What I've Been Watching: June 2025
Recapping what was a bit of a slower month
Happy Thursday! Although I didn’t have as much time for movies this June, I still got the chance to watch a variety of interesting films. Here are the highlights:
Erin Brockovich (2000), first-time watch, available to rent or buy on VOD
Synopsis: “A flamboyant law firm secretary works tirelessly to gain justice for a small town wrecked by a utility company's pollution.” — IMDb
My thoughts: Julia Roberts’ Academy Award winning performance in Erin Brockovich stands the test of time. This is a movie star vehicle through and through, the type of film that rarely gets made anymore. The script is sharp and Roberts is undeniably magnetic. I only wish we were getting movies like this nowadays.
Shallow Grave (1994), first-time watch, available to rent or buy on VOD
Synopsis: “Three friends discover their new flatmate dead but loaded with cash.” — IMDb
My thoughts: In preparation for 28 Years Later I spent much of June diving into the filmography of Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later, Steve Jobs). Shallow Grave, his feature debut, boasts a strong grasp of tone, assured camera direction, and a trio of exceptional performances. As with all the best debuts, the seeds of greatness which blossom in his later work are apparent from the beginning. I loved it.
Trainspotting (1996), first-time watch, streaming for free on Pluto TV
Synopsis: “Renton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out despite the allure of drugs and the influence of friends.” — IMDb
My thoughts: Speaking of seeds of greatness blossoming, Danny Boyle didn’t have to wait very long. His next movie, Trainspotting, is a classic for a reason. Boyle and an incredible Ewan McGregor inject vibrancy and humor to one of the darkest stories I’ve ever seen. There’s nothing I can say about Trainspotting that hasn’t been said before. I’ll just add my voice to the choir declaring it an absolute must-watch.
The Wedding Banquet (2025), first-time watch, available to rent or buy on VOD
Synopsis: “A gay man makes a deal with his lesbian friend: a green-card marriage for him, in exchange for in vitro fertilization treatments for her. Plans evolve as Min's grandmother surprises them with a Korean wedding banquet.” — IMDb
My thoughts: Andrew Ahn’s remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 film of the same name is a compelling update. The direction is solid and story quite emotional, but the real draw is the cast. Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung are all fantastic. I’d place The Wedding Banquet as one of my favorite films of 2025 thus far.
Freaky Tales (2024), first-time watch, available to rent or buy on VOD
Synopsis: “Four interconnected stories set in 1987 Oakland, CA. will tell about the love of music, movies, people, places and memories beyond our knowable universe.”
My thoughts: Captain Marvel directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck return to something more personal with this highly-entertaining anthology. While the film is nothing particularly new or revolutionary, its highly-stylized form and memorable performances (Tom Hanks has an awesome scene in this film) kept me engaged the entire time. I really enjoyed it.