahy), a big sister who is concerned about her younger sister’s (Milly Alcock) unhealthy relationship with her new boss (Juliane Moore), while Devon herself is struggling with other personal challenges.

Survival is a key theme in creator Molly Smith Metzler’s dark comedy/drama. I enjoyed how the tensions between trauma, familial bonds, boundaries and freedom featured in a generally well-woven story, one that leads to the three female protagonists making choices they felt they had to, however ill-imprudent.

I would say that Sirens isn’t perfect overall. However, I found it more than watchable. And, I like how, upon conclusion, things felt as though they ended exactly as they were supposed to, but somehow, in a non-predictable way. 

Watch Netflix’s new five-episode series for the good performances and all the other reasons mentioned above. You may get annoyed at least once by a character’s ill-advised decision once or twice, but you will be entertained. 

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

THE PENGUIN LESSONS (2024): The Things I Liked…

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The Penguin Lessons (2025), Micaela Breque, Steve Coogan, Lionsgate Films
The Penguin Lessons (2025), Micaela Breque, Steve Coogan, Lionsgate Films

Starring Steve Coogan, Björn Gustafsson and Jonathan Pryce, I wanted to watch The Penguin Lessons because the trailer strongly suggested it would be charming, and that it is.

What I didn’t know before sitting down to director Peter Cattaneo’s film is that it’s based on a true story, one about a man’s awakening, thanks to the impact his adopted penguin has on his life. 

Cattaneo’s movie offers, in equal measure, both dramatic and humorous moments. A combination resulting in a heartwarming and satisfying experience. It helps that Coogan and the penguin are an easy-to-watch and well-matched pairing. As I write this and reminisce, I would not say no to watching it all over again – and being transported back to 1970s Argentina.

Lastly, all performances, including that of the beautiful penguin, are memorable.

Watch it and be charmed.

Happy Film Loving, 

G 

Drama, Mystery, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

DROP (2025): The Thing I Liked…

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Drop (2025), Meghann Fahy, Universal Pictures
Drop (2025), Meghann Fahy, Universal Pictures

I should have trusted my instincts when my initial reaction to theDrop trailer months earlier was no, because after hitting play to give it a chance, I had to stop thirty-five minutes in.

Directed by Christopher Landon, Meghann Fahy plays a widowed mother who gets anonymously threatened with messages while on a first date, and so begins the search for the perpetrator. 

My appreciation for Fahy’s work since The White Lotus season two is why I started watching Drop. Thankfully, her performance isn’t the reason I stopped. I lost patience with the premise and the game. I became bored with the setting. I may be in denial, but I also couldn’t suspend my disbelief that someone would play such a game to the extent they did. 

Instead of fully quitting, I skipped a chunk of the film and moved to the last 25 minutes, which, it turns out, was watchable.

If you’re curious enough, give Drop a chance. My favourite thing about it is the waiter, played very well by Jeffrey Self. 

Happy Film Loving, 

G

Source: JustWatch
Adventure, Animation, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

MUFASA – THE LION KING (2024): The Things I Liked…

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Mufasa - The Lion King (2024), Aaron Pierre (Mufasa Voice), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Scar Voice), Walt Disney Studios
Mufasa – The Lion King (2024), Aaron Pierre (Mufasa Voice), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Scar Voice), Walt Disney Studios

I’m happy I had fun watching Mufasa – The Lion King. Putting aside the fact that I soon found Pumba and Timone quite annoying, compared to The Lion King 2019, this time, my experience didn’t abruptly end because of the thought, ‘This looks and feels strange. Best to watch a nature documentary instead.’ 

I had no such feelings or thoughts while I watched Mufasa – The Lion King; Aaron, Pierre, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen and Mads Mikkelsen’s Barry Jenkins-directed animated adventure.  Instead, I enjoyed the music, especially after the halfway point. 

Mikkelson was a memorable villain – no surprises there. Furthermore, all the character development felt un-rushed, the story engaging, and the emotional journeys and fight sequences satisfying. As such, today, to my rather pleasant surprise, I sing the praises of Mufasa – The Lion King. I sing them, I say! 

Watch it, if you haven’t already.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Source: JustWatch
Documentary, No Spoiler Reviews

WICK IS PAIN (2025): The Things I Liked…

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Wick Is Pain (2025), Keanu Reeves, Lionsgate Films
Wick Is Pain (2025), Keanu Reeves, Lionsgate Films

I’m far from the biggest fan of the John Wick franchise. But, because I appreciate the beautiful audio-visual feast that it is, thanks to the awe-inspiring cinematography, remarkable ‘gun fu’ fight sequences, and all the notable stuntwork, I made time. 

Having now experienced it, I’m certain that Wick is Pain is a must-see for all John Wick fans. Especially since its director, Jeffrey Doe, gives us a well-structured documentary about all the hard work and determination it took to bring the stories to audiences. Pain of various kinds is absolutely involved, but thankfully, plenty of fun too.

Make time for the deep dive into the world of Wick, the history of the creatives involved and the company of Monsieur Reeves. Undoubtedly, for me, the latter is a key highlight. 

Keanu Reeves, John Wick director Chad Stahelski, producers Erica Lee, Basil Iwany, and John Wick stunt double/coordinator Jackson Spidell are some of the key people featured. 

Happy Film Loving,

G