Carry-On (Movie, 2024)

The movie Carry-On is primarily filmed at LAX, with the exception of a brief airplane scene at the end. It portrays the work of TSA agents, a familiar experience for all air travelers. We hand over our passports to TSA officers and pass through X-ray screening machines operated by TSA personnel. If they call our name, it often makes us nervous, as it typically signals that something is wrong. This entire process is vividly captured in the movie.

The story follows TSA agent Ethan Kopek (played by Taron Egerton), who takes on a substitute role for a colleague with the goal of impressing his boss and earning a promotion. However, his new position becomes a target for a criminal determined to smuggle dangerous nerve gas onto a plane bound for Washington, D.C., with the intent to harm a congresswoman.

Ethan attempts to thwart the conspiracy but finds himself facing a dire threat to his girlfriend, Nora Parisi (played by Sofia Carson), who also works at LAX. Nora, who is pregnant with twins, becomes a central figure in Ethan's desperate struggle to prevent the attack while protecting his loved ones.

The movie features intense, dramatic scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It showcases various locations within the airport, giving the audience a chance to explore every corner of a bustling hub like LAX. After watching this movie, visiting LAX might bring back memories of its thrilling storyline!

Twas the Text Before Christmas (Movie, 2023)

Twas the Text Before Christmas is, to some extent, a typical Christmas movie. The female protagonist, Addie (Merritt Patterson), lives in New York City and receives a text message from an unknown person who mistakenly sent it to the wrong number. It turns out to be a middle-aged woman named Mabel (Jayne Eastwood), living in Vermont.

Addie lost her mother long ago and has nothing planned for Christmas, as her father and only brother spend their holidays in Australia, where her brother lives. Upon hearing this, Mabel invites Addie to spend the holiday at her house in Vermont. For reasons she can't quite explain, Addie accepts the offer, and the story begins.

Mabel has a son, James (Trevor Donovan), who works overseas in the medical field. He rarely comes home for Christmas, but this year he does, and he meets Addie. The couple’s story unfolds over the years, with their feelings for each other growing steadily.

In some ways, it’s a predictable story, but this movie has several charming elements that set it apart from many other Christmas television films. The wonderful Christmas ambiance of the northern town of Vermont and the delightful characters make this movie shine. The family scenes, like everyone sitting around the table and sharing joyful smiles, evoke warmth and happiness for the audience. Supporting characters, such as Mabel’s new husband, James’s sister, and his nephew, add depth and fit seamlessly into the story.

This is undoubtedly a well-made Christmas romance movie, and it deserves a place among the best in the genre.

Moana 2 (Movie, 2024)

Moana 2 further enchants the Hawaiian story. The Hawaiian Islands were created by volcanic activity, fueled by the movement of magma. Energy from deep within the Earth erupts as tremendous amounts of lava every minute. This lava forms new land, which the Pacific Ocean Plate moves northwest over time. As new islands form, they gradually shift in this direction, while erosion from ocean tides causes them to become smaller.

O'ahu, the island where Honolulu is located, was formed about 3 million years ago and now rests in its current position. Hawai'i Island (the Big Island) was formed approximately 0.5 million years ago and is still growing today. In the southeastern part of Hawai'i Island, a new island is currently forming underwater. This island, named Lo'ihi, is located about 1,000 meters below the ocean's surface and is expected to emerge above it in roughly 100,000 years.

In Moana 2, the male protagonist, Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), uses his magical hook to pull an underwater island to the surface. Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho) dives into the ocean and touches the island, breaking a curse and restoring life to it. This scene serves as a metaphor for the real-life process of Hawaiian islands forming and rising from the ocean. In this metaphor, audiences can imagine a male deity pulling a thread connected to the underwater island, while a female deity nurtures and embraces it beneath the water, bringing life to the process.

The film also highlights the bright spirit of Disney, showcasing themes like courage in the face of adversity, journeys into the unknown, friendship, vibrant character animations, and humor. However, unlike other Disney films, Moana 2 falls short in its musical elements. It lacks a memorable song like "How Far I'll Go" from the first Moana. Unfortunately, viewers may struggle to recall any standout music after the film ends.

Despite this, the breathtaking depiction of Hawaiian islands and the Pacific Ocean is truly remarkable. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a vivid image of the Hawaiian ocean and the powerful energy that sustains it.

Paris Christmas Waltz (Movie, 2023)

Paris Christmas Waltz" depicts the enchanting scenery of Paris in winter during Christmas. The movie highlights the sharp contrast between New York and Paris during the holiday season. New York represents the hustle of real life, symbolized by an accounting firm, whereas Paris serves as a metaphor for dreams and is represented by a dance school.

Emma (played by Jen Lilley) first encounters Leo (Matthew Morrison) on a busy New York street. When she looks into his eyes, she feels as though they've met before, unaware that he is the man she has always dreamed of dancing with while watching a fantastic stage performance. After quitting her demanding job to help her college friend's family and with his planned ski vacation, she meets Leo again—this time on the dance floor, where he is searching for a new amateur dance partner.

Leo sees something special in Emma—her brightness, positivity, and optimism. Together, they travel to Paris to prepare for a Pro-Am dance competition, discovering a growing chemistry between them. Their legendary dance coach, Henry (Paul Freeman), advises them to focus on finding something beyond technique—an emotional connection that can move the audience.

Their dance conveys a special emotion that resonates with viewers, much like the magical atmosphere of Paris itself. The Seine River, Eiffel Tower, and Paris Opera House serve as powerful symbols of the couple’s shared hope for a radiant future that will forever shine between them.

The Merry Gentlemen (Movie, 2024)

Merry Gentlemen is a heartwarming Christmas movie. Broadway musical star Ashley (played by Britt Robertson) suddenly finds herself laid off due to her age. With younger performers dominating the theater scene, she is told her long-cherished career is no longer sustainable. Disheartened, Ashley returns to her hometown, only to discover her parents' old bar is struggling to stay afloat in a changing market.

To make matters worse, the property owner demands that her parents vacate the premises to make way for more profitable tenants. Upon hearing this, Ashley decides to stage a special evening dance show—"The Merry Gentlemen Show"—to attract guests and save the bar. She enlists the help of Luke (Chad Michael Murray), a charming plumber who has been helping her parents by repairing the bar’s equipment.

Ashley, a former Broadway star, teaches a group of local gentlemen how to dance, creating a show filled with heart and community spirit. Through this small yet meaningful endeavor, Ashley and Luke grow closer, developing a deep affection for one another.

In the end, Ashley decides to leave behind the glamour and potential riches of Broadway. Instead, she chooses a simpler life with Luke, finding a warm happiness that commercial success could never provide. While the audience may initially regret the idea of Ashley giving up her dreams for love, they ultimately feel comforted by her choice, wishing her a hopeful future.

The movie gently reminds us that life isn’t always smooth or filled with easy decisions. Perhaps Ashley might one day look back and wonder about the opportunities she left behind. However, it also shows that love and personal connection can be more fulfilling than material wealth. Like the intimate and heartfelt Merry Gentlemen performance on the modest stage of her parents' bar, sometimes the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact.

Hillbilly Elegy (Movie, 2020)

The movie Hillbilly Elegy gained renewed attention during the 2024 U.S. presidential election. J.D. Vance, the vice-presidential candidate, is the author of the book on which the movie is based. He became well-known for sharing this poignant and deeply personal story.

The 2024 presidential campaign focused heavily on voters in the towns depicted in Hillbilly Elegy, primarily in the Midwest and Appalachia. These regions thrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to booming industries like steel manufacturing, coal mining, and oil production. However, globalization devastated these areas in the latter half of the 20th century. Cheap imports undermined local industries, leading to widespread job losses and economic decline. Towns that once thrived lost their vitality, and generations of families who had called these places home were left without hope. Many turned to drugs, leading to addiction and accelerating the deterioration of their communities.

In his book, J.D. Vance vividly describes this disheartening reality, and the story resonated with many Americans during the 2024 election. The movie adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy focuses on the struggles of a single mother trying to raise her children. Ultimately, she succumbs to addiction, symbolizing the broader challenges faced by communities in decline. However, the film also highlights the resilience and strong spirit of the "hillbilly" people, such as J.D. Vance's grandmother, who provided him with metaphorical tools for a better future—like a calculator to foster his education. The movie also showcases the unwavering support of Vance's girlfriend, who encouraged his determination to escape his challenging reality.

Most importantly, Hillbilly Elegy shines a light on J.D. Vance and his sister, who aspire to build better lives despite their struggles. Their journey symbolizes the search for hope in what often feels like an endless, dark tunnel.

During the 2024 election, many U.S. citizens expressed a desire to recapture the dignity and joy of labor that defined the early 20th century. How this choice will shape the country's future remains to be seen. The movie prompts viewers to reflect on these challenges and consider the paths toward renewal and resilience.

Don't move (Movie, 2024)

Netflix's Don't Move is a movie about a woman in trouble because of a psycho man. The actress portrays deep fear through her facial expressions. By looking at the sorrow and danger in her eyes, viewers can experience the intense thrill of the film. The beautiful scenery stands in stark contrast to the menacing way the man threatens the woman's life. In the process of trying to help her, many innocent men are killed by the murderer. This makes viewers feel as helpless as the actress, who cannot move at all. The world is sometimes filled with evil, and there are moments when it feels like there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. The sense of powerlessness is overwhelming, leaving the audience with a lingering feeling of unease long after the film ends. 

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (Movie, 2016)

Cast : John Burke Krasinski(Born 1979, USA)

A true story about the arduous resistance of six warriors that took place in Libya on September 11, 2012. The desperation of enduring 13 hours without knowing who is friend or foe is clearly evident.

😢Points that impressed me as a Korean

In 1950, American soldiers shed intense blood to protect a country that meant nothing to them and whose existence they had no idea about before. Although they are not exactly the same, the words spoken by the bleeding warriors on the embassy rooftop are reminiscent of the pain that American soldiers must have felt on a cold winter day in Korea in 1950.

Love Hard (Movie, 2021)

Cast : Nina Dobrev(Born 1989, Bulgaria)

A romance between a lovely female protagonist and a man who is better than he looks. A Christmas movie that gives you a warm feeling regardless of the reality.

😃Points that impressed me as a Korean

Meeting people through dating apps is also popular in Korea. The same problem is with photos that are different from the actual appearance. Still, the farthest place in Korea is only 4 hours away, so there is no need to take a 9-hour plane ride to meet your destined partner.