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.

source

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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:

BOOK BLITZ: Lost and Stolen Gods by Debbie Cassidy

Today, we have a Book Blitz to share celebrating this new release for Fantasy Author Debbie Cassidy's Lost and Stolen Gods, the first book in the Labyrinth of Gods series! To celebrate this new release, we have teasers AND a blitz-wide giveaway to share! So... Check it out and start the series NOW!

Genre:

Adult

Fantasy Romance

Series:

Labyrinth of Gods, #1

Publish Date:

April 4, 2025

Synopsis:

Gods aren’t born, they’re made.

I should have died the same night that a monster murdered my grandmother, but I was saved, stolen from my world, and thrown into a realm ravaged by an endless war between ancient gods called Asura.

I’m told that I’m a demigod, that there are others like me, brought to this world to replenish their dwindling numbers. They want us to prove we’re worthy of ascension and fight alongside them.

But I don’t give a damn about their war. All I want is vengeance on the monster that killed my only family. A monster from their world. And if the only way to kill it is to become a god, then I’m all in.

But the path of ascension is paved with dangerous tests, culminating in a lethal trial called the labyrinth of gods.

Only an ancient fire elemental has the power to help me survive it.

His wicked mouth sets my pulse racing, and his dark threats turn my blood to ice. Charismatic and terrifying, he attracts and repels me in equal measure, and I have no doubt he’d snap my neck in a heartbeat if freed from the magical bonds that compel him to aid me.

He hopes to be my undoing, and if I’m not careful I may not make it to the labyrinth alive.

To claim the vengeance that I desire I’ll need to protect my body and shield my mind, but most of all I’ll need to guard my heart.

Enter an Otherworldly realm filled with gods, monsters, and mystical beings. Opposites attract and love and conflict collide, in this forced proximity romance.

      

***FREE on Kindle Unlimited***

~~~~~

**About the Author**

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head - in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Stay connected with Debbie Cassidy

       

~~~~~

***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally

~ ends April 17, 2025

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

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Book Blitz Organized by

BOOK BLITZ: One Night Hand Stand by Julia Kent

Today, we are excited to share this Book Blitz celebrating the release of New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent's One Night Hand Stand. To celebrate this new release, we have a sneak peek with an exclusive excerpt, teasers, AND a blitz-wide giveaway to share! So... Be sure to check it out and grab your copy NOW!

Genre:

Adult

Contemporary Romance

Romantic Comedy

Publish Date:

March 4, 2025

Synopsis:

Who accidentally has a one-night stand with her yoga instructor?

Yep. Me.

How did I accidentally sleep with someone, right? I know what you’re thinking. Whoops! I slipped and inadvertently inserted Tab A into Slot B.

That’s not quite how it went.

But my yoga instructor is really, really skilled with Tab A, if you know what I mean.

Slot B never had it so good.

What am I supposed to do now, as I walk into my yoga class and find the guy I ghosted this morning… there, in front of the class, perfectly aligned and grinning at me like he remembers touching all my chakras.

He’s perfect. Too perfect. He’s so perfect he’s ruining my job.

I’m an investigative reporter, working on spec for an article for a national magazine, and my job is to find all the ways this yoga chain is corrupt.

The only thing criminal here is that I can’t have him in Slot B ever again. And I would. I’d turn myself into a paper doll book if that’s what it took for more of that action.

I want him. He wants me. Nothing I do will make him back off because the chemistry is off the charts.

Except for one pesky little

We’re at cross-purposes.

I need my exposé to get the job of my dreams. He needs to sell his stake in the yoga chain before I expose the corrupt current owner.

That makes him my enemy. My nemesis. The guy I have to get around to get ahead.

And now we’re supposed to hate each other.

But who ever let that get in the way of love?

      

    

*Excerpt*

It's 5:44 a.m. and there's a naked man in my bed.

His name is... um...

His name is...

He told me to call him...

Let's just call him by his initials.

N.M. for Naked Man.

Or for Never Mind.

Because in ten minutes, we're going to pretend this never happened. 

Pretend I didn't go to a bar last night and have three glasses of pinot grigio, violating my strict two-glass limit.

Pretend I didn't let my friends talk me into jumping up on stage and singing “WAP,” complete with properly choreographed dance moves.

Pretend I did not let N.M. here buy me a drink and kiss him like my tongue had developed magnets that sought out his iron tonsils.

And he most certainly did not kiss me back with a suave, athletic grace that made my body shimmer and my P, indeed, become deeply W.

Oh, no.

While technically, all of that did happen, and I invited him back to my apartment and we did the two-back nasty so many times I am pretty sure we need to invent a new prime number for it, in ten – now, nine – minutes, Mr. N.M. doesn't exist.

My life has firm boundaries.

Speaking of firm –

~~~~~

**About the Author**

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.

From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).

She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.

She loves to hear from her readers by email at julia@jkentauthor.com! Visit her on her social media!

Stay connected with Julia Kent

       

 

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***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally

- ends March 13, 2025

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz Organized by