Author: chantejvr
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movie review: roman holiday (1953)
Roman Holiday is a timeless romantic classic featuring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, whose performances create unforgettable chemistry. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Rome, the film explores themes of love, duty, and freedom. Directed by William Wyler, it remains emotionally resonant despite some dated elements, making it a must-watch for romance enthusiasts.
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movie review: the monkey (2025)
The Monkey fails to be a successful adaptation of Stephen King’s work, suffering from tone confusion and underdeveloped characters. The film lacks genuine scares and tension, offering a disjointed experience instead of the intended horror. Ultimately, it disappoints even those who enjoy campy horror, making it a film best avoided.
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movie review: all the boys love mandy lane (2006)
All the Boys Love Mandy Lane attempts to blend slow-burn slasher elements with art-house themes but ultimately falls short. Amber Heard’s performance and the atmospheric cinematography stand out, yet the film suffers from pacing issues, shallow characters, and a lack of substantial storytelling, relying too heavily on style over substance.
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movie review: fantasy island (2020)
Fantasy Island, directed by Jeff Wadlow, provides a stylish yet muddled horror reimagining of a 1970s TV series. While it features stunning visuals and a compelling premise, the film suffers from disjointed tone, numerous competing plotlines, and convoluted twists, resulting in a lack of clarity and depth. Lower expectations are advised.
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movie review: truth or dare (2018)
Truth or Dare is a disappointing teen horror film that wastes its talented cast, including Tyler Posey and Lucy Hale, on a silly premise. While their performances offer some joy, the absurd plot, poor special effects, and lazy writing make it hard to find merit, ultimately making the film unwatchable.
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movie review: tarot (2024)
Tarot explores supernatural horror through a familiar premise of friends unlocking a cursed deck. Visually impressive but predictable, it features shallow characters and an uneven tone, resulting in a lack of emotional investment. While it offers some creepy fun, it ultimately fails to distinguish itself in the horror genre.
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movie review: sacramento (2024)
Sacramento is an indie dramedy featuring Michael Angarano and Michael Cera as two friends on a road trip that evolves into a deeper exploration of friendship and identity. The film showcases strong performances, particularly Cera’s subtlety, combined with beautiful cinematography and an acoustic score, offering heartfelt moments despite some predictability.
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movie review: the gorge (2025)
The Gorge blends action, romance, and sci-fi under Scott Derrickson but struggles with uneven pacing and a convoluted plot. While Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy shine with chemistry and the stylized action captivates, the film suffers from tonal inconsistencies and overexplained themes. It offers an ambitious, visually thrilling experience despite flaws.
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movie review: the electric state (2025)
The Electric State is a visually stunning yet ultimately uninspiring sci-fi film. Despite impressive visuals and a talented cast led by Millie Bobby Brown, it falters due to weak storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and pacing issues. The film ends up being more style than substance, leaving viewers disappointed.
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a week in johannesburg: museums, movies, and mini golf
My recent trip to Johannesburg was filled with unforgettable experiences, from exploring the Apartheid Museum to enjoying quiz night at Railways Café. We indulged in cinematic charm at The Bioscope, played mini golf, and faced escape room challenges. Every day brought adventure, delicious meals, and cherished memories in this vibrant city.
Chante JVR 