Film Critics Highlight 2025’s Standout Movies Just in Time for the Holidays
As the year comes to a close, film enthusiasts are gearing up to catch up on the best cinematic offerings of 2025. In a recent discussion, two prominent film critics shared their top movie picks, encompassing everything from major blockbusters to underrated indie films, providing viewers with plenty of options to consider for their holiday viewing.
Why It Matters
This annual film roundup not only showcases remarkable storytelling but also highlights the creativity and diversity in today’s film industry. With movies that reflect both mainstream and independent productions, audiences are afforded a rich variety of choices, making it an essential part of end-of-year viewing traditions.
Key Developments
- Linda Holmes praised Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” noting its originality and engaging narrative.
- Mike Sargent highlighted “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” considering it the best in its series.
- The critics shared insights on indie films, with Holmes recommending Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon.”
- Documentary highlights included “The Perfect Neighbor” and “Sly Lives!” both shedding light on important cultural narratives.
- Family-friendly options were also on the table, featuring “Zootopia 2″ and “The Bad Guys 2” as must-see holiday films.
Full Report
Blockbuster Favorites
During their conversation, Holmes singled out “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, as her movie of the year. The film features twin brothers, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, in a unique narrative that pits them against vampires, providing both excitement and depth. Holmes appreciated the film’s originality, showcasing Coogler’s success in creating a compelling story that diverges from existing properties.
Sargent, meanwhile, opined that “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” the latest installment in the “Knives Out” series, stands out through its character-driven storytelling. In addition to this, he recommended “Weapons,” directed by Zach Cregger, for its engaging plot and storytelling style, despite some narrative flaws.
Indie Gems
On the indie front, Holmes discussed “Blue Moon,” directed by Richard Linklater. The film, featuring Ethan Hawke, examines the life of lyricist Lorenz Hart during a pivotal moment in his career. Holmes found the exploration of artistic struggles particularly moving and commendable, noting the emotional depth in its narrative.
Sargent endorsed “The Secret Agent,” directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho, which delves into the life of a tech specialist evading an oppressive regime in Brazil. He emphasized its documentary-like cinematography and the authenticity of the performances, enhancing its impactful storytelling.
Documentary Highlights
Both critics agreed on the rise of compelling documentaries this year. Holmes mentioned “The Perfect Neighbor,” a distressing portrayal of community conflict that culminates in tragedy. In a contrasting tone, she also applauded Mariska Hargitay’s emotional exploration of her mother Jayne Mansfield in “My Mom Jayne.” Sargent highlighted two documentaries: Questlove’s “Sly Lives!” revealing the cultural impact of Sly and the Family Stone, and Raoul Peck’s “Orwell: 2+2=5,” which draws connections between George Orwell’s insights and contemporary issues.
Family-Friendly Options
For family viewing, Holmes recommended “Zootopia 2,” citing its imaginative visuals and enjoyable storytelling. She also mentioned an upcoming film “The Choral,” which is set during World War I and features Ralph Fiennes, calling it a heartfelt movie that could resonate with many. Sargent suggested “Arco,” a science fiction tale about a boy from the future, and the sequel “The Bad Guys 2,” which he called an enjoyable surprise that sets a high standard for animated features.
Context & Previous Events
The film discussion is a part of the “Canvas” arts and culture series, highlighting annual film achievements and encouraging audiences to explore various genres and themes in cinematography as we approach the holiday season.
