The Map That Leads To You

2025 Amazon MGM Studios

Rated: PG-13

Length: 1 hr 36min

Drama ~ Romance

Directed by: Lasse Hallström

Starring: Madelyn Cline, Josh Lucas, KJ Apa, Sofia Wylie and Madison Thompson.

Love is A Journey Worth Taking

THE BOOK:

The Map That Leads To You: A Novel By J. P. Monninger – August 5, 2025

Two strangers take the road less traveled…

Heather Mulgrew’s world is already mapped out: she is going to travel abroad with her friends after college, come back to a great career in September, and head into a life where not much is left to chance. But that was before an encounter on an overnight train introduces her to Jack, a passionate adventurer who changes the course of her journey and her life.

Throwing Heather’s careful itinerary to the wind, they follow Jack’s grandfather’s journal through post-World War II era Europe: Vienna, Budapest, Turkey―exotic places that serve only to heighten their feelings. As September looms, Jack urges Heather to stay with him, to keep traveling, to give in to the romance of their experience; Heather convinces him to return to the United States.
Jack has a secret that could change everything. And Heather’s world is about to be shaken to the core.

FROM AMAZON MGM STUDIOS:

The Map That Leads to You follows Heather (Cline), a young woman setting off on an adventure across Europe with her best friends before settling into her perfectly planned life. When she crosses paths with Jack (Apa), a magnetic and mysterious stranger, their instant spark ignites an emotional journey neither of them expected. As their connection deepens, secrets, life choices, and hidden truths will test their bond—and change her life in ways she never imagined. From director Lasse Hallström (Dear John, Safe Haven) comes this adaptation of JP Monninger’s novel about love, destiny, and the courage to choose your own path.

From the start there’s no doubt Heather likes her ducks neatly in a row. Smart, curious and independent, she is the planner – the one who reads the guidebooks, coordinates the train schedules, makes the reservations and always prepares a cushion for anything that might go astray. Case in point: Heather organized this trip to hit all the major checkpoints and, more importantly, to conclude a requisite two weeks before moving into an apartment in New York City and starting her new job at a prestigious bank. That may be why her friends, though they tease about her meticulous nature, have long accepted it as part of Heather’s personality and what they love about her. Besides, without her on this trip they’d probably end up sleeping in the park and they know it. Amy, for one, has a tough time keeping track of her own passport.

Jack is more of a wild card, whose philosophy on the road is, “We’ll figure it out.” Confident and resourceful, he may have a goal in mind but the details of how he gets from point A to point B can remain vague until the moment they become necessary and he’s not averse to bending the rules. As Apa explains, “Jack is a traveler. He is smart, spontaneous and looking for adventure. He is always looking for the story behind the story. He cares for people and understands the fragility of life, which is why he prefers to experience life up close and in the moment, not on his phone or on social media.”

Heather and Jack’s contrast is instantly and comically apparent as they exit the train: she’s herding luggage and he’s hands-free, only a well-worn backpack on his shoulders. Despite his sunny nature and playful nature, however, Jack also strikes a subtle note of intrigue and may be harboring a secret he’s not ready – if ever – to share.

It is soon revealed that Jack is retracing an itinerary from a journal passed down to him from his great-grandfather, Russell, a veteran of the Second World War. After nearly losing his life on the battlefield, Russell set off on a post-war tour of personal discovery, visiting points of interest throughout the continent and describing them in this book. These are the places that Jack now wants to see for himself. At first, Jack’s trip appears to be a way of honoring Russell’s life, but as the young man continues to follow in his great-grandfather’s footsteps it becomes something deeper. Russell embarked on his journey after resolving not to waste another minute of his precious life. For Jack, that commitment becomes clearer and more meaningful with every step. And it’s something he strives to share with this extraordinary new woman in his life.

THE REVIEW:

I have not read the book so I can’t draw comparisons there, I will have to judge the movie on it’s own merits. In the beginning it felt a little generic, like a formula Hallmark movie. To be honest I was losing interest quick but the chemistry between the three girlfriends early on started to draw me in. They are definitely a close knit bunch of friends who share everything. As the movie meandered around Europe it still felt pretty generic to me, I wasn’t really getting drawn into the characters emotionally. I really didn’t think much of KJ Apa, again his performance didn’t feel that deep emotionally. Madelyn Cline I though did alright with her role but I feel like it was less than, kind of like a generic Hallmark movie.

I honestly liked Madison Thompson the best out of three girls on the trip. I felt like her character felt the most real to me, although I liked Sofia Wylie as well. Of the Romance movies I have seen and reviewed lately: My Oxford Year, The Life List and The Idea Of You I would have to say that this movie doesn’t compare, again it feels more like a generic Hallmark Movie that you just don’t get that heavily emotionally involved in. Maybe it has more to do with direction than the acting. I just looked back at what I wrote and I have typed “Generic Hallmark Movie” three times.

I think that really sums it up for me, not that good, it was just ok.

Would I watch it again, absolutely not. Would I recommend it, absolutely not.

There are better Romance Movies out there.

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+!

Western Drama Movie Broke Coming To Netflix Thursday August 21, 2025

2025 Sony Pictures

Rated: R

Length: 1 hr 43min

Drama ~ Western

Directed by: Carlyle Eubank

Starring: Wyatt Russell, Dennis Quaid, Auden Thornton, Mary McDonnell, Johnny Berchtold, and Tom Skerritt.

Eight seconds of glory, one lifetime to get back up.

Broke is a contemporary western following the story of True Brandywine (Wyatt Russell), a bareback bronc rider clinging to his fading rodeo career. When True gets trapped in a freak spring blizzard, he must battle injuries, illness, and the bitter cold. While fighting for his survival, True is forced to face his choices and the circumstances that led him to his tenuous situation. Co-starring Dennis Quaid, Mary McDonnell and Tom Skerritt.

Netflix hadn’t listed this one in their upcoming list, but I saw it on their website last night as arriving Thursday. The reviews and the trailer look favorable and I like Dennis Quaid so I thought I’d give it a watch Thursday and pass the word along.

The Map That Leads To You Coming To Prime Video On Wednesday August 20, 2025

2025 Amazon MGM Studios

Rated: PG-13

Length: 1 hr 36min

Drama ~ Romance

Directed by: Lasse Hallström

Starring: Madelyn Cline, Josh Lucas, KJ Apa, Sofia Wylie and Madison Thompson.

Love is A Journey Worth Taking

From Amazon MGM Studios comes a Romantic Drama based on the novel by J.P Monninger.

Night Always Comes

2025 Netflix

Rated: R

Length: 1 hr 48min

Crime ~ Drama ~ Thriller

Directed by: Benjamin Caron

Starring: Vanessa Kirby, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen, Stephen James, Randall Park, Julia Fox, Michael Kelly, and Eli Roth.

$25,000….1 Night….No Other Options

THE BOOK:

The Night Always Comes: A Novel by Willy Vlautin – April 6, 2021

SYNOPSIS:

Barely thirty, Lynette is exhausted. Saddled with bad credit and juggling multiple jobs, some illegally, she’s been diligently working to buy the house she lives in with her mother and developmentally disabled brother Kenny. Portland’s housing prices have nearly quadrupled in fifteen years, and the owner is giving them a good deal. Lynette knows it’s their last best chance to own their own home—and obtain the security they’ve never had. While she has enough for the down payment, she needs her mother to cover the rest of the asking price. But a week before they’re set to sign the loan papers, her mother gets cold feet and reneges on her promise, pushing Lynette to her limits to find the money they need.

Set over two days and two nights, The Night Always Comes follows Lynette’s frantic search—an odyssey of hope and anguish that will bring her face to face with greedy rich men and ambitious hustlers, those benefiting and those left behind by a city in the throes of a transformative boom. As her desperation builds and her pleas for help go unanswered, Lynette makes a dangerous choice that sets her on a precarious, frenzied spiral. In trying to save her family’s future, she is plunged into the darkness of her past, and forced to confront the reality of her life.

A heart wrenching portrait of a woman hungry for security and a home in a rapidly changing city, The Night Always Comes raises the difficult questions we are often too afraid to ask ourselves: What is the price of gentrification, and how far are we really prepared to go to achieve the American Dream? Is the American dream even attainable for those living at the edges? Or for too many of us, is it only a hollow promise?

THE MOVIE:

FROM NETFLIX:

Night Always Comes follows Lynette (Vanessa Kirby), a woman who risks everything to secure the house that represents a future for her family. Lynette, who rises each morning before sunrise to juggle multiple jobs, which are not all on the level, while also caring for her mother Doreen and older brother Kenny. Lynette has been hardened by her hardscrabble life; her bedroom houses the washer-dryer, an oil furnace and a utility sink. There’s little or no money for new clothes or for treats. Lynette has gone without so she can save cash to purchase the ramshackle home her family has rented for decades in an area where the ‘G’ word, gentrification, has left a bitter taste; the working classes are being pushed outta town. A plan had been in place to raise a mortgage on the property, but when that’s derailed she’s forced to undertake a desperate odyssey in a city of greed. Lynette has to confront dangerous people who owe her money. On a dangerous odyssey through a single night, Lynette is forced to confront her dark past in order to finally break free.

Night Always Comes is based on the May 17, 2022 Novel by Willy Vlautin. According to Producer Benjamin Caron (From Netflix Tudum):

“The emotional core of the book was my compass, but there’s a heightened sense of immediacy and propulsion to cinema where the audience feels every blow and every betrayal and every hope. The adaptation became even more of a character-driven thriller with Lynette at the center of every frame. I also opened up the book by having Portland itself become a character in the movie, the contrast between the city’s foreclosed buildings and the gentrified neighborhoods reflecting Lynette’s personal crisis.”

“Lynette is driven by a desperate need for security, for the idea of home as much as, I guess, the reality of it. Yet she is haunted by the fear that she doesn’t deserve it. Her journey is a study in propulsion. Each decision, no matter how reckless, is an attempt to outrun her past and carve out a future.”

“Vanessa brings a beautifully wild energy to Lynette, making the character unpredictable and deeply, deeply human. Together, we worked on creating a character who is simply not just reacting to the world, but desperately trying to wrest control of her future, even as she teeters on the edge of self-destruction,” says Caron, who believes Kirby’s contributions as a producer were also invaluable. “Vanessa was creatively involved from the ground up, which was brilliant. To have someone that was both an actor and producer was incredibly exciting to me.”

THE REVIEW:

Night Always Comes is an electrifying urban thriller that hooked me from the opening scene and never let go. Adapted from Willy Vlautin’s novel, the film plunges viewers into a high-stakes, emotionally raw quest as Lynette (Vanessa Kirby) races against the clock to secure her family’s future in a rapidly gentrifying Portland. What I loved about this movie was its tense, ticking-clock atmosphere and urgent pacing; every frame brims with suspense and desperation as Lynette scrambles overnight to raise $25,000, making tough choices and confronting her past. The story beautifully balances grit and empathy, adding layers to its social commentary about housing insecurity and class struggles.

The cast is simply phenomenal. Jennifer Jason Leigh delivers a quietly devastating turn as Lynette’s unreliable mother, Doreen, showing a complexity that deepens every family scene. Zack Gottsagen is moving as Kenny, Lynette’s brother, whose innocence amplifies the stakes and heartbreak, and together, their performances ground the story in vulnerability and hope. But the reason I was truly captivated is Vanessa Kirby. She dominates the screen and brings such emotional urgency, versatility, and empathy to Lynette that I couldn’t look away. Kirby channels every stage of desperation, pain, and resolve with a haunting depth; she’s the beating heart of the film, making every moment memorable. The chemistry among these three, especially Kirby’s dynamic with Gottsagen and Leigh, represents the best of ensemble acting, elevating a tense genre drama into a resonant journey about family and survival.

It is a deep dark social commentary centered on one woman’s struggle to survive and rise above. It is not pretty, it is not a Hallmark movie, It is realism, sadness and desperation at it’s raw core and yet it is the triumph of survival and the eternal hope of a better life.