RalphRahal (March 30, 2025)

The Life List (2025) was surprisingly easy to sit through, even with its longer runtime. The pacing was pretty well-balanced, which helped a lot. I appreciated how the story packed in life lessons without getting preachy or feeling like it was dragging. It had this light tone that made it watchable while still trying to say something meaningful, even if it didn’t always dig as deep as it could’ve. The directing was a bit safe, and while that’s not always a bad thing, I think the movie could’ve gone a little further with emotional depth. A lot of the focus is placed on how the main character reacts to situations, but sometimes it felt like the movie brushed past what actually mattered in the moment. The acting, though, made up for a lot of that. The leads did a solid job carrying the weight of the story. The supporting cast was hit-or-miss, but nothing that pulled me out of it. Visually, it looked great. The cinematography was smooth, with a nice mix of bright tones and more grounded scenes that worked well with the mood. I also really liked the music choices. The soundtrack wasn't overwhelming but it blended in perfectly, adding just enough to keep the emotional beats working. The script had its flaws, sure, but it didn’t feel forced. It served the story, and even if it leaned into familiar territory, it didn’t lose its charm. All in all, it’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a comforting watch with a decent message.