2025 - My Theatrical Movie Experiences

  Despite the growing success of online-streaming, I still savor my experiences in the theater, as those are the movie events I want to look back on. So, to keep things simple, I’m listing off each movie I saw in the theater in order of which film I saw first to the movie I saw last and give my quick opinions on them. I viewed 12 movies at the theater in total this year, so let’s just have some fun looking back at some of the films from 2025.

APRIL ...  

“The King of Kings” 

Kicking off 2025 at the movies for me was a new take on the story of Christ. In general, it’s an appropriately straightforward telling of the life of Jesus Christ for an intended younger audience, as well as cleverly presented with a personality that will keep kids engaged, and never forgetting the virtues and mature moments that make this tale so meaningful. Along with the story of Christ, this also makes a terrific gateway for younger viewers to be introduced to Charles Dickens. While the tone is initially fluffier and aimed for little ones first, it gradually found its grove and delivers all the content and stirring emotions one would hope for from a variation of the greatest story ever told.

THUMBS UP!

 

MAY ... 

“Final Destination: Bloodlines” 

Prior to this movie, I’d only seen the original “Final Destination” once, and enjoyed it fine, but didn’t feel won over by the franchise. After watching “Bloodlines”, I’m encouraged to give the series a second chance. This was a fun, thrilling, goofy outing with a signature tone and presentation, which the series is known for, but elevated with a layered back story, fun new ideas, and memorable, exciting set-pieces. More than anything, it’s a fine example of how a long dormant horror franchise can still have some life … without feeling like a walking corpse. … R.I.P Tony Todd.

THUMBS UP!

 

JUNE ... 

“Ballerina” 

From the world of "John Wick" … we get a top-tier spin-off, with Ana De Armas carrying the fire, the raw emotion and the same white knuckled action this series is built on. While it was cool to see John Wick himself in the film, I’d be more then content to follow the titular Ballerina on new missions without relying on Keanu Reeves, as she made for a great lead in of herself. All around, this is one of the better spin-off franchise movies I’ve seen in a while, as well as one of the better “girl boss” action movies, and proof that the genera isn’t devoid of some hard-hitting ladies.  

 THUMBS UP!

 

“F1: The Movie” 

Once in a while, I need a special movie experience to remind me why I love going to the theater to experience movies … and for me, in 2025, it came in the form of “F1”. Between the reliable charisma of star Brad Pitt, along with an equally strong cast, a riveting score by Hans Zimmer, pristine editing by Stephen Mirrione, and the kinetic direction of Joseph Kosinski, this movie was an absolute rush of excitement and left me out of breath like any good race should. While the time-tested sports movie formula is a predictable one … it’s the execution of the familiar beats that can make a film of this nature soar, and “F1” made its formula accelerate!

THUMBS WAY UP!

JULY ...

“Jurassic World: Rebirth” 

When it comes to comfort food franchises to occasionally return to in the cinema, the “Jurassic Park” franchise remains one of the simplest and pleasing to return to. As for this year’s instalment titled “Rebirth”, it didn’t progress the series, but it was certainly a nice return to old-school adventure films, with a mysterious island setting, items for the heroes to collect, and fun dino themed set-pieces along the way … including a memorable new river raft chase, which was admirably lifted from the original book. While the effects were a little dogy, Gareth Edward’s direction certainly gave the film a sense of grandeur and spectacle that was well worth experiencing in the theater.  

MIXED THUMBS (with a positive lean) ... and probably the Least Best Theatrical movie I saw in 2025

 

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” 

Jumping right into a new Fantastic Four continuity without an origin story made it tricky to feel connected to this team … at least at first, but once this film found its footing, this early Marvel family pulled me in with a warm embrace. With a unique visual esthetic paying tribute to the illustrations of Jack Kirby, it gives this comic book experience a distinct personality and style different from others, and manages to have fun, while also remembering to have a heart and convey a sense of impending doom in the presence of a planet devouring giant. It was a rocky road for the Fantastic Four at the movies … but this is the first that I feel confident in saying is a real win … Excelsior!

THUMBS UP!

 

“The Naked Gun” 

The original “Naked Gun” film series is arguably my favorite long running comedy franchise, and I admit, I was hesitant with the arrival of a legacy sequel all these decades later. Thankfully, Liam Neeson not only met the challenge, but in many respects surpassed the low bar expectations, and delivered a hilarious joke a minuet picture, which both respected the original and stepped out of its shadow with its own flavor and sense of wit. I really couldn’t remember the last time I laughed so consistently in a theater at a straightforward comedy that wasn’t related to a comic book. 

THUMBS UP!

 

OCTOBER ...

“Good Boy” 

I’ve been around the block with haunted house movies for a while, it’s always been my favorite sub-genre of horror films, and admittedly there comes a point in which you feel like you’ve seen it all. Having a spooky house experience seen entirely from the perspective of a dog was an ingenious hook for this film, and beyond feeling very unique in its approach, it elevated and heightened my senses in a way the phew other horror films have accomplished. The lead dog Indy, despite being a dog with no speaking lines, still carried the whole film, and even managed to give the movie a heart underneath all the scares. I don’t usually go to the theater for horror movies, but this was a rare case in which it not only piqued my interest … I felt it also delivered something special, and worth remembering.   

THUMBS WAY UP! 

 

“Predator: Badlands” 

The iconic Predator alien is one of my all-time favorites, as despite being an imposing foe, I always felt this creature had the potential for more. Case in point, we finally get a Predator movie in which he’s the main character of his own story, battling different threats on an alien world and discovering that strength and honor come from more than simply being the strongest killer. The formula, message and even narrative to an extent have obviously been utilized before in other media but seeing it all play out from the perspective of a character that we associate with the great villains of Sci-Fi cinema made this experience feel all the more rewarding and special. It also proved that Predator has become quite flexible as a franchise, one that can break away from its own familiar formula and tackle other avenues. I don’t know if this should be the norm for the series as a whole, but I love the variety and uniqueness this film provided as its own standalone adventure. Between this and director Dan Trachtenberg’s previous two Predator offerings, I feel this franchise is at a highpoint it’s never experienced since its original classic debut … and that’s saying something special.  

THUMBS WAY UP ... and personally my Favorite Theatrical movie experience of 2025!

 

NOVEMBER ... 

“Wicked: For Good” 

The second act of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked” is frequently sighted as the weaker half … but that’s when a movie has the chance to change things … for good! While this second movie adaptation doesn’t soar as high as its predecessor, and struggles with a jarring tone, it still packs the spark, the exhilarating music, the colorful iconography and heartfelt performances that the world of Oz deserves. Even if it wasn’t perfect, I felt it delivered an ending that was honestly more satisfying than the original stage play. All around, a worthy conclusion to one of the best stage musicals to movie adaptations I’ve seen in a while.

THUMBS WAY UP!

 

DECEMBER ... 

“Zootopia 2” 

When it comes to animated Disney offerings, the “Zootopia” films are the ones I seem to underestimate the most, only for them to win me over with something decent. Just like with the first movie, there’s enough hummer and highly entertaining animated set-pieces, but it’s the chemistry of the characters, and the message at the center which helps these films about talking animals stand out with a voice all their own. I liked the first “Zootopia” more than I anticipated, and I think its sequel is just as good.

THUMBS UP!

 

“Avatar: Fire and Ash” 

Closing out my theater going experience for 2025 is another rousing experience from a series that’s practically made for the big screen. Yup, it’s time to return to Pandora for another round of extraordinary visuals, immersive settings, mile-a-minuet thrills, and boundless imagination on display. Also, like the previous “Avatar” films, this one threatened to buckle under its familiar narrative beats, but it keeps winning me over with universal themes, and genuinely emotional storytelling. The cast of characters remains reliably engaging, with Zoe Saldana delivering her most fierce portrayal of Princess Neytiri yet. This time around, it's the villains who add a much-needed shake-up to the formula and basically steal the show. In the end, James Cameron may not be the most original storyteller working in Hollywood … but he is sincere with his presentation and can submerse an audience into a fictional world like any master filmmaker.    

THUMBS WAY UP!

Thanks for reading my countdown … and may the thrill of the theater continue next year!

10 Christmas Specials that are Less Spoken Of

 

There are those Christmas specials and movies that are a staple of the holiday season, and there are those that come and go without much discussion. As such, I wanted to stop and highlight 10 alternative Christmas specials and movies that I rarely see others discuss. To clarify, I’m not trying to make any kind of official list, as these are in no particular order, I just think 10 is a nice number. Nor is this a list of underrated holiday specials, it’s just meant to be a conversation starter for some Christmas offerings that for better or worse, I just don’t see openly discussed that often.

 

#10 “Prancer” (1989) 

When an injured reindeer finds its way to a little girl’s home farm, she is convinced that it’s one of Santa’s sleigh team, and as the title suggests … it’s none other than Prancer. Here’s one of those family films that had a positive impact upon its release but has faded away over the years. While I can’t make any persuasive argument for the film as any kind of underrated family classic, I still feel it represents something humble that’s lacking in kid’s movies today. 

It’s simply a light and gentle little Christmas offering, which doesn’t offer much, but what it’s got is very sweet, especially with its enduring child lead Rebecca Harrell Tickell at the helm. The other cast members of Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman and Abe Vigoda likewise convey reliable screen appeal.  

 

#9 “Pinocchio's Christmas” (1980) 

Pinocchio is one of those characters who always seems to reappear with varying results. His 1980 Christmas outing is an admittedly mixed offering, yet a novelty item of sorts for fans of the Rankin and Bass Christmas universe. The premise follows our wooden boy as he goes off looking for a special gift for his dad, and gets roped up into a holiday adventure, in which his virtues are put to the test. This was Rankin and Basse’s fifteenth Christmas special, and it’s definitely one of their more obscure entries. Pinocchio oddly enough translates to Christmas quite well, as he’s essentially a toy that comes to life, which in-of-itself is a winning formula for Christmas specials. 

Being a late Rankin Bass production, this special admittedly doesn’t have the same quality and merits of the classics. Yet, it’s undeniably an imaginative spin on the source material, rearranging events from the book, and giving them a lightened tone, while set against an atmospheric Christmas back-drop. The animation is also quiet appealing, with some of the studio’s most detailed and colorful sets on display. I wouldn’t place it among the best of the Rankin and Bass Christmas offerings … but it’s so different that I feel it’s worth some acknowledgement.  

 

#8 “Spirited” (2022) 

Time for yet another rendition of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol”, this time with a wildly original presentation, and featuring the talents of Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia spencer. Despite the big names and overstuffed production … I barely see any talk about it. Similar to Bill Murray’s 1988 picture “Scrooged”, this film sets the events in modern times, with a comedic overtone, and lots of singing and dancing. At times, it’s almost too overstuffed for its own good, but I can’t dismiss the unique presentation and general enjoyment on display. 

It’s certainly not one of the best films to tackle the classic Charles Dickens material, and it’s not showing any signs of a strong cult following in the same way Bill Murray’s “Scrooged” endured, but for any long-time fan of “A Christmas Carol” or Christmas musicals, I’d still encourage you to give “Spirited” a single viewing experience, just to determine for yourself if it belongs with any other Yuletide favorites.           

 

#7 “Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa” (1990) 

We all know about Santa Claus, right? Well ... let’s hear his story from the point of view of the historical Saint Nicholas for once … that only seems fair. In just 30 minutes, and with a small animation budget, “Nicholas” conveys a touching story about giving to those around you, standing up for your beliefs, and depicts Santa as more than just a colorful holiday icon.  

It’s perhaps the most religious depiction of Santa you’ll ever see, and yet, he conveys his morals in a way that feels universal … at least for me. While this has always been a personal favorite of mine, it’s obviously one of the lesser-known Christmas titles. In short, I highly recommend checking it out, just to sample something from Saint Nicholas the man, as opposed to Santa Claus the mascot.

 

#6 “Tokyo Godfathers” (2003) 

From the late animation legend Satoshi Kon, we get an impressively animated, and ambitiously different holiday offering. It’s the journey of three homeless people who discover an abandoned baby, learn it had previously been kidnaped by a desperate woman, and then set off on a holiday adventure to get the baby back home to its real family. The narrative hits familiar beats, but the presentation is about as different as they get. It’s a confusing mix of different tones, juggling sentimental human themes, with comedic mishaps and dark overtones. 

The visual presentation likewise is equal parts off beat and beautiful, which makes it hard to categorize, but there’s certainly a heart of sorts at the center. Like many films on this list, it’s received high critical praise, and has its devoted fans, but it’s very often overlooked. Understandably, it’s not going to be a Christmas gift for everyone … but I feel it’s worth unboxing to see if it appeals to you.       

 

#5 “Joyeux Noël'” (2005) 

Based on an incredible true story set during the First World War, this film shows how even the most violent of people caught in a war can still find peace and love in their fellow man. We have three groups of solders, neck deep in the trenches, ready to kill one another, but then on the night of Christmas Eve, they all miraculously stop shooting, and decide to celebrate the holiday together. 

While this movie certainly has its followers, who’d label this as a holiday staple, it’s still not a household name like most of the other Christmas classics. Perhaps it’s a little too sentimental at times, but it’s the poignant humanity on display that really elevates the film into something special. It’s powerful, inspiring, and it should stand as a benchmark for other Christmas movies to draw inspiration from … it’s just that good.

 

#4 “Klaus” (2019) 

Through a series of events, we see a desperate postman accidentally bring about the genesis of Santa Claus in this unassuming … yet wholesome holiday offering. When this film first premiered on Netflix, it was a critical hit, nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Animated picture, and was deemed by many to be a new Christmas classic for the ages … and yet, it’s quietly faded away from public awareness, with very few people talking about it or even knowing of its existence. 

While I felt the film got off to a rocky start, it more then won me over and delivered a very original Santa origin film, with uplifting music, some of the finest hand-drawn animation I’ve seen in decades, and a heart that can match any Christmas classic.    

 

#3 “The Snowman and the Snow Dog” (2012) 

The 1982, Oscar nominated, animated short “The Snowman” has endured as a Yuletide classic over the decades … meanwhile, it’s 2012 sequel “The Snowman and the Snow Dog” seems to have vanished with the snow. While it’s an unnecessary legacy sequel, it’s still a wholly welcome continuation of “The Snowman”, with new seeds of heart, a cute new snow dog lead, and another uplifting flight scene. 

The animation captures the same look of the original, while updating it with new technology, and it looks wondrous, with warm colors that glow. As far as music is concerned, nothing can top the originals “Walking in the Air” … but this special compensates with some really nice music all its own. If you’re a fan of the original short, I highly recommend giving this sequel a fair chance.   

 

#2 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (1983) 

The 1972 children’s novel is frequently sighted as a cherished classic, and the recent 2024 movie adaptation has gotten very positive feedback from both fans and viewers calling it a potential new holiday staple. However, I don’t see as many fans discussing the original 1983 TV special. While loud and a little obnoxious at times, it's still a very sweet, even touching tale about a group of juvenile children who are touched by the light of the holiday. 

For a shortened film, made on a budget, I feel it really captures the spirit of the source material and is a wonderful Christmas offering in its own right … certainly not one to be overlooked.

 

Before I reveal my last pick, here are some honorable mentions that simply couldn’t make it on a list of 10 …

“Last Christmas” (2019)

“The Christmas Chronicles” (2018)

“Rise of the Guardians” (2012)

“Noelle” (2019)

“Arthur Christmas” (2011) 

 

#1 “The Man Who Invented Christmas” (2017) 

Closing off my list, I wanted to highlight yet another film that puts a unique spin on “A Christmas Carol”. We all know the story of Scrooge … but what about the man behind the classic story and character. Well, in this severely overlooked 2017 picture, we explore the personal journey Charles Dickens took to create his beloved novel … and just in time for Christmas. The style is very similar to the 2004 movie “Finding Neverland”, in that we take a dive into the imagination and influence on the authors creation, and we see how various people he encounters become the inspiration for his characters. 

The late Christopher Plumer shines as Scrooge, but the real star of this film is Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens. His performance half the time feels larger than life and brings to mind Tom Hulse’s portrayal of “Amadeus”. If you’re a fan of the story, do check this film out, as it gives the immortal, time tested tale of Scrooge miraculous new life, and unique perception from the creative mind of the author. With its engaging lead performance, and heart felt vision, it makes for yet another great holiday staple … and of all the specials and movies I’ve highlighted, I feel this one deserves more attention. 

Thanks for reading my list … and continue to enjoy the Christmas movies and specials you Love!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!   

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) (Movie Review)

 The 1843 novel “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is one of my all-time favorite tales to be associated with the holiday season, and it’s arguably been adapted into more mediums than any other holiday themed story. Oddly enough, one version I kept my distance from for many years was the one that introduced me to the story in the first place. 

For me, and many kids from the 1990’s, we were first introduced to the Dickens tale through the 1992 classic “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. Despite being my introduction to the timeless story, my feelings for “A Christmas Carol” didn’t fully manifest until I saw other film versions. As such, I never really returned to the Muppets picture, and I don’t have the same childhood nostalgia for it the same way most others do. Regardless, way back in my late college years, I found myself needing to scratch that itch to give this film another chance and see if it holds up as a holiday classic. Not only was the film a delightful surprise, but I’ve found myself more drawn to this film in my adult years than when I was a kid. I don’t see it as a nostalgic novelty, but a genuinely wholesome family film. When people say, “they don’t make them like they used to”, this is the kind of movie that comes to mind … because they just don’t make family movies like this today.

 Alright, let’s do this plot recap one more time … Mr. Scrooge is the meanest and greediest man in London, who thinks little of his fellow man. Yet, one magical Christmas Eve, he’s warned by the spirit of his late partner … or partners in this version … that his soul is doomed, unless he takes to heart the lessons of three ghostly figures. 

The entities reveal themselves one by one as the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. All through the night, they explore Scrooges upbringing, the faults he made, and what can be lost if he doesn’t reform his ways. It’s a very familiar story, but the beauty of these different film versions is the presentation, and how they can stand apart with their own distinct strengths and charms. This version naturally has the distinct presence of iconic Muppets, along with distinctly new puppet characters exclusive to the film, immersive settings, and a wonderful selection of original songs. Beyond that, it’s a respectful retelling of the Dickens Classic, which references the original text, while adding or altering details in the film’s favor.  

  Of course, the big make or break deal for any “Christmas Carol” adaption is Scrooge himself, and fortunately for this film, it comes in the form of Michael Caine. Despite being surrounded by puppets, he portrays the character with great conviction and is unflinching when talking to his employee … who just happens to be a frog. 

It brings to mind Bob Hoskins in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, who never once winked at the camera, and gave a convincing performance, even when surrounded by cartoon characters. Also, since this Scrooge is surrounded by puppets half his size, the camera angles give him a towering presence and size different from any other version. Aside from his intimidating look and appearance, he certainly sells most of the emotional moments. My personal favorite moment in this film follows after Scrooges reformation, when he gives the charity collectors a respectful donation, they in return give him a scarf. Michael Caine’s delivery of the line “A gift … for me?”, is so humble and sincere, it gets me right in the feels.  

  When it comes to my feelings on “The Muppets” in general, I’ve only ever been a casual fan, viewing and admiring select properties of theirs, but never really forming any real attachment to them as a whole either. With that said, The Great Gonzo has always been my favorite of the Muppet characters, and I loved how he was utilized in this film as the always present Charles Dickens storyteller. Also, paring him with Rizzo the Rat was genius, and gratefully became a reoccurring paring in other Muppet projects. Curiously, most of the famous Muppet characters are given significantly smaller roles. While I couldn’t imagine Kermit the Frog as anyone else but Bob Cratchit, it’s still odd to have the most famous of all the Muppets disappear for lengthy scenes in a theatrical picture. Both Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear feel like extended cameo’s … although, Fozzie Bear as a Fezziwig stand in called Fozziwig is very funny.

 The best utilized characters in my view are Statler and Waldorf in the roles of Scrooges deceased partners Jacob and Robert Marley. As much as I love the different versions of “A Christmas Carol”, all the Jacob Marley encounters seem to blend together in my mind … but this one however stands out among the rest. Not only is their song “Marley and Marley” highly catchy, but the personality, tone and presentation breaths fresh air into this sequence, and gets me excited for the familiar story ahead. 

I suppose the lesser-known Muppet called Robin the Frog gets to shine as Tiny Tim, and his song “Bless Us All” is a touching highlight. On the subject of the songs, they are all wonderful in this film. The opening “Scrooge” number dose a good job getting me excited, all while showing off the impressive set design and puppets. The closing song “Thankful Heart” admittedly isn’t sung well, but Michael Caine’s jubilant performance again overcomes any shortcomings. My personal favorite song is Kermit’s “One More Sleep Til Christmas”. In general, my favorite part of Christmas is the build-up to it on Christmas Eve. In this cheerful little musical number, Kermit and friends celebrate how the most magical of holidays will be coming with the dawn of a new day. It’s a simple, yet upbeat song that always assures me … that on Christmas Eve … “There’s magic in the air!”. 

 Early in production, the classic Muppet characters were considered for the roles of the three Christmas spirits, but along the way, it was decided to create original Muppet characters … which I feel was for the better. A fan favorite creation for this film naturally is the Ghost of Christmas Present, who’s a bundle of joy, and even has a bad memory, as his mind is always on the here and now … which differs from the book, but it’s a wonderful addition to the character. His big song number “It Feels like Christmas” is another fan favorite highlight, and it’s great to see Scrooges personality gradually change through the number. The Spirit of Christmas Past has a great design, like an ageless child, and is somehow both comforting and off-putting all at once. It doesn’t match the description from the novel, but she’s just so alien and mysterious with her presence, that she might just be my favorite depiction of the Spirit of Christmas Past.  

  Speaking of the past, let’s talk about the famous sentimental musical balled “When Love is Gone”, sung by Scrooges long lost love Belle. It wasn’t part of the theatrical presentation but was once readily available on VHS home video as a special addition. Nowadays it’s an optional extended cut on some DVD’s and has garnered mixed feelings from fans. While I think the song itself is okay, I feel it adds some much-needed dramatic elements to the narrative, as Scrooges trip to the past lacks any real pathos without this number. Also, the added detail of older Scrooge doing a musical duet with his young love is another great moment for Michael Caine to shine. The pop version of the song which plays over the end credits is also worth a listen.

 Finally, we have the Spirit of Christmas future, depicted as a hooded Grim Reaper type character, which I thought was awesome as a kid, and piqued my interest in seeing what this character might look like in the more adult films. After watching so many versions of “A Christmas Carol”, this Muppet take on the Spirit of the Future feels kind of basic, and I feel it could have been a pinch more creative for a Muppet property. 

Regardless, the whole segment of Scrooge’s trip to the future is handled very well and has just the right somber tone without going too far or holding back too much. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but this was the first big Muppet production following after the passing of Muppet creator Jim Henson and performer Richard Hunt … the film was even dedicated to them. As such, Jim Henson’s son Brian Henson directed the film, and absolutely sustained the spirit of these characters. When Scrooge in the film witnesses the passing of Tiny Tim, Kermit gives a speech about how life is full of meetings and partings, which is a clear, but very subtly nod to the memories of both Jim Henson and performer Richard Hunt.  

 In the end, I wouldn’t call “The Muppet Christmas Carol” the absolute best version of the classic tale … but it certainly belongs among the most favorable and re-watchable. It’s infectiously lovable, gentle in presentation, and it just leaves me smiling from ear to ear every time I watch it. Despite being so dismissive of this film for so many years, I can now see why it’s remained a beloved holiday classic. I may not call myself a Muppets fan per say, but Kermit the Frog and his band of Muppets are still a very special group of characters in their own humble and amusing way. In general, it’s so refreshing to look back on a film that didn’t overutilized CGI and instead created this magical world full of practical effects, wonderful sets, and it just feels timeless in its own right. Despite featuring puppets, this is still a warm and humble adaption of “A Christmas Carol”, and I feel it’s only gotten better with age.

Thanks for reading my review of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!