Every year I try to keep track of the movies I watch—some out of curiosity, some just for the fun of it, and others because everyone’s talking about them. This year was no different. I watched a mix of blockbusters, hidden gems, and a couple of disappointments. Here’s a quick rundown of 10 movies I’ve seen recently, along with my honest, no-fluff thoughts.
The Bikeriders (2024)
This one’s alright. It’s well made, and the story has a certain gritty charm, especially if you’re into biker culture. But if that world doesn’t really appeal to you, you’re not missing much by skipping it. It’s the kind of movie that’s good, but only if you already care about the subject matter.
Den of Thieves 2 (2025)
This one tried really hard. And on paper, it checks a lot of boxes for a good heist movie. But in execution? It’s just too much. Too many unnecessary details, too many slow-motion scenes meant to build tension, and too many moments that drag on without payoff. It becomes exhausting to sit through, even though the intent was clearly there.
The Order (2024)
A surprisingly solid film. It’s well written, well shot, and the performances land. One of those rare times when all the elements come together nicely. If you enjoy smart thrillers with tight pacing and a serious tone, definitely give this one a shot.
Flight Risk (2025)
Not bad at all. Mark Wahlberg actually delivers a pretty solid performance here, which is refreshing considering how many forgettable roles he’s taken lately. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining and has a decent flow. A good watch when you’re in the mood for something that doesn’t demand too much.
The Apprentice (2024)
Really well done, but it helps to know some background going in. The movie assumes the audience already understands a lot about the context—especially political context—so if you’re not familiar, you might feel a bit lost. Still, Sebastian Stan gives a fantastic performance, and the whole production feels sharp.
Kimi (2022)
Steven Soderbergh rarely makes bad movies, and Kimi is definitely not a bad movie. But it didn’t quite click for me. It’s technically solid, well directed, and it has a nice contained story—but it’s not something I’d rewatch. It’s good, just not my kind of good.
Back in Action (2025)
This is your classic popcorn movie—nothing too deep, just fun. It kind of feels like The Family Plan, but with better visuals and stronger performances. Also worth noting: Cameron Diaz makes a comeback after a long break from acting, and she still has it.
Babes (2024)
Light-hearted adult comedy with a mix of laughs and a few surprisingly emotional moments. If you’re into that slightly inappropriate, sometimes heartfelt humor, this one’s for you. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it’s a fun, easy watch.
Douglas Is Cancelled (2024)
Loved this one. It’s sharp, clever, and genuinely well written. The acting is on point, and the script keeps things moving at just the right pace. I was kind of expecting a big twist at the end, but it doesn’t really go that way—and honestly, it doesn’t need to. The writing carries it.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
This was a great surprise. Beautiful cinematography, strong acting, and a tight, engaging story. There’s a small “woke” moment near the end that felt a bit out of place, but overall it’s one of the best entries in the franchise. Definitely worth watching.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, it’s been a mixed bag—some hits, some misses, and a few pleasant surprises. What I’ve learned is that even the movies I didn’t love still gave me something to think about, whether it was a standout performance, an unexpected twist, or just a reminder of what not to do in filmmaking.
If you’ve seen any of these, I’d love to hear what you thought—and if you’ve got recommendations, drop them my way. There’s always room for another movie night.