My Movies 2025

Every year I try to make a New Year’s resolution. Some are successful, others not so much. But this year I resolved to watch a lot of movies, both current releases, ones I’ve missed over the years and others older than myself. So far, I have been quite successful in this resolution, even pushing myself to see movies I wouldn’t necessarily watch. For example, the day David Lynch passed away, I put on Mulholland Dr, a movie I had never seen before. I’m not one for horror films, not that this movie counts as horror, but it’s certainly a psychological drama that sticks with you for a long time like a very twisted nightmare. I’m glad I saw it.

I will add to this collection throughout the year as I watch them, maybe even leaving my thoughts on some of them. If you know to get in touch with me, send me a message on your thoughts or an invitation to see a flick somewhere.

Clicking a movie poster below opens it up and you can see my comments and rating when hovering over the enlarged image.

The Family Stone (2005)

Great cast but maybe tried a bit too hard. Yet, still fun enough to watch with family, some good jokes and scenes. I would watch again with a group of people, but not alone. Sarah-Jessica Parker didn’t feel right in terms of casting. She felt a bit contrived, prone to stereotypical gaffes.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.25)

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Do I need to say anything about this movie? It’s a classic, the best rom-com there is, absolutely hilarious, a legendary movie. It’s in my Top 10 movies of all time, for sure. I’ve seen this movie countless times and it never gets old. I’m sure I’ll see it countless more times before I die. I love talking movies with a lot of dialogue and this is one of those movies in spades.

Movie Trailer | Scene | Scene

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Reader (2008)

Great acting by the main cast, but the story is not true. Seems to be plenty of true stories they could have drawn from to make a movie about a former female guard at Auschwitz and a younger boy, or at least base it on it in some amount. But beautifully filmed nevertheless.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.0)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

This movie is an instant entry into my Top 10 movies list, why did it take me so long to see it! I’d give it 6 stars if I could. This is the type of movie that needs to be seen multiple times to get a grapple on its full meaning. So much to take in. Excellent take on how the subconscious might look like on the screen.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2025 - Netflix)

A clear statement on the perils of AI and a lot of fun. Despite the number of years between this and the previous W&G, it’s in full form, sure to be a classic. But why did it have to be on Netflix only. Not sure if it had some theatrical release.

Movie Trailer |

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Revolutionary Road

This one is going to sit with me for quite a while. So beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Winslet is one of my favorite actors yet DiCaprio can often be annoying in his movies. But both Winslet and DiCaprio put in one of the best performance of their lives.

Movie Trailer | Scene

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Serious Man (2009)

I definitely enjoyed this movie a lot but need to see it again. I think many of the subtle meanings of the movie passed me by, which often happens to me with Coen Brothers movies. It’s not what one would expect, again, as with many Coen Brothers movies. Perhaps I’ll add more to this review when I see it again.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.0)

Dial M for Murder (1954)

This is the type of movie that could also easily be a play, as most of the movie takes place in a single spot. I should probably rewatch the (apparent remake) ‘A Perfect Murder’ to see how they compare.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.0)

She's Funny That Way (2014)

Fun, but probably not the best sign that I keep forgetting what it’s about when looking at the title of the movie. Have to be reminded who was in it. I want movies that stick with me for a long time. Perhaps it tries a bit too hard and not all the characters are well cast.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.0)

The Holiday (2006)

Better than expected and Jack Black unexpectedly good for the role. He held back is typical intensity, although almost came out on a couple occasions. Kate Winslet great in any role. Nice way to end the movie all together.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75)

Cleo From 5 to 7 (1962)

French film from 1962. Fascinating walk through early 1960s Paris, rather raw. Scene in the hat store was beautifully filmed, almost dreamlike. In addition to following the story, it’s always fascinating to see Paris as it look at that time, apparent scars still present from the war.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Seen the same day David Lynch’s death is announced. Weird doesn’t even remotely begin to describe this movie. This will sit with me for a long time. Outstanding performances by everyone, especially Naomi Watts.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5)

Murder Mystery 2 (2023)

Some good jokes and gags, a lot of it predictable. Obligated consent since we watched the first film.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2.999)

A Shot In the Dark (1964)

Seen the same day David Lynch’s death is announced. Weird doesn’t even remotely begin to describe this movie. This will sit with me for a long time. Outstanding performances by everyone, especially Naomi Watts.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75)

The Monuments Men (2014)

I have no idea how accurate and close to actual historical events this movie was, but it’s still a lot of fun to watch with the huge cast that it has. It’s certainly a very eclectic cast, but it works.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.0)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Swan Song (2021)

A movie set at some unknown number of years in the future, it’s a compelling story on cloning and artificial intelligence. Beautiful acting and cinematography. One thing that’s hard not to think about while watching is how perfect the scenery is, that is the decor of his house and the “clinic” the main character visits. It feels cleaner than Apple’s headquarters and designed with high-end Scandinavian furniture. I got past that at a certain point, but for a clinic out in the forest, do they really have a cleaning service to maintain such a perfect setting?

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.0)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Conclave (2024)

Excellent thriller of a movie, very thought provoking and a more progressive view of what the church could be if not held back by conservative idealogues. Outstanding cast.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Movie Trailer | IMDB

One of my favorite scenes.

Saturday Night (2024)

This movie definitely tried too hard. The premise for the movie is solid and good, but it tried to pack too many events into what was the two hours prior to the show’s premier in 1975. Several of the actual events portrayed in the movie didn’t actually happen that night, but instead occurred in later years of the show. So not sure why it had to be stuffed into the opening night. The vast majority of the cast are unknowns, which I guess made sense, considering the original cast of SNL were all unknowns at the show’s premier. It’s also a walk-and-talk movie, with so many moving parts swirling throughout.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.00)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

500 Days of Summer (2009)

This is probably one I need to see again. I enjoyed it, but it was disorienting sometimes, largely with the constant switching back and forth in time between key moments of their relationship. Some of the bouncing around made sense, other times it felt disjointed. But I know this is a beloved film for many. Good cast, although Gordon-Levitt could appear too sappy at times, which I suppose was the point. Will see again to see if that changes my rating.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Becoming Led Zeppelin (2025)

Very enjoyable although clearly an official and somehwat cleansed documentary approved by the band. Can’t say there’s a lot of the negative sides about the group at this point, barely a mention of the drugs, drinking and concert incidents. Since this documentary ended at their brilliant Royal Albert Hall concert in 1970, perhaps there will be a part two, where the negative side becomes a bigger issue, culminating with the death of John Bonham in 1980. The only talking heads throughout the film are the three surviving members and an unearthed documentary of Bonham, but you can’t help but wait for the music to be cranked up, which it eventually does and it’s extremely enjoyable, especially on a large screen and excellent sound system. I wish they would released their past concert films for theatrical release, The Song Remains the Same and . Recommended.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Loved everything about this film and a brilliant performance by Ralph Fiennes. One of his best and one when you’re not reminded of Amon Göth from time to time. Wes Anderson clearly puts a lot of thought into each and every single camera shot from beginning to end and it’s a real delight. Many of the scenes are as decadent as the luxury pasteries made by the pastry shop Mendl’s in the film. I could watch this again, but will start by watching the rest of Anderson’s films first.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

The Birdcage (1996)

My first rewatch of the year, not having seen this movie for a really long time. It has aged well for the most part, very enjoyable, funny and poignant. Also a little timely in the sense that Gene Hackman died just a few days after rewatching this.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

The Martian (2015)

Technically, I saw this film for the first time last year after reading the book, which is a great book and covers a lot more elements than this fantastic movie is able to get to. But I add it here now because I’ve rewatched it many times this year and feel it necessary to add to my 2025 list. It’s a nerdy and very technical film, but what a fun film it is.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Great Expectations (1998)

A movie that seemed to try too hard. Good concept and premise, but a bit of a misfire. Music a bit too sappy and both Paltrow and Hawke a bit stiff. Anne Bancroft and Robert De Niro were great. Came out at the same time as Titanic and I imagine it got smothered by that steam roller.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.25)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

A Complete Unknown (2024)

Making movies about famous people, especially biopics, are as treacherous as walking through a minefield. They are more likely to fail. Not this film. This was truly a great film. It’s not exactly a biopic, as it covers just 4 years of Dylan’s life and his arrival on the scene in Greenwich Village. Timothée Chalamet is mesmerizing as Dylan and both Ed Norton and Monica Barbaro are fantastic in their roles as Pete Seeger and Joan Baez. And whoever created the set scenes in every part of the movie deserves an Oscar!

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy (2025)

Seeing the fourth installment of just about any movie franchise almost guarantees a cheesy experience, rehashing elements of previous movies and almost certainly a script rushed out without much thought. This movie is different and is not what I was expecting. While there is some of the predictable silliness that is part of every Bridget Jones movie, this movie actually was quite poignant, providing a very reflective take on how it feels to be in your mid-fifties and trying to make sense of what is left of life. I was not expecting this and very much enjoyed myself. Maybe the best fourth sequel to a movie franchise I’ve seen ever? I think the best of the four films.

Movie Trailer

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.0)

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)

There are so many documentaries about the Beatles, a lot of them badly made and likely not with the help of the band and Apple Records itself. This is one of the good ones, focusing primarily on the group’s touring years, a grueling and uncreative part of the band’s work. It should have been no surprise that they gave it up entirely. This is required viewing for any Beatle’s fan. After watching this, go and see all eight hours of Get Back, which is absolutely worth it. Now the Beatles Anthology needs to be brought back!

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

The Pigeon Tunnel (2023)

Any Errol Morris movie is really good and very much worth watching. The focus is entirely on the subject of the film, never once seeing the interviewer. You only hear his voice, and it always seems to be at a distance. He is able to get to the heart of people', to get a view on their life and how they felt they navigated it.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.00)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Breathless (1960)

An odd movie, as most New Wave films are, very abstract, free wheeling, almost seeming improvised. Seeing it now, 65 years later, the way people talk, what they think, their view of women and Americans, it seems dated. But I can see how it was a whole new class of movie. Hard to give it a clear rating.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.00)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Barney's Version (2010)

What I’ll say about this movie is that it stars Paul Giamatti and I’ll watch anything he stars in. I’d even pay to watch him read the phone book. He is always great and he had a great supporting cast in this film, especially Dustin Hoffman and Minnie Driver.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

This is not a movie I would typically watch, but I decided to watch it when my daughter put it on. It’s certainly a juvenile film, but it was fun at the same time. There are so many actors that were more or less new at the time, from Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and even Allison Janney.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)

Movie Trailer | IMDB | Wikipedia

My Old Lady (2014)

Really enjoyed this film despite the mixed reviews I found on the web. I love each and everyone of its cast and I can’t imagine I would have seen a movie with all three of them together. It’s a pretty simple story, although each character has a pretty complex backstory that the movie has to communicate to the viewer. And the movie is in Paris, which has been a trend for me in the movies and books I’ve been watching and reading. I don’t speak French, but it’s a great backdrop for a film.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Movie Trailer | IMDB

The Trip (2010)

This was a rewatch, as I hadn’t seen the film in probably ten years, or close to it. I watched it again to prepare myself to watch the subsequent sequels, which on the surface don’t appear to be that different than this movie with the specific exception of locale. It’s fun, witty, scenic and the food always looks amazing. Feels kind of like a quasi-documentary, following two real life friends in a film format.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Movie Trailer | IMDB

The Trip to Italy (2014)

Rarely is a sequel as good as the original, which rare exceptions of course, something discussed in this film. There are some wonderful bits and back and forth between the two, but any time there is a disability joke in a movie, that immediately knocks the rating down for me.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.25)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Howard's End (1992)

This is probably the best of all the Merchant Ivory films and there are many brilliants ones. Such a rich, opulent and deep rendering of Forster’s novel, which I honestly haven’t read, but would like to now. This is one other watch again. The cast is brilliant on all levels. Emma Thompson is wonderful.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Paris, Je T'aime (2006)

Very interesting movie. So many movies about Paris tend to lean more on the white, caucasian aspect of French culture and passing over the many cultures and religions that make up the city today. This movie tries to cover that broad range of Paris. Each little story is so different, considering that they contain different actors and directors, all tying up somewhat at the end. Good movie.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

Une Femme Mariée (A Married Woman)

A rather avant garden approach to showing a woman’s sex life in 1960s Paris through the French New Wave lens. It’s a very polished take in this genre, not as gritty as Godard’s earlier films.

Andor, Season Two (2025)

While this is a streaming TV show from Disney+, I consider each three episode arc a movie in itself, in terms of depth of story and plot, acting and production values. Disney spent well over $600 million on the show and that’s more than the budget of a standard film. This is why I add this to this list of movies. It’s arguably the best Star Wars production ever and that’s without ever seeing a light saber, Darth Vader, the Force and so much more that we’re accustomed to in a Star Wars film. It’s also one of the best written TV shows I’ve ever seen and certainly a timely and relevant one at that.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Movie Trailer | IMDB

St. Elmo's fire (1985)

Having watched many of the Brat Pack movies of the 1980s, I find it hard to believe that I had never seen this movie before. After watching the documentary BRATS on Hulu, I was inspired.

This movie is about as 80s of a movie as you can get: the cast, the movie, the story telling, etc. Even though it’s a group of 7 friends, it feels that the movie is roughly 4 or 5 separate stories that sort of comes together at the end. I get that it’s about friendships being able to survive after college, but there wasn’t really a strong thread of a plot throughout. But it’s still enjoyable, although half a percentage of my rating here goes to the nostalgic part of watching the movie.

It’s hard to see the guys in the friends back in a positive light. A few of them cheat on their girlfriends/wife, yet become total assholes when they have their own flings. From today’s vantage point, it’s so obvious of the unequal treatment between the sexes, something this movie goes to extra lengths to highlight, most likely unintentionally.

I do think that the most Brat Pack movie of them all is still The Breakfast Club.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)

Movie Trailer | IMDB

I can’t say I’ve finished every movie I’ve started. The one movie so far that I couldn’t bring myself to finish was Ted 2. While there are some really hilarious scenes in it and that I believe just about every aspect of life should be made fun of, I do make an exception for people with disabilities. I allowed myself to continue after hearing the R-word, but then when it was used a second time, that was it. And there were a couple other jokes made at their expense that did it for me. While there are some funny parts, I do not recommend it. The first Ted movie was far better.