Tag: The Wild Robot

The Best and Worst Movies I Saw in 2025

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

2025 has been a strange year for 18 Cinema Lane. That’s because most of the movies I’ve seen and/or reviewed this year have been ok or fine. After seeing so few good or bad films in 2025, I wasn’t able to create separate top ten best and worst movies lists like in years past. So, instead, I wrote a combined list where I discuss the movies I saw this year that I liked and didn’t like. What’s also different about this year’s end of year list is how there are no Honorable Mentions, due to how few good movies I saw in 2025. But there are two Dishonorable Mentions; Recipe for Murder and Black Bag. The only reason why these films are considered Dishonorable Mentions is because I DNFed (did not finished) both of them. For this year’s list, I will start talking about 2025’s worst movies then end the list by talking about 2025’s best movies. If I reviewed any of the movies on my list, I will provide a link to those reviews.

Image by Rochak Shukla on Freepik

Worst Movies I Saw in 2025

7. Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend

Lifetime movies, like Hallmark movies, are not created equally. The 2024 film, Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend, is just one example of this statement. While it was interesting to see and hear how information about Amish culture was woven into the story, that part of the script couldn’t overshadow the major flaws of the movie. I was frustrated by how some characters would make dumb decisions simply for the sake of making dumb decisions. Stalked by My Amish Boyfriend was also, in my opinion, a mostly forgettable film. This is the reason why the 2024 picture is at the bottom of my list.

6. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

As I said in my review of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, I expected the 1949 movie to be an action-packed, suspenseful, and even intriguing story. What I got instead was an underwhelming film that prioritized presentation over product. I praised She Wore a Yellow Ribbon for its pretty looking scenery. But a photogenic background was unable to save the film from its weak script. A limited amount of action took away a lot of the story’s suspense and intrigue. It also doesn’t help how I only became familiar with most of the characters instead of truly getting to know them. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon is one of two movies I saw this year that almost made me fall asleep.

Take 3: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon Review

5. Kind Hearts and Coronets

Kind Hearts and Coronets is the second film I saw in 2025 that almost made me fall asleep. But the flaws in this movie greatly differ from She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’s emphasis on scenery over substance. Despite Kind Hearts and Coronets being classified as a “comedy”, I didn’t laugh at all while watching the film. I also had no idea what the story’s moral was supposed to be, due to the moral being treated as an afterthought. Like I said in my Kind Hearts and Coronets review, I’m not entirely sure what this movie was trying to say. That lack of clarity not only makes the movie underwhelming, it also makes the movie confusing.

Take 3: Kind Hearts and Coronets Review

4. Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Having Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery on my worst movies of the year list and finding Pie To Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery slightly better than its predecessor feels like déjà vu. That’s because One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery was placed on my worst of 2024 list, with its follow-up, A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, being slightly better. Though Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery had its own set of flaws. Forced humor felt straight out of a sit-com, especially when Delores was involved in the story. As I said in my review, I wondered why a laugh track was missing. Both of the film’s mysteries contained such a small sense of urgency, the run-time felt a bit drawn-out. The story’s overall intrigue was weaker due to this flaw. If the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series continues in 2026, I’d like to see the quality become more consistent.

Take 3: Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Review

Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery poster created by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

3. Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride

Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride is the most disappointing movie I saw in 2025. There were so many missed creative opportunities in this story, the film itself was under-cooked and uninspired. The movie was sometimes boring because of the lack of urgency. Seeing Perry, Della, and even Kevin meanderingly take their time building a legal case sucked the energy out of the story. I said in my review how any movie series boasting over ten titles was going to have at least one “bad day at the office”. I also said in my review how Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride was one of those days for the fictional detective.

Take 3: Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride Review

2. My Gal Sunday

This 2014 movie is a perfect example of Hallmark putting the cart before the horse. Instead of creating a solid stand-alone film that could have naturally led to more chapters, the network put more effort into trying to build the foundation for a potential series. Parts of this story didn’t make sense. One glaring example is when an itinerary shows the protagonist couple’s plans of going dancing at 11 p.m. on Saturday then going to church at 8 a.m. on Sunday, begging the question of when these characters were supposed to go to sleep. The on-screen chemistry between Cameron Mathison and Rachel Blanchard made their characters, Henry and Sunday, feel less like a married couple and more like a couple who are about to start dating. It’s, honestly, a shame My Gal Sunday wasn’t a stronger picture. Mystery stories about married couples are uncommon from Hallmark, so this 2014 story could have offered something unique to the network’s table.

1. Mystery by the Book

This film actually has two titles; Mystery by the Book and Key to Love. However, I saw the movie on Great American Family under the title, Mystery by the Book. Therefore, I will be referring to that title for the sake of my list. For a movie with the word ‘mystery’ in the title, the story’s mystery is an afterthought, which makes the title itself very misleading. Instead, the characters develop other priorities, like playing dress-up and tapping glasses four times during one dinner date. Parts of the script don’t make sense, like how the protagonists find a treasured antique key. Mystery by the Book is even so bad, it’s, at times, unintentionally funny. A perfect example is when Corey Sevier’s character, Josh, is looking for a set of keys, only to find a set of keys seconds later on a key hook labeled “Keys”. Thank goodness Great American Family’s Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series is growing stronger in quality. But if the network wants to expand their mystery library, they have a long road ahead of them.

Perry Mason: The Case of the Heartbroken Bride poster created by Fred Silverman Company, Viacom Productions, Dean Hargrove Productions, National Broadcasting Company, and Viacom
Image by starline on Freepik

Best Movies I Saw in 2025

8. The Phantom of the Opera (1925)

I’m still shocked by how the 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera was never included on any of American Film Institute’s 100 movies lists, even months after I reviewed the film. Looking at everything the movie has to offer, I believe there is an argument to be made for its inclusion on, at least, one of those lists. Lon Chaney’s performance alone highlights how make-up, body language, and even the eyes can enhance an acting performance. Each area of the Opera House was presented through color coded film, which gave the movie a unique identity. What also helps 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera standout is how the cinematic lens showed the audience the expansive nature of storytelling. This is why, in my opinion, the story of the Phantom and his opera house is better suited for film than the stage.

Take 3: The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Review (Silent Pioneers Double Feature Part 2)

7. Fist of Fury

For an introduction to Bruce Lee’s filmography, I think Fist of Fury is a good one! The martial arts choreography was definitely one of the strengths of this film. But the movie contained other aspects I liked as well. Bruce’s portrayal of Chen is a reason why Fist of Fury was so memorable. Clever writing and higher stakes woven into the script create a story that was clever, suspenseful, and intriguing. Because of how much I enjoyed watching Fist of Fury, I hope to check out more of Bruce’s movies in 2026!

Take 3: Fist of Fury Review

6. The Chalk Garden

Even though I reviewed this film back in February, I still think about what Laurel said about not liking being told “good morning”. How well-written the dialogue was is one of the reasons why I remember Laurel saying, “what is a good morning to someone else is rarely a good morning to me”. Speaking of Laurel, Hayley Mills’ utilization of animated expressions and a variety of emotions helped the audience see how complex her character truly is. But Hayley is not the only actress whose performance was strong. The Chalk Garden is a movie where every actor and actress does a great job with the acting material they were given. The 1964 presentation is part character study, part mystery that works!

Take 3: The Chalk Garden Review + 505 Follower Thank You

5. The Night Before the Night Before Christmas

The Night Before the Night Before Christmas is another movie I saw (and reviewed) this year where it was difficult to choose a favorite acting performance. The strength of the cast’s acting abilities not only made watching the story unfold more enjoyable, it even helped characters become more likable. Emphasizing the theme of giving painted a portrait of Santa I hadn’t really thought of before; someone who has a reputation for giving. It was also a clever way to remind viewers of one of the Christmas season’s important components. How Christmas activities were included in the script was a breath of fresh air as well. As I said in my review, I wish Hallmark went back to creating titles that didn’t rely too much on a formula, tropes, and/or cliches.

Take 3: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas Review + 515 Follower Thank You

The Chalk Garden poster created by Quota Rentals Limited, Ross Hunter Productions, and Universal Pictures

4. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925)

It’s amazing how two movies on this year’s best films list not only turned 100 years old, they also utilized color coded film to their advantage! But what sets Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ apart from The Phantom of the Opera is how title cards went above and beyond in Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ due to how well-written they were. Another aspect that distinguishes Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is the cinematography’s capturing of the scope of the film. Long and medium shots effectively showcased a world that looked and felt larger than life. The visual presentation of the movie was certainly impressive. However, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ found a balance between style and substance!

Take 3: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925) Review

3. The Man Who Invented Christmas

Despite being the most recently reviewed movie on my list, The Man Who Invented Christmas is one of the best biopics I’ve ever seen! How the creation of A Christmas Carol lent itself to exploring Charles Dickens’ life story brought a unique element to the biopic genre. Watching Charles’ iconic tale come to live, literally and figuratively, provided the film a creative and memorable identity. The “Easter Eggs” related to A Christmas Carol sprinkled throughout the story was an engaging way to stay invested in the movie. The Man Who Invented Christmas is a solid Christmas title that would make a good double feature with I Heard the Bells.

Take 3: The Man Who Invented Christmas Review

2. The Wild Robot

I first talked about The Wild Robot in my list of The Top Ten Best Stand-Alone Films. Even though I published that list back in March, the 2024 animated movie has still held up as one of the best titles I saw this year! Like I said in The Top Ten Best Stand-Alone Films list, the animation was gorgeous, appearing as a blend of paintings and priceless photographs. A pleasant surprise was how much emotional depth the story contained. What adds a sense of timelessness to the production was the abundance of good messages and themes. While it’s too early to say how The Wild Robot will stand in the test of time, I think it has potential.

1. An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving

I actually revisited this film in preparation for my review of An Old Fashioned Christmas. Watching An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving again after so many years reminded me why I love this movie! Attention to detail and historical accuracy created the illusion of taking the audience to another time and place. How the messages and themes of the Thanksgiving holiday were woven into the story allow An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving to truly embrace the holiday itself. The more I think about the 2008 movie, it makes me surprised it wasn’t a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. My belief is due to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving containing elements that would likely be found in a Hallmark Hall of Fame project, such as strong acting performances and a historical fiction lens.

The Man Who Invented Christmas poster created by The Mazur Kaplan Company, The Mob Film Company, Ingenious Media, Nelly Films, Parallel Films, Rhombus Media, and Bleecker Street Media

Have fun in 2026!

Sally Silverscreen

The Top Ten Best Stand-Alone Films

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

On this day in 2000, The Road to El Dorado made its official debut. While the movie didn’t meet or exceed DreamWorks’ expectations, it certainly found an audience, which stuck with the film for all these years. I once heard The Road to El Dorado was intended to be the first story in a trilogy. But fate decided it worked better as a stand-alone picture. This caused me to think about the other stand-alone movies I’ve come to love. So, in honor of The Road to El Dorado’s 25th anniversary, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the top ten best stand-alone films! For my list, the criteria for a stand-alone film is not only a title that didn’t receive a sequel, but also isn’t affiliated with a series/franchise. If I covered a film on 18 Cinema Lane, I will provide a link to that article or review in this list. Each title will be presented in order of release year and each choice is based on my opinion.

The Road to El Dorado poster created by Dreamworks Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and DreamWorks Distribution

1. Singin in the Rain (1952)

    I start my list with a classic I was introduced to because of my blog. Now that I have finally seen Singin in the Rain, I have an understanding and appreciation for why the movie is so beloved. Gene Kelly’s iconic musical number, “Singin in the Rain”, should provide enough explanation for why you should check the film out! The number itself feels immersive, as it takes place within the story’s context. Gene adds uniqueness to the number by jumping and splashing in puddles. “Singin in the Rain” successfully represents the spirit of the film, while also delivering the message of seeing the good in a not-so-good situation. That number is just one reason why Singin in the Rain is a solid musical!

    Watching ‘Singin in the Rain’ for the First Time

    2. Ben-Hur (1959)

    If you’re going to watch any classics, you have to see 1959’s Ben-Hur! Though the three-hour run-time can seem intimidating, that time flew by for me, as I was so engrossed in the story. The emotional intensity of Charlton Heston’s, Stephen Boyd’s, and Haya Harareet’s performance complimented the scope of the overall film. Ben-Hur contains other likable qualities as well, from the magnificent sets/scenery to the interesting cinematography. How Christianity/faith was incorporated into the story sets the 1959 production apart from other “sword and sandal” pictures. Those who celebrate Easter may find Ben-Hur an appropriate seasonal title.

    Take 3: Ben-Hur (1959) Review + 60 Follower Thank You

    3. To Kill a Mockingbird (1963)

    While the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, received a sequel, the film adaptation did not. The 1963 movie presents one of the few times where, in my opinion, the film was better than its source material. Getting straight to the point a lot sooner was a main focus for the creative team. The film’s visual nature worked in the favor of certain elements from the book. Showing suspenseful moments from the source material makes those moments seem real, as well as intensifies uncertainty. Leaving out scenes that feel like padding helps the movie maintain a steadier pace.

    Take 3: To Kill a Mockingbird Review

    4. The Boy Who Could Fly (1986)

    When I first saw The Boy Who Could Fly, it subverted my expectations. That’s because the 1986 picture aged surprisingly well! Through Milly and Eric’s friendship, the script shows how people with Autism can create and maintain meaningful relationships. Helping someone with Autism based on their personal preferences and accommodations may have seemed ahead of its time back in the mid to late ‘80s. Timeless messages and themes make up one of the reasons why I love the 1986 film. Showing compassion for others, dealing with grief, and understanding people’s differences take center stage.

    Take 3: The Boy Who Could Fly Review (PB & J Double Feature Part 2)

    5. The Bodyguard (1992)

    In 2022, I wrote an editorial explaining why The Bodyguard held up thirty years later. Because I love the 1992 film, finding explanations wasn’t difficult. “The kitchen scene” is, in my opinion, the best scene from any action movie. One reason why is how the kitchen’s smaller space is seen by the actors as a challenge instead of a hindrance. What also worked in The Bodyguard’s favor was Whitney Houston’s portrayal of Rachel Marron. Throughout the story, Whitney realistically showcases emotions and expressions. This helped Rachel become a multi-layered character.

    I Will Always Love You: ‘The Bodyguard’ at 30

    The Boy Who Could Fly poster created by Lorimar Motion Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Image found at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090768/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0.

    6. Swept from the Sea (1998)

    Swept from the Sea was one of the earliest hidden gems I discovered in 2019. It’s a movie that’s so great, I just had to include it on this list. There are so many things to like about Swept from the Sea. From Vincent Perez’s captivating performance to the beautiful scenery, the film’s components came together to create an endearing and emotional presentation! The 1998 film is a character-driven story, relying on on-screen chemistry in order to work. Because of Vincent Perez’s and Rachel Weisz’s differing acting styles, the on-screen chemistry between Yanko and Amy was very sweet and genuine.

    Take 3: Swept from the Sea Review (A Month Without the Code — #8)

    7. Phantom of the Megaplex (2000)

    This is another movie I just had to include on my list. But this time, it’s because Phantom of the Megaplex is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! The Disney Channel picture showed that the movie-going experience can be fun. As I explained in my editorial celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary, the made-for-TV movie also serves as a time capsule of how the cinema operated in the beginning of the millennium. Phantom of the Megaplex even shows how movies can influence our lives. Though I’m not sure if that aspect of the story was intentional, it makes the 2000 title, somewhat, thought-provoking.

    ‘Phantom of the Megaplex’ at 20: A Reflection on the Movie-Going Experience

    8. I Am David (2004)

    I Am David was the biggest pleasant surprise of 2024. It became the year’s best movie in March and stayed number one until the very end! What set I Am David apart was the film’s genuine emotion and sincerity. This was seen and felt through every aspect of the production. The 2004 movie emphasized visual depth. Achieved by exploring light and darkness, as well as showcasing Europe’s natural landscape, the creative team used the visual nature of film to their project’s advantage. Two effective plot twists are another reason why I liked I Am David. Their delivery in the story was well-written.

    Take 3: I Am David Review (Double Feature: 2004 Edition Part 1)

    9. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

    This 2011 presentation is one of Studio Ghibli’s stronger projects. A reason is one of the overarching themes; honoring the past. The film intelligently and creatively shows its audience how important history is in our lives and our world. Whether referencing the 1964 Olympics or focusing on the characters’ relationships, the theme of honoring the past acts as an umbrella sheltering Poppy Hill and its surrounding areas. Studio Ghibli’s signature colorful palette is consistently on display in the 2011 film. The strong understanding for how and when to use color makes scenes look like priceless pieces of art! Personally, I think movies like From Up on Poppy Hill present an argument why 2-D animation still has its time and place.

    Take 3: From Up on Poppy Hill Review + 200 Follower Thank You

    10. The Wild Robot (2024)

      I think it’s fitting to close this list with a DreamWorks movie, as a DreamWorks movie is the reason why I created this list in the first place. Though this was a recent watch for me, The Wild Robot is, so far, the best film I’ve seen this year! The animation itself is absolutely gorgeous! Sometimes, scenes look like paintings and other times, they look like priceless photographs. I was not expecting the story to contain as much emotional depth as it did. An abundance of good messages and themes add a sense of timelessness to the production. Though it’s unknown right now if The Wild Robot will gain an audience like The Road to El Dorado has, I can confidently say it was a really good movie!

      Phantom of the Megaplex poster created by the Walt Disney Company and Disney Channel. © Disney•Pixar. All rights reserved. Disney XD© Disney Enterprises, Inc.

      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen