Oh, Hi! (2025)

A fledgling couple on a romantic trip to the remote countryside turns real dark when it's revealed that one likes the other more, while the other ends up in chains. I enjoyed it in the moment, although much less on reflection. I tend to watch these movies in a detached manner because I personally can't seem to relate to any of it. If only someone cared enough about me to chain me up...

2½ red flags out of 5

Thunderbolts* (2025)

Jesus Christ, are we into the summer blockbuster season already?

The latest tentpole from Marvel takes a page out of indie studio A24's book with a more intimate, character-based approach, which is a huge improvement in my opinion. It follows up and reunites characters from Black Widow (Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Taskmaster), The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes, John Walker/U.S. Agent) and others (Ghost) in a team-up ensemble flick meant to evoke The Avengers, except on a much smaller scale. I'm more fond of this ragtag group of losers and misfits (akin to Guardians of the Galaxy) than even the "serious" heroes. But it's so much more than the sum of all its parts. At the center of the story is a mysterious new character known only as "Bob."

This was so enjoyable compared to Brave New World. Sometimes the MCU can still surprise you, even 36 films into it. This is the final installment of Phase 5; to be followed by The Fantastic Four: First Steps, due later in the summer.

3 taco shields out of 5

You're Cordially Invited (2025)

Two families book the same island retreat for a wedding weekend and hijinks ensue. One half of the wedding party is young and hip, while the other is older and stuffy, so the sparks fly when they get together. The story isn't very deep, but everyone is so sweet and good-natured, you don't really mind so much. I laughed out loud a lot, which is really all that counts when it comes to a comedy. I kept trying to poke holes in the flimsy plot, but it ultimately won me over with its charming performances. It's not a great movie by any means, but there are a lot of fun moments that tie it all together. It's one of those movies I'm sure I would have enjoyed even more if I wasn't watching it alone.

Also, I spent this entire movie thinking that Meredith Hagner was Kate Hudson.

3 inappropriate daddy-daughter duets out of 5

Drive-Away Dolls (2024)

Two lesbians on a road trip end up on the run from the mob. I'll admit, I didn't know what I was getting into with this one, but I was in a Coen-y mood. I can now very much delineate the two halves of the brothers: Joel is responsible for the artsy stuff, like his solo Shakespeare effort (The Tragedy of MacBeth), while Ethan provides the off-the-wall comedy shenanigans (à la Raising Arizona). What we get here is very much a distilled version of this madness; quirky characters, psychedelic sequences, and a fun, offbeat soundtrack. All the pieces fit together like some sort of a fever dream. However, it didn't completely work for me. I recall this movie being described as "unabashedly horny," but I didn't find it titillating at all. The sex stuff is so over-the-top and ridiculous. Aside from the hilarious central conceit of the plot (which I won't dare spoil here), I don't think I'll remember a whole lot about it in the morning.

2½ mysterious briefcases out of 5