House of the Dragon - Season 2 (2024)

Title: House of the Dragon
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: June 16, 2024
Genre(s): Series, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: Home Box Office
Creator(s): Ryan J. Condal, George R.R. Martin
Starring: Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first season and GoT.

What is this about?
A battle for the crown. With dragons.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first season, or in two years, so it's fresh for season 3.

Where does it take place?
Westeros.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I liked the first season.

How did I like this?
Honestly, this season was pretty boring. I feel like nothing happened, and it was all set up for things to come. It definitely had some good and intense moments, like one episode that had me bawling. But for the most part, I wasn't invested in what was going on. It was all too slow.

Have you seen House of the Dragon? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Vampire Academy - Season 1 (2022)

Title: Vampire Academy
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 47 minutes
Release Date: September 15, 2022
Genre(s): Series, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: My So-Called Company
Creator(s): Marguerite MacIntyre, Julie Plec
Starring: Sisi Stringer, Daniela Nieves, Kieron Moore


Who would I recommend this to?
No one.

What is this about?
A secret vampire world under attack by evil vampires.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
I was wondering the same thing...

Why did I decide to watch this?
The book series is my absolute favorite.

How did I like this?
It's sooo bad! Like, as an adaption it's horrendous and messy. They took plot points from every book and mixed them with some original content, and it's a mess. Even as its own standalone thing, it's messy, and inconsistent, and I was left with too many questions. And not the type that would be answered in the nonexistent following seasons. Just basic questions about the world and who these people are and where/when this is set and why?!?!?! 

But it was entertaining enough that I made it all the way through, so yay?

Have you seen Vampire Academy? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bridgerton - Season 3 (2024)

Title: Bridgerton - Season 3
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: May 16, 2024
Genre(s): Historical, Romance, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Shondaland
Creator: Chris Van Dusen
Starring: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Ruth Gemmell


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
Women stepping into their power!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now.

Where does it take place?
Mayfair, 1815.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Bridgerton. Duh.

How did I like this?
This might be my favorite season? I was concerned at first, not because it was bad. But because there is SO MUCH going on. Several couples and multiple other side plots. It had me worried that they were rushing storylines because the show is in jeopardy? I'm hoping those worries are unfounded, because I need more! 

Have you seen Bridgerton? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fashion Lala: The Story of the Harbour Light (1988)

Title: Fashion Lala: The Story of the Harbour Light
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 48 minutes
Release Date: March 11, 1988
Genre(s): Anime, Drama, Fantasy
Production Co.: Pierrot
Director: Motosuke Takahashi
Starring: Yuriko Yamamoto, Eriko Hara, Hidekatsu Shibata


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who enjoy cheesy '80s anime and cute stuff.

What is this about?
A young girl wants to design dresses for an upcoming dance competition, but her family is mean!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have a free moment for brain candy.

Where does it take place?
I don't know, actually....

Why did I decide to watch this?
A friend posted about it and I thought it looked cute!

How did I like this?
This was sooo delightfully '80s! It was definitely cheesy, but it was fun. And a nice way to pass some time. It's definitely something I would have watched as a kid and then thought I dreamed up.

Have you seen Fashion Lala? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

Title: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Drama
Production Co.: Lions Gate Films
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like villain origins.

What is this about?
A young man tries to pull his family out of poverty, but winds up compromising his morals and becoming and evil dictator.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now.

Where does it take place?
Panem.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I enjoyed the book and previous movies.

How did I like this?
It was really good! It didn't feel as long as it is, which is good. And I think they did a great job of taking the gist of the book and condensing it down. I am still confused on the ending, but I generally struggle with open endings because I NEED TO KNOW what actually happened!!!

Have you seen The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Time of Eve (2008)

Title: Time of Eve
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 18 minutes
Release Date: August 1, 2008
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Sci-Fi, Drama
Production Co.: Studio Rikka
Director: Yasihiro Yoshiura
Starring: Jun Fukuyama, Rie Tanaka, Rina Satou


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who are interested in the line between humans and AI beings.

What is this about?
A cafe were humans and androids freely mingle.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On an evening for contemplation.

Where does it take place?
Future Japan, probably.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was short and sounded really interesting.

How did I like this?
I really liked it! I'm already partial to robot media, so I liked seeing a world where androis are commonplace, if not quite accepted.

Have you seen Time of Eve? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Yuri!!! on Ice (2016)

Title: Yuri!!! on Ice
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: October 6, 2016
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Drama
Production Co.: MAPPAA
Director: Sayo Yamamoto
Starring: Junichi Suwabe, Kouki Uchiyama, Toshiyuki Toyonaga


Who would I recommend this to?
Someone who needs a smile.

What is this about?
Finding yourself in your passions.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need a smile.

Where does it take place?
Around the world.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I've heard really good things.

How did I like this?
I wasn't sure about it at first, because I'm not into figuring skating. But then there were soooo many little moments that just made me smile, sometimes so wide my face hurt! It's just so cute and special!

Have you seen Yuri On Ice? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Zootopia (2016)

Title: Zootopia
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Genre(s): Animation, Drama, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba


Who would I recommend this to?
THE WORLD!

What is this about?
The first bunny cop takes her first case and tries to prove that predators aren't all bad.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately.

Where does it take place?
Zootopia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because it's Disney. Now, because it's awesome.

How did I like this?
 I love this movie! The themes of stereotyping and prejudice are not subtle, but done in such an accessible way. And everything makes me cry!

Have you seen Zootopia? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Asteroid in Love (2020)

Title: Asteroid in Love
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 3, 2020
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Drama
Production Co.: Doga Kobo
Director: Daisuke Hiramaki
Starring: Tomoyo Takayanagi, Megumi Yamaguchi, Sumire Uesaka


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of cute girl anime.

What is this about?
High school girls hoping to find and name a new asteroid. And the friends they made along the way.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something cute and wholesome.

Where does it take place?
Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded super cute. I like space.

How did I like this?
It's very cute! I can't help but compare it to Stardust Telepath as they have extremely similar setups, but these girls aren't as compelling. I still enjoyed it though.

Have you seen Asteroid in Love? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion (2013)

Title: Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Release Date: October 26, 2013
Genre(s): Anime, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: Shaft
Director: Akiyuki Shinbou
Starring: Chiwa Saitou, Aoi Yuuki, Ai Nonaka


Who would I recommend this to?
Not fans of the series, but maybe yes, fans of the series. I don't know.

What is this about?
I have no clue, honestly. But it's visually interesting.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the main series, or the other two movies.

Where does it take place?
Mitakihara City.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I enjoyed the series.

How did I like this?
"I don't expect you to understand. No one in the world could understand." I mean, I certainly do not understand anything going on in this movie. I didn't hate it, I just was confused the entire time. It felt like it was trying too hard to out due the original series.

Have you seen Rebellion? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)

Title: Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: January 7, 2011
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: Shaft
Director: Akiyuki Shinbou
Starring: Aoi Yuuki, Eri Kitamura, Chiwa Saitou


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like their magical girls more cerebral.

What is this about?
Young girls are asked to protect their hometown from witches.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Uhh...whenever.

Where does it take place?
Somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like magical girls and this was highly rated.

How did I like this?
I was not prepared for this. I knew it was tagged as Psychological, but I wasn't sure what that meant. Well, now I know. While I love the idea of putting cute magical girls into these dark, trippy landscapes, it felt more gimmicky than an integral part of the story at first. But as things moved along, all this darkness really starts to affect these girls in real ways.

Have you seen Puella Magi Madoka Magica? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Belle (2021)

Title: Belle
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 1 minute
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Drama, Musical
Production Co.: Studio Chizu
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Starring: Kaho Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Shota Sometani


Who would I recommend this to?
You?

What is this about?
A shy girl finds her voice in virtual reality and saves a user known as the beast.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need an emotion release.

Where does it take place?
U.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked pretty and I love Beauty and the Beast.

How did I like this?
Tears. More tears. Great songs. Beautiful animation. Crying. Emotion. So pretty.

Have you seen Belle? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Cruel Summer - Season 2 (2023)

Title: Cruel Summer
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: June 5, 2023
Genre(s): Drama, Suspense, Series
Production Co.: Freeform
Director: Bill Purple
Starring: Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who likes DRAMA and INTRIGUE and CHAOS!

What is this about?
A small town is shaken up when a local teen winds up dead.

When would be a good time to watch this?
NOW.

Where does it take place?
The pacific northwest. "Chatham."

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Season 1 was excellent.

How did I like this?
I am deceased! I was worried this one wouldn't hook me like the first, but I was IN IT! I only partially figured out whodunit, and a couple of other reveals, so I was SHOOK! I knew a huge twist was coming, but that didn't keep my jaw from dropping.

I love millennium music.

Have you seen Cruel Summer? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Lady Bird (2017)

Title: Lady Bird
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Genre(s): Drama
Production Co.: IAC Films
Director: Greta Gerwig
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like more intellectual movies.

What is this about?
A high school senior and her complicated relationships with everyone around her.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Sacramento, CA in 2002.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I remember being intrigued by the trailers, and it was available on my flight home...to Sacramento...

How did I like this?
It was surprisingly relatable and less artsy-fartsy than I was expecting.

Have you seen Lady Bird? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Title: Moulin Rouge!
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hour 7 minutes
Release Date: June 1, 2001
Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

When would be a good time to watch this?
All the time.

Where does it take place?
Paris.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I grabbed the DVD at Costco when it came out and watched it everyday while we didn't have cable.

How did I like this?
Obviously, I am obsessed with this movie. The music is A+, the story is engaging, it's funny, and sad, and I cannot stop! El Tango de Roxanne is the bestest.

Have you seen Moulin Rouge? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The King's Daughter (2022)

Title: The King's Daughter
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Release Date: January 21, 2022
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Production Co.: Lightstream Pictures Australia
Director: Sean MacNamara
Starring:  Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, William Hurt


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever needs brain candy for 98 minutes.

What is this about?
King Louis XIV wants to use a mermaid to become immortal, but his estranged daughter befriends her.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have nothing better to do.

Where does it take place?
Versailles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
My mom told me to.

How did I like this?
It was fine. The second half was waaay better than the first. The beginning was framed super awkwardly. Like, Louis' actions toward Marie had a romantic edge to them which I don't think was intentional, but it was very weird. I mean, if this was suppose to be some taboo movie, then fine, but it's not. But after he confesses to being her father, things were more normal and kinda fun.

Have you seen The King's Daughter? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story - Season 1 (2023)

Title: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Genre(s): Historical, Romance, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Shondaland
Director: Tom Verica
Starring: India Amarteifio, Adjoa Andoh, Michelle Fairley


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who enjoys period dramas with a little extra.

What is this about?
How Queen Charlotte became Queen Charlotte.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now.

Where does it take place?
London, England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I loved Bridgerton.

How did I like this?
It gave me emotions! I knew it would, because that one season in Bridgerton got me too. This was super interesting and I might have liked it better than the main series? It was just so heartbreaking and heartwarming!

The racism plotline was...well it was there. I found it kind of odd how they danced around the issue ("You're the first of your kind!"), while vaguely pointing it out and centering it. I get this show is not about handling serious topics, but it was an important plot thread, so...it was odd.

Have you seen Queen Charlotte? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

From Me To You - Season 1 (2023)

Title: From Me To You
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 30 minutes
Release Date: March 30, 2023
Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Fine Entertainment
Director: Takehiko Shinjo, Takeo Kikuchi
Starring: Sara Minami, Oji Suzuka, Rinka Kumada


Who would I recommend this to?
JDrama fans, I guess. Anyone cheering for the weird girl.

What is this about?
An outcast girl finally finds her people.

When would be a good time to watch this?
ASAP.

Where does it take place?
In and around Kitahoro High School.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked cute, and I'm always here for the weird girl!

How did I like this?
It was sooo cute! I do wish they leaned into Sawako's weirdness/creepiness more, but it really only shows up in the first and 6th or 7th episodes. I found myself really attached to all of these characters though.

Have you seen From Me To You? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022)

Title: Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Rating:  PG
Run Time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Release Date: December 25, 2022
Genre(s): Musical, Drama, Fantasy
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Matthew Warchus
Starring: Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch


Who would I recommend this to?
Not fans of the '90s movie.

What is this about?
A very smart, but neglected girl discovers a power to change her life.

When would be a good time to watch this?
If you have two hours to kill and nothing better to do.

Where does it take place?
The UK somewhere...Truchen Hall school.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love the '90s Matilda movie.

How did I like this?
It was fine. It's really nothing like the movie, since it's based on the stage production which I know nothing about. I do like how it leans into the darker themes, but it's also missing an element of fun. Matilda's storytelling was never explained and just felt like padding which slowed the movie down as a whole.

The songs also aren't great. The only one I really liked was Miss Honey's, and that alphabet song was pretty clever.

Have you seen Matilda the Musical? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Last of Us - Season 1 (2023)

Title: The Last of Us - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: January 15, 2023
Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Naughty Dog
Creator(s): Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who can handle end of the world chaos.

What is this about?
The collapse of civilization after a fungus turns humans into zombies.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately. Clear your schedule.

Where does it take place?
Boston and across the US.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Honestly, a favorite podcast was talking about episode three.

How did I like this?
It is so good. Like, I was upset I didn't know about it sooner. Episode 3 nearly killed me. It was like its own movie set in this universe, which is already fascinating enough. At least half the episodes make me cry at some point, which was not something I'd expect from a dystopian action show.

Have you seen The Last of Us? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?