Inspired by a true story from director Tracie Laymon, after a falling-out with her dad, Lily Trevino makes a connection with another ‘Bob Trevino’ on the internet, and they form a strange and beautiful friendship. 

Poor Lily Trevino (Barbie Ferreira) is a people pleaser, a girl who will bend over as far backward as she can to help out others, especially her terrible father. Despite trying to date and have friends, Lily really has no one else other than her awful father, we will call him Dad-Bob (French Stewart) for the purposes of separating the two characters. And Dad-Bob gives a damn about one thing only: which silver-fox woman among many different choices he should exclusively date with the intention of “locking it down”, meaning I guess either getting a ring or getting laid. With Dad-Bob, either option is just as likely; gross. 

Did I mention, that Lily Trevino really has no one else? She generally thinks of the woman whom she acts as a live-in caretaker for, Daphne (Lauren ‘Lolo’ Spencer), as a full-time job rather than any kind of real companion, has no other friends to speak of, and Dad-Bob is simply trying to use Lily for whatever she can help him with, including being touted up for his dates. So when Lily’s attempts at wing-womaning Dad-Bob’s selected silver fox go inevitably awry and Dad-Bob blames her for the whole thing, Lily really is left all alone to cry about it while trolling the internet for attention. When suddenly, a misnamed connection presents a whole realm of possibilities. 

Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo) is a good man, also a people pleaser but in a smilingly resigned kind of way, especially when his wife Jeanie (Rachel Bay Jones), immersed in her artistic obsession of scrapbooking, gently insists on expensive and fancy paper for her creative things. Bob is a lonely person too, despite being surrounded by others mostly at his construction management job, he and Jeanie haven’t really connected since the passing of their infant son some time ago. Jeanie even made a whole scrapbook for their baby boy, but Bob can’t bring himself to look at it or even talk to her, or anyone else really, about his very real loss as a father, and as a human in general. So when another Trevino starts messaging him about possibly being related after Bob ‘liked’ some of her memorabilia photos, threads of human connection begin to form, for once kind and nonjudgmental. 

In an act of desperation due to a badly leaking toilet in Daphne’s place, Bob and Lily meet in person far sooner than expected, and Lily ends up apologetically introducing Bob as ‘her dad’ to Daphne while he’s pretzeled himself into the bathroom fixing the toilet – they do share the same name, after all. Lily and Bob go to lunch after and begin a series of awkward and charming get-togethers, where they exchange life stories and discover bits of what they were missing in their own lives, in each other. 

It has to be said just what an incredible job Leguizamo does in the role of Bob Trevino, at once tender and sorrowful, hesitant but compassionate, his character is far more capable of being a dad than he initially thought. Leguizamo’s full range of acting is on gorgeous display in a role you wouldn’t expect to find him rocking like a boss. 

Mentioning what goes on to happen to our cast of characters – Lily and her aching loneliness, Bob and his missed opportunities to be a real father figure, Dad-Bob and his self-centered petty bullsh*t, Jeanie and her repressed love for both her gone child and absent husband – would be a huge disservice to the audience. Instead, for a surprisingly genuine feel-good movie about the family we make around ourselves that has nothing at all to do with bloodlines, catch Bob Trevino Likes It now! 

Wrapping up loose threads while setting the stage for more cosmic threats. The film explores deeper layers of Eddie’s symbiosis with Venom, offering fans an insightful and emotional ride through their relationship. While the plot aims high with intriguing conflicts and darker themes, it doesn’t always maintain a consistent momentum. A few scenes feel stretched, slowing the pacing in spots. However, these moments serve to flesh out character dynamics and provide breathing room for the final showdown.

The action scenes, as always, are energetic and inventive, showcasing Venom’s abilities in new and thrilling ways. Director Kelly Marcel balances humor with horror, giving Venom his characteristic charm and chaotic energy. The supporting cast brings fresh dynamics, although some side arcs could have benefitted from more development.

What’s particularly exciting is how Venom Last Dance subtly lays the groundwork for the arrival of Knull, the god-like figure tied to the origins of symbiotes. The hints and lore expansions point to something vast and mythic on the horizon, leaving fans curious about the universe’s next direction. Despite a few slower moments, Venom Last Dance successfully wraps up Eddie and Venom’s story while setting up a bigger, more ambitious future. Fans of the symbiotic duo will find this a surprisingly satisfying, if occasionally uneven, conclusion to the trilogy. I would give this film a solid rating of 8/10.

2024 has been an emotional rollercoaster for moviegoers. Whether it’s the power of love, devastating loss, or the triumph of the human spirit, films this year have brought plenty of tears. From heart-wrenching dramas to unexpected moments of sadness in blockbusters, these are the top 10 movies in theaters this year that made us cry.

1. Oppenheimer

Overview: Christopher Nolan’s biographical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, leaves viewers reflecting on the weight of history and the moral dilemmas faced by the man who changed the world forever. The movie’s emotional depth builds as Oppenheimer grapples with guilt and the consequences of his creation.

Why It Made Us Cry: The intense portrayal of Oppenheimer’s inner turmoil and the devastating effects of the atomic bomb hit hard, leaving the audience grappling with the emotional fallout of war and ethics.

2. Past Lives

Overview: Past Lives is a moving story about two childhood friends who reconnect after years apart, exploring the ideas of fate, love, and missed opportunities. The film’s subtle storytelling and emotional resonance leave a lasting impact.

Why It Made Us Cry: The deep emotional connection between the characters and the bittersweet nature of their relationship, filled with “what ifs,” pulls at the heartstrings.

3. A Good Person

Overview: Directed by Zach Braff, A Good Person features Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman in an emotional exploration of grief, forgiveness, and healing. Pugh’s character navigates the aftermath of a tragic accident that upends her life.

Why It Made Us Cry: The raw performances and the movie’s powerful themes of loss and redemption create intense, tear-jerking moments.

4. The Whale

Overview: Brendan Fraser’s transformative performance in The Whale as a reclusive man struggling with obesity and seeking to reconnect with his estranged daughter is devastating and heart-rending.

Why It Made Us Cry: The portrayal of Fraser’s character’s desperation for redemption, along with his physical and emotional suffering, brings an overwhelming wave of sadness.

5. The Color Purple (2024)

Overview: The 2024 musical adaptation of The Color Purple revisits Alice Walker’s powerful story of resilience, love, and sisterhood. The film, directed by Blitz Bazawule, beautifully captures the emotional highs and lows of the characters’ lives.

Why It Made Us Cry: The film’s exploration of trauma, perseverance, and family bonds, paired with soul-stirring performances, evokes tears from beginning to end.

6. The Last Voyage of the Demeter

Overview: While The Last Voyage of the Demeter might seem like a horror film on the surface, its depiction of isolation, fear, and tragedy aboard a doomed ship draws out surprising emotional depth.

Why It Made Us Cry: The haunting story of loss and survival, combined with the eerie atmosphere, gives viewers moments of intense sorrow amid the terror.

7. Barbie (2024)

Overview: Greta Gerwig’s Barbie may be filled with fun and laughter, but it also packs an unexpected emotional punch. The film touches on themes of self-acceptance, identity, and the complexities of womanhood in a patriarchal world.

Why It Made Us Cry: Underneath the vibrant colors and witty humor, Barbie delivers poignant moments about finding one’s true self and the bittersweet experience of growing up.

8. Maestro (2024)

Overview: Maestro is a biopic about legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, played by Bradley Cooper. This film delves into Bernstein’s personal and professional struggles, particularly his complicated relationships and his pursuit of artistic perfection.

Why It Made Us Cry: Cooper’s portrayal of Bernstein’s emotional vulnerabilities and his strained marriage with Felicia Montealegre (played by Carey Mulligan) hits all the right notes, delivering heart-wrenching moments of love, regret, and loss.

9. All of Us Strangers (2024)

Overview: All of Us Strangers is a surreal drama that tackles themes of love, memory, and loss. The film, starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, takes viewers on an emotional journey as a man reconnects with his long-lost parents in a haunting and unexpected way.

Why It Made Us Cry: The film’s exploration of grief and longing for connection strikes deep emotional chords, creating moments that stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

10. The Boy and the Heron (2024)

Overview: This animated masterpiece from Studio Ghibli is a coming-of-age story set in a fantastical world, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. It weaves themes of grief, growing up, and learning to move forward after loss.

Why It Made Us Cry: Studio Ghibli’s signature mix of whimsy and emotional depth is on full display, as the film tenderly explores the complex emotions of growing up and