Category Archives: Romance

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

ONE NIGHT ONLY (2026): The Things I Liked…

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One Night Only, Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro’s latest romantic comedy, is as charming as I’d hoped.

Yes, there may have been a moment or two when I wanted certain things to happen more quickly. But that may say more about my lifelong challenge with impatience than anything else.

Directed by Will Gluck, the film gets Turner and Barbaro’s chemistry just right, and the story is pleasant, plus generally well-paced enough that I had a good time as it played. I also appreciated how beautiful and inviting the movie makes New York City look.

Unexpectedly, however, what has stuck most firmly in my mind is the Psoriasis song. The one sung to the tune of Brave by Sara Bareilles. I certainly know which version is my favourite, but I’m not going to say. Though, I’ve clearly just said. So… scratch that?

It was interesting to watch the world of the story, a version of New York City where citizens have accepted a ban on all sex outside of marriage. Except, of course, the one night of the year when they can.

One last thing: ‘Psoriasis!!!!’ 🎶🎙♩

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

THE INVITE (2026): The Things I Liked…

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I had a good time with The Invite, an engaging comedy/drama/romance about a couple whose marriage is ‘more than a little bit in trouble’ when they invite their intriguing neighbours to a dinner party.

I wanted to watch this one because of the fantastic cast, featuring Olivia Wilde, Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz and Seth Rogen.

I particularly loved Wilde and Rogen’s character dynamic. The sharp dialogue had me fully engaged, and I have to congratulate the editor and Wilde on her direction too.

My favourite line remains the one that had me immediately hooked in the trailer: ‘We love, a contentious environment.’

Each time I watch it being said, I’m thrilled anew; such is the skill of Norton’s delivery.

The story is well paced and well shot throughout, but if I had to pick, I’d say I had the most fun when the environment at the dinner party was at its most contentious.

Watch The Invite if you’re curious. It’s an interesting character study that will amuse and give you a thing or two to think about.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Thriller

REMAIN (2026): New Trailer Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor, Tracy Ifeachor…

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Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor and Tracy Ifeachor’s latest is drama/fantasy/romance/thriller, Remain, a collaboration between M. Night Shyamalan and Nicholas Sparks.

Gyllenhaal plays a grieving man who heads to Cape Cod after leaving a psychiatric facility, only for a chance meeting to challenge his views about life and loss.

First of all, this trailer looks good. Second, Gyllenhaal’s character better get a happy ending; his depiction of pain is almost too real to keep looking at. Third, I’m apprehensive about getting too excited by M. Night Shyamalan trailers. However, Gyllenhaal’s and Sparks’s involvement give me much to stay hopeful about. So I will watch, and I will hope.

Before reading the synopsis, I knew right away that one of the characters had ceased to exist, in the traditional sense. May the story be worth it and the happenings not too traumatising.

I have a feeling you won’t be able to resist watching this either. Admit it at once!

Ashley Walters, Caleb Ruminer, Maria Dizzia, Hannah James, Julie Hagerty, Jay O. Sanders, Ashley Walters, Caleb Ruminer, Maria Dizzia, Hannah James, Julie Hagerty and Jay O. Sanders, also star.

Remain Release Dates: February 5th, 2027 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Romance

VOICEMAILS FOR ISABELLE (2026): The Things I Liked…

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One of the best decisions the filmmakers behind Voicemails for Isabelle made was opening the film with Robyn’s Dancing on My Own. The great news is that the soundtrack continues to impress throughout, as does the beautiful way the film captures the love between two sisters.

Nick Robinson, Zoey Deutch and the rest of the cast performed well in writer/director Leah McKendrick’s story about a young woman who leaves voice messages intended for her deceased sister. 

As far as romantic comedies go, Voicemails for Isabelle is a good one, even if one character’s lack of accountability did frustrate me.

If you haven’t already, watch it when you’re in the mood for a good romantic comedy.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Horror, Romance, Thriller

OBSESSION (2025): The Things I Liked…

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Writer/director Curry Barker’s Obsession is quite a pleasant surprise, as far as the movies I’ve seen in 2026 go. That’s unexpected, coming from someone who generally gives horror movies a wide berth for the sake of restful sleep.

It wasn’t the trailer that had me curious, but rather the title, even more so after learning of the film’s huge financial success, costing less than a million dollars to make, yet it grossed over $400 million globally.

Starring Inde Navarrette, Michael Johnston and Cooper Tomlinson, Obsession takes us along to see what happens when a hopeless romantic wishes that his crush were in love with him.

I’ll start by saying that I did not find a single dull moment as this movie played. Secondly, the performances are excellent, which is exactly what Barker’s film deserved, considering how thoughtfully and non-casually his story approached the topic of a wish. 

My only criticism is this: I know the budget was low, but my goodness, that dead-animal prosthetic at the beginning was embarrassing. 

Still, ‘Wow! Very refreshing!’ remains my honest reaction to this highlight of my movie-loving 2026.

Watch it if you’re curious. I’ve had zero nightmares post-viewing.

Happy Film Loving, 

G