Monday – Criminal Minds Season 12 Ep: 4 – 10, YouTube – The Fellas Podcast Episode 246, BeardMeetsFood, MattDoesFitness & MoreSidemen. I also watched on YouTube the Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy Documentary by ITV.
Tuesday – Criminal Minds Season 12 Ep: 11 – 17, YouTube – P1 with Matt and Tommy (2 podcasts – Predictions for Dutch Grand Prix & Cadillac Driver Line-up) and a Jim Chapman video. The O.C Season 3 Ep: 2 & 3.
Wednesday – The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Ep 8, Criminal Minds Season 12 Ep: 18 – 22 & Season 3 Ep 1, Love is Blink UK Ep: 9 & 10, Twisters (Movie 2024), Katrina: Come Hell or High Water Ep 1.
Thursday – Katrina: Come Hell or High Water Ep 2 &3, Criminal Minds Season 13 Ep: 2 – 4, Twister (Movie 1996), YouTube – Quadrant, Anastasia Kingsnorth, The Fellas Studio & Dad V Girls.
Friday – Youtube – F1: Grill the Grid The Finale!, Hostage (All 5 Episodes), Criminal Minds Season 13 Ep: 5 – 8, Tommy: The Good. The Bad. The Fury Ep 1 – 3.
I love Twisters (2024) I thought it was a great film with an even better soundtrack I am obsessed. I had seen the original when I was younger but haven’t watched it in a long time, I was about to write a post solely on Twisters (2024) when I searched and seen that the storyline’s weren’t as different as I thought so I gave it a watch to compare and see the similarities and I was pleasantly surprised.
Some of the basic things I found the same was the posters which makes sense since both films are about tornados but the surnames in a bolder text and a truck is seen in both. The flying cow on the 1996 movie poster I think is hilarious makes me giggle, not as much as it did seeing the scene of it in the movie though. I’ve not checked by could almost say they were filmed in the same locations as the setting was very similar countryside for miles but it is stunning when the weather is clear, the house Jo (Helen Hunt) & Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) grew up in also look nearly identical.
The original movie had a bigger opening title which I didn’t see with the modern one. I have mentioned many times how big a fan I am of the Twisters (2024) soundtrack got it on repeat, wouldn’t be surprised if it comes up on my Spotify wrapped. So many great names from Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Benson Boone and many more. I can’t say the music in Twister (1996) was anything standout to me, but that could just be due to the different generations, music in movies seems more consumed to me these days due to the easiness of streaming platforms.
In both films there is a big Wizard of Oz presence you see this in Twister (1996) with ‘Dorothy’ the device they have to collect data from the tornado she has a picture of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on her. This is a parallel to Twisters (2024) as they have a ‘Dorothy’ device too who we meet at the start. The guys are doing the same thing with the censors in ‘Dorothy’ to send them up into the tornado to get data. Later you see another reference to the Wizard of Oz with StormPAR team names as they use is ‘Lion’, ‘Tinman’ & ‘Scarecrow’.
The teams of chasers in the movies are also paralleled Jo (Helen Hunt), Bill (Bill Paxton) and their team have the same vibe as the ‘Tornado Wranglers’ who include Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), Lily (Sasha Lane) & Boone (Brandon Perea) and Kate (Edgar-Jones) eventually joins them leaving Javi (Anthony Ramos) who she used to chase with as seen in the first scene in the movie and who she came back to help StormPAR until you see his investor and what he’s gaining from the destruction. Again, this is a dynamic we seen in the 1996 film with Jonas (Cary Elwes) and his team of chasers who run because they have investments. The vehicles the teams drive are also similar in both movies with big 4×4 trucks, a caravan and another van vehicle of some sort. Another parallel is when Bill (Paxton) uses dirt to check the wind direction whereas Kate (Edgar-Jones) uses dandelions, I thought this was a sweet touch to show the connection to the original even though they had a lot of little moments and things you can compare between the two.
Both films have some light humor, obviously there is a lot of action and thrilling stuff going on but it is nice to have some back and forth between the characters, rewatching the original as an adult it also seems less scary now than it did when I was little and probably shouldn’t have been watching it. My only memory of it until the rewatch was the big dark scary tornados, but in the newer release the tornados don’t seem to be as dark in terms of the conditions, you can see this difference in the posters also.
For being made nearly 30 years ago Twister (1996) the effects and visuals weren’t as terrible as I thought they would be everything but the fire explosions was very realistic. However, I think visual and technique wise you notice more in Twisters (2024) like showing the time jump by changing Kate’s hair colour, the change in light when she wakes up from dreaming about Jeb and the video clips that is used frequently throughout Twisters (2024) to show them taking videos of what they are doing or in the ‘Tornado Wranglers’ case filming live. The tornado effects in both films are incredible I would love to look into more about how this was actually shot.
Some small things I noticed from Twisters (2024) was the handshake Kate (Edgard-Jones) & Javi (Ramos) have and how crazy the ‘Tornado Wranglers’ are with wanting to set flares into the tornado, but in both films they head right into the tornados no matter what, the guts you must need to have to be a chaser. The 1996 movie spans over a day and a half whereas the 2024 one is based over about a week. I like that ‘Dorothy’ was the whole purpose of the first film to get her working then the second film mention and demonstrates ‘Dorothy’ but them moves onto the 3D scan of a tornado shows you how technology has advanced between these being filmed.
I though the main character dynamics between Jo (Hunt) & Bill (Paxton), then Tyler (Powell) & Kate (Edgar-Jones) were really good casting. Jo and Bill are supposed to be getting divorced but over the course of the film they find there way back to each other giving us a nice ending. Although the dynamic between Tyler and Kate is never hinted as romantic you can see the underlying chemistry between them, if they ever filmed another I would guarantee something happens between them.
Overall, I think both movies are amazing in there own right. For the time Twister (1996) I’m sure was a big hit and now having watched again as an adult I really enjoyed it however, I think due to the progression of film making and the soundtrack Twisters (2024) is the one I would probably gravitate back to more but I think that’s a generational thing. Some people will go for the original because it’s the original and those in the younger generation will probably only know of the new film.
Yellowstone: This has been on my watch list for a while so many people have hyped this up and because it is so popular I want to check it out, along with all it’s spin offs. Of course, it’s based in Yellowstone National Park, Montana – a Cowboys vs Indians/Family Feud storyline as far as I’m aware. I just need to commit to watching it once I’ve finished watching my current bingeable series
Sons of Anarchy: Again, this has been on my list awhile and still not sure why I haven’t watched it already. It’s based on a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club in Charming (fictional town) it has a lot of crime and action in it, which is right up my street love a crime series. This finished a while ago but I see it coming up on my recommended for you on Disney+ all the time.
Karen Pirie: My nana actually recommended this one to me. She knows I like a good crime series as we’ve watched things like Silent Witness, Without a Trace things like that before. My brother watched it after she recommended and he’s also raved about it. I think it is mostly Scottish based which since I am from Scotland think I’m obligated to watch, jokes aside seems like there are more Scottish shows appearing and even if they are all crime I’m here for it.
Better Sister: There is only 1 season of this as it’s very new and I think it may be my next quick watch as the plot of this has me intrigued, this is a thriller series and now knowing they have both been married to the same guy **jaw dropping** makes me want to watch it right away. I’m a big Elizabeth Banks fan so as soon as I seen she was in this I knew I would watch it.
Good American Family: Another thriller series that is fairly new, this reminded me of ‘Orphan’ (2009) but apparently they are not based on the same thing which is what i first thought. However, this story follows Natalie Grace and the Barnett’s and this all happened after ‘Orphan’ had been released. Apart from from 1 episode I believe in ‘Friends’ and her time as Meredith Grey in ‘Greys Anatomy’ I haven’t seen Ellen Pompeo in anything else so really interested to see her in something else.
Scrubs: I love medical shows and comedy so I think Scrubs would be something I will like, love that it is just 20 minute episodes like ‘Friends’, so an easy watch that I can get through at a steady pace. Out of the cast I only really know of Zach Braff so always interesting to see new faces. This was recommended to me by some friends who know me very well and think this is something I would like.
This movie is a childhood favourite of mine, I have watched it too many times to count, in the house when I fancy a easy watch or even on a long haul flight (not ashamed I was 25 watching this in public). I feel like every time I watch this I pick up something new that only an adult would understand, goes straight over the kids heads, which is similar to Shrek it has innuendos within it too. Some of the lines are iconic and have been seen as memes all over the internet.
The first thing I notice about this movie rewatching and why I think it appeals to children so much is the colour palette lots of Green, Pink, Yellow, Purple and Orange. These colours are fun and vibrant applying these to the set design makes for a very inviting environment, a world I would have been happy to live in as a child, even with the ending of the Mother of all Messes. The contrast when The Cat and Thing 1 & 2 are introduced with completely opposing colours of Red, White, Black and Blue, I think highlights how they are from some where completely different.
The narration throughout the movie I love, trying to rhyme what they say sometimes and in the end you find out it’s been The Cat the whole time. Also, a big fan of Thing 1 & Thing 2 (went as them for Halloween one year, perks of being a short queen), they give me Sims vibes with how they speak. I’m still not a fan of the Lawrence/Larry Quinn (Alec Baldwin) character I’m glad to know that as an adult he is still the villain.
The camera angles in this film I really appreciate, lots of long or movie shots, the angle where it goes through the keyhole in there front door is amazing don’t think I’ve ever seen that done before. The Cat addressing the camera I always thought was very clever, usually with a funny comment. For a children’s film I really liked the music especially ‘Getting Better’ by Smash Mouth and ‘Easy’ by Lionel Ritchie when The Cat is in a dream state after getting hit by a bat. The performance of Fun Fun Fun is hands down my favourite part of the film (apart from them using Mrs Kwan as a rollercoaster) the fruit costume and the lactose intolerant part just always makes me laugh.
I don’t think I’ve managed to write down all the funny moments from this film but a few I love is ‘FIREEEEEEEEEED’ has been used as a meme but his cleanliness with the hand sanitiser after is just hilarious. The cupcake scene along with The Cat cutting his tail, them driving altogether and the distraction to get Nevin’s back. So many fun things they pack into such a short movie, these scenes helped to hold my attention to this as a kid.
The cast is also star studded Mike Myers as The Cat, Dakota Fanning as Sally, Spencer Breslin as Conrad Kelly Preston as Joan Waldon and Alec Baldwin as Lawrence (Larry) Quinn. As a kid I wouldn’t have any idea what these actors had been in or could have predicated how successfully they are/would become. Mike Myers, known for being Shrek, Austin Powers and Wayne’s World, involved in such amazing comedy projects. Spencer Breslin is also in another one of my favourite kids Christmas movies with The Santa Clause 2 & 3. Dakota Fanning has went on to have an exceptional career its weird to see her in a film as an adult when I’m so used to seeing her as a child actor. Paris Hilton pops up in a random scene as well didn’t realise it was her until I rewatched it a while ago.
As I mentioned earlier there is a lot you pick up in this film as an adult which you wouldn’t have when you are younger. A few examples of this is on the phunometer it says ‘serial arsonist’ didn’t understand this as a child but clocked it watching it this time around. During the contract scene The Cat flips a page and there is a neutered certificate, this would have went over my head before but I get it now. In the garden when they are chasing down Nevin’s the Cat steps on a garden hoe calls it something drops it down then picks it back up and apologies to it, hopefully you can read between the lines and get what I understand on this one as an adult. The last one I picked up on was the previous abbreviation for the car as it spells out a bad word associated with going to the toilet.
Overall, I love this film it will always be a staple to my childhood and because its such an easy watch I find myself coming back to it when I fancy some nostalgia. I don’t have a bad thing to say about this film and will be something I’ll be happy to watch time and time again when I have kids but not ashamed to watch it as an adult with no kids.
I think it is only natural that when you watch a TV show your invested in that you get on board with certain couples and therefore eventually have a preferences of which couples you prefer. I think mine you will agree with but some are maybe not the standout couple from a show, but that is just preference I guess.
Mark Sloan & Lexie Grey (Grey’s Anatomy): These two hold a special place in my heart. I have constantly rewatched Seasons 4-8, just for them and the on and off, will they won’t they drama. Mark Sloan although seen as a womanizer in a relationship he is actually a really good guy not as much the bad boy as you originally think. Mark and Lexie on paper really shouldn’t work but for whatever reason they do and they have had me hooked since the ‘teach me’ moment. Again, there is a lot of back and forth with them but I think that adds to the appeal, if you haven’t watched Grey’s Anatomy I recommend just for these two, your heart will break but it is worth the watch.
Elvis Hart & Georgie Lane (Our Girl): This is another couple who have a lot of back and forth, but without that I don’t think the love story would have hit the same. The storyline placed for Elvis and Georgie in their first season really built up the tension which continues and I don’t think I have ever routed for a couple to get back together so bad. Because of the almost hatred Georgie has for Elvis in the first season the fallout for this relationship in the later season makes your heart shatter into a million little pieces but this could be why them as a couple make such an impact you. Will never be able to listen to ‘She Moves In Her Own Way‘ the same way again.
Colin Bridgerton & Penelope Featherington (Bridgerton): The friends to lovers arc in this has had me obsessed from day one. I can’t remember if I spoiled it by checking the internet or if I guessed who Colin would end up with but it makes me so happy. The friendship between Colin and Penelope is adorable from the offset and when they got there season in Season 3 I was delighted, he had always been kind to Penelope, yes, he had made a comment the season prior which means they get off on a bad foot at the start of their season but the way they find their way back to each other warms my heart, utterly obsessed.
Nathan Scott & Haley James (One Tree Hill): Epitome of fictional couple they are amazing from start to finish, yes, in the first season Nathan is not the nicest but I think you quickly get over that with the way he is with Haley. You also have a two main moments of doubt, the first in during Season 2 with Haley & Chris Keller (if she chose him I’d have been very upset) and during one of the later seasons that Nathan hinted at being unfaithful but I knew in my heart they wouldn’t split them up so I’m so glad it was all a misunderstanding. Out of all my favourite couples they seem pretty steady throughout but they do have a few testing moments, just love them together and how they are as parents.
Wade Kinsella & Zoe Hart (Hart of Dixie): These two are my most recent couple find and obsession, could be something to do with the spell Wade Kinsella puts you under but I love them. Similar to Mark Sloan, Wade is seen as a bad boy, ladies’ man figure, but he really does have a soft heart. Wade and Zoe have a lot of tension throughout the seasons within a lot of humor and denial. I think they could have done so much more with this relationship had the show continued so really hoping they came back for a reboot at some stage.
Honorable Mentions: Chuck Bass & Blair Waldorf, Logan Huntzburger & Rory Gilmore, Damon Salvatore & Elena Gilbert, Jackson Avery & April Kepner, Seth Cohen & Summer Roberts and Captain James & Molly Dawes.
This is a brand new release this week adapted into a movie from a book, which I haven’t read so cannot give a comparison on if the movie story line follows the book one well. But I’m here to give all my unfiltered opinions on ‘The Map That Leads to You’.
I liked that at the beginning they teased a scene you would see later in the film before jumping back in time to tell the story from the start. The beautiful scenery and colours you see in the first minute of the movie continues throughout with a lot of incredible views of Europe, including old towns, sunsets and sea waves. Including night scenes they still use beautiful colours in lighting form to compliment the setting.
There is a lot of instrumental music used in this movie, mostly played under the changing camera angles/split screen that shows the scenery of them travelling this compliments these moments well, along with the live guitar playing/festival sounds you hear throughout which I feel adds to the point of them travelling as you will see this in many European cities. Heather (Madelyn Cline) also has a moment where she plays 4 Non Blondes – ‘What’s Up (What’s Going On)’, having seen her in other projects I didn’t know she could sing.
I felt this film was very creative on highlighting how the characters were travelling, using split screens to show where they were, what they were looking at, also adding in live photos/videos they were making on a phone to show their travels used as part of the film I thought was a really nice touch. Later in the film using the split screen to split the screen for them to be on facetime.
From the moment Heather (Madelyn Cline) & Jack (KJ Apa) meet I could see they had good chemistry, this could have been due to right off the bat Jack getting onto the luggage ledge above everyone’s heads to go for a sleep which was a funny moment to watch and a confusing one for the other characters to witness. Them reading the same book to me felt like fate that they had meet each other, set the wheels in motion for the rest of the movie
I thought the storyline of the movie was quite sweet once it got into it as it did take a while for Heather (Cline) & Jack (Apa) to meet and then the explanation of his great-grandfather’s journal to come about. Where they were travelling also didn’t just cover well known cities in Europe they were in the countryside and you really got to see some beautiful sights due to this. The two main protagonists had a lot of strolls and deep chats very quickly so you can see how they fall for each other. Although they do have a whirlwind romance I think it’s worth saying Connie (Sofia Wylie) & Raef (Orlando Norman) could also hold the title of that.
There are some lighthearted funny where Jack (Apa) makes you giggle by inserting himself into the bull chase or wiggling his bum against the shower screen. However, about halfway through there is a dip in the lightheartedness where you are sad as Heather (Cline) get’s left at the airport to travel home alone. You aren’t too sad for long though the girls come up with a delusion for why Jack hasn’t gotten in touch and that to me feels very accurate of what girls do. Heather’s relationship with her dad and they talk they have when she is home over Christmas is very sweet.
Once we catch up to the point in the movie where you see that short scene at the start you do wonder where it’s going to lead as Jack is still not in the picture. All I will say is THE LETTER and THE FESTIVAL tie everything together, it broke my heart and put it back together all at once, maybe even earned a small cry from me.
Overall I thought this was a really lighthearted, sweet watch, yes, there are points where it is sad but the ending warmed my heart even though you don’t really know what comes next for the protagonists. I think I may give the book a read and will definitely come back and watch this film again, would recommend to anyone who likes a romance drama.
Daisy Jones & The Six: I really loved this show, the balance of acting and singing was great. The music itself I listen to very regularly as for a show it is incredible. This was originally a book which I hadn’t read so can’t say how accurate it is but the storyline it did follow I thoroughly enjoyed. There was drama at points that did make me want to cry and I think I did at the end, casting was perfect and the documentary format adds another fun element to the show.
Tell Me Lies: I think this show is so underrated I don’t hear a lot of people talking about it but I have been obsessed with it since the start. So much intensity and drama, some really mucked up stuff and gaslighting goes on but it hooks you in. This is also a book adaptation I wish I knew about this sooner as I think it would be a really interesting read which I still might go back and read. The second season came out and did not disappoint, can’t wait to see what happens in Season 3 as it was getting really juicy at the end of last season.
Our Girl: This show broke my heart and stood all over it shattering it into a million pieces, okay, maybe a little dramatic but that’s how it has felt. I always come back and rewatch this show although at points sad it’s such a comfort for me. The first season follows Molly Dawes (Lacey Turner) & Captain James (Ben Aldridge) in the second season Turner’s character is no longer in it but some of the same cast come back and we are introduced to Georgie Lane (Michelle Keegan) & Elvis Hart (Luke Pasqualino). It’s a show I always recommend to people as it just does something to the heartstrings while also having that army and action element to it.
Brassic: If you have a good sense of humor, this show is for you, honestly although some of the storylines are crazy it is an insanely funny watch. The casting for this is spot on, I couldn’t pick a favourite character as they are all special in there own way, even the supporting actors who don’t pop up a lot you still can’t fault how good they play there role. An easy watch with a lot of laughter, you will not be disappointed.
The Fall: For those of you who are fans of a good crime show I recommend this it did come out a while ago but still a show think about it to this day. Even just recommending this now makes me want to go back and watch it, it won’t take you long to watch only 3 seasons about 18 episodes. Gillian Anderson & Jamie Dornan are excellent I am a fan of both of their work but in this it just hit’s different, it’s so good.
Materialists came out this week in the cinema and I took a trip to go and see it as the trailer and cast had piqued my interest when I seen it was coming out. I love a little solo trip to the cinema I’ve been to see multiple movies this year and certainly there will be more. So let’s get into my thoughts and feelings on the new release.
I did for the first few minutes of this movie think I was in the wrong screen as the opening scene was two people out in the wilderness, but this was tied in at the end of the movie so sort of makes sense, but the confusion was real for all of a few minutes. The film as a whole had an easiness to it, although it touched on a serious topic it was an easy watch, something you could follow and even if not paying much attention you would still understand what was going on.
The fact that Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a Matchmaker I loved, such an interesting occupation but for the story line this works, not sure what qualifications you need to be one but sign me up I’ll give it a try. The music seamlessly fits in with this movie nothing out of place, very elegant and loved the live singing at the wedding from Baby Rose.
The storyline was no what I had expected I thought there would be more of a crossover or triangle between Lucy (Dakota Johnson), Harry (Pedro Pascal) & John (Chris Evans) which I think I would have liked to have seen giving more of a ‘Notebook’ or ‘Bridget Jones’ feel. However, it seems like they wanted to get over that although you can seem very fitted to someone love needs to be involved and sometimes that means opposites attract.
I think the camera angles they used throughout were amazing, the potential clients with the front camera then when it cuts to the next scene it’s still front facing and then moves slowly to change the angle. A similar thing is done with when Lucy (Dakota Johnson) gets in a taxi and the camera moves with the closing of the door, I thought the way these were done was very clever. The views of New York and out at the wedding in the countryside later on in the film were especially beautiful.
There were a few small funny moments throughout this movie, one of my favourites was the comedic timing John (Chris Evans) had when Harry (Pedro Pascal) asks Lucy (Johnson) wants to drink she says ‘beer & coke’ and right as she finished John (Evans) puts beer and coke down on the table. Also, when Lucy (Johnson) is making out with Harry (Pascal) in the penthouse her face when she the size of the place earned a giggle from the audience.
I thought the leg surgery conversation at the start was wild and for that to be tied back in later especially when you see how short he was meant to be just makes me think how do the other half live and who has actually had that surgery. I was always routing for Chris Evan’s character that could be personal preference but he throughout the movie just seemed to know when Lucy wasn’t feeling great and was there for her when she needed him.
Overall, this was an easy watch and I did like how it ended however, I wish there was more of a crossover in the love triangle I was hoping for. Lots of fun and sweet moments throughout the movie which I’m sure will appeal to all the hopeless romantics out there, people who love second chance romances and a good chic flick.
This movie holds a special place in my heart and let me tell you why, the original Top Gun movie was one of my mum’s favourites. In 2018 with a short battle to secondary breast cancer she passed away we had watched many films together but never Top Gun. I knew the music cause how couldn’t you it is iconic, I steered away from watching it since it still felt too raw but when I found out they were making a sequel it was time to give the original a watch, shortly before the sequel came out. The first movie I did enjoy it’s a classic but knew it wasn’t going to be my favourite like it was my mum’s but I can see why she loved it, one of those movies that has a bit of everything.
So when Top Gun: Maverick came out I knew I had to go see it, cause if my mum was here that’s exactly what we’d do, so many memories of trips to the cinema together. Because the movie is based around the Navy and a sequel I thought it would be a good film to watch but not one of my favourites, oh, how wrong I was.
This movie had me locked in from start to finish and has become a favourite of mine, which I think is such a coincidence that the original was one of my mum’s favourites and now the sequel is one of mine. I shouldn’t be surprised it is a movie I love as mentioned earlier the Top Gun movies has a mix of everything and I think that’s how I’m hooked.
So where do I start when talking about this film, maybe the star studded cast, Tom Cruise known for always performing his own stunts in countless action movies, Val Kilmer, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez & Monica Barbaro to name a few. Now many years later to see especially the young actors in this film what they have achieved is incredible they have starred in some blockbusters.
The behind the scenes stuff you can find out online about the training they had to do to prepare for filming this movie is insane, essentially a condensed version of pilot training and the filming while they were in the planes is another level of cinematography and acting skill. As I am someone who loves to consume film I like to think about how stuff is shot and there is not one scene or moment in this film that feels out of place or could have been done better. The action sequences especially at the end when they get targeted by the missiles and have to use the flares and guns on the plane is out of this world but it’s balanced throughout the film with some lovely scenery of beaches, deserts and the ocean.
One of the things I love most about this movie is the soundtrack, a good soundtrack goes a long way and this one hit it out the park. A mix from the original movie and new music involving Lady Gaga with Harold Faltermeyer, Hans Zimmer, more & One Republic. Glen Powell was certainly right when he said ‘montages last forever’ as this one sure will with the catchy chorus of I Ain’t Worried playing behind it, a very memorable moment of this movie.
As I said earlier this movie has a mix of everything and you really see that as it can make you laugh as well as cry. Some of my favourites are when Maverick (Tom Cruise) ejects from his plane on the Mach 10 mission and ends up in the middle of nowhere walks into a cafe drinks some water and asks where he is and this little boy says ‘Earth’, a similar moment to this is when the young pilots talk about call signs and Bob has to repeat that his call sign is in fact ‘Bob’ both of these moments made me chuckle.
But along with the funny there was some really touching moments between Maverick and some of the other characters. Maverick (Tom Cruise) & Iceman (Val Kilmer) chatting in Ice’s home about Rooster (Miles Teller) and the mission, I thought was a really sweet moment. The most heartwarming part though that had me tearing up was the dynamic of Maverick & Rooster, due to their history (you’ll need to watch the first one to understand what I mean, but if you know, you know) they don’t have the most positive interactions to start of with but that makes what happens in the end more heartfelt. Rooster coming back for Maverick, them working together and in the end just having a moment putting the past behind them had me in bits.
One of the parallels I loved from the first movie to this one was Rooster (Miles Teller) singing ‘Great Balls of Fire’ on the piano and it shows you a clip from the first film where Maverick and Goose (Anthony Edwards) are doing the same thing and you see a boy on the piano with them who is Rooster, really pulled at the heartstrings that bit.
Overall, although people in Top Gun and the Navy may not see this film as accurate I think it is an incredible movie from start to finish, it’s just so cool. Also, with it being a sequel usually people think they aren’t as good, could be controversial but I think this tops the original just due to the advancements with film making. It has every element you could want action, comedy, romance and drama. It’s a film I watch over and over again, never getting bored. If it’s not one you’ve watched then I highly recommend you watch as I think it’s in my Top 5 of all time.
Hart of Dixie (ITVX) – This was my first watch of 2025 and I loved it, so wholesome but funny and a cast with great chemistry in all different types of relationships, Zade is all I’m saying. A firm new favourite of mine, will be back to watch.
Pulse (Netflix) – As a big Grey’s Anatomy fan I didn’t know if this would hit the same but I found it a thoroughly good watch.
Untamed (Netflix) – Eric Bana was amazing in this and and the ending was not at all what I expected but was so intrigued, heard rumors of a second season which would be good.
Sirens (Netflix) – Was so confused by this, however because I was confused I watched it so quickly to see if it then would made sense but the ending done a 180 I didn’t understand but was something I recommended due to the confusing nature so I could discuss.
We Were Liars (Prime Video) – LOVE LOVE LOVED, I hadn’t read the books and glad I didn’t as my mouth dropped to the floor when I realised what happened. 10/10 recommending
Outer Range (Prime Video) – Really didn’t understand the plot until the end of S1 but really enjoyed it once I started understanding sad as I don’t think we are getting more seasons and I would love to know what was going on here.
The Four Seasons (Netflix) – This was a fun easy watch, that did take a turn in the last part of the penultimate episode and made the last episode a bit of a different vibe but was still wholesome and I believe their could be another season coming.
All Rise – I really enjoyed All Rise, I’m a sucker for lawyer dramas so it was really easy for me to get through.
Blackbird (Apple TV) – I like to watch a lot of crime/thriller type shows and with this having an undercover element in it I was keen to watch and would recommend.
Toxic Town (Netflix) – Followed a true story and I thought this was a really impactful series.
Adolescence (Netflix) – The way this was filmed was worth the whole watch, again a crime type of show but not sure I was so keen on the storyline was more interested in the flow, structure and directing of this series.
Building the Band (Netflix) – This was giving Love is Blind but for a band format and I highly recommend you watch this, the fact they put themselves together and vibe the way they did was happy for majority of them to win.
Still Watching:
Criminal Minds (Disney+) – I am only halfway through this but loving every minute and feel like I could be a profiler by the end of it. If you like crime/thriller type series then would 100% recommend this.
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV) – Only watched the first few episodes of this, but excited to see how Elizabeth Zott get’s to where we see her at the start of the first episode.
Virgin River (Netflix) – I have watched 2/3 seasons of this and I haven’t finished it yet, I do want to finish it but I feel like I’ve been invested more in other shows and haven’t taken the time to finish this.
Continued Series:
Ginny & Georgia S3 (Netflix) – LOVED THIS, really like this season the best one yet I think and with how it ended I NEED the new season ASAP.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders S2 (Netflix) – Reality TV is something I love to watch to fill in the gaps of my time, this makes for such an easy watch.
You S5 (Netflix) – The end of this was a long time coming the first few seasons I loved, S4 i didn’t quite understand and S5 although it was good and had some twists I didn’t expect the ending wasn’t all I wanted it to be.
Summer I Turned Pretty S3 (Netflix) – I love this series but the first few episodes of this season I feel like have riled everyone up, everyone has an opinion on who they think Belly should be with, hoping the latter episodes give us some more drama and a great ending.
Perfect Match S3 (Netflix) – I have watched the first 2 batches of episodes of this that has come out again with reality TV it was something easy to watch and it had a few people from Love is Blind UK & US that I fancied seeing if they met anyone else. Drama till the very end so excited to see who get’s voted the perfect match.
Formula 1 Drive to Survive S7 (Netflix) – I am an F1 fan so always watch this when it comes out to see behind the scenes stuff and what storylines they choose to follow because last year’s season had lots going on. Do tend to go back and watch this as well sometimes.
I have probably watched way more than this but this is what I can remember there is still a lot to come this year and I will be planted in from of my TV as soon as some episodes hit **cough** Stranger Things **cough**. If you have any recommendations, please let me know always love to try new series or movies!
Confessions of a Streamaholic 