Film Friday’s here to kick off your weekend with 5 sizzling movie reviews across all genres! From tearjerking biopics (“One Life”) to sassy teen throwbacks (“Mean Girls 2024”) and heartwarming mentorships (“The Holdovers”), we’ve got something for everyone. Craving a survival epic? Dive into the chilling “Society of the Snow.” Or yearn for a touch of Parisian laughter and healing? “Good Grief” awaits. So grab your popcorn, pick your poison, and let’s dive into the magic of movies! Buckle up, cinephiles – Film Friday is ready to roll!
One Life
“One Life” walks a tightrope between biopic and history lesson. Anthony Hopkins imbues Nicholas Winton’s quiet heroism with gravitas, but the script leans into sentimentality, sacrificing nuance for tearjerker moments. The Nazi threat looms subtly, yet Winton’s ingenious child rescue shines, leaving a bittersweet echo—a reminder of both humanity’s darkness and its capacity for light. Worth a watch, but bring tissues.
Mean Girls
“Fetch” returns, updated for the Insta-age! Mean Girls 2024 struts onto screens with sass, glitter, and killer burns. Angourie Rice shines as Cady, navigating the plastics’ pink-soaked jungle alongside a fierce Auli’i Cravalho. Reneé Rapp’s Regina is deliciously venomous, and the musical numbers? Bop-worthy anthems. While not as groundbreaking as the 2004 classic, it’s a hilarious throwback with sharp teeth, reminding us to ditch the burn book and embrace our own “Jingle Bell Rock.”
The Holdovers
In Payne’s “The Holdovers,” a grumpy teacher and a troubled teen forge an unlikely bond over Christmas break. Heartfelt humor and superb acting (Giamatti shines!) elevate this predictable plot into a touching story of mentorship and second chances. While some may find it overly sentimental, “The Holdovers” delivers a satisfying dose of warmth and wisdom, reminding us that connection can bloom even in the most unexpected places.
Society of the Snow
Bayona’s “Society of the Snow” isn’t a mountain thrill ride, but a harrowing descent into despair and resilience. Stunning visuals frame the Andes crash, then linger on the brutal reality of survival. No heroes emerge, just fractured friendships grappling with unthinkable choices. The silence of the mountains amplifies the weight of every decision, while lingering questions haunt as survivors emerge, forever marked by the snow’s brutal embrace. A powerful, unflinching testament to human will, best for those ready to confront the darkness with hope flickering in its wake.
Good Grief
Levy’s “Good Grief” is a bittersweet gem. Laughter dances with loss as Marc mourns his husband, seeking solace in Paris with friends. The city’s beauty mirrors Marc’s fragmented heart, reflecting both pain and resilience. Levy’s script sparkles with wit, while Evans delivers a nuanced performance, vulnerable beneath the charm. “Good Grief” won’t mend your heart, but it’ll remind you that even in darkness, light finds a way through.
