Film reviews

Anaconda Review

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What makes Anaconda so entertaining is the fact that the plot revolves around characters that are true to the original franchise. This creates cleverness built upon a solid foundation. Given that the film stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, and Steve Zahn, there are plenty of twists to keep the momentum spiraling with joy. Slithers of snakes combined with devotion to a franchise takes audiences on a journey filled with laughter. Directed by Tom Gormican, this is Anaconda.

Before jumping into the plot, I want to elaborate on the fanboy status which tops this movie. With the farce surrounding Anaconda, the chemistry amongst Black, Rudd, and Zahn is electric. As friends who play a team hoping to reboot Anaconda, it takes a lot more effort and risk than they expect. There is much uncharted territory, an Amazon with unexplained animals, and treacherous environs with surprises lurking.

The main characters are Doug McCallister (Black) and Ronald Griffin Jr. (Rudd). They are two friends who have always loved movies and always dreamed of making movies. Doug has a job where he shoots wedding videos, and he wants something bigger. Ronald does as well and claims he has access to the rights to the Anaconda franchise. This sets them down a path to find the budget to make their own independent version of it. The others who are with them in the process are Kenny Trent (Zahn) and Claire Simons (played by Thandiwe Newton). However, the licensing and rights are all over the place while the jungle is sketchy too. A colorful array of moving parts creates a boisterous ride where the rollercoaster never stops.

The writing of Anaconda begins as cheesy. As the film loops into the cinema aficionado’s mode (with Black and Rudd), the story begins to gradually create the atmosphere for accomplishments to occur. The filming requires everyone to be in the Amazon with many reptiles, the majority of which are dinosaur sized. Anaconda is like Jurassic Park but more likely to have creatures which are snake sized. This film also aims for the attacks to humor the audience instead of scaring viewers.That is what I love about this movie. When snakes jumped out, boisterous laughs ensued. The characterizations of Black and Rudd are outstanding in the danger-filled jungle.

Overall, Anaconda knows how to be funny. The film keeps a steady pace and loops in studio-related material to build upon its characterizations. I felt a sense of reality despite the quirkiness. It is not an amazing movie, but it is classy due to the flow of clever elements in the writing. Anaconda is one of the most fun films that many families should take time to enjoy over Christmas. It is a snake party for the holidays. Also, for those who remember the original Anacondas movies, audiences are in for a treat with this new version. Just make sure to fasten your seat belts! Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Anaconda.

 

Film reviews

Is This Thing On? Review

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This is a lighthearted comedy that works to find an escape from reality. It is an unexpected “reality” of finding joy in times that are questionable making Is This Thing On? one of the most authentic films of 2025. It takes a deep dive into stand-up comedy while grappling with separation. From the mind of Bradley Cooper, there are charms that are inevitable and make this a gem. Will Arnett and Laura Dern are fantastic in their roles as a couple trying to find contentment while working together but also remaining happy. The challenges are real, but the laughter and connection are also portrayed authentically in the film.

Arnett plays Alex Novak and Dern plays Tess Novak and both are grappling with their immanent divorce. At the same time, distractions present more challenges, especially when it comes to finding a new normal and dealing with their own thoughts. For Alex though, he has found a means of escape. He startsdoing open mics at the Comedy Cellar in New York. In his sets, he continuously talks about connections and disconnections, but also the correlating values are what plays into his jokes—his humor paints the portrait of how marriage is truly no picnic, and how it is pretty much unexpected disasters on a regular basis.

He finds support from his friends ranging from Stephen (played by Sean Hayes) and Christine (played by Andra Day). He also finds some support from his other friend Balls (played by Bradley Cooper himself). Deep-down though, Alex still leans on his soon-to-be ex-wife for moral support. The concept of keeping connection alive while also finding a way to escape creates a new era to remind audiences of why we are human. Relationship still exists even with those that we may have grown to despise the most. The writing of the film is eloquent in the fact that Arnett plays a comic telling his many grappling stories in a comedy club setting.

There is empathy, there is hope, and there is inspiration. The film is incredibly moving. I adored Is This Thing on? for its portrait of finding outlets to express challenging concepts in life. I also felt a sense of wanting love to come around for the characters. Even in the juxtaposition of silly humor, it fits the premise and the purpose of findings of ways to feel connected and loved.

This may be one of the most comedic, creative, and unexpected comedies yet. A comic yet tender story which highlights the creative genius of Cooper. Knockout performances by Arnett and Dern as the couple that can vibe while also juggling many classical first-world problems.  The film has its moments that tend to drag a bit, but some dramas need those moments to remind the audiences of the foundation surrounding the conflicts of the film.

 A comedy club for escapism. A couple navigating ups and downs. Many realizations of wonders. A joyful and moving film. There is love even when separation abounds, and there is creativity that can come from it. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Is This Thing On?

 

Film reviews

The Housemaid Review

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This is one of those films that is based on a novel. It is slick and quirky which are two key ingredients that mix naughty and nice through the performances of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. These two actresses display attitudes that lead to rumpus kicks and unexpected twists that are unforgettable. A joyful watch due to the mysterious and unexplained patterns of behavior. The reason behind the outbursts leads to a chemistry of suspense. Based on the novel written by Freida McFadden, The Housemaid creates a portrait of deceit and livelihood at risk. Bold colors of glory may be visible, but a dark secret lies beneath.

The film’s main character is Millie (Sweeney). She has a deadly past on her record that follows her. However, she lands a gig being a housemaid for a wealthy family. The mother is Nina (Seyfried). Her husband is Andrew (played by Brandon Sklenar). They live in a fancy mansion with their daughter Cecilia (played by Indiana Elle). Millie does all she can to present herself as a professional. The film’s writing paints the picture of a big house and happy life. This seemingly ideal life hits a major pause when Nina begins to have outbursts over Millie’s smallest mistakes. It is almost like Millie is being set upto fail. During this time, Andrew is dismissive and supports Millie more than Nina. The storyline showcases a house in turmoil where individuals are not on the same page.

Bipolar behaviors fuel this film. Especially with the house full of wondrous halls, there is no saying how Nina will react. There is more to the film which leads to the creation of mysterious patterns. The husband may be hiding something. The story weaves together disagreements along with backstories of unexplained issues from the past. Sweeney’s character is the queen of one team. She possesses that “no one can stop me” attitude with her natural beauty and layers of intelligence. Seyfried’s character adds more confusion with her lack of conversation and unpredictable outbursts. There is a party filled with terror when these two tango. Yet, there is a charm to the fun-filled suspense taking place in this super-rich house.

There are peculiar and romantic moments. In a scene where Millie feels connected to Andrew, the pot naturally gets stirred. The film does such an amazing job at displaying jealousy. It is syrupy yet explosive, like a chemical combustion in the mansion, between Millie and Nina. Overall, the film is a portrait that results in a fuming dynamic jumping back and forth between the lead characters. Who can trust Millie more? Is it Nina or Andrew? In truth, neither of them should trust her. It’s a free-for-all in The Housemaid where lies and secrets may be unraveled. The movie is a steady thriller with interesting layers that may seem overly sweet. Overall, a joyful experience. Three out of four stars for The Housemaid.

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