Back in March I wrote a post about things I would like to do more of this year and I’ve basically done none of the things I said I wanted to do apart from watching movies by myself. I have always struggled to watch films alone; I get awfully distracted and can’t ever shake the feeling that I’m wasting my time and could be doing something much more productive, like blogging, decluttering or exercising. Which I know is a ridiculous mindset because we all need down time and give our thinking minds a break but it’s in my nature to always want to be on, on, on all the hecking damn time. However, I have managed to have a word with myself, sit myself down and watch some movies recently (and not feel bad about it – yay!) So here are my mini-reviews of some things!
Love, Simon (2018) – 5/5 ๐
I’m sure you all know what Love, Simon is about by now but super quick if you don’t: A high school boy named Simon (imagine that) starts chatting online to an anonymous boy at his school who is gay, like him. Simon’s family and friends don’t know and he’s fallen for the charming anon who calls himself “Blue”.
Love, Simon was quite frankly, one of the most lovely films I’ve seen in a bloody long time. It has an amazing cast (if you liked 13 Reasons Why then you’ll be pleased to see Katherine Langford, who plays quite a big part and Miles Heizer) and definitely keeps you guessing. It had me stumped as to who Blue was to the point where I couldn’t think of a single person it could be. It’s funny, emotional – really emotional – and just an all round bloody perfect film.
Black Panther (2018) – 5/5ย ๐
I left it far too long to see Black Panther and I’m kicking myself for it. I’ll straight up say that I’m not hugely into superhero movies. They’re not on my radar of “must watch” and I just don’t really enjoy them as much as other genres. But Black Panther always piqued my interest and my goodness, from the cast, to the graphics, to the storyline – it was outstanding.
Again, you probably know what it’s about but: T’Challa returns to Wakanda after the death of his father to take his place as King. But when he’s faced with a threat, his role as King and as Black Panther is challenged as this new threat to the kingdom might be a bit closer to home than he thinks. Black Panther was visually, a masterpiece. It was beautiful. And Michael B Jordan. I’ll say no more.
Wonder (2017) – 5/5ย ๐
Wonder made me cry and cry and cry and cry and cry. If you want uplifting, this is the film for you. Wonder is about a young boy called August who has severe facial deformities. Spending most of his life living in his favourite Space helmet, his parents decide it’s time for him to go to an actual school and stop being home school. Having to navigate the world of school, bullies, making friends and being different, Wonder follows the whole family during this important time in all their lives.
Above all else, Wonder is a story of love and it really shows in all the relationships in the movie. Between August and his parents, August and his Sister, his Sister and her old best friend – the relationships are endless and there’s always a story to tell. It’s an incredibly emotional movie with incredible messages which will really touch your heart on a whole other level.
Cargo (2017) – 3/5ย ๐
This has been on my Netflix radar for ages and I’m always quite drawn to Zombie-esque type films. Anything where humans turn into flesh eating monsters with a bit of gore and some sort of mass pandemic always goes down well with me (despite The Walking Dead boring me to tears) so I really wanted to watch Cargo plus I love Martin Freeman, I mean who doesn’t.
Cargo is set in a post-apocalyptic type world where there has in fact, been a mass pandemic and it’s a fight for survival. The main character, Andy (Martin Freeman baby) has to navigate the expanse of rural Australia to find a home for his infant daughter, before it’s too dangerous for her to stay with him. I’d probably rate Cargo a 3/5 because it’s a pretty slow burner. Which isn’t always bad but for my inpatient nature, I like something a bit faster paced. Martin was fabulous, as always and the “Zombie’s” in this one were a little different, which was good but a little disturbing.
Brain on Fire (2016) – 4/5ย ๐
Brain on Fire is about a 20-something Woman who is just starting her career as an up and coming journalist in New York. Her life and everything in it is absolutely fine until one day she starts to experience fatigue and seizures. Which gradually get worse to the point where she’s hearing voices, becoming paranoid, frantic and aggressive and eventually, catatonic. And no tests reveal there’s anything wrong with her until one doctor’s last minute observation might help.
This was a really fascinating film as it’s based off a real story and the woman who actually experienced what she called her “month of madness”. It was frightening seeing this young girl completely lose herself to the point where all she can do it sit in a hospital bed and stare at the wall. Knowing this is all true made it even more scary but it was eye-opening. As a film, I really enjoyed it. I though Chloe Grace Moretz played Susannah brilliantly and it’s well worth a watch if you’re fascinated by medical type things!
Iโve not saw any of these films but Wonder sounds great! Iโll need to check it out for myself.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
Definitely worth a watch ๐
I stilllll havenโt seen Love Simon!
Also always wanted to go the cinema by myself. Does it add more to the experience? X
Iโve never been to the cinema by myself either! I saw all of these on Sky movies when they came out or Netflix!
great reviews, I haven’t seen any of these ones yet
I suggest you give them a watch!
I absolutely loved Wonder! It had me in tears. Black Panther was great too but Wonder is definitely my favourite from this list.
Oh so many here I have yet to watch!
Would recommend them all massively ๐
Doing film reviews like this is such a lovely idea and your posts are always a pleasure to read, I love your writing! I’ve not seen any of these and I will have to change that.
Thank you ๐ I really enjoyed writing them like this too!
I’m the EXACT same when it comes to watching movies alone! Once I actually get cosy in bed and get the film playing I quite enjoy it, but get distracted far too easily. Love Simon is easily one of my new favourites though, it’s so cute and wholesome! I need to check out Wonder actually, read the book but I haven’t had chance to see the film yet
Megan // https://pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com
Yep Iโm exactly the same and it takes a REALLY good film to keep my interest if Iโm watching it alone!
I am the opposite in that the superhero movies are on my instant must see radar haha so i’am glad you enjoyed Black Panther! A few of these I have been curious about but haven’t watched as it’s not my usual genre. Your reviews make me think I should just sit down and watch them though! Thanks!
Well if superheroes arenโt my genre and I loved BP then you should try one which isnโt your genre! ๐
I’m like you, I can’t ever seem to sit still and focus during films so I rarely watch them – so I’ve not seen any of these yet! I really want to see Love, Simon and Black Panther cause everyone raves about them, but Brain on Fire sounds incredible too! Thanks for the brilliant reviews!
Beth x
Love Simon would be a good one to start with if youโre like me in that respect ๐
I want to see all these movies but I have to wait till they come on Amazon Prime, Netflix, or the TV.
Black Panther is already on Netflix!
Not here in Japan. It might be the next millennium till we get it.
I have not been to the movies in quite a long time so I have not seen any of these! But I am dying to see Black Panther! Love Simon sounds great too! I watched the Incredible 2 though and what a blast!
I think Black Panther is on Netflix now ๐
Wonder touched my heart so deeply. I read the book already and knowing that they’ll make a movie out of it is just beautiful. Also, they have another “sequel” book to wonder! It tells us about the back story of Julian, and a definite must read!
Haven’t watched love, Simon yet… but I’m so intrigued!
Oh really! That sounds interesting because I hated Julian SO much!
Boy am I out of it! I haven’t seen any of these movies. i.e. Black Panther, Love Simon, Wonder and Cargo. I will be looking online for movie trailers. I never heard of Brain On Fire.
Itโs on Netflix ๐
Yes I did! Not all of them but I saw Love Simon and Black Panther.
I loved both.
Love Sumon was awesome! It made me cry and I’m a huge fan of the end (and the whole story actually haha)
It’s different than what you usually see in movies and I loved to be surprised and not knowing what to expect from the story! One of my favorite movies so far!
I need to look into the others ๐ thanks for sharing!
I donโt think Love Simon made me cry but it was so sweet and uplifting!
Following your blog!
You should definitely do more movie and tv show reviews, it was fun seeing your opinion on what you watched. My sister and I bought Love Simon in June and it was so good. I think I have a crush on Nick Robinson ever since I saw him in Jurassic World hehehe! Michael B Jordan in Black Panther…no words he was just phenomenal!! My sis and I saw Black Panther when it came out and we were doing the hand shake T’Challa and Shuri did over and over, plus that epic shoulder bounce hehehe!!
Natonya | http://www.justnatonya.wordpress.com
Thank you! ๐ Awh Nick is really cute isnโt he!
Wonder and Love Simon have been on my to watch list for ages! I love the style of these reviews and it makes me want to watch these films even more, and to rewatch ones like Black Panther which I loved when I saw it the first time! Loved this style of post and it’s reminded me I need to take more time to myself to watch films and just unwind, I always forget how much I love films until I sit down to watch them. Great post x
beesytimes.co.uk
Awh thank you! I enjoyed doing mini reviews much more than really long ones ๐
I’ve only seen one movie on this list, Black Panther and I agree with you, it was a masterpiece. I had plans to go watch Wonder but got caught up. I’ll check it out before the week is out.
Hope you enjoy it! ๐
Iโve only watched two of these lmao I need to have a serious movie watching session, I might catch up on some when Iโm scheduling my blog posts that I need to do for the rest of this year because of how busy itโs going to be… eek. I feel like Iโm the only person who didnโt enjoy Wonder, it was a bit too cheesy for me, even though I used to love the book, I really hated black panther the first time round, but I think after Infinity War, the gang is growing on me ๐๐ Great post as always xxx
You hated Black Panther?!?!
A little bit… but I think it grew on me the second time round
Wonder is a great film and even better book!! ๐๐
I really want to read the book ๐
Loved this Jenny! Such great film choices. I read Love Simon a few months before it came out (if you pardon the pun!) and I was so surprised (pleasantly) with how they brought it from page to screen.
Haha absolutely loved the pun!
I can definitely relate to feeling like Iโm wasting my time watching films and that I should be doing something more productive like applying to jobs haha but I try not to be too hard on myself! Black Panther was such an epic movie, itโs one of those movies where I can watch it numerous times! Iโm a huge marvel fan so superhero movies are permanently on my radar!
Wonder was such a beautiful movie and I can definitely relate to crying when watching it. Itโs such an interesting storyline and has really important messages conveyed. The Brain on Fire sounds interesting, Iโve seen Chloe Grace Mortez in the film If I Stay and thought she was amazing in it, Iโve been trying to find more movies of hers!
Sahara
http://saharas-dreams.blogspot.com
Oh definitely give Brain on Fire a go! She was fantastic in that ๐
I’ve only watched two of the films you’ve mentioned here (Love, Simon & Brain On Fire) but I love the sound of the other three you’ve mentioned. Cargo sounds right up my street! I was never really into Zombie films until I started The Walking Dead but now I can’t get enough of them. I prefer the character development side of them in the post-apocalyptic world as opposed to the gore, so I’ll have to give it a watch and see what I think of it. I’m always looking for new Netflix recommendations so this post came at the perfect time!
Rebekah Gillian | https://rebekahgillian.co.uk
I think youโll like Cargo then in that case! I loved TWD up until a point and then I got bored ๐
Great post! I have wanted to watch Wonder ever since I knew they were making it into a film. The book is one of my all time favourite books!!
Eleanor May || http://www.eleaanormay.com
Awh really! I havenโt read the book yet but I definitely want to!
I haven’t seen any of these films you have mentioned but they all sound very interesting for sure. I will be watching Black Panther and Love, Simon soon for sure. Great mini reviews
Melissa ๐ | http://www.moonlightmel.co.uk
Hope you get around to watching some soon!
Fab post! I’m the exact same- I find it so hard to just sit and relax to watch a film, I always feel like i need to be doing something! I haven’t watched any of these films so I need to definitely check them out x
Ugh definitely! Itโs such an annoying feeling!
great post!! I can totally relate to having trouble sitting down to watch a movie. I always get distracted by something! Iโve wanted to see Love, Simon and Black Panther for a while hopefully they come to netflix soon! Brain on Fire seems like a really good movie, I have to take my dad to a 3 hour doctor appointment tomorrow I think iโll bring my computer along and watch that movie in the waiting room! xx
mich // simplymich.com
That sounds like a fab idea! I believe Black Panther has been added to Netflix so thereโs your day sorted! ๐
I’ve wanted to see Wonder for ages but I want to read the book first! Brain on Fire jumped out at me as soon as I saw it on Netflix so I’ll definitely give it a try! Great reviews lovely
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
Hope you like it! ๐
I have never heard of the last 3 of these films. Wonder sounds bloody sad! But good. I think I will give it a go when I want a good cry! I was loving the sound of Brain on Fire untill I saw the words ” Chloe Grace Moretz” hahaha! Zombie films are too gory for me, might give it a try when I am feeling more in the Halloween spirit. I LOVED Black Panther it is an amazing film. Love, Simon is on my to watch list! x
Do you not like her?! I think sheโs a fab actress.
Great reviews! I’m super behind on my movie-watching so I actually haven’t seen any of these yet but some of them sound really good. Also, I love Martin Freeman too! Should we start a fan club? ๐
Oh definitely! Heโs so cute ๐
Iโm exactly the same! I feel so guilty about having any kind of downtime and think I have to be working 24/7; its such an unhealthy mindset and Iโm glad youโve been able to get out of it a little and enjoy some films ๐ Black Panther is the only one on this list that Iโve seen, but it was absolutely amazing!! Itโs definitely become one of my favourite Marvel films ๐๐ผ xxx
Jade | jademarie.co.uk
Weโre literally exactly the same in that respect! Itโs bloody awful I just want to RELAX ๐ Iโm honestly not a Marvel fan but I needed to see what the fuss was about with BP and I wasnโt disappointed!
I’m awful at watching films. I add them to my Netflix watch later then I either get distracted or just never find the time to actually sit and watch it. I love the sound of Brain on Fire though. I’ve never heard of it before either so thanks for the recommendation ๐
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
My Netflix watch later list is an absolute joke haha! Brain on Fire isnโt too long either so thatโs good ๐
Black Panther was amazing!!! The soundtrack was so beautiful as well. Iโm gonna put brain on fire on my Netflix list and try to watch it soon x
It really was! Definitely need to rewatch it soon ๐
I definitely enjoyed seeing Black Panther too ๐
Was a great film ๐
Great reviews! I’ve been wanting to read Wonder and Love, Simon since I first heard about their release. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed them. It makes me want to watch them even more now! ๐
Iโd definitely recommend! Iโd love to read both of the books ๐
Yes! Both books are on my TBR as well! ๐
Black Panther is one of my favourite Marvel movies of all time, that and Thor Ragnarok
Rebecca Elaine x
I honestly donโt watch Marvel films at all but I needed to see what all the fuss was about and itโs totally justified!
I really need to get back into watching movies with my husband. He usually watches whatever he wants, and I don’t watch TV. I’m also easily distracted.
Jennifer | Mrs Q Beauty
You need to find something thatโll grip you!
Loved your reviews, I would like to read more! I haven’t seen a movie in a long time. I think I might have to avoid Wonder though, because the book had me in bits.
I didnโt find the film sad at all, thereโs a few bits which tug at your heart but overall it was very uplifting!
ah great little reviews! i wish i had time and the attention span to watch a film these days!
Thank you ๐ you just need something thatโll grip you!
I recently watched Brain on Fire and really enjoyed it. Really such a good film I thought. I’ve looked at Love, Simon and have been 50/50 about watching it but will definitely make sure to add it to my watch list now. ๐
Definitely watch it! Itโs so so good!
I have not seen Simon yet! Itโs going to have to be one I watch on my Tod as the mister really doesnโt like the sound of it (to chick flick I think) Iโm wishing he would just go have a poker night with the boys so I can get this watched. Great reviews Jenny.
Kate x
Yeah my boyfriend wasnโt keen on watching Love Simon either so I watched it alone ๐
Sometimes itโs better then having โthis is rubbishโ repeated over and over when itโs something they donโt like haha x
I’ve only watched Love Simon out of this list but I absolutely loved it! One of my favourite films of the year, I can’t wait to watch it again. I’ll have to watch some of the other films you mentioned soon, they all sound brilliant xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
I need to rewatch it too!
I really want to see love Simon x
Definitely recommend!
I think a group of mini reviews is perfect! We loved Black Panther too (got it for Flora but ended up being gripped) and yes, Michael B Jordan. Say no more indeed. Wonder is on my radar, I think it looks like an amazing film, your 5 stars has just reminded me to buy it. Don’t be too hard on yourself for not doing everything you wanted to do, you’re doing SOOOOO much already, I’d hate to see you get burn out ๐ lovely mini reviews, I really enjoyed this post xx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Thank you! I really enjoyed writing these. I think youโll love Wonder, itโs so beautiful!
I still need to watch Black Panther, everyone raves about it!
Love, Amie โค
The Curvaceous Vegan
And rightly so! ๐
I’ve watched the first three movies you mentioned and they’re all so good. Wonder made me cry a lot, too. ๐ญ And ya, more of this kind of post please! โค๏ธ
Yay! Glad you liked it! Iโll definitely think about doing more ๐
I keep meaning to watch Black Panther and now you’ve convinced me! x
Definitely worth a watch!
I loved Love Simon and Wonder – two of my fave films!! Will have to check the others out though!!
I want to watch Love Simon again, such a good film!
I watched a little of Black Panther on a cruise last week and liked it x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
Make sure you watch the rest!
Loved your reviews, I read Brain on Fire great read if you get a chance.
Iโd definitely be interested in reading the book too! ๐
I love the idea of watching a film on your own, Iโve only ever done this a few times so need to make more time for it. Wonder is a film Iโd happily watch again, itโs sooo good! Love, Simon and Brain On Fire sound like my kinda films. Thanks for the recommendations Jenny ๐ xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I enjoy watching movies alone now, like when my boyfriend is at work and I can snuggle up with tea and chocolate and the dog and Netflix, itโs perfect! ๐