MY TOP TEN FILMS FOR 2025

 

One Battle After Another- ambition that lives up to its goals. A terrific ensemble cast. A great comedy/drama that doesn't waste a frame. Thoughtful and entertaining.

Hamnet- A masterpiece of filmmaking with an incredible performance by Jesse Buckley.

Train Dreams- beautifully shot and acted, a quiet, tender, poetic film that stands out above Hollywood cliches.

Marty Supreme- Magnificent performance by Timothee Chalamet carries the entertaining story.

Eden- terrific acting and directing. A fascinating different kind of survival tale from director Ron Howard, with a surprisingly excellent performance by Sydney Sweeney.

It Was Just an Accident- guerrilla filmmaking at it's best. Examining Iranian politics, its a serious film with comedic moments that stays with you long after it ends.

No Other Choice- very clever Korean black comedy with an excellent cast led by Lee Byung hun and Son Ye-jin.

Frankenstein- Gorgeous and breathtaking retelling of the iconic story with terrific cast.

The Secret Agent- haunting story of the political turmoil in Brazil in the 1970's. Wagner Moura is a magnetic presence. 

Weapons- Surprising horror film that kept you guessing with a great performance by Amy Madigan

HONORABLE MENTION-

Mickey 17- funny and biting satire of society disguised as a science fiction adventure.

Sinners- excellent performance by Michael B. Jordan and loved the first half of the film. Wasn't crazy though by the mid-genre switch.

Eddington- affected by the pandemic, an excellent microcosm of today's society 

Good Boy- fantastic direction of a dog just being a dog but turning it into a horror film. Indy was indeed a "good boy".

Companion- excellent twist and fine acting

Sentimental Value- beautiful portrait of a fractured family finding their way back.

BOTTOM TEN-

HIM- Beyond any words. Just a horrible film.

Presence- disappointing and boring

Wolf Man- poor update with a wasted Julia Garner

The Roses- terrible remake that really wasted two fine actors

Nobody 2- No reason to make a sequel

The Amateur- Rami Malik is overrated and so is this film. 

Flight Risk- I guess Michele Dockery needed a paycheck.

Captain America: New World Order- Swing and a miss by Marvel.

Ella MacKay- James L. Brooks came out of retirement for this mess?

Die My Love- despite great acting from Jennifer Lawrence an abrasive and difficult film to watch.