Be Careful What You Wish for in a Stunning OBSESSION

Obsession is a deceptively simple, horror film that is a remarkably polished, cautionary tale enhanced by a strong performance by its female lead. 

Bear (Michael Johnston) is a lonely bachelor working in retail and is friends with coworker Nikki (Inde Navarrette) for whom he has strong feelings. One day he is shopping for a gift for Nikki and finds a purported ‘magic willow’ that, when broken, can grant any wish. Naturally, he wishes for Nikki to desire him, and suddenly everything changes for him.  What begins as an awkward change in behavior gradually escalates to creepy, even alarming levels that turn an idyllic scenario into an ominous and finally unadulterated nightmare.  When Bear gets buyer’s remorse, he tries to alter or stop the spell and learns that the ‘magic willow’ has certain, unbreakable rules.  As he realizes the truth, he tries to end this madness, and what follows is a harrowing, horrifying point of no return.

Obsessive females have rarely been depicted this explicitly; not even Play Misty for Me nor Fatal Attraction come close. One might even be reminded of Piper Laurie in Carrie or Linda Blair in The Exorcist!  Credit Navarrette for her outstanding, versatile portrayal of a woman who morphs from a gentle soul into someone to be feared.  It’s an interesting study of interpersonal relationships and the temptation to play God with devastating results. 

The fact that the film looks like a well-polished production and is still impactful belies its microscopic budget. It is a testament to up and coming director Curry Barker, and one can only hope for more films from an obviously talented filmmaker and from Navarrette.

****1/2 of ***** stars (especially the shocking, surreal ending)

The Gang is Back and More in TOY STORY 5

Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang are back for Toy Story 5, a thoroughly entertaining, heartfelt adventure that continues the unbroken success of the beloved, computer animated characters and should strike the right note for kids and adults.

Bonnie is a lonely, young girl desperate to connect with a friend so her parents give her a tech toy, Lily (Greta Lee), which turns her attention away from her traditional toys, especially Jessie (Joan Cusack). Lily becomes an adversary to Jessie and the older toys, and when Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) arrive to help, Jessie and her horse, Bullseye, become separated from Bonnie and end up with another family with a daughter named Blaze. As Woody and Buzz track down Jessie in a thrilling finish, can the toys and some new friends band together to bring happiness to Bonnie?  Moreover, can Jessie and Buzz find happiness together at the end?

After a seven year wait, director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall-E) and Pixar create another gem. It is remarkable how the toy universe has expanded with old and new, and in this case, Jessie’s story and the girl’s point of view are the center of attention as Woody and Buzz take backseat. Despite the resonating theme of the Computer Age taking over the Age of Toys and the emotions of rejection and acceptance, there are, to be sure, cute, funny moments.  As always, the animation is so impressive that these toys come alive with feelings and pathos.

With Randy Newman and Taylor Swift providing music and song, this compares favorably with the previous Toy Story films.  Stay for the post credits for a possible plot for a sure-to-be Toy Story 6 (which would complete Bonnie’s trilogy.)

****1/2 of ***** stars

Spielberg and His Comfort Zone in DISCLOSURE DAY

 

Steven Spielberg continues his fascination with aliens in Disclosure Day, a diverting, entertaining, and at times inspired adventure sci-fi film. 

Daniel (Josh O’Connor), in possession of an unknown object of potential power, is being pursued by Wordex, a secretive corporate entity led by Noah (Colin Firth) who will stop at nothing to keep the government’s decades old secrets on extraterrestrial encounters.  Another person, Margaret (Emily Blunt), is affected by a force that causes her to possess revelatory powers and foreign speak. Both are targets as they try to reveal a hidden truth that may cost them their lives.

Essentially one long, cross-country chase, it begins as a mystery that starts to connect the dots through its narrative following two individuals who are somehow connected to each other and to a larger conspiracy of silence. There are aspects of past memories and the power of belief. The story has the feel of exposing government secrets like in Spielberg’s The Post.  Having demonstrated a mastery of alien themes in E.T., War of the Worlds and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which this film serves as almost a spiritual sequel, he may be guilty of covering already familiar ground.

This is the kind of film that may polarize audiences to a degree. While it addresses “the people have a right to know,” it touches on how the exposure of such secrets may have enormous ramifications upon religion and the world.  With a memorable score from John Williams and some thrilling escapes, this film runs a tad long but is constantly engaging to its emotional end.  It may not have quite the impact of Spielberg’s earlier films, but fans will likely embrace it especially for the strong performances of Blunt and O’Connor.

**** of ***** stars (for Spielberg fans)

TV Comedy Master

TV comedy director James Burrows has passed at 85. This legend among legends helped establish sitcoms on broadcast TV for the 1970s through 2000s with such shows as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Will & Grace, Friends, Laverne & Shirley, and many others including the pilot episode of The Big Bang Theory. He amassed Emmy nominations in nearly every year between 1980 and 2005 and won 11 Emmy Awards. Mentored by TV directing giant Jay Sandrich, the two defined modern TV sitcoms for over a half century.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 Tries to Live Up to a Classic

 

The Devil Wears Prada 2, the long gestating sequel to the splendid original from 2006, proves that lightning rarely strikes twice, and while this film retains some of the previous cast’s chemistry, the magic is not quite there.   

Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and her current magazine suffer massive layoffs as the print industry is reeling from industry changes while Runway editor Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and her ever loyal designer, Nigel (Stanley Tucci), face bad press and an upheaval in ownership that signals a sweeping overhaul. As Andy is tasked with helping to improve Runway’s standing in the press, Emily (Emily Blunt) heads her own company, Dior, a major advertiser with Runway and who may figure in its future.  It all leads to a frantic scramble for corporate survival amid wheeling and dealing. Can Runway survive and stay relevant in an ever shifting environment?

The gang returns in fine form with a familiar dynamic led by Streep’s imposing, yet at times vulnerable Miranda, and Hathaway displays a more mature, experienced Andy.  Lady Gaga makes a brief but memorable appearance, and a couple supporting players return, while others are noticeably absent (Simon Baker).

Naturally, this visual palette is impressive with colorful locations from New York to Europe amid fashion events showcasing gorgeous, haute couture accompanied by a contemporary soundtrack led (again) by Madonna’s Vogue. The film works within its genre as a comedy drama buoyed by its cast, but its plot and pacing come up a bit short. The results are not spectacular but diverting enough as an entertaining, mainstream film.  This follow up (which may yield a third film) should satisfy those with reasonable expectations; just don’t expect too much.

**** of ***** stars (for hardcore fans)

A Tasty YOU, ME & TUSCANY

You, Me & Tuscany comes across as a solid, romantic comedy that hits all the right notes, and that’s fine for fans of this genre which promises love, drama, and humor in equal doses in a picturesque setting.

Anna (Halle Bailey) who once had dreams of being a culinary chef with her mother, is now a house sitter in New York with an uncertain future until a chance meeting with an Italian traveler, Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor), who beckons her to visit him in Tuscany. Throwing caution to the wind, Anna flies to Tuscany and quickly realizes she has gotten herself accidentally drawn into an unlikely scenario with Matteo’s family. Further, she meets his cousin, Michael (Regé-Jean Page), and life becomes increasingly complicated.   

The chemistry between Bailey and Page is palpable, and there is good support from the rest of the cast. (One wonders if there was a bigger star or two playing the leads, how this film could have shined even more.) While there is a standard plot (fish out of water and mistaken identity) with predictable twists and turns, the cast sells it amid the gorgeous scenery and lush musical score. Moments in the film bring to mind Bridget Jones’ Diary.  There is nothing here that you won’t find in a top notch Hallmark movie, which belies the background of its director, Kat Coiro, whose extensive TV and indie background are evident.

With its breezy tone and goodhearted nature, audiences looking for nothing particularly challenging but rather a ‘feel good’ movie should be pleased with this totally inoffensive, entertaining story.  Like good food and fine wine, it tastes delicious during the meal, but afterward, it doesn’t necessarily linger.

***1/2 of ***** stars (add ½* for Rom-Com fans)

 

PROJECT HAIL MARY Aims for the Stars

 

Adapted from the novel by Andy Weir (The Martian), Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) direct Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi tale that should delight most audiences who want a unique, satisfying experience.

In the not too distant future, Earth’s sun and other stars are dying, and a desperate, impossible space mission is launched with a teacher/scientist, Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), entrusted to save the world by traveling light years to a specific star to find a solution. When he awakens alone from hibernation, he encounters a strange spaceship with a crusty alien lifeform he dubs Rocky, who may be searching for the same answers. Can the two of them find a way to communicate and work together to save the universe?

Most closely in its setup to Interstellar, this film also shares similarities with The Martian, Arrival, E.T., and even Close Encounters of the Third Kind.  Alternating with flashbacks on how the mission began, it’s a touching story about bonding and sacrifice filled with humorous and poignant moments that focus on Grace and his relationship with Rocky.  Gosling puts on a heartfelt, one-man show (with good support from Sandra Hüller) as the reluctant astronaut plagued with self-doubt who finds within himself something extraordinary and an unlikely companion.

Best seen on the biggest screen (IMAX), the film’s audio-visual achievements are impressive especially in the imaginative set designs, its practical, puppetry effects, and an ethereal soundtrack. It’s a film with lofty aspirations that’s a tad long with some confusing technical jargon, but for those willing to come for the ride, they will be rewarded with a fascinating, thoughtful adventure filled with pathos and hope. It is certainly one of the best films of 2026.

****1/2 of ***** stars (a must for Gosling fans)

A True Texan

World martial arts master and actor Chuck Norris has passed at 86. He met and was influenced by stars like Steve McQueen to get into acting which included a relationship with the legendary Bruce Lee culminating in The Way of the Dragon showcasing a climactic martial arts battle. He did many other action films starting with independent productions like Good Guys Wear Black, The Octogon, and An Eye for an Eye before doing major studio hits like Code of Silence, Missing in Action, and Delta Force. He achieved lasting fame in the popular TV show Walker, Texas Ranger which ran for nine seasons.

98th Oscar Telecast

 

The Oscars are done, and most predictions were right on. The Documentary Feature went to Mr. Nobody Against Putin which was a pleasant surprise. Technical categories went as expected with Frankenstein getting several.  Amy Madigan and Sean Penn took Supporting Acting Awards while most awards were split between a few films.

Sinners took several awards including Best Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor. Jesse Buckley took home Best Actress as expected. Paul Thomas Anderson took Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture for his One Battle After Another. Conan O'Brien was a serviceable host with hit and miss jokes and a typical, show opening by inserting himself in film scenes. The Memoriam segment took poignancy as Billy Crystal (honoring Rob Reiner), Rachel McAdams (Diane Keaton), and Barbra Streisand (Robert Redford) took turns honoring the passing of screen legends. The show had good pacing and did not go grossly over. Its 7pm start also helped. Now we start over for next year's crop of films.

2026 Oscar Predictions for 2025 Films

Another year of films and while most Oscar races are fairly easy to predict, a couple major categories like Best Actor and even Best Picture may shift per recent momentum swing from Sinners. Again, I have seen all the Best Picture nominees and several other titles, so these are my best guesses. There are almost always big surprises, and this year should be no different. Sinners could walk away with many awards although recent years have awards split among films. The Academy Awards are given March 15 so enjoy!

 

Picture- One Battle After Another with possible Sinners upset with preferential balloting.

Director- Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle after Another

Actress- Jesse Buckley for Hamnet

Actor- If Timothée Chalamet is ever going to win one, it should be for Marty Supreme but it was his to lose while Michael B. Jordan has incredible momentum for Sinners, so…..

Supporting Actress- Strong momentum and sentiment for Amy Madigan in Weapons but I loved Wunmi Mosaku in Sinners

Supporting Actor- Has it been 17 years since Milk? Sean Penn in what is a leading role in One Battle After Another, is steam rolling though Stellan Skarsgård is really a leading role in Sentimental Value.

Casting-Sinners

Adapted Screenplay- Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another

Original Screenplay- Ryan Coogler for Sinners

Cinematography- Sinners

Costume Design- Frankenstein

Film Editing- One Battle After Another

Makeup and Hairstyling- Frankenstein

Production Design- Frankenstein

Score- Sinners

Song- ‘Golden’ from KPop Demon Hunters

Sound- F1

Visual Effects- Avatar: Fire and Ash

Animated Feature- KPop Demon Hunters

Documentary Feature- The Perfect Neighbor

International Film- Sentimental Value

Animated Short- Butterfly

Documentary Short- All the Empty Rooms

Live Action Short- Two People Exchanging Saliva but possibly A Friend of Dorothy