Six 100-Word Movie Reviews

My Oxford Year (2025), Director: Iain Morris

I was going to write off My Oxford Year as your average romance film with predictable themes and characters. You can’t base your thoughts on a movie in the first half. This is the second Sofia Carson movie to come out this year. Carson and Corey Mylchreast create a heartfelt relationship. Illness in relationships isn’t focused on enough in movies. I did not expect the film to take that angle. Relationships are not all fairytale lovey-dovey moments. Learning to handle illness is an essential lesson. My Oxford Year is a bittersweet romance about making decisions to live your best life.

Riff Raff (2024), Director: Dito Montiel

Have you ever had a film that you don’t know how to explain, and yet it’s a creative idea? Riff Raff is a bizarre crime comedy. The film incorporates a talented ensemble, including Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, and Pete Davidson. The best part of the film is Murray and Davidson as the villain tag team. Okay, I would watch a series with Murray and Davidson. Their dynamic is iconic! They made this film what it is. With how absurd it is, Riff Raff is about family trust and witty crime parodies.

My Favorite Martian (1999), Director: Donald Petrie

Have you ever had a movie that you watched as a kid and then rewatched as an adult? It’s like a first-watch experience, but you relive memories at the same time. My Favorite Martian is a funny movie about a wild alien adventure. Jeff Daniels’ career sparked in the ‘90s. One of my favorite aspects of Daniels is his natural comedic ability, like his ‘so done’ reactions to the situation. Christopher Lloyd has his alien-acting down pat. He was quirky in all of his deliveries and went all out. It’s a fun '90s movie that enjoys being what it is.

Beverly Hills Ninja (1997), Director: Dennis Dugan

I have been on a Chris Farley movie binge since I discovered him this past year. He was talented and funny. Beverly Hills Ninja completely discouraged Farley about his abilities and the way people saw him. The film could have been executed better, and not as a senseless comedy. Most of the jokes are repetitive. There was more to Farley than met the eye, and it’s sad that he didn’t get a chance to showcase more. My favorite part about it was the ending where we see Farley putting his martial arts expertise to effect. It’s still a fun comedy.

Who’s Harry Crumb (1989), Director: Paul Flaherty

I love a movie with the late John Candy. I am surprised there are still some Candy movies I have not seen. As the plot states, the film is about a clumsy detective trying to figure out a case. It’s the same comedy beat by beat. It grows tiring, but Candy makes it fresh. Other than Candy’s involvement, I wouldn’t have watched it. Since its 80s release, the film has not aged well in themes and actors involved. John Candy is the best part of the film as his character makes any honest mistakes, trips, or confuses any little tongue-twister.

Japanese Story (2003), Director: Sue Brooks

Don’t you love binging all the movies with your favorite actress? Japanese Story is your average love story, but it’s enhanced by the chemistry of its main actors, Toni Collette (Sandy) and Gotaro Tsunashima (Hiromitsu). Collette had the acting world down pat from her first movie. Collette and Tsunashima are excellent as their characters, proving that you can break diversity culture in romance. Sue Brooks’ direction is moving, sincere, and tells a moving tale. Life and love are messy, but you need to try to make things work. I didn’t love the ending, but it’s a romance film worth watching.