2025 - The Highlights (lionsroar)

A look at films watched during 2025 but not necessarily released in 2025.

The Highlights (2025) (In No Particular Order)

Thunderbolts* (2025) - My loyalty to the MCU has definitely waned, so I was happily surprised when two new films were released. Of the two, I think this is my favorite, the other being The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Thunderbolts* doesn't take itself too seriously and has good acting, and a good story. Make more like these, Disney, and you might win me back.

Frankenstein (2025) - While not a perfect retelling of the novel, this is by far the closest we may get. I wish del Toro hadn't added and changed characters, which he did, I'll give him credit for attempting to tell the entire story, which is much more sweeping than the original film and it's sequels would have you believe. That said, Boris Karloff is still the better monster.

Paddington in Peru (2024) - What's not to like about Paddington the Bear? While perhaps not quite as good as the previous two filns, this one seems like a worthy successor to the franchise.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025) - All good things come to an end and a final stay in this world is something to enjoy. Time to move on, but with a tear in your eye.

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (2025) - While maybe not a movie I would have sought out on my own, this seems to be a good companion to the first season of the anime series.

Disappointments (2025) (In No Particular Order)

Superman (2025) - This is not a really good introduction to Superman. The assumption is you know the backstory, so if you don't, you're out of luck. Superman also needs the help of other heroes to win, which is a little disappointing. The film feels sort of like a sequel as well as a prequel to a future Justice League film.

Elio (2025) - Pixar tries and fails again to make a compelling story for all ages. Perhaps young kids might like this, which may help it with Academy voters, but this is not the best animated film by far. If you're looking for a young boy wanting to meet aliens, I would recommend the anime series Dan Da Dan.

 

Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: At a Confessional (2025) - This makes the list solely due to the composer not composing the music but using AI instead. Creative people need to create and not rely on shortcuts to get a paycheck.

The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (2025) - Obviously made by people who loved the original Warner Bros. cartoons, this film fails to capture the magic.

Lilo & Stitch (2025) - Why?