Confessions of a Streamaholic

Streaming. Bingeing. Spilling

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    • The Map That Leads to You (Prime Video)

      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.

    • What TV Shows I Recommend

      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: Review

      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.

    • Top Gun: Maverick

      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.

    • What Series I’ve Watched in 2025 (so far)

      New Watches:

      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!

    • Happy Gilmore 2 Review

      I am a big lover of Adam Sandler movies, ‘Blended’ and ‘Just Go with It’ are firm favourites of mine that I watch over and over again. You always know what you are in for with an Adam Sandler film – lightheartedness and comedy. Sometimes there can we very odd or outlandish things that happen in these movies and let’s just say Happy Gilmore 2 is no different it was not what I expected.

      A sequel is very difficult to get right and I think when you’ve waited so long to do one the story really needs to sell itself to make it remotely as good as the first movie. So in preparation for the new movie I did watch Happy Gilmore (1996) so I could remind myself of the original storyline and how I thought that was continued in the new movie.

      The start of the new Happy Gilmore movie was not what I expected but I guess to make the rest of the movie make sense this is how it had to go. It does similarly follow the plot of the first money about needing to raise money for something which was a nice parallel. I had a lot of laughs at the random item’s Happy was using to drink from a cucumber, salt & pepper shaker, tv remote and a golf ball – whoever came up with that deserves a raise.

      There were a lot of weird moments in this film to get to the end act and although it was funny I didn’t think the storyline in the sequel was as cohesive as the first movie was. In the original movie Happy finding a talent for golf as a failed hockey player made sense but the new alternative way to play golf in the new film I was not as much as a fan of.

      I did however enjoy that they brought back Shooter McGavin, having Sandler’s wife and daughters being involved I thought was a sweet touch and of course, some of the usual faces you see in other Adam Sandler films appeared with cameo roles and I was pointing out where I recognised each one from. The star of the film was Oscar Mejías played by Bad Bunny he had some of the funniest moments so excited to see what he does in the upcoming release of ‘Caught Stealing’.

      I thought the music in the second film could have been better, right of the bat with the original Happy Gilmore there was music something noticeable but watching the sequel I can’t say I heard much music and if there was it didn’t make much of an impact. What I can say about this movie though is with the advancement in technology some of the shots of the ball made for really great viewing, I’m unsure if this was CGI, animation or AI generated.

      Overall, it was a fun, easy watch, not my favourite Adam Sandler film and not better the original but because Happy Gilmore has such iconic lines I can see the reason why they wanted to make a sequel to it. Worth a watch if you are a Sandler fan or just looking for something that doesn’t take a lot of brainpower to watch.

    • My Oxford Year Review

      My Oxford Year a novel by Julia Whelan now adapted into a Netflix movie, here’s my as spoiler free as I can make it review. I had seen the movie poster for this a while back and knew it was a film I wanted to watch. I haven’t read the book so I had no idea what to expect and let’s just say it was a journey and I should have know it would be when the poster said from the producers of The Fault in our Stars but I missed that part so when the twist came I wasn’t expecting it.

      Having not read the book the opening of the film felt very light and comforting, like we were getting ready for the ultimate rom-com, the music behind the beautiful setting really caught my attention and immersed me into that world. When we first see Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest) and Anna De La Vega (Sofia Carson) interact I felt like we were going to be watching an enemies to lovers build up over the course of the film. However, quickly they seem to get past any tension and go straight for a friends with benefits situation.

      I think the film manages to encapsulate the British humor and culture with it’s references and lines, most of which made me laugh out loud (Naked Attraction, if you know you know), Charlie (Harry Trevaldwyn) being the one to have most of them. I think the funny moments and good comedy helped to set it up as a rom com but even when the storyline changes humor is still at the forefront to still add a lightness to the seriousness.

      The twist in the storyline had a moment where Corey’s character had a parallel to his role in Queen Charlotte with the infamous ‘GET OUT’ which I have seen constantly lip synced to on Tik Tok. The last quarter of the movie I was glad I hadn’t read the book as was genuinely shocked and surprised, the way it unfolded was heartbreaking. Since watching I have found out that the book has a different ending and I think as a fan of books the change of the ending if I had read the book would have really disappointed me as you are routing for these characters and to know it could have been different is a bittersweet moment.

      There was a lot of good music used throughout the movie, Yellow by Coldplay playing a big feature to the love story. I think the continuance of music played in the right places and tracks that fit the vibe of the feeling and atmosphere in that scene made for it to be a really easy watch.

      I am a fan of past projects by both Mylchreest & Carson so it’s not the first time I’ve seen them on screen and portraying a love story. They didn’t have the most insane chemistry I’ve ever seen on screen but I think for this movie they suited the characters they played and the relationship between the characters and how they were portrayed made it believable to the audience to be impacted by what happens in the latter part of the film.

      Overall, I think it was a good movie, something I would watch again for it’s Britishness and comedy, if I wanted to have a cry or maybe again once I’ve read the book. I am intrigued to read the alternative ending the book has and to see if any little important bits to a reader has been missed out of the movie.

    • Confessions of a Streamaholic

      Hello Internet! My name is Kiana and I love everything about TV Shows and Movies that is why I have decided to create ‘Confessions of a Streamaholic’. To give a bit of background I think I grew up in the perfect years to have a childhood that wasn’t massively screen based I still went outdoors and had fun but did get to digest CBBC, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and it’s movies. So as the internet and streaming services progressed I grew older and I think by 16 that was the turning point for me Netflix had just gained my attention and I was getting recommendations from friends of what to watch left, right and centre.

      I was then hooked on shows like Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars and this is when I realised I have a thing for binge watching a lot of TV. Movies had always been something I liked to watch but you can only really watch 1 unless you binge a franchise which I hadn’t really done at that point, I loved going to the cinema and since my teens have collected my paper cinema tickets.

      A time I remember where I really got into a series was during my 5th year at High School’s study leave where you are meant to be studying to pass the exams so you can get into further education or qualifications for getting a job when you leave school, and don’t get my wrong I was studying for a couple hours every day but I had a non-paying full-time job watching a small series no one knows about called ‘Greys Anatomy’ at the time they had 13 seasons out and in my 6 weeks of leave I watched all 13 seasons, I worked that I was watching on average 8 hours a day hence why i say it was a full-time job. I couldn’t stop watching it and it’s been a show I have always came back to, it has a special place in my heart.

      I think it’s fair to say that even over the years of higher education and now working I still enjoy consuming lots of movie and tv shows, I constantly chat to colleagues or friends and family about what I have watched and don’t know how but still manage to binge series at an unusually fast pace.

      That leads me onto why I have started ‘Confessions of a Streamaholic’ because I already love to watch movie and tv series so why not share my opinions with like-minded people.

      So get ready for a lot of reviews, recommendations, recaps, rankings, confessions and content.

      Kiana x