Tag: Drama
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When the Device Runs Away: How ‘Couple Goals’ Loses Its Narrative
Among cineastes, there is a longstanding debate about the fundamental purpose of film. Most ultimately agree that cinema exists to tell stories—stories rendered through a visual medium. While storytelling may be the essence of filmmaking, not all films succeed at it. When evaluating a film’s effectiveness, the primary metric is always the quality of its…
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Ruth and Boaz on Netflix: Beautiful Intentions, Lackluster Execution
February is widely recognized as a month dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and love—an observance often marked by cultural features that bring both into sharp focus. “Ruth and Boaz (2026),” produced by Tyler Perry and Devon Franklin, positions itself squarely within that tradition. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Ruth, the film offers a…
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Jurassic World Rebirth: Can a Franchise Be “Reborn” By Repeating Its Past?
A film is, at its core, a story told through striking images—a medium designed to captivate, to pull viewers in and keep them hooked. Some movies master this art, some nearly reach it, and others fall short. The classic question at the end of any screening—“were you not entertained?”—often overshadows minor flaws, prompting audiences to…
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From Verses to Victims: His and Hers
Some productions feel more like poetry than prose, sweeping viewers into their rhythm even when the verses don’t always align. Netflix’s upcoming 2026 limited series, “His and Hers,” fits squarely in that category—a small-town murder mystery that keeps its audience in a chokehold from the opening frame to the final reveal. Applause still echoes long…
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‘The Housemaid’ Review: A Shocking, Satisfying Thriller That Redefines Redemption
Thrillers rank high on my watch list, second only to horror. Through casual browsing and keeping an ear to the ground, I came across a 2025 thriller titled “The Housemaid”—a film with an unassuming name that delivers a surprisingly forceful punch when it comes to entertainment. A Girl and A Goal “The Housemaid” follows a…
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The Running Man (2025) and the Case for Critical Reassessment
Not every feature deemed a creative misfire by a cluster of critics is inherently irredeemable. Some works must be assessed on an individual basis and weighed in balance between audience response and critical perspective. “The Running Man” is one such film. I approached “The Running Man” with a healthy degree of skepticism, and for several…
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More Than Monstrous: Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein is a Hauntingly Beautiful Triumph
There is nothing quite like a classic—especially when it is realized on the big screen with care and reverence. The true delight lies in seeing a beloved literary work rendered faithfully, in a way that honors the images and emotions long cultivated in the reader’s imagination. Adaptations are always a gamble, but when they succeed,…
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Full Circle: How ‘Stranger Things 5’ Masterfully Pays Off Its Legacy
“Stranger Things” burst onto screens and captivated audiences worldwide. Its blend of 1980s nostalgia with supernatural adventure struck a chord that sent viewership numbers soaring beyond Netflix’s wildest expectations. But all good stories eventually reach their conclusion. November 2025 marks the beginning of that end, as fans prepare to witness “Stranger Things” fifth and final…
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Beyond the Tinsel: Deconstructing the Powerful Emotional Core of “This Christmas”
This film remains one of my all-time favorites—a 2007 holiday release that’s still a staple in the seasonal rotation. Written and directed by Preston A. Whitmore II, its heart and humor continue to hold strong in 2025, pulling on heartstrings and delivering the kind of smiles that feel timeless. Introductions Matter The opening scene welcomes…
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All Charm, No Surprise: ‘Freakier Friday’ Plays It Safe
Some films succeed on charm and star power alone. They rally audiences with beloved actors and a heartwarming, feel-good message, and that combination is often enough to carry a project to success. The challenge arises when studios assume that the film’s triumph came from narrative strength rather than the perfect alignment of casting, tone, and…
Uncut Diamonds 