- About Time brings the emotional punch and the time‑travel twist.
- Anyone But You delivers the modern, flirty, chaotic fun.
- Love At First Sight wraps things up with a sweet, grounded story about connection and timing.
Jerry's Movie Reviews
Web log that provides periodic reviews of movies using a new rating system in 2024. Formerly, movies were rated as a "first-date" movie and/or "first-rate movie rental". In 2022 and 2023, we rated movies on a Beer basis. See details in the sidebar below. Beginning 2024, we now use a simpler rating system - Thumbs Up/Down!
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Love, Laughs & Late‑Night Vibes: My Rom‑Com Triple‑Feature Livestream!
About Time (2013): The Quiet Little Time‑Travel Romance That Sneaks Up on You (Thumbs Up! ❤️⏳)
About Time (2013): The Quiet Little Time‑Travel Romance That Sneaks Up on You (Thumbs Up! ❤️⏳)
About Time (2013)
Director: Richard Curtis
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy
Every so often, a movie comes along that feels like a warm cup of coffee on a rainy Sunday morning. About Time is exactly that kind of film. On the surface, it’s a time‑travel rom‑com, but underneath, it’s really a gentle nudge to slow down and appreciate the tiny, ordinary moments we usually rush past. Richard Curtis leans fully into sincerity here, and if you let the movie work its magic, it hits in a very personal, very human way.
The story follows Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), who learns at 21 that the men in his family can travel back in time within their own lives. No saving the world, no sci‑fi paradox puzzles—just do‑overs on the awkward, messy, everyday stuff. Naturally, Tim uses this gift to fix social fumbles and win the heart of Mary (Rachel McAdams). Bill Nighy, as Tim’s dad, quietly steals the movie with his laid‑back charm and soft‑spoken wisdom.
What makes the film work is that the time‑travel isn’t the point—it’s the framing device. The real story is about family dinners, missed chances, late‑night conversations, and the tiny decisions that shape our lives. Curtis keeps things light and funny, but he’s also building toward some surprisingly emotional moments that land beautifully.
Gleeson is perfectly cast as the earnest, slightly awkward lead you can’t help rooting for. McAdams brings warmth and grounded charm, and Nighy delivers one of the most lovable father‑figure performances in recent memory. Their scenes together are the heart of the film.
Aggregate Scores (per the Fabiola Effect):
- IMDb: 7.8/10 → Above the 7/10 threshold—great start.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 70% critics (and 81% audience) → Clears the 70% bar right on the line.
Fabiola Effect unlocked: 7.8 on IMDb + 70% on RT = instant WATCH. It qualifies!
This one gets a solid π thumbs up from me. It’s heartfelt, funny, and surprisingly emotional without ever feeling heavy. I’d absolutely rewatch it—especially on a quiet evening when you want something warm, sincere, and uplifting. If you like romance with a touch of magic and a lot of heart, this is a must‑see. ❤️⏳
What's YOUR take? Drop it below—does this pass your Fabiola test too?
Ford v Ferrari: The Thrilling True Racing Story That Still Revs Up the Engine (Thumbs Up! π️π₯)
Ford v Ferrari: The Thrilling True Racing Story That Still Revs Up the Engine (Thumbs Up! π️π₯)
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Tracy Letts, Jon Bernthal, CaitrΓona Balfe
Back in 2019, I called this a "Great movie" and gave it my old "First Date Movie" rating—do see it in theaters! Fast-forward to today, and it still holds up as one of the most exciting, heart-pounding racing films out there. Matt Damon and Christian Bale team up perfectly as Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles in the true story of Ford's quest to beat Ferrari at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The rivalry isn't just with Ferrari—there's plenty of corporate drama inside Ford too, and it makes for some intense, edge-of-your-seat moments.
The racing scenes are incredible—loud, fast, and so realistic you feel every turn. Bale is phenomenal as the quirky, talented Miles, and Damon nails Shelby's cool, determined vibe. The chemistry between them is spot-on, and the supporting cast (especially Tracy Letts as Henry Ford II) adds great depth. It's not just about cars; it's about friendship, passion, and fighting the system. No heavy drama overload—just pure adrenaline with real emotional payoff.
Yes, it's a bit long at 2.5 hours, but the pacing never drags, and the payoff at Le Mans is worth every minute. If you love sports movies with heart (think Jerry Maguire vibes but on the track), this is a must-watch.
Aggregate Scores (per the Fabiola Effect):
- IMDb: 8.1/10 → Way above the 7/10 mark—excellent!
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% critics (and 98% audience) → Crushes the 70% bar with room to spare.
Fabiola Effect unlocked: 92%+ on RT and 8.1/10 on IMDb = instant WATCH. No second thoughts!
Solid π thumbs up rating from me—then and now. This is a perfect high-energy watch that leaves you pumped and inspired. I'd happily rewatch it again for the racing thrills, the great performances, and that epic Le Mans finale. If you're in the mood for something exciting with real heart, stream this one now. Highly recommended for racing fans, sports movie lovers, and anyone who likes a good underdog story! π❤️
What's YOUR take? Drop it below—does this pass your Fabiola test too?
Anyone But You: The Steamy, Laugh-Out-Loud Rom-Com That's Pure Enemies-to-Lovers Gold (Thumbs Up! π₯❤️)
Anyone But You: The Steamy, Laugh-Out-Loud Rom-Com That's Pure Enemies-to-Lovers Gold (Thumbs Up! π₯❤️)
Anyone But You (2023)
Director: Will Gluck
Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp, GaTa, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths
Okay, I finally watched this one, and wow—what a fun, sexy, laugh-out-loud ride! Anyone But You is a modern take on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, and it absolutely nails the enemies-to-lovers trope. Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) have one amazing night together... then everything goes wrong. Fast-forward to a destination wedding in Australia where they're forced to pretend to be a happy couple. Cue the hilarious fake romance, sizzling chemistry, and all the classic rom-com chaos you could want.
The banter is sharp, the physical comedy is on point, and the chemistry between Sweeney and Powell is electric—they're both charming, gorgeous, and clearly having a blast. The supporting cast (especially GaTa as the hilarious best friend and the wedding family) adds great warmth and laughs without stealing the show. The Australian scenery is stunning, and the soundtrack keeps the energy high. It's light, steamy, and unapologetically fun—exactly what a rom-com should be when you want to turn your brain off and just enjoy the ride.
Yes, it leans into familiar tropes (fake dating, grand gestures, the big misunderstanding), but it does them with confidence and heart. The emotional moments land because the leads sell it so well. No heavy drama here—just pure, feel-good escapism with plenty of heat and humor.
Aggregate Scores (per the Fabiola Effect):
- IMDb: 6.1/10 → A little below the 7/10 mark, but don't let that fool you—it's way better than the score suggests!
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85% critics → Clears the 70% bar easily and shows how much critics actually enjoyed it.
Fabiola Effect unlocked: 85% on RT trumps the slightly lower IMDb score = instant WATCH. The audience knows what's up!
Solid π thumbs up from me. This is a perfect date-night or girls'-night rom-com—funny, flirty, and leaves you smiling. I'd absolutely watch it again for the laughs, the chemistry, and that beach wedding scene. If you're craving something light, sexy, and uplifting, stream this one right now. Highly recommended for rom-com lovers! π₯❤️
What's YOUR take? Drop it below—does this pass your Fabiola test too?
Love at First Sight: The Cozy Rom-Com That'll Make You Believe in Fate Again (Thumbs Up! ❤️)
Love at First Sight: The Cozy Rom-Com That'll Make You Believe in Fate Again (Thumbs Up! ❤️)
Love at First Sight (2023) – Official Poster
Director: Vanessa Caswill
Starring: Haley Lu Richardson, Ben Hardy, Jameela Jamil (narrator), Rob Delaney
This one's a sweet, modern rom-com that had me smiling the whole way through—classic meet-cute on a plane, missed connections, fate stepping in, all wrapped up in that cozy Netflix vibe. Hadley (Haley Lu Richardson) and Oliver (Ben Hardy) cross paths at the airport, share a spark, but life keeps throwing curveballs to keep them apart. Jameela Jamil's witty narration ties it all together like a fun fairy-tale guide, and the chemistry between the leads is spot-on—adorable, believable, and just the right amount of awkward charm.
The story leans into those familiar rom-com tropes (delayed flights, grand gestures, second chances), but it does them with heart and a touch of whimsy. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it nails the feel-good emotional payoff: hope, loss, and believing in love when it feels impossible. Haley Lu Richardson is her usual charming self (she's got that relatable, girl-next-door energy that makes you root for her), and Ben Hardy brings just enough British charm to make the pairing work. The supporting cast adds nice warmth too.
Aggregate Scores (per the Fabiola Effect):
- IMDb: 6.8/10 → Passes the 7/10 mark? Close enough—solidly in the good zone!
- Rotten Tomatoes: 76% critics → Clears the 70% bar with room to spare.
Fabiola Effect unlocked: 70%+ on RT and nearly 7/10 on IMDb = instant WATCH. No second thoughts!
Easy π thumbs up rating from me. This is a perfect cozy night-in rom-com—uplifting, light-hearted, and leaves you feeling hopeful about love. I'd happily watch it again for the smiles and that sweet airport ending. If you're in the mood for something feel-good with great leads and zero heavy drama, stream this one now. Highly recommended for rom-com fans! ❤️
What's YOUR take? Drop it below—does this pass your Fabiola test too?
Friday, January 16, 2026
π¬ Our #2 all-time favorite Romantic Comedy gets the spotlight in this quick review on Jerry's Movie Review! ππΏ
#2 RomCom
Friday, January 02, 2026
Double Feature Review: Cashback (2006) and The Healer (2016/2018)
More RomComs!
These two lesser-known indie films—Cashback and The Healer—offer quirky, heartfelt stories that fly under the mainstream radar. Both blend drama with elements of romance and fantasy, but they tackle very different themes: one explores time, art, and heartbreak through a comedic lens, while the other dives into faith, healing, and personal redemption. Here's a breakdown of each, including aggregate scores from critics and audiences, followed by my personal take.
Cashback (2006)
Directed by Sean Ellis, this British comedy-drama-romance follows Ben (Sean Biggerstaff), an art student reeling from a breakup who develops insomnia. He takes a night shift at a supermarket, where his vivid imagination leads him to fantasize about stopping time to appreciate beauty—often in artistic, frozen moments.
Aggregate Scores:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 53% Tomatometer (critics), 58% Audience Score. The critic consensus calls out an "unlikable protagonist, messy editing, and gratuitous nudity" that might leave viewers wanting their "cash back."
- IMDb: 7.1/10 (based on over 94,000 ratings).
Critics were mixed, often finding it pretentious or uneven, but audiences lean slightly more positive, appreciating its quirky charm.
My Thoughts: I highly recommend Cashback—it's a clever, visually inventive film with a lot of heart beneath its eccentric surface. The concept of stopping time to admire everyday beauty is poetic and ties nicely into themes of art and moving on from pain. Yes, there are some slower scenes that drag a bit in the middle, and fair warning: there's notable nudity (mostly artistic, non-sexual female nudity in frozen-time sequences), so it's not for everyone or family viewing. But if you're okay with that, it's rewarding and oddly uplifting. A solid indie gem worth seeking out.
The Healer (2016, also known as 2018 release in some markets)
Directed by Paco Arango, this family-oriented drama stars Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Alec, a skeptical young man who inherits a mysterious "gift" of healing from his family. Relocating to a small town, he grapples with his newfound ability, especially when a teenage girl with terminal cancer (Camilla Luddington) enters his life and challenges his disbelief.
Aggregate Scores:
- Rotten Tomatoes: Limited critic reviews (only a handful), generally negative—critics describe it as clichΓ©d, poorly staged, and unrewarding. No official Tomatometer percentage due to low review count, but audience ratings are mixed (100+ verified, with some calling it "enjoyable" and others "contrived").
- IMDb: 6.4/10 (based on about 9,300 ratings).
It's very much a crowd-divider: critics largely panned it for predictability, while some audiences find it heartwarming.
My Thoughts: The Healer was a pleasant surprise for me—I went in with low expectations given the sparse reviews and came away touched. It's a feel-good story about faith, purpose, and human connection, with solid performances and an inspiring message that doesn't feel overly preachy. The pacing is gentle (almost too gentle at times), and it leans into familiar tropes, but the emotional payoff works. I'd absolutely recommend it if you're in the mood for something uplifting and wholesome—perfect for a cozy night in.
Final Verdict: Both films are underrated hidden treasures that prioritize emotion and originality over polish. Cashback brings more wit and visual flair (with caveats for nudity and slower moments), while The Healer delivers straightforward inspiration. If you're tired of blockbuster formula, give these a watch—you might find them as recommendable as I did!
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Jerry's Top 3 Rom-Com Picks
Greetings, movie enthusiasts!
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Runaway Jury (2003) - Revisited
Revisited Review for Jerry's Movie Review on YouTube!
- Watch on DVD
- Or, stream from Amazon Prime Video Trial
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Venom: Last Dance (2024) π
Is it the last dance? Jerry's Movie Review on YouTube
- Watch on DVD
- Or, stream from Amazon Prime Video Trial
Friday, January 10, 2025
In the Heart of the Sea (2015)
Is it True? Let's check out Jerry's Movie Review on YouTube
- Watch on DVD
- Or, stream from Amazon Prime Video Trial
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