We had our last class for 2025 on Wednesday. We talked about a range of films, with very different genre and plots.
Regretting You: This film centres on the strained relationship between young mother Morgan Grant and her teenage daughter Clara, exacerbated by Morgan's husband tragic death, that forces them to navigate life's challenges together. This is classified a “rom-com”, but beneath its heartfelt romance lies a deeper story about growth, forgiveness, and the evolving relationship between parent and child. The screenplay did not do the story justice – quite light. There were some good characters and performances with some underlying messages – what should be kept secret and what should be told. This was rated as 3.0/5.
Springsteen: This is a bold, introspective portrait that dives deep into Bruce Springsteen's psyche during the creation of his haunting 1982 album Nebraska. The film strips away the myth and focuses on the man - his solitude, his trauma, and his artistic reckoning. It is a character-driven study of Springsteen as a man grappling with depression, legacy, and the weight of his own voice. Because of the performances and the value accepting help when needed, this was rated as 3.0/5.
Now You see Me: Now you Don’t: This is a sequel film, this reunites retired Horsemen illusionists with new performers Greenblatt, Smith and Sessa as they target dangerous criminals. The plan is a diamond heist from the criminals. Some comedy, and also a message of “comeuppance” against the criminals. While reasonably entertaining, this is not an award winner. With a good message underlying the story, it was rated as 3.0/5.
Wicked: For Good: This is the second of the two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they truly see each other, with honesty and empathy as they change themselves and Oz, for good. Great costuming and some good performances, it was rated as 3.5/5.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2: Another sequel. One year has passed since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. The stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a local legend, inspiring the town's first ever Fazfest. It is a Super Natural
Teen Horror which has been popular with a particular audience, but not necessarily for everyone. It has been rated as 2.0/5.
We wish all our U3A colleagues a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. We are looking forward to 2026 and more films to watch.
Joy Shirley
Regretting You: This film centres on the strained relationship between young mother Morgan Grant and her teenage daughter Clara, exacerbated by Morgan's husband tragic death, that forces them to navigate life's challenges together. This is classified a “rom-com”, but beneath its heartfelt romance lies a deeper story about growth, forgiveness, and the evolving relationship between parent and child. The screenplay did not do the story justice – quite light. There were some good characters and performances with some underlying messages – what should be kept secret and what should be told. This was rated as 3.0/5.
Springsteen: This is a bold, introspective portrait that dives deep into Bruce Springsteen's psyche during the creation of his haunting 1982 album Nebraska. The film strips away the myth and focuses on the man - his solitude, his trauma, and his artistic reckoning. It is a character-driven study of Springsteen as a man grappling with depression, legacy, and the weight of his own voice. Because of the performances and the value accepting help when needed, this was rated as 3.0/5.
Now You see Me: Now you Don’t: This is a sequel film, this reunites retired Horsemen illusionists with new performers Greenblatt, Smith and Sessa as they target dangerous criminals. The plan is a diamond heist from the criminals. Some comedy, and also a message of “comeuppance” against the criminals. While reasonably entertaining, this is not an award winner. With a good message underlying the story, it was rated as 3.0/5.
Wicked: For Good: This is the second of the two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they truly see each other, with honesty and empathy as they change themselves and Oz, for good. Great costuming and some good performances, it was rated as 3.5/5.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2: Another sequel. One year has passed since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. The stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a local legend, inspiring the town's first ever Fazfest. It is a Super Natural
Teen Horror which has been popular with a particular audience, but not necessarily for everyone. It has been rated as 2.0/5.
We wish all our U3A colleagues a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. We are looking forward to 2026 and more films to watch.
Joy Shirley
