100 Word Movie Reviews

1. School Spirits Season 2 (2025)

I binged season 1 of School Spirits in the blink of an eye when it first aired. While season 2 expands on supporting characters’ stories, the series felt too sporadic, focusing on too many storylines. It also threw in a relationship storyline, which adds to more character development, but wastes the main storyline. Maddie (Peyton List) is the most integral character. List was busy this season, accepting the challenge to play two versions of herself. She is a tremendous actress. School Spirits is still worth the binge. With revelations that transpire in the conclusion, we’re in for another thrilling season.

2. High Fidelity (2000) Director: Stephen Frears

High Fidelity is a film about relationships. John Cusack and Jack Black, two talented and comedic actors, share the screen. Black almost turned down the film! This film would have a big hole missing without his infectious energy. I always love watching Cusack comedies. His narration was a unique addition. This film has early 2000s energy thanks to Stephen Frears' direction, with comedic edits and celebrity cameos. I wish the film focused more on the record store arc, instead of Rob’s persistent chase for relationships. Relationships are not easy, but we need to get our lives together to understand ourselves.

3. Hot Tub Time Machine (2010), Director: Steve Pink

It’s rare when I say that a movie wasted my time, but boy, did this movie waste my time! I turned Hot Tub Time Machine off after an hour - another rarity! I’m not sure how I stood it out for that long. The crass humor, characters, and language are despicable. These characters are supposed to be friends, but they act like they want nothing to do with each other. Based on its time travel premise, the film reflects wasted opportunities and a message that didn’t sit right with me. I’ll travel back to the past to avoid watching this film.

4. Austenland (2013), Director: Jerusha Hess

We always need comedies, especially on Monday nights. Passions exist for a reason. We need to share our greatest interests. Austenland is a quirky film about Jane (Keri Russell), who travels to a Jane Austen theme park. Romance, dress up, and altercations occur, but the story felt stuck. Jennifer Coolidge brought down the house with her quirky, comical nature. Honestly, I would be totally satisfied if this film were only starring Coolidge and had her questioning everything about the theme park. Austenland is a great concept, but it lacked direction. It’s not bad, but worth seeing for a lighthearted comedy.

5. Give Me Liberty (2019), Director: Kirill Mikhanovsky

I felt my brain spinning during this movie. Give Me Liberty is one of the most realistic slice-of-life films. The majority of the ensemble in Give Me Liberty were non-actors, making it more authentic. I have my opinions about Vic (Chris Galust), who is a patient van driver, but he gets in his own way. I felt sorry for Tracy (Lauren “Lolo” Spencer), who was ignored and couldn’t get anything done. Quiet is rare as characters constantly yell in each other's faces and argue about their hardships. The film enforces that everyone has flaws and we will get through them.

6. Dreamin’ Wild (2022), Director: Bill Pohlad

Dreams are a big part of who we are. Dreamin’ Wild is a film about how our passions change as we grow older. It shows the musician-to-be's story in a different light. Casey Affleck plays Donnie, a character who is described as someone who has a lot going on inside his head, which Affleck does a tremendous job with. Walter Goggins, Zoey Deschanel, Chris Messina, Beau Bridges, and Quiet Place and IT stars Noah Jupe and Jack Dylan Grazier star in the film. Bill Pohlad has resonating cinematography, edits, and a resounding message to always believe in taking second chances.