Category: 2025-2026

Spoiler-Free Review: “Nuremberg” (2025) starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, & Leo Woodall

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JUDGEMENT IS COMING. -Tagline

Hermann Göring: Just because someone is your ally, does not mean they are on your side.

In mid-1945, France, the Soviet Union, the UK, and the US convened a joint tribunal in Nuremberg (occupied Germany) w/ the Nuremberg Charter as its legal instrument. The charter upended the traditional view of international law by holding individuals, rather than states, responsible for breaches. Btwn November 20, 1945 and October 1,1946, the International Military Tribunal (IMT) tried 22 of the most important surviving Nazis leaders (in political, military, and economic spheres), as well as 6 German orgs. The charges were crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The purpose of the trial was NOT just to convict the defendants, but also to assemble irrefutable evidence of Nazi crimes, offer a history lesson to the Germans, and delegitimize their elite.

Dr. Douglas Kelley: I’m curious what the attraction was. There’s a failed painter, not a very good soldier, yet he was worshipped and revered.

Hermann Göring: He made us feel German again.

Dr. Kelley: How?

Göring: First of all, I had seen Germany crushed. And along comes a man who says “We can reclaim our former glory.” Would you not follow a man like this?

Dr. Kelley: Depends what else you were willing to do.

On THURS (last NOV 7th), I was among the early viewers of this historical drama written/directed by James Vanderbilt. I’d never hear of this filmmaker before; he was one of the screenwriters of Scream (2022) and Zodiac (2007). After seeing several promos and teaser trailers (on IG), I was V curious. FYI: I was a History minor in undergrad. There are several films/series re: the Nuremberg trials, BUT I haven’t watched them yet. I’d assumed that this story would be focused on the law, BUT it is told from a psychological (mental health) perspective. Dr. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) wrote the book 22 Cells in Nuremberg which detailed his personal accounts of interactions w/ Nuremberg trial persons. The final chapter details how he could see the events of pre-WWII Germany occurring in (modern day) U.S.

Justice Robert H. Jackson: We are able to do away with domestic tyranny only when we make all men answerable to the law, so that it can never happen again.

As one critic wrote on Letterboxd: “This movie couldn’t be more timely!” I suggest that ppl check it out (at least on streaming, IF unable to see in theaters). As I was at a matinee on a weekday, there were only a handful of ppl in my audience. I was moved and learned some things also! Justice Jackson (Michael Shannon) took leave from his day job (SCOTUS) to be lead prosecutor in the trials. After WWII, popular opinion (among Allies) was that captured Nazis should be hanged w/o trial. Russell Crowe is in his villain era, and it works for him!

[1] The “cat and mouse” relationship between Malek and Crowe is ever changing and complex. Very timeless story of the ascent of evil rings very true today. 

[2] This really worked for me. It felt electric, which seems crazy for the subject matter. It had a palpable energy, and so stylish.

[3] Overall a great cast, but for me the other standout was Woodall, the translator for the doctor. I wish younger people would see it including in high school, but I doubt they ever will in the US.

Parallels with 2025 events in the USA are very real plus now anti-semitism is worldwide.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The History of Sound” (2025) starring Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor

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Lionel Worthing (Irish actor Paul Mescal) is a music prodigy from a humble Kentucky farming family who is able to visualize sound. Orphaned in adolescence, David White (British actor Josh O’Connor) is from a privileged background under his uncle’s guardianship in Newport, RI. Both become students at a music conservatory in Boston and meet at a bar in 1917. Their shared love of folk music brings them together; that bond soon becomes romantic. While the Great War (WWI) separates them, they’re brought back post-war when David (a researcher at an Augusta, Maine college) asks Lionel to accompany him on a trip to collect folk songs. Chris Cooper (the older version of Lionel) narrates the audiobook version of the short story on which the film is based.

Lionel: What happens to all the sound released into the world that is never captured?

The film was announced in October 2021, but due to challenges in aligning schedules of director Oliver Hermanus (who hails from South Africa and is a queer man of color), Mescal, and O’Connor, filming didn’t begin until FEB 2024. Mescal is one of the EPs, which marks the 1st time he has received a producing credit on a film. Mescal and O’Connor became close friends during the pandemic; both young actors shared the experience of becoming famous at the same time. Mescal co-starred in Normal People; O’Connor played Prince Charles in The Crown (S3 & S4). I was excited for this movie (being a fan of its leads), BUT was also somewhat hesitant. I was NOT a fan of the 2024 miniseries (Mary and George) that Hermanus directed. Though the story is centered around Lionel, David is the more interesting character. O’Connor’s gazes, micro-expressions, and (variety) of smiles draw the audience in. No wonder Lionel was under his spell and wanted to follow him wherever he went! The American accents are flawless and the singing was quite good, too.

[1] My favorite scenes were when Paul and Josh were together. They’re both great actors in my opinion, had amazing chemistry. I just wish we had gotten more! Having these two as your lead actors, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps my expectations were too high. That said, I loved the beginning and the last 30 minutes. Another positive is that it’s a beautiful film, with gorgeous shots!

[2] A love story is at the core of director Oliver Hermanus’ slow-moving 2025 period drama, but his introspective approach doesn’t generate enough heat to make it palpable beyond what is portrayed onscreen.

[3] The movie looks gorgeous. The American scenes in particular are reminiscent of the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. Art decoration and cinematography are beautifully detailed. The music is all based on American folk songs wonderfully augmented by evocative music composed by cellist Oliver Coates. […]

This movie is probably not for everybody, but those interested in folk music and American history will find it rewarding. I was tempted to add “gay studies,” but I think that would be somewhat misleading. That is, however, the central issue, even though it never takes center stage. I think that’s what makes the film so haunting.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” (2025)

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A young woman in Paris, who dreams of becoming a successful writer and experiencing true love, may finally have her Jane Austen moment… -Tagline

Writer-director (Laura Piani) was inspired to write this story during her time working at Shakespeare and Company, a famed bookstore in Paris. Agathe (Camille Rutherford) is a 30-something/Parisian/single bookseller who shares banter w/ her pal/co-worker Felix (Pablo Pauly). As Austen may’ve said, she is at the risk of being an “old maid” and he is a scoundrel (prone to hookups/situation-ships). Agathe accuses Felix of “breadcrumbing,” yet you still can imagine attraction btwn the two friends. Felix (secretly) submits the first few chapters of Agathe’s novel; to her shock, she is selected to attend a writer’s retreat (The Jane Austen Residency)! When she gets to England, she meets Oliver (Charlie Anson), a Lit prof whose parents run the residency.

This is type of mid-budget/rom com that rarely gets made (in the US) today! FYI: This film is in BOTH French and English. It deals w/ real-world issues, yet has quiet humor. None of the characters are glam, young, or look like “typical” movie stars. I recommend it for those who’re NOT only Austen fans, BUT enjoy quiet movies and (slow burn/brainy) types of romances. A neighborhood gal pal and I had a good time!

[1] The acting works for the screenplay. While short, nothing is forced. Nothing is contrived, either. Everything that happens here doesn’t elicit any disbelief.

[2] This movie has the capacity to make you smile and laugh and feel contentment with its conclusion. I’d recommend a watch.

[3] It was nice to get a fresh take on an Austin-like writer, rather than as a retelling of one of her characters. As Agathe observes, Austen was the first writer to write women as humans, and idea which absolutely needs to be revisited in the current media world. This film successfully does that in making Agathe a messy and imperfect human in the best way.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “Highest 2 Lowest” (2025) starring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, & A$AP Rocky

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When a titan music mogul (Denzel Washington), widely known as having the “best ears in the business”, is targeted with a ransom plot, he is jammed up in a life-or-death moral dilemma. Brothers Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunite for the 5th in their long working relationship for a reinterpretation of the great filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller “High and Low,” now played out on the mean streets of modern day New York City. -Synopsis (A24)

Y’all, what can I say!? It’s NOT a good day when you realize that even Lee (director) can be disappointing! We just expect a LOT more from talents like him. Though there are segments of the film that are well-done, it does NOT creative a cohesive whole. Aside from Washington and Jeffrey Wright, most of the other actors were lackluster (or distracting- in the case of Law & Order: SVU alum Dean Winters). Also, they didn’t have much to work w/ when it came to characterization or dialogue. There was a LOT of set-up (w/ random transition shots), the mood was stagnant (aside from the 3rd act), and the soundtrack was loud/unsuited to the story. The “Boomer tone” (as one critic commented) will NOT appeal to younger gens. I still need to see the (original) film directed by Kurosawa; it’s streaming on HBO MAX.

There is little tension, which left the (small) audience I saw it w/ last month looking bored or mildly annoyed. I don’t have Apple TV+, so went to see it on the big screen (which is my preference- I’m old school). Movie theaters are closing ALL over the US; Hollywood (most likely) can’t woo back its (pre-pandemic) audience. In a struggling economy, even hardcore cinephiles are going to theaters less… and less. On a positive note, I think A$AP Rocky has potential; maybe he will work to strengthen his acting. As Roger Ebert said, rappers (being performers already), can project confidence onscreen. If you haven’t done so before, go check out earlier Spike Lee joints. You will NOT be disappointed!

[1] It’s difficult to take this movie in, or take it seriously. Ironically about a music mogul, Spike uses a continuous, distracting, misaligned, wildly inappropriate, cheesy score by Lawrence Manchester.

[2] I’ll rate this movie a 5 out of 10 due to the simple fact that the script is horrible despite Denzel Washington and Jeffery Wright carrying the movie, everyone else seemed like rookie actors who made the movie feel like a made for BET or Lifetime movie. I also have no idea why this movie went over 2 hours…

[3] Visually, the movie has its moments – colorful, energetic shots and a strong New York vibe – but that doesn’t make up for the weak emotional core. The pacing was uneven, and instead of being drawn into the drama, I often felt detached, watching a performance rather than being immersed in the story.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “Companion” (2025) starring Sophie Thatcher & Jack Quaid

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Find someone made just for you. -Tagline

[first lines]

Iris: Most of the time it’s like… I don’t know. It’s like there’s this thick black cloud covering everything. Like we see the world, but we don’t really see the world, you know. We’re all just stumbling around directionless. No sense of meaning, no sense of purpose.

Since Iris (Sophie Thatcher- an up-and-coming British actress) and Josh (Jack Quaid) had their “meet-cute” in a grocery store, the couple have been inseparable. They seem deeply in love and V compatible! One weekend, they go to spend time w/ Josh’s old friends (Kat and Eli) at a lovely/spacious lakeside house. Iris is anxious, wondering if the others will like her. Kat (Megan Suri), who is dating a wealthy/older Russian- Sergey (Rupert Friend)- acts rude and cold to Iris. Eli (Harvey Guillen) and his doting bf, Patrick (Lukas Gage), are more chatty and friendly.

This is the feature film (streaming on HBO MAX) debut of a (promising) young American- Drew Goddard. It’s tightly edited, well-paced, and most of the cast do a good job. It’s NOT a “typical” horror, BUT a psychological thriller. The tonal shifts- from horror to comedy- will keep you on your toes. Gage (seen on S1 of The White Lotus) gets to show his range. Check it out for yourself; go in knowing as little as possible!

Related Shows To Watch:

The Outer Limits (S3: E1) – Bits of Love

A painter, Aidan Hunter (Jon Tenney), chats w/ his best pal, has breakfast w/ his parents, then spends time w/ a beautiful/blonde. His modern home is run efficiently by Emma (Natasha Henstridge), a computer that provides whatever Aidan needs. Sounds like a good life, right?

The Outer Limits (S4: E15) – Mary 25

Innobotics Corp. is looking for their next big product; exec Charlie Bouton (Tom Butler) proposes an android nanny- Mary 25 (Sofia Shinas). This is a variation on Valerie 23 (S1: E2), a companion that was discontinued after it developed feelings for its owner. Valerie 23 was a total disaster! Bouton is so confident that Mary 25 will function correctly that he takes it home to care for his children.