The Family Plan (2025), Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Apple TV+
The Family Plan 2, the sequel toThe Family Plan (2023), starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan, is arguably more fun than the first film. Like its predecessor, it follows a former government operative forced to go on the run with his family while being pursued by deadly enemies.
I may be a little biased because The Family Plan 2 is set in my beloved city, London, England, at Christmas time, no less, and in Paris, France, but what I like most about both films is the family dynamic, helped along by the strong chemistry between the cast. Add some genuinely fun humour, and you’ve got an enjoyable Christmas action film with a handful of memorable moments.
That said, The Family Plan 2 isn’t flawless. There are one or two overly clichéd moments, a scene where Wahlberg’s character could really have used less dialogue, and action sequences that are mostly acceptable rather than standout.
Still, thankfully, the story and humour are adequate, and to my surprise, my favourite fight sequence doesn’t involve Wahlberg, but rather Monaghan and ‘a lady with a sword’.
Watch The Family Plan 2 if you’re curious. It’s for sure a highlight on my 2025 Christmas movie viewing list.
Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan are joined by Kit Harrington in the partly London, England-set sequel to action/comedy, The Family Plan (2023)
Directed by Simon Cellan Jones, Wahlberg is a former government operative, still on the run with his family while being pursued by deadly enemies.
The first instalment of The Family Plan wasn’t perfect, but it was fun, well-paced and oddly Christmassy, which, for me, is always a plus.
I’m hoping for much of the same with this sequel, and the London setting is a bonus. I’m also looking forward to what Harrington does as the villain.
Are you excited to be in London, and Paris?
Zoe Colletti, Thomas Forbes-Johnson, Reda Elazouar, Daniel De Bourg, Jake Fairbrother, Van Crosby, Tara Macken, Laurel Lefkow, Abdul Basith, Prince Marfo and Elainea Emmott also star.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Michiel Huisman (Daario Naharis)
Based on the short stories by George R.R. Martin, my original plan to start watching Game of Thrones, only when the entire show is over, has failed. I’m nearly up to date, and I get why it’s a hit. The stories, characters, execution and eye candy are all part of the magic.
Nevertheless, soon after starting, I had strong doubts as to whether I could commit to watching the evil of the Lannisters and worse. Believe me when I say that worse evil definitely follows.
I eventually persevered but only after I was reassured that the Lannisters get whats coming to them in the following seasons.
To put it very simply, Game of Thrones is a fantasy TV show about the fight between several noble families for ultimate power; the power to sit upon the iron throne and rule over the land.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon)
What became clear to me quite quickly as I watched is that there really is only one true royal that the iron throne appears to belong to. The real question is whether the rightful owner will win it. Having not read the books on which Game of Thrones is based, I have no idea about who will get to sit upon the throne. And with the shows reputation for killing characters the audience gets attached to, absolutely anything is possible. Even with all that, I think the belief that evil is not going to win in the end is important. It’s part of the reason why I’m sticking with it; to see how evil is ended and everything concluded.
At this current point in season 6, I have to admit that I’m ready for things to be permanently wrapped up. Don’t get me wrong, because even though I wouldn’t call myself as completely obsessed, I like the show and some characters. Especially Peter dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister, thanks to his dialogue, Tom Wlaschiha’s Jaqen H’ghar, because of the general mystery plus the rhythm of his speech). Then there’s Kit Harrington’s John Snow and his impeccable hair, of course.
Game Of Thrones (2011-) Tom Wlaschiha (Jagen H’gher) & Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)
As for a few things about the show that I wish weren’t so, I think there are too many different stories and they’re not always the ones you wish you were watching in a given hour long episode.
At one or two moments, I did find myself thinking ‘but does that ring true, though?’ For example, imagine that you’re likely to be killed very shortly unless someone in the most deep of ‘sleeps’ wakes up and helps, would you not slap them in the face at least once when simply shouting and shaking them isn’t working? I’m not saying the slap would definitely work, but surely you would slap someone? Particularly if a bucket of iced water isn’t an option. It may be that everyone is just not as smart/violent as I am. Perhaps. Wink, wink.
Game Of Thrones (2011-), Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) & Ciarán Hinds (Mance Rayder)
There’s no doubt that Game of Thrones is good, it’s just a question of whether it’s your kind of good. What has impressed me most about the show isn’t a single character or story line, but rather, the 10-15 minute action sequence when the white walkers attack the wildlings. Epic is most definitely the word. I was gripped for every single second of that, thanks to a great musical score, well choreographed action, good editing and everything else.
If you haven’t already, I suspect that you’re curios. So watch it.
