JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Heart of the Beast (2026)

Genre:

Action/Drama

Rating:

PG-13

Release Date:

September 25, 2026

Run Time:

1 hr 41 min

Directed by:

David Ayer

Social Media:

     

Cast:

Brad Pitt, J.K. Simmsons, Anna Lambe, Justin Melnick, Shaun DeZern

Uber, Seeka, Ryker, Hondo

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

After a harrowing plane crash, Special Forces officer James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and his combat dog, Odin, find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Together, they are forced into a brutal fight for survival against the elements. From acclaimed filmmaker David Ayer, Heart of the Beast is an intense adventure thriller that explores the unbreakable bond between a man and his best friend as they face their greatest battle yet.

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*My Thoughts*

This Review contains NO spoilers

I walked out of the theatre in tears.😭 Heart of the Beast is an emotional story revealing the depth of the bond between dog and his handler. But, that's just it... They are not just dog and handler. It goes deeper than that. This movie revealed just that. The story flowed and told their story of their struggles after their service in the military... the peace they are both yearning for.

The cinematography and the panoramic views of the terrain throughout the film is stunning and treacherous, all at the same time. Heart of the Beast created a deeply emotive story between these two characters that immersed me, and probably most everyone that watched this movie, into their journey and fight for survival. Moreover, I found the film's pace to be methodical and purposeful to relay the deep bond both James and Odin shares. Although it will seem slow, but I found the pace to be deliberate in order to chronicle James and Odin's trek through the wilderness.

I highly recommend this poignant story of loyalty and love, especially to the dog parents that can absolutely relate to these characters. I would definitely watch it again in the theatres... 🤣🤣🤣

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on How To Train Your Dragon 2025

Genre:

Family

Epic Action/Adventure

Fantasy/Drama/Comedy

Rating:

PG

Release Date:

June 13, 2025

Run Time:

2 hrs 5 min

Directed by:

Dean DeBlois

Written by:

Dean DeBlois, William Davies, Chris Sanders

Based on the book by:

Cressida Cowell

Production Co.:

Universal Pictures, Dreamworks Animation, Marc Platt Productions

Distribution Co.:

Universal Pictures

Social Media:

     

Cast:

Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Well, from all that was said about the making of this live-action adaptation, I was expecting much of the scenes from the animated film to come to life in this live action. Of course, I kept an open mind... with a side of high hopes. 😄

I would have to say that this live action adaptation definitely lived up to the hype. Luckily, the animated film showed on HBO the night before... haha! So... How To Train Your Dragon was definitely fresh in my mind. 😁 From beginning to end, this live action followed through. Of course, there were some changes and/or additions to the development of a few characters and scenes which worked with the cohesive and well-rounded story development and flow.

However, there is a particular scene that did not make it to this live action adaptation. Although the story flowed, this particular scene would connect another scene which would explain a particular action in another scene. 🤔🤔🤔 Now, if you watched it, and if you caught it, then you know what I mean. 🤣 I even liked that omitted scene in the animated film.

As for the CGI, I really liked how it worked. The dragons looked realistic. As for Toothless, they absolutely captured the realism in his animated facial expressions. The cinematography was breathtaking, especially during Toothless' flying scenes. It was beautiful. 😍

All in all, this live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon, was spot on when comparing it to the original animated film. We already know that no live-action film adaptation is ever going to be scene to scene exact. But, as long as the live-action film can capture that same feeling and stay true to the story, then I would say they did a good job. I would have to say that this live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon was almost flawless, but I whole-heartedly enjoyed watching this. 😄

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Lilo & Stich (2025)

Genre:

Adventure, Comedy, Family, Live Action, Drama, Science Fiction

Rating:

PG

Release Date:

May 23, 2025

Run Time:

1 hr 48 min

Directed by:

Dean Fleischer Camp

Screenplay by:

Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes

Produced by:

Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., Dan Lin

Production Co.:

Walt Disney Pictures

Rideback

Social Media:

    

Cast:

Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

Lilo & Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. Lilo & Stitch is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Okay... We already know live-action adaptations of Disney's animated movies have always been a hit or miss. That is why, I went in to the theatre with no high expectations. But... I would have to say all the teasers and trailer(s) that I have seen has gotten my hopes up... just a tad bit. 😆

Well, I walked out of the theatre satisfied. I enjoyed the movie. I was not disappointed. The casting was great. The casting was spot on, especially of Maia Kealoha as Lilo. Maia Kealoha definitely embodied the character Lilo. I absolutely loved that the voice actors from the animated movie was also in this live-action adaptation. Given that any adaptation will not be scene by scene exact, this Lilo & Stitch live-action adaptation is one of the best to date. I loved the story in the animated movie, and this live-action adaptation captured that feeling as well.

Of course, we already know there will always be a variation when it comes to any live-action movie adaptations. Yes, I was somewhat disappointed that Captain Gantu did not make it into this adaptation. I was also somewhat disappointed on the portrayal of Jumba and Pleakley. I was also disappointed with some scenes being omitted out. However, these were not, in no way, major disappointments that would deter me from loving this live-action adaptation. But, of course, I loved that other "major" scenes were included. I can see how that certain scenes were kept or omitted to keep that cohesive storytelling.

I get it though, any adaptations, be it a movie or a book, will always be a variation of the source material. What's important is that these adaptations stay true to the source material... Not skew so far off and away changing the heart of the story. In regards, to Lilo & Stitch, I still had that same heart-warming feeling I did with the animated movie. So... It is a win for me. 😆

This live-action adaptation of Disney's Lilo & Stitch is by far one of Disney's best adaptations thus far. This captured that heart-touching and heart-warming story of family. Like Stitch said, "This is my family. I found it all on my own. It's little and broken, but still good..."

Lilo & Stitch 2025 captured my heart, just as much as the animated movie did. 🤗

via GIPHY

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Time's Plague by Dreana Ellis

Genre:

Adult

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Publish Date:

October 25, 2024

Synopsis:

In 1348 England a young artist, Elric and his wife Ava eagerly expect their first child— that is until the Black Plague threatens to claim her and their unborn baby. Desperate to save his wife and muse, Elric strikes a dangerous bargain with a sorceress, risking his own soul. When the dark ritual goes awry, Elric and Ava find themselves trapped in limbo, ensnared in the cruel pendulum of fate. One has become destined to die a thousand deaths, while the other is fated to endure endless loss.

Elric has the opportunity to love Ava with every reincarnate of her and for her it’s the first time they’re falling in love. Her inevitable death in her 28th year of life hangs over Elric’s head, as he waits for the guillotine to drop.

The only constant in his life; his art, a reflection of his soulmate. Unknowingly holding the key to their salvation.

One day Ava stumbles into a room full of portraits of herself, she has no recollection of. Testing fate’s limits as she reaches out for one.

Elric journeys across the world and centuries, in a dire attempt to stop the true plague: Time.

TROPES:

Fated mates

Supernatural

Evil Sorceress

Urban fantasy

Time jumps

CONTENT WARNING: Pregnancy loss, child loss, blood, murder, suicide like attempts, nightmares

      

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**About the Author**

source

Dreana Ellis is a passionate novelist whose love for storytelling started in her hometown of San Diego, CA. Soon trading the sunny coast for the enchanting woods of the south, she now lives in Tennessee. Married to her first love, Isaiah, they share in each other's creative pursuits, while also sharing in the joy and chaos of raising four spirited children. 

Dreana is a devoted fan of fantasy literature and is influences by timeless and epic love stories. 

When she's not writing, she's watching a quarterly marathon of "Lord of The Rings" or spending time in nature with her family. 

Whether her head is buried in a book or she's lost in the woods, her life is on the constant pursuit for creative expression.

Stay connected with Dreana Ellis

    

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***My Thoughts***

Note: This Review contains NO spoilers

 

I had the pleasure to read the first book by the author Dreana Ellis. I loved the premise of this paranormal/urban fantasy which caught my attention. I always found the whole crossing of time concept fascinating. Plus, with every author, the concept of time/time travel differed with each book. With that being said, I was completely engrossed with the story and the characters.

I found it intriguing as Elric lived/lives many lives, and meets and develops relationships with the various characters through time. The flow of the storytelling moved fluidly through time which I found compelling and captivating. I was fully engrossed in the story/stories that kept me turning the pages. Not just that, Time's Plague is definitely a rollercoaster of intrigue. Then, of course, when it came to the end of the book, Time's Plague just had to end with a cliffhanger, which is a major indication that there is more to come. 😄

Well, I am, for sure, looking forward to what comes next in the second installment in this new series by this new author. There's a second installment coming... RIGHT!?!? 🤣 I am excited to read more by this author!

via GIPHY

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Genre:

Young Adult

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Action/Adventure

Series:

The Dark Artifices, #1

Publish Date:

March 8, 2016

Audiobook Release:

March 8, 2026

Publisher:

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Narrated by:

Morena Baccarin

Synopsis:

The Shadowhunters of Los Angeles star in the first novel in Cassandra Clare’s newest series, The Dark Artifices, a sequel to the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. Lady Midnight is a Shadowhunters novel.

It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.

Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions…

Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?

Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.

       

     

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The Dark Artifices series:

   

(covers link to Goodreads)

       

     

 

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**About the Author**

source

Cassandra Clare was born to American parents in Teheran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.

Since her family moved around so much she found familiarity in books and went everywhere with a book under her arm. She spent her high school years in Los Angeles where she used to write stories to amuse her classmates, including an epic novel called “The Beautiful Cassandra” based on a Jane Austen short story of the same name (and  which later inspired her current pen name).

After college, Cassie lived in Los Angeles and New York where she worked at various entertainment magazines and even some rather suspect tabloids where she reported on Brad and Angelina’s world travels and Britney Spears’ wardrobe malfunctions. She started working on her YA novel, City of Bones, in 2004, inspired by the urban landscape of Manhattan, her favourite city. She turned to writing fantasy fiction full time in 2006 and hopes never to have to write about Paris Hilton again.

Cassie’s first professional writing sale was a short story called “The Girl’s Guide to Defeating the Dark Lord” in a Baen anthology of humor fantasy. Cassie hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines.

Stay connected with Cassandra Clare

     

  

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***My Thoughts***

Note: This Review contains NO spoilers

 

So, I am working on my TBR list, and I finally got Lady Midnight crossed off my list...Haha!

Cassandra Clare still does not disappoint in bringing a gripping and dramatic story to life within the pages. Lady Midnight is just another emotionally charged story in the world of the Shadowhunters. Although this the first book in the The Dark Artifices series, many characters from other series within the Shadowhunter universe plays a part in bringing the story together.

This was absolutely a fantastic read! Moreover, I listened to the audiobook. The book was narrated by the amazing Morena Baccarin! Oh my wow! I thought she did a wonderful job in voicing characters. She brought these characters to life!

Lady Midnight was filled with secrecy, mystery, action, and adventure. Cassandra Clare's characters and story were well developed, complex, and diverse giving that powerful and riveting drama of these young characters. This was such an engrossing read! Can't wait to get into book 2, Lord of Shadows and continue the ongoing saga of these characters!

via GIPHY

My rating: