Oh, Hi!

Posted on July 24, 2025 at 12:39 pm

Lowest Recommended Age:	Mature High Schooler
MPAA Rating:	Rated R for sexual content/some nudity, and language
Profanity:	Very strong language
Alcohol/ Drugs:	Alcohol
Violence/ Scariness:	Non-consensual confinement, accident with broken bone
Diversity Issues:	None
Date Released to Theaters:	July 25, 2025

“Oh, Hi!” has four exceptionally appealing young actors who make the most of an uneven script from writer/director Sophie Brooks. The set-up is universally familiar: the searing combination of humiliation, self-doubt and fury when learning that the person you trusted does not match your feelings about the relationship or indeed the absence thereof.

As the movie starts, Iris (Molly Gordon), clearly very upset, answers the door to let in her friend, Max (Geraldine Viswanathan), confessing that she has done something bad.

Then we go back in time to 33 hours before. Iris and Isaac (Logan Lerman), her boyfriend of a few months, are driving to their first weekend getaway in the countryside. Their spirits are high, singing along to “Islands in the Stream” and stopping at a farm stand to buy strawberries. A hint of possible problems — he knocks over the farm stand and they end up having to buy all the strawberries. Still, all goes well at first as they are delighted with each other and with the house they have rented for the weekend. Isaac prepares a marvelous dinner, they have marvelous sex, and it is understandable why Iris thinks they feel the same way about each other, especially after they discover some bondage equipment in the home’s closet and decide to give it a try. They have sex again, this time with Isaac splayed and bound to the bedposts.

And then, in the rosy afterglow, Isaac confesses that he is not exclusive with her and considers them as just “having fun.” Iris makes the mistake of Googling what to do, and then she makes the bigger mistake of telling Isaac she is going to keep him bound to the bedposts for 12 hours to prove to him that he should be in love with her. So, she starts demonstrating how lovable she is and he starts pretending to go along with her.

Iris calls her ride or die friend Max for help. Max arrives with her affable boyfriend, Kenny (John Reynolds). Iris has backed herself into a corner and so has Brooks. This shift into a rom-com version of “Misery” is not entirely successful, and the execution of this section of the film is tonally messy. The premise is intriguing but the movie cannot decide whether it wants to be creepy or funny and is not especially either.

Molly Gordon is always utterly captivating on screen. Beyond her considerable talent as an actor and wrier (“Theater Camp”), she has impeccable comic timing. A lot of the movie depends on her considerable appeal and she is never less than watchable, but even she cannot figure out how to make this work. The same is true of Lerman, who does his best but cannot quite show whether Isaac is either too clueless to understand the signals he is sending to Iris or too heartless to tell her the truth. None of the conversation with Max and Kenny makes much sense. David Cross has a couple of brief moments as a neighbor who is weird but less creepy than he originally appears.

The cast is great, the concept has potential, but, like Iris with Isaac, we are disappointed to find it is less than we expect.

Parents should know that this movie has very strong language, nudity and explicit sexual references and situations. Characters drink alcohol and there is discussion of bondage and possible murder. A character is injured.

Family discussion: Should Isaac have been clearer about his feelings? Should Iris have been clearer about her expectations? Who would you call for help as Molly called Max?

If you like this, try: Molly Gordon’s “Theater Camp”

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Posted on July 22, 2025 at 12:19 pm

B +

Lowest Recommended Age:	Middle School
MPAA Rating:	Rated PG-13 for action/violence and some language
Profanity:	Brief mild language
Alcohol/ Drugs:	None
Violence/ Scariness:	Extended comic book/action-style peril and violence, some graphic images
Diversity Issues:	None
Date Released to Theaters:	July 25, 2025

Four seems to be the magic number. After three unsatisfactory tries at getting Marvel’s cosmic ray-enhanced superheroes on screen, Marvel Studios got it right, gorgeously produced, well cast, gracefully relegating the origin story to a few “archival” clips, and putting our quartet and us right in the middle of the action.

It is set in a fantasy version of the 1960s, inspired by the visual style, not the history or pop culture. In the first scene, Reed is looking for iodine, the painful antiseptic used for minor cuts in the 50s, and Sue Storm uses something that was not invented in our reality until the 1980s. There is a Calder mobile in their headquarters living room and the men we see in the outdoor scenes all wear hats, so handsome this movie just might bring back the fedora. The production design from “Loki’s” Kasra Farahani is dazzling and endlessly inviting, a heightened version of a mid-century concept of the future. The cerulean blue and white accents of the retro F4 uniforms designed by Alexandra Byrne (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) place us in a time and a world that is like but not the same as ours.

The Four are Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), a brilliant scientist whose body stretches, his wife Sue (Vanessa Kirby) who has the power of invisibility, including creating invisible shields, Sue’s impetuous and very single brother Johnny (Joseph Quinn), who can burst into flames and fly, and Ben Grimm, known as The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), who looks like he is made from mountain rock and is very, very strong.

As the movie begins, the world is celebrating them as heroes and protectors. It has been four years since the space expedition exposed them to the cosmic rays, they have defeated or, in the case of the subterranean Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser), negotiated a peace agreement, and established a United Nations-type organization called the Future Foundation.

The superheroes and the people they protect believe F4 and their adorable robot, Herbie, will always keep them safe. And then they face their biggest and most terrifying challenge. Sue is pregnant. While Reed and Sue know that the molecular changes from the cosmic rays may affect the baby, they believe, with some reassurance from Sue’s ability to make her abdomen invisible so they can see the fetus, the baby will be fine.

Big and terrifying challenge #2: the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives to announce that Earth is about to be consumed by Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a planet devourer. F4 tracks the Silver Surfer to find Galactus, confident they can defeat him. And this leads to the first Marvel action sequence that features a very pregnant superhero. Galactus offers them a terrible choice, and when they refuse, the people on earth quickly go from fans to haters.

The film moves briskly, with one of the shortest run times in the MCU, under two hours. But it creates a fully-realized world, with small details like the Mole Man’s dad jokes, Ben Grimm’s “beard” and copy of 50s classic child care bible Dr. Spock, and a sweet brief appearance by Natasha Lyonne as the teacher of students who are big fans of The Thing. Fans will enjoy some glimpses of popular villains from the comic books. Director Matt Shakman (the similarly retro fantasies “Game of Thrones” and “Wandavision” and “The Great”) understands that the action scenes and the family dynamic are central to the storyline and he has fun with scale when Galactus arrives. While the stakes are dire, he stays away from gratuitous carnage. The film has good-natured humor, impressive special effects, some tender moments, and even a light gloss of commentary on what we expect from our heroes, and how we approach moral dilemmas and life-threatening challenges. I’m iffy about one twist, but overall, this is a film that respects comic book characters and what we love about them.

Parents should know that this movie features extended comic book/action-style peril and violence, with some scary creatures and disturbing and graphic images. There are mild references to reproductive biology and a woman goes into labor (discreetly filmed). Characters use some mild language.

Family discussion: Philosopher Jeremy Bentham argued that all decisions should be based on the greatest good for the largest number of people. How does that idea appear in this film and do you agree? What do you think will happen to Franklin? What is the law of levers and how do you see it around you?

If you like this, try: “Superman,” The Fantastic Four comics, and maybe just for fun watch the earlier films so you can compare them.

NOTE: Stay through the credits for one extra scene indicating where the story is going and, at the very end, a nostalgic moment.

Superman

Posted on July 8, 2025 at 3:23 pm

B +

Lowest Recommended Age:	Middle School
MPAA Rating:	Rated PG-13 for for violence, action and language
Profanity:	Some strong language
Alcohol/ Drugs:	None
Violence/ Scariness:	Extended comic book-style peril and violence, cruel murder, monster, characters injured and killed, disturbing images
Diversity Issues:	A theme of the movie
Date Released to Theaters:	July 11, 2025

James Gunn’s new “Superman” movie does not waste any time. We are quickly updated to learn that Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman arrived from Krypton 30 years ago, he first appeared as Superman 3 years ago, he stopped an invasion 3 weeks ago, and he lost a battle for the first time 3 minutes ago.

And then we see Superman ( gallant, tender-hearted David Corenswet), bruised and bleeding. Superman comics are where I first learned the word “invulnerable,” conjuring up infinitely wondrous possibilities. But this Superman is hurt. Badly. He can barely summon the breath to whistle for Krypto.

That is not the only change that is going to rattle some of the fans. And I admit there was one change from the canon I consider unforgivable. Overall, however, I liked this version. In it, Superman is still feeling his way to who he is and what he has to give to the world. While it is (thankfully) not an origin story in the traditional sense, it is a story about a man from another place whose sense of himself is tied to his ideas about his origin, and the ideas of those around him as well. Is it right for him to interfere in world affairs? From his perspective, by stopping Boravia’s invasion of Jurhanpur he saved lives. But the invaders thought of themselves as rescuers, Can we turn over that decision to someone who has not been elected by anyone?

After Krypto gets Superman back to the Fortress of Solitude, he is healed with the help of some friendly robots and the power of the sun (fans will remember that Krypton has a red sun and it is the yellow sun that is the source of some of Superman’s powers). He watches the glitchy recording of his biological parents, Jor-El (Bradley Cooper!) and Lara (Angela Sarafyan), tenderly telling him how much they love him and urging him to do good for his new world.

Gunn wisely bypasses the whole “keeping the secret from Lois” storyline. Lois (Rachel Brosnahan) and Clark Kent are dating, and she knows he is Superman. They have a lovely chemistry, even when they are struggling with the challenges of the relationship. This gives rise to more interesting issues about their relationship but Gunn never forgets that this movie knows we’re here to see a superhero movie.

So there is a lot of action including a massive fault line headed toward a city, a gigantic dinosaur-ish monster, a guy who can turn himself into kryptonite, a mysterious adversary who can predict and thus block or outmaneuver every one of Superman’s moves. Superman is so tender-hearted he wants to save the monster’s life so it can go to some sort of zoo or be studied by scientists. There are soldiers attacking civilians, plus the equally pernicious social media misinformation and fake news.

There are also some other metahumans, people with superpowers who have formed something they are at least temporarily calling the Justice Gang (what is it with temporary names for superhero teams this year?). Nathan Fillion in a truly dreadful haircut plays Guy Gardner, not THE Green Lantern but A Green Lantern. Isabela Merced is Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi lives up to his title as Mr. Terrific, a super-genius who uses small, drone-like floating spheres that include holographic projection, hacking into other machines, and generating energy bursts. Anthony Carrigan appears as Metamorpho, who can transform his body into any element. We do not get to spend a lot of time with these, or with Perry White (Wendell Pierce), Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisando), or Ma and Pa Kent (Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince), but each makes a strong impression and lays the foundation for more in sequels and spin-offs.

Gunn, who wrote and directed as the kick-off to the new DC Studios, is not shy about who the bad guys are. Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) is a selfish, bitter, bigoted billionaire who wants to control everything and hates immigrants, including those from other planets. He operates a brutal private prison in a “pocket universe” not subject to Constitutional protections from cruel and unusual punishment and due process. The vital importance of independent, fact-checked journalism is a core element of the storyline.

So is optimism, honor, and what we owe to each other. At one point, Lois tells Clark/Superman that they are very different. She says she is punk rock. “I question everything and everyone. you trust everyone you’ve ever met.” He says, “Maybe that’s the real punk rock.” He’s clearly speaking for Gunn, and for some of us as well.

NOTE: Stay through the credits for a mid-credit scene and another brief one ALL the way at the end

Parents should know that this is a comic book movie with extended peril and violence including torture and murder of an innocent man and a military attack on a civilian population. There are some disturbing images. Characters use strong language (s-word), and there is some kissing and a sexual reference.

Family discussion: Can you both question and trust at the same time? How do we decide what is trustworthy on social media and the news? Was Superman right to intervene in other countries?

If you like this, try: the Superman movies with Christopher Reeves and the comic books, and read up on the story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the teenagers who invented Superman in 1938.

KPop Demon Hunters

Posted on July 3, 2025 at 10:19 am

B +

Lowest Recommended Age:	4th - 6th Grade
Profanity:	None
Alcohol/ Drugs:	None
Violence/ Scariness:	Extended fantasy-style violence, sad death
Diversity Issues:	None
Date Released to Theaters:	July 3, 2025

Let me be the first to suggest that “Golden” be nominated for a Best Song Oscar. This animated story of a Korean pop trio who battle demons to save humanity has a bunch of bangers, but “Golden” is not only the best on the soundtrack but better than several recent Oscar winners.

“KPop Demon Hunters” is an unexpectedly entertaining mash-up of two seemingly unrelated genres. It works because it is colorful, funny, imaginative, and above all heartfelt and sincere.

Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zooey (Ji-young Yoo) are the pop trio Huntrix. They are not only musical superstars and demon hunters; they are the best of friends. They are the inheritors of the skills and responsibilities of demon hunters through the ages, protecting the world with mad fighting skills and the magic of music and its connection to the fans, which spreads a protective shield called the Honmoon over the earth, woven from their music. (There is a charming glimpse of their forebears, trios through the decades.) If they can eradicate the demons completely, the Honmoon will turn gold.

This has a personal importance for Rumi. She has not told Mira and Zooey that she is half demon, as revealed by the “patterns,” markings on her arms and neck. Turning the Honmoon golden will make her fully human.

The demons are ruled by Gwi-Ma (Lee Byung-hun). When he becomes angry at the failures of his demons to defeat Huntrix, a centuries-old demon named Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop) makes a proposal. If Gwi-Ma will erase the memories that haunt him, he will fight Huntrix on their own turf: he will form a boy band, the Saja Boys. Their first song, “Soda Pop,” is an instant hit. The battle is on — musically and with weapons. A devastating diss track is as important as the swords. But so is the the power of telling hidden truths.

The voice talent includes Ken Jeong as Huntrix’s manager Bobby, and Joel Kim Booster and Daniel Dae Kim as multiple characters. There is some silly humor but there are also are intense fight scenes and a sad death as a character who sacrifices himself to save others. There’s also a six-eyed bird wearing a hat and pajama pants with teddy bears and “choo-choo trains.” And, as noted, some excellent songs.

Parents should know that this film includes a lot of fantasy-style violence and a sad death. There are references to despotism and evil.

Family discussion: Why did Rumi think she could not tell Zoey and Mira the truth? Why did she trust Juni? Why did he trust her?

If you like this, try: the music and videos of BTS

Heads of State

Posted on July 1, 2025 at 6:16 pm

B-

Lowest Recommended Age:	Middle School
MPAA Rating:	PG-13 for sequences of strong violence/action, language and some smoking
Profanity:	Strong language
Alcohol/ Drugs:	Drinking, smoking
Violence/ Scariness:	Extended peril, violence, and mayhem, with disturbing images. Characters use guns, knives, martial arts, and bombs. There is a plane crash. Characters sacrifice themselves. A lot of people killed for a PG-13.
Diversity Issues:	Diverse characters
Date Released to Theaters:	July 2, 2025
Date Released to DVD:	July 2, 2025

“Heads of State” is an action comedy starring John Cena as Hollywood action star turned US President Will Derringer, Idris Elba as military turned British Prime Minister Sam Clarke, and Prianka Chopra-Jonas as British super-spy and lover of silly puns, Noel. Will is a friendly, optimistic guy who may not know much about politics or policy but brings his skills as a communicator to the White House. He has high approval ratings from American voters. And some of the movie’s best jokes are the titles and descriptions of his blockbuster movie franchise, where he is referred to as “the venom in denim.”

This does not impress Sam, whose approval ratings are sinking, and who believes, understandably, that the job requires seriousness, thorough study, and substance rather than popularity. Sam says that Will still hasn’t figured out the difference between a press conference and a junket to promote a film. “You know your lines but you’re not believable in the part,” Sam says.

This is, of course, just the right set-up for antagonists-to-BFFS on a journey, a relationship forged by common enemies. With three powerhouse performers so well cast for comedy and action, the movie is guaranteed to be entertaining, despite predictable twists. For me, the balance tipped too far into the carnage for an action comedy, with dozens and dozens of anonymous bad guys mowed down, and the comedy not as sharp as it should be. On the other hand, there are a lot of cool locations, the action scenes are exciting, Jack Quaid shows up midway though (and in a mid-credits scene) to liven things up, so all in all a pleasant streaming time-waster.

It begins with the real-life annual food fight, La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain, with participants hurling tomatoes at each other. Noel is under cover as a television journalist covering the event, but she is really there to track down an international arms dealer named Victor Gradov (Paddy Considine). But Gradov is clever and has decoys to distract them. Things go badly. Sam’s intelligence briefing reports that they have all been killed.

Will is arriving to meet with Sam before they go to a NATO meeting with other world leaders. The aides to both men urge them to try to be cordial, but the always cheery Will bears a grudge over Sam’s support for his opponent and Sam has no respect for Will’s superficial grasp of the issues. The aides decide that Will’s giving Sam a ride to the meeting on Air Force One will be a way to show good will and solidarity.

But Gradov’s thugs have taken over the plane. It crashes and explodes and the two heads of state are assumed to be dead. They survived, thanks to the sacrifices of the Secret Service. In order to make sure they are not attacked again they have to stay off the grid and walk through Belarus.

There are various encounters along the way, with fight scenes to determine who is “gym strong” vs. “strong strong.” The highlight, as noted above, is Jack Quaid as a US operative in a safe house, whose character deserves a movie of his own.

Parents should know that this film has a lot of mayhem for a PG-13, with many characters killed, mostly but not all anonymous bad guys. There are guns, knives, martial arts, explosions, plane crashes, and chases. Characters use some strong language.

Family discussion: What were Sam’s and Will’s most valuable qualities as world leaders? How could they improve to be better?

If you like this, try: “My Fellow Americans,” with Jack Lemmon and James Garner, and this year’s “G20” with Viola Davis and the wildly deranged “Rumours” from director Guy Madden