David’s Download: Summer 2025 Rewind
Beyond the movies reviewed by The Drive Home team each month, I try to watch several other movies – both at home and at the theater, including films I’ve never seen and some rewatches. As summer officially comes to a close this week, I thought it was the perfect time to share an update on what I’ve being watching (and before my viewing shifts entirely to the horror genre for October). Enjoy a lengthy recap below, and consider adding some of these to your watch list!
Here’s how we be categorize movies in these monthly Rewinds on David’s Download:
Delete – don’t watch or never watch again
Play – worth a viewing if the genre, actors, or something about the film matches your cup of tea (also a nod to one of my favorite J.Lo songs)
Save – worth a rewatch or definitely a must-see if you have never watched before
DELETE
The Woman in the Yard
This might be my least favorite horror movie of the year. Despite some stylish direction from Jaume Collet-Serra, the story is weak, and the movie is simply not scary. Also, I am sick of the ghost(s) in horror movies being a manifestation of one’s mental health struggles, be it grief, trauma, or depression. It’s been done to death… The Babadook, Smile, the list goes on. Give me an actual ghost or a madman on the loose!
Hell of a Summer
While I admire Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk for writing and directing their first original movie, unfortunately Hell of a Summer feels like a rip-off of several other fright flicks. It’s literally a retread of Friday the 13th with the twist of Scream 4… and considerably less funny and scary. Pass!
Him
I expected a lot more out of Him with Jordan Peele’s name attached as producer, but sadly the movie has a thin plot underpinned by an obvious metaphor about greatness. The frenetic direction diminishes the scare factor, and the editing is choppy. Stretches of the movie feel like a drawn-out music video. If you decide to give this movie a chance, it’s only worth it for Marlon Wayans’ performance.
PLAY
Malice
Nicole Kidman shines in this twisty thriller written by Aaron Sorkin. The plot is a little far-fetched, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Suspect
Cher plays a lawyer and slays the courtroom during a murder trial of a deaf, mute, and homeless war veteran played by Liam Neeson. The final reveal isn’t as riveting as I had hoped, but it’s Cher… in a courtroom… enough said!
Almost Famous
I know Almost Famous is considered a classic by many, but it didn’t quite pack the emotional punch I usually get from the best coming-of-age movies. As an avid music lover and writer, I thought I’d be more moved by a story about a young journalist set in the world of rock & roll. Even so, it’s worth watching for the strong performances and a rapturous depiction of the 70’s.
Echo Valley
Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney give heart-wrenching performances as mother and daughter in this glum, but engrossing drama-thriller. While the direction is a bit dreary and some of the plot twists can be hard to swallow, everything came together in the end for me.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
This is probably the weakest entry in The Conjuring franchise, but it’s worth a watch and includes plenty of jump scares. I give the filmmakers credit for branching out from the usual “haunted house” storyline and basing this installment off of the Warren’s famous case in which a man claimed demonic possession as his defense during a murder trial.
Happy Gilmore 2
This legacy sequel banks on nostalgia and mostly succeeds. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who doesn’t love the original Happy Gilmore. However, if you’re an Adam Sandler fan, you’ll find that this is a cut above most of the garbage he’s made for Netflix over the last decade.
One Hour Photo
Robin Williams gives an award-worthy performance in this unsettling psychological thriller. It’s a gripping character study that will make you wish Williams had the chance to do more interesting projects like this before his untimely passing.
I Don’t Understand You
Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells have excellent chemistry and bring the laughs in this black comedy about a gay couple vacationing in Italy without any knowledge of the country’s language or culture. The journey is quite fun and dark until the ending that simply fizzles. If only the filmmakers had stuck the landing, this could have become a cult classic.
SAVE
Kpop Demon Hunters
Netflix and Sony’s latest animated offering is destined to become a classic. It’s a joyous celebration of music and fan culture, and the songwriters absolutely delivered with the movie’s soundtrack of Kpop bangers!
The Notebook
Despite workmanlike writing and direction, The Notebook’s final act brings tears to my eyes every time. There’s a reason Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams became such stars after this romantic drama!
True Lies
They don’t make summer blockbusters like this anymore! While Arnold Schwarzenegger is in his element, Jamie Lee Curtis is the real showstopper here. (Also, I had no idea she was so HOT!) Even at 2 hours and 25 minutes, the movie has an energetic pace, and the action set pieces are awe-inspiring, especially considering this was made in 1994. Watching True Lies makes me wish James Cameron wasn’t spending the rest of his days making a zillion Avatar movies…
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
This has to be the campiest of the Elm Street franchise, but that’s what makes it so special. The practical effects look great, and it’s nice to see the original’s final girl, Heather Langenkamp, back for a proper sendoff.