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‘How To Train Your Dragon’ – Magnificent Graphics that Sore High, but the Cast Still Needs Training

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The only thing impressive of this live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon is Toothless (The Night Fury) and the other dragons flying around in breathtaking scenery. Gerard Butler is always great, no matter what. He was obviously the perfect choice to attain the role of Stoick the Vast, since he was the voice in the original animated film. However, not much can be said about the rest of the cast. It was a shame they were not able to make that connection to the characters of a classic animated movie we have grown to adore.

I really expected more out of Mason Thames since he’s done amazing work in The Black Phone, but he probably was not a good fit for the role of Hiccup. Though, you can tell he did put in great effort towards the last half of the film. As for Nico Parker, she had the opportunity to shine but also fell flat with her performance as Astrid – it lacked her strong-willed attitude.

No doubt there were high expectations for the current live-action remake, which added pressure on the entire cast. However, it looks like they will be getting a second opportunity to refine their acting techniques and redeem themselves. Universal Pictures announced back in April of this year that a live-action sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, was in development and scheduled for release in the summer of 2027.

Despite the acting, How To Train Your Dragon has impressive and captivating graphics. It is a good summer movie for the entire family to enjoy. The new generation will definitely fall in love with Toothless, and the previous generation will continue to adore this fiercely loyal, and ferociously loving dragon.


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

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ 2025 Still has the Hook from 1997

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I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) is the sequel to the classic I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998). The film is directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, who co-wrote the screenplay with Sam Lansky from a story by Leah McKendrick and Robinson. This 2025 slasher retains the original campy who done it storyline with quirky comedy. It is sure to be a summer horror hit.

The sequel introduces a new stellar cast Madelyn Cline as Danica Richards, Chase Sui Wonders as Ava Brucks, Jonah Hauer-King as Milo Griffin, Tyrig Withers as Teddy Spencer, and Sarah Pidgeon as Stevie Ward, which complemented well with the OGs Freddie Prinze Jr. as Ray Bronson and Jennifer Love Hewitt as Julie James. The events take place 28 years after the Tower Bay murders, when another “Fisherman” hook-wielding killer turns up and begins terrorizing a group of friends one year after they covered up the accident of a truck going over a cliff, supposedly killing the driver.

Director Robinson used an excellent method of slow wave-like the ocean of events that builds up intensity all the way to the end. The entire cast brought their A-game, and their performance paid off in every scene. Tyrig Withers was surprisingly impressive and lovable. Madelyn Cline shows her incredible talent as morphing into multiple personality traits, yet she shines like a stunning diva. Freddie Prinze Jr. knows how to create piercing, shocking moments – hands down!

I Know What You Did Last Summer will have you laughing and screaming, then leaving you hooked on suspense up until the final reveal on who is behind the Fisherman killer. There are two exciting cameos that will definitely thrill audiences, also a post credit scene hinting at another sequel to hook and reel us in.

I Know What You Did Last Summer releases in theaters July 18, 2025.

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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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