July has flown by! Between the summer holidays and trying to keep everyone entertained, we've somehow managed to squeeze in plenty of TV and film too.
Looking back over this month's watch list, one thing became very obvious - I may be getting older, but my taste in films definitely isn't! There have been more teen romances than I care to admit, a trip to cowboy country, a guilty pleasure or two and a couple of brilliant series that weren't at all what I expected.
One thing I have learnt this month though... my perimenopausal brain is definitely not to be trusted! Trying to remember everything I'd watched weeks later has been quite the challenge, so note to self - write the reviews straight after finishing a series next month. 😂
Here's what we've been watching...
Sullivan's Crossing (Series)
The latest series is now complete and, as much as this is one of my go-to comfort watches, I have to admit I came away feeling like... not a lot actually happened!
An old flame turns up, stirs things up for a while, then disappears again, and by the end I didn't feel we were much further forward than where we started. I also really missed Sully this series (better known to many of us as Luke from Gilmore Girls), as he spends the season in Ireland.
Don't get me wrong, I'll absolutely be back for the next series. It's still an easy, comforting watch with beautiful scenery and likeable characters. I just found this season a little slower than previous ones.
- Platform: Netflix
- Rating: 7.5/10
- Vibe: cosy, scenic and easy-going
- Best for: filling the gap between the more edge-of-your-seat dramas.
Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between (Film)
You may be starting to notice a pattern with my recent watch choices. I may be getting older, but my taste in films definitely isn't!
This sweet teen romance follows a young couple who decide from the very beginning that they'll spend one year together before going their separate ways. Their final date together is beautifully done and had me rooting for them right until the end.
It's cute, romantic and both of the lead characters are ridiculously beautiful, making it a really easy, wholesome watch. Nothing too emotional, nothing too heavy - just a lovely film to switch off and enjoy.
- Platform: Netflix
- Rating: 8/10
- Vibe: sweet, romantic and wholesome
- Best for: when you're in the mood for an easy feel-good romance.
The In Between (Film)
I started this one feeling quite hopeful, but I'll be honest, I nearly switched it off fairly early on because it just didn't seem like my kind of film. In the end, I couldn't find anything else I fancied watching, so I decided to stick with it.
It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. The storyline felt a little far-fetched, even if you do believe there's life after death. I suppose it's a modern take on Ghost... but let's be honest, nobody is ever going to beat the Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg classic.
Another easy watch if you're after something undemanding, but it won't be making my all-time favourites list.
- Platform: Netflix
- Rating: 6.5/10
- Vibe: romantic, supernatural and easy-going
- Best for: a relaxed evening when you don't want to think too hard.
After (Film Series)
This one's a little different because it's actually a franchise of five films - After, After We Collided, After We Fell, After Ever Happy and After Everything.
It felt like watching one long series rather than five separate films, probably because I was able to binge them all one after another. The story follows the very on-off relationship between Tessa and Hardin, with a seemingly endless cycle of passion, toxic arguments, break-ups and reunions.
Let's just say, if you're sending a sweet, studious young daughter off to university... maybe don't suggest this as essential viewing first! 😂
Despite all the relationship drama, there are also some surprisingly good family storylines running throughout, which gave it a bit more depth than I was expecting.
The ending wrapped everything up quite neatly, although I've heard rumours another film could be on the way. I'll keep quiet on why though, because I definitely don't want to be the one dropping any spoilers.
- Platform: Netflix
- Rating: 8/10
- Vibe: passionate, dramatic and addictive
- Best for: anyone who enjoys binge-worthy romance with plenty of drama.
Ransom Canyon (Series)
This was recommended to me by a friend and, if I'm honest, I wasn't overly enthusiastic about starting it. Thankfully, it gradually grew on me.
One unexpected bonus was that it made a nice change to fancy a lead character who's actually older than me! Staten is definitely a bit of a silver fox... although I still can't hear his name without thinking of heart medication.
If you're a fan of Virgin River, just imagine it with more cowboy hats, ranches and line dancing, and you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
It's slow-paced, with fairly predictable family feuds, romance and love triangles, but that's all part of its charm.
- Platform: Netflix
- Rating: 8/10
- Vibe: cosy, romantic and laid-back
- Best for: Virgin River fans looking for a western twist.
Paradise (Series)
This one was a bit of an experiment.
I was really struggling to decide what to watch next, so I let my best friend (no judgement!) ChatGPT choose for me. I gave it a list of everything I'd loved, everything I'd abandoned and everything I'd already seen. The advice came with one important warning: "Don't judge it too soon - it's not what you think it is."
Well... my ChatGPT (who I really feel needs a name now because it knows me so well!) absolutely nailed it.
This was, without a doubt, my favourite watch of the month. It wasn't the classic whodunnit mystery I was expecting at all, and that's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil the surprise for anyone else.
I was completely hooked, watched both series back to back and now desperately want series three... unfortunately, I'm going to have to wait like everyone else!
I also loved seeing Sterling K. Brown in such a different role after This Is Us. And ladies... just wait for the shower scene. 👀
- Platform: Disney+
- Rating: 10/10
- Vibe: gripping, clever and completely addictive
- Best for: anyone who thinks they've seen every good thriller already.
Love Island (Series)
There really isn't much to say about Love Island, is there?
It's become a bit of a guilty pleasure and, if I'm honest, a nice bit of bonding time with my daughter. She probably shouldn't be watching it, but it does give us plenty of opportunities to discuss how not to act, dress, speak to people or let yourself be spoken to.
By the end I was definitely ready for it to finish, although if I'd had my way, Ellie and Lorenzo would have won. I know they weren't even a proper couple, but their recreation of the viral Scottish "Disgustin!", Cher Lloyd/mum/daughter video absolutely finished me. If you know, you know! 😂
- Platform: ITVX
- Rating: 7/10
- Vibe: trashy, addictive and surprisingly entertaining
- Best for: switching your brain off and pretending you wouldn't get sucked into villa life yourself.
Ride or Die (Series)
This was awesome!
It follows the life of Judith, a secret assassin played by the wonderful Hannah Waddingham, who I completely fell in love with in Ted Lasso. Pairing her with Octavia Spencer was inspired - the friendship between the two women is just as enjoyable as all the action, and they have brilliant chemistry together.
It's fast-paced, funny in places, emotional in others and packed with action from start to finish. The cast is fantastic, there are plenty of twists along the way and not only does Hannah look fabulous, I also discovered she performed many of her own stunts, which makes her even more impressive.
Can't wait for a second series.
- Platform: Prime Video
- Rating: 9.5/10
- Vibe: action-packed, funny and brilliantly entertaining
- Best for: anyone who loves a fast-paced thriller with strong female leads and a good dose of humour.
Toy Story 5 (Film)
The people behind the Toy Story franchise deserve every penny they've ever made because the timing of releasing the fifth film during the summer holidays was absolutely spot on.
This time, the story explores how technology and devices are gradually replacing traditional toys. Well... it certainly struck a chord with our six-year-old! While the tablet still gets plenty of attention, her dolls, toys and games have definitely had a new lease of life. She even made her own Forky and Knifey, which was just too cute.
Can you believe it's been 31 years since the first Toy Story was released? We've rewatched them all over the holidays and they're still every bit as brilliant as I remember. They really have stood the test of time.
- Platform: Cinema
- Rating: 9.5/10
- Vibe: funny, nostalgic and heartwarming
- Best for: families, Pixar fans and anyone who's ever had a favourite toy.
As always, if you've watched any of these, I'd love to know whether you agreed with me (or completely disagreed!). And if you've discovered something brilliant that should make next month's list, please let me know - I'm always on the lookout for my next binge!
Happy watching!