Tag: Apple TV+

The Lost Bus

2025   Apple Original Films

Rated:  R

Length:  2 hr  9min

Drama ~ Survival ~ Thriller ~ True Story

Directed by:  Paul Greengrass

Starring:  Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Yul Vazquez, and Ashlie Atkinson.

Inspired By The True Story Of Survival.

The Lost Bus on Apple TV+ grips from the start as a harrowing true-story survival thriller, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Matthew McConaughey as Kevin McKay, a down-on-his-luck school bus driver in Paradise, California. Set against the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in state history, the film thrusts McKay into chaos when flames erupt during a routine school run, forcing him to evacuate 22 elementary kids with the help of quick-thinking teacher Mary Ludwig, played by America Ferrera. Greengrass’s kinetic, handheld style immerses viewers in the smoke-choked inferno, where every decision means life or death amid crumbling infrastructure and zero visibility.​

McConaughey delivers a powerhouse performance, channeling raw vulnerability and grit as a flawed everyman rising to heroism, his Oklahoma drawl adding authentic texture to the role. Ferrera shines as the composed educator whose calm anchors the kids’ panic, their chemistry fueling tense, heartfelt exchanges that humanize the disaster. Supporting turns from young actors portraying the children bring genuine terror and resilience, while cameos like Steve Zahn add grounded support without stealing focus.​

Technically, the film excels in building relentless suspense through practical effects and sound design, the roar of flames and kids’ cries create palpable dread, though some CGI fire sequences feel slightly artificial. Greengrass, known for United 93 and Captain Phillips, masterfully blends real-time urgency with emotional depth, exploring themes of community and redemption without veering into melodrama. Pacing never lags, clocking in at a taut 129 minutes that leaves you breathless.​

Overall, The Lost Bus stands as a top-tier disaster drama with its pulse-pounding action, stellar leads, and inspirational true events. Perfect for thriller enthusiasts craving high-stakes heroism like 127 Hours, it’s a must-watch on Apple TV+.

Echo Valley

2025   Apple TV+

Rated:  R

Length:  I hr  44min

Drama ~ Thriller

Directed by:  Michael Pearce

Starring:  Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney, Domhnall Gleeson, Kyle MacLachlan, Edmund Donovan and Fiona Shaw.

How Far Will A Mother Go To Save Her Child?

Julianne Moore stars as Kate Garrettson who owns a horse farm in rural Pennsylvania. She trains horses, gives riding lessons and manages the farm by herself. Kate is dealing with the death of her wife, a divorce from the father of her daughter and her daughter who has serious difficulty dealing with life. Struggling to maintain her sanity and the farm she notices the hay barn has developed some serious roof issues. The contractor who does work for her tells her it is going to cost $9,000 to fix. Knowing she can’t afford to pay that, she reluctantly goes to see her Lawyer Ex-Husband Richard Garrettson (Kyle MacLachlan). Richard lives with his much younger Wife and young daughter in a very nice house. He chastises Kate for not making the farm profitable and tells her that their daughter Claire (Sydney Sweeney) showed up on his doorstep last week begging for money and that their daughter is a complete mess. Richard tells her that she is enabling Claire and something needs to be done, she needs professional help. Reluctantly he writes a $9,000 check and gives it to Kate.

Several days later Claire shows up at the ranch and tells her mother that she is in trouble and needs help. Kate lets her stay and later Claire’s boyfriend Ryan Sinclair (Edmund Donovan ) shows up and causes a scene. He tells Kate that Claire threw all his belongings in the river and there was $10,000 worth of drugs in his duffel bag that belonged to someone else. Frantic he wants Claire to help him find it or his life may be in jeopardy. The next day Jackie Lawson (Domhnall Gleeson) shows up with Ryan and starts harassing Claire, threatening her and then starts getting physical punching Ryan and grabbing Claire. He demands that they give him his $10,000 worth of drugs or the money. Kate hears the commotion and comes running, confronting Ryan and telling him to get off her property. Kate succeeds but with Ryan promising that he will be back and that until he gets the drugs or the money, there will be nothing but trouble.

And that is the beginning of the twisted tale that evolves as Kate grapples with her daughter’s new trouble. Nothing is as it seems moving forward. There are more plot twists than a braided pretzel, more than the Snake River. And at every turn of the trail, just when you think you have got it all figured out, you realize that we are all getting played. Every character, everyone watching the movie, you just can’t see what’s coming until you realize that the tables have been turned on us all, even the characters in the movie. It is a fantastic thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Who did what? To who? Or did they? And how far will Kate go to protect her daughter and keep her out of trouble? Kate just got a $9,000 check from Richard, should she use it to pay off the drug dealer Jackie? And will that be the end of it? I am here to tell you that she might and if she does it might just be the beginning of a very thrilling ride wondering what happens next!

I though this was a great movie. Julianne Moore does not disappoint in her role as Kate who will go to great lengths to take care of her daughter. Sydney Sweeney is lovable and yet thoroughly spoiled as Claire, strung out on drugs and her junkie boyfriend, and at times you just want to slap the devil out of her. Domhnall Gleeson is absolutely twisted as Jackie Lawson, you want to hate him he is so good at being evil. I have to say that Julianne Moore shines as the mom who will do anything to help her daughter. And smarter than the fox in the henhouse while keeping a straight poker face. Well Done, I say. Should you watch it? If you like Julianne Moore, A Good Thriller, Domhnall Geeson and or Sydney Sweeney….Yes, you should.

Grab a beverage

Make some popcorn

and Stream This Movie

On Apple TV+!

Fountain Of Youth

2025   Apple TV+

Rated:  PG-13

Length:  2 hr  5min

Action ~ Adventure ~ Mystery

Directed by:  Guy Ritchie

Starring:  John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, Arian Moayed, Laz Alonso, Carmen Ejogo, and Stanley Tucci.

Life Is About The Adventure

Fountain of Youth promises a whirlwind globetrotting treasure hunt packed with family drama, ancient mysteries, and the seductive allure of eternal life. At its core, this film is about two estranged siblings, Luke (John Krasinski) and Charlotte (Natalie Portman), who reluctantly reunite to chase a mythical treasure that could change their lives forever. Luke, the reckless adventurer son of a famed archaeologist, drags his sister out of her comfortable but squeezed life as a museum curator in London. Their quest? To find the legendary Fountain of Youth, funded by a terminally ill billionaire whose motives become as murky as the clues they follow through Ireland, Switzerland, and Egypt. Along the way, they dodge international law enforcement, clash with a secretive group sworn to protect the fountain, and confront the chasms that years of separation have carved between them.

Guy Ritchie delivers his signature brisk pacing with visually arresting chase scenes and fight sequences, creating a sleek adventure movie that never asks you to think too deeply. The script is littered with nods to classics like Indiana Jones, National Treasure, Uncharted and Tomb Raider,  making it feel comfortably familiar with a slightly different twist on the Treasure Hunt movie. John Krasinski and Natalie Portman deliver solid performances, their sibling chemistry thrust into sharp focus as the magical environment tests their resolve. Supporting roles, particularly from Domhnall Gleeson as the enigmatic benefactor, Esme Bianco (Eiza González) as a fierce guardian of the fountain, and Stanley Tucci as The Elder in charge of the guardians of the fountain add welcome unpredictability and energy.

While the movie channels the familiar thrills of treasure hunts past, this time it’s the special effects that truly steal the show. Guy Ritchie’s knack for lively pacing remains intact, but the VFX team brings an extra layer of wonder to the screen, especially when the action reaches the legendary fountain. Shimmering water, surreal bursts of color, and dazzling transformations create a spectacle that’s both magical and memorable. This climactic sequence isn’t just eye candy, it injects real energy and awe, elevating the stakes and reinforcing the film’s central theme of chasing the impossible. Stylistically, the costumes and soundtrack keep things vibrant and lively; a quirky J-pop track and lush floral patterns mark the film’s funnier and more flamboyant moments.

Fountain of Youth still leans on genre conventions and lighthearted family drama, but the special effects, especially in the fountain scenes, make this quest feel fresh again. For viewers who crave blockbuster magic, these moments transform the film from a pleasant diversion into something truly cinematic.

Give this adventure a go!

Don’t forget the popcorn!

Uncharted

The Instigators

2025   Apple TV+

Rated:  R

Length:  1 hr  41min

Action ~ Crime ~ Comedy

Directed by:  Doug Liman

Starring:  Casey Affleck, Matt Damon, Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, Jack Harlow, and Ron Perlman.

I need 32,480 dollars, that’s all I need.

The Instigators, directed by Doug Liman and streaming on Apple TV+, tosses viewers into a frenetic Boston backdrop on the eve of a mayoral election. From the jump, it’s clear this isn’t your average heist flick—the film’s opening moments introduce Rory (Matt Damon), a blue-collar dad hoping for a shot at redemption, and Cobby (Casey Affleck), a jittery ex-con who just can’t catch a break. Their plan? Knock off a crooked politician notorious for hiding dirty cash, Mayor Miccelli of Boston (Ron Perlman). Naturally, things go sideways fast, and what was supposed to be a one-and-done job quickly devolves into bedlam across the city’s tangled streets.

As the hunt intensifies, the duo’s fumbled heist drags an unsuspecting therapist (Hong Chau) into the fray. What starts as pure collateral damage evolves into an unlikely alliance as Rory and Cobby try—often with hilarious ineptitude—to outrun crooked city officials, shambling henchmen, and a grizzled detective who always seems half a step behind. Liman injects the chase with big swings of slapstick humor and a sharp edge of Boston grit, letting side characters and local color breathe life into even the most well-trodden genre beats.

Though The Instigators doesn’t break new ground for crime capers, it thrives on the cracked chemistry between Damon and Affleck. Their dynamic—equal parts desperation, bickering, and reluctant camaraderie—drives both the action and the heart of the film. Whether it’s a barely-in-control car chase, a botched backroom deal, or a misadventure involving bewildered bystanders, the movie keeps its foot firmly on the gas, favoring momentum and laughs over intricate plotting.

If you’re searching for a twist-filled noir or a brooding meditation on crime, look elsewhere. The Instigators leans into chaotic fun, championing its misfit characters and letting the city of Boston be as much a character as anyone on screen. This is a heist movie that’s more about the wild ride than the payoff—and for those willing to hop in for the chase, it delivers a thoroughly entertaining journey without ever taking itself too seriously.

Grab a beverage,

Make some popcorn

and Stream this movie

On Apple TV+

The Gorge

2025   Apple TV+

Rated:  PG-13

Length:  2 hr  7min

Action ~ Adventure ~ Horror ~ Romance ~ Sci-Fi

Directed by:   Scott Derrickson

Starring:  Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver.

They’re Not Keeping You Out, They’re Keeping Them In.

Two elite snipers, Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy), are deployed by rival powers to isolated guard towers on opposite rims of a secretive, heavily-fortified gorge. Their assignment is cryptic: defend the gorge for a full year, forbidden from communicating with each other or the outside world. Both come with heavy personal burdens, Levi battles PTSD, while Drasa is haunted by her father’s death, yet they quickly realize their mission offers few answers and even fewer reassurances about what they are actually protecting.

Despite strict protocols, the prolonged solitude and relentless vigilance foster a connection between the two adversaries. Through clever, silent exchanges and eventually bold gestures—such as a zipline crossing for an in-person dinner—their relationship grows from wary rivalry to deep affection, sustained across the chasm that separates them. This budding romance is interwoven with moments of tension and shared danger, as they fend off unidentified threats emerging from the depths and slowly begin to peel back the layers of secrecy around their mission.

Events escalate dramatically when a failed return trip leaves Levi stranded in the gorge, prompting Drasa to launch a desperate rescue. Forced to descend into the unknown, they face hostile and bewildering challenges, all while realizing that the nature of their assignment and the true interests behind it are far more sinister than either had imagined. Their struggle to survive and uncover the truth tests, not only their combat skills, but the trust and bond they have forged in the shadow of the gorge.

I went into this one without knowing anything about it, didn’t even see the trailer. Which is exactly how I think you should watch it, the less you know the better the experience I believe. Well I did know that Anna Taylor-Joy was in it, probably the deciding factor in watching it. I am a fan, there is something about Anna that is very captivating. I first saw Anna in Split and Glass, but it was her performance in The Northman and The Menu that really got my attention. And I have to say that she does not disappoint in this one, in fact I’d have to say she absolutely killed in this role.

Miles Teller I am not that familiar with, I did some research and have seen him in The Divergent movies with Jennifer Lawrence but I don’t really remember him, just his face looked familiar. I did see him in Only The Brave, I love that movie…..great true story and a well done movie with Josh Brolin. I liked him in this one and thought he did a great job. The chemistry between Miles and Anna was infectious, it felt real. I thought it was a good story, a great Romance, and a captivating Sci-Fi adventure full of Horror and action. It was good to see Sigourney Weaver again doing what she does best as well.

I liked it, I will watch it again and I highly recommend it.

Turn off the lights, crank the audio, turn off the phone,

Grab a beverage, Make some popcorn and Stream this movie

On Apple TV+

The Northman

Only The Brave