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‘Jane Austen Wrecked My Life’ Will Have Your Heart Fluttering

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Calling all hopeless romantics. This movie will be on your list of favorite foreign love stories. It has a young-quirky single lady, Agathe, who works in a bookstore in France and has aspirations of becoming a writer. She is inspired by her favorite author Jane Austen, however, comes to realize that she has writer’s block. Agathe will have to overcome her fears to liberate her emotions and transfer them onto paper.

Agathe (Camille Rutherford) believes that she is struggling to write due to her love life being nonexistent – ever since the tragic car accident where her parents were inside the car with her, but they did not survive. On the other hand, her friend and co-worker Felix (Pablo Pauly) is the type that is a freedom-loving who is reluctant to commit to a relationship as he reveals to Agathe about the many dates he has been in. Without hesitation, Felix discretely submits some of Agathe’s writings to the Jane Austen Residency and remarkably she gets accepted for a writer’s retreat in England.

This lighthearted movie takes you to the beautiful English countryside, where Agathe is greeted by the handsome Oliver (Charlie Anson), a distant descendant of Jane Austen. They get off to a rough start, but they gradually seem to be drawn to one other. The romantic connection develops when it’s discovered they have been emotionally shattered, but somehow their broken pieces come together and mend their painful past. Then, like getting spit on by a llama, Felix shows up at the mansion for the Residency’s annual ball and Agathe finds herself in a love triangle and discovers material for her novel.

Director and Screenplay Writer Laura Piani magnificently created the essence of the 1800’s literature of a romantic satirical comedy in Jane Austen Wrecked My Life. The cast are amazing and original. Though, the movie is mostly in French, it is easy to follow with subtitles, which adds authenticity to the story.  

Sabrina "Kiddo" is the newest member of Countdown City Geeks and is a contributor of movie and television show reviews. Her passion for film derived from her college days where her rhetoric-writing professor focused on the aspects of screenwriting and music lyrics. She also has a knack for saying movie quotes.

Movie Reviews

Superman Soars Again: A Bold, Hopeful Return to Form

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From the first frame, you feel it this isn’t just another superhero movie. James Gunn and David Corenswet have crafted something special: a Superman that feels like he’s leapt straight out of the pages of a comic book and into our hearts. The opening scenes are laced with a sincerity and scale that announce: this is the Superman movie fans have been waiting for.


James Gunn’s direction walks a tightrope between heart and spectacle. Yes, the action sequences are stunning and cinematic, but it’s the quieter character moments that truly define the film. Lois is sharp, funny, and grounded. Lex is terrifying without ever needing to shout. And Perry White… steals every scene he’s in. Gunn doesn’t just tell a Superman story he tells our Superman story, with modern themes wrapped in timeless ideals.



Visually, the movie stuns. The suit is perfect. The colors are bright without being gaudy. The flight sequences, especially one over Metropolis at sunset, are pure magic. And the score heroic, haunting, and hopeful cements this as a Superman film with its own voice, not just an echo of past iterations.


I give it an 8.5 out of 10. It’s not flawless, but it doesn’t have to be. This film believes in Superman and for the first time in a long time, we do too. It’s not just a return to form. It’s a reminder of why he matters. This Superman doesn’t just save the world he inspires it.

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Movie Reviews

Serrano House Films has Passion for the Visual Arts

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Ryan J Serrano has entered into the film industry, showing his passion for the visual arts with the production of LifeCycle (short film) and Kill’em Now (full length – rough cut). With just a background in creating character sketches for his podcast and a bit of acting from his college days, Serrano demonstrates his potential for becoming a great filmmaker.

LifeCycle, directed and starring Roberto Ortiz as Renato D’Auréli, is a black and white silent film depicting a successful young film director given the opportunity to revolutionize cinema into “the next best thing.” This short film made a great artistic effort displaying the character’s struggles with rejection of his envisioned works yet determined to continue drafting his imagination. LifeCycle pays a nice homage to Megalopolis. It navigates through the fascinating timeline in creating the technological advancements in the world of cinema, which builds-up an impactful ending for D’Auréli.

Kill’em Now, directed by and starring Serrano, has a western theme storyline that has gusto. It takes a nameless bounty hunter (Joan James Muixi) to help out the small town folk to muster up their courage and defeat the BullHog Gang led by Skrill (Ryan J. Serrano). Of course, a large sum of money is involved, and a sibling rivalry unfolds with Ludwig Sanchez (Philip Nathan Bañuelos). Kill’em Now has the action and town drama of a classic western that includes a rib-tickling Dr. Marty (Ted Faye), his nosy daughter Vageena (Lulu Grey), and the town floosy Sabrina (Skye Lovelady). The entire cast did great in bringing out these fantastic characters. It could be said this film is reminiscent of Robert Rodriguez’s El Mariachi and Desperado. Kill’em Now definitely has the appeal to be picked up by a major studio.

Both independent films are scheduled to be released July 17, 2025. With much anticipation, it could be also be showcased in upcoming film festivals. All the best to these kind folks!

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Movie Reviews

‘A Quiet Love’ Speaks Volumes to the Heart

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Directed by multi-award-winning Garry Keane with the collaboration of a Deaf and hearing team, A Quiet Love is undeniably an inspirational groundbreaking film that is told entirely through Irish Sign Language. This documentary gives an inside look at the lives of three Deaf couples who prevail over life’s challenges and conflicts. These couples attest how relationships can be nurtured with the absence of sound.

John and Agnes have a remarkable quiet love story. It takes place during “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland – the conflict between Catholics and Protestants. There was only one Deaf school, regardless of whether they came from the opposite sides of religion, everyone was just seen as classmates. Since not all sign language is the same, especially in Ireland, Agnes took a liking for John and taught him British Sign Language. Although they have been together for 66 years, they rose above adversity of violence and cultural differences. They are the epitome that love is the answer.

Kathy and Michelle are an interesting LGBTQI+ Deaf couple that are ready to expand their family. They decide for each to experience pregnancy and accept the risks that come along with facing the obstacles of parenthood of Deaf and hearing children. Everything they do for their family shows their unconditional love. A journey they do not regret.

Séan and Deyanna are a captivating couple. Séan comes from a struggling past of substance abuse but found his redemption in the sport of boxing. However, due to his hearing implant, he has been denied a professional boxing license. In the midst of his frustrations, he meets Deyanna (a hearing person) who enlightens his world. Séan is given an opportunity to be granted a boxing license but requires his implant to be surgically removed with the risk of going completing deaf. Deyanna understands his passion and is supportive with whatever decision he makes. Now that they have a son, Séan faces a difficult choice.

There is a deeper perspective in understanding the dilemmas Deaf people encounter. In this heartening film, A Quiet Love captures the turning points in finding solutions that get them moving forward in life. This film delivers an unparalleled visual experience. Reading the closed captions gives a calming effect, and you feel engaged with the couples’ body language and facial expressions while they are signing and communicating through their smiles, laughter, sadden eyes, hugs, kisses, and holding hands. You know that saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, their expressions are worth volumes.

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