Critics Have Seen The Life List, And They’re Split Over Sofia Carson’s ‘Inspiring’ But ‘Sluggish’ Rom-Com

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As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the meteoric rise of former Disney star Sofia Carson on Netflix. After leaving audiences in tears with her captivating performance in “Purple Hearts” in 2022, she graced our screens again in the 2024 release, “Carry-On.” Now, gearing up for a romantic comedy extravaganza, Sofia stars in “The Life List,” which is set to hit Netflix on March 28, 2025. With critics already having had a sneak peek at the movie, it’s time to weigh in: should you make room on your watch list for this upcoming release? Let’s delve into what the critics are raving about.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself drawn to the role of Alex Rose, a character who, following the loss of my mother (portrayed by Connie Britton), embarked on a journey to rediscover a list of childhood dreams. What started as a simple endeavor took an unexpected turn. According to Rachel Labonte from ScreenRant, this heartwarming dramedy not only captured my attention but also strengthened Sofia Carson’s alliance with the streaming platform. Labonte gave it a 6 out of 10, praising its emotional depth and storytelling.

I must admit that despite some superficial aspects, The Life List managed to win me over quite delightfully. There’s a comforting ambiance about it that made it an ideal choice for a peaceful Sunday evening viewing. Although I’m not certain if I’ll rewatch it, it definitely has its appealing qualities and I believe it will strike a chord with many viewers. A significant part of its appeal can be attributed to Sofia Carson, who is subtly establishing herself as one of the streaming service’s most promising stars.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say my personal rating for “The Life List” would be 6 out of 10. Streaming it now on Netflix, this film is straightforwardly charming but might leave you sighing due to its overly predictable storyline, under-explored subplots, and the seemingly forced chemistry between Alex and her romantic interests. Put simply, Isabella Soares from Collider thinks that while it’s a sweet flick, it could have used more depth in certain areas to keep viewers fully engaged.

As a devoted fan, I must say that what intrigues me most about Carson’s newest Netflix project is the heartwarming concept: a mother reaching out from beyond, guiding her daughter through life. However, this film isn’t just about heartstrings; it delves into the complexities of love as well. A captivating love triangle unfolds alongside Alex’s quest to complete her bucket list, infusing her journey towards self-discovery with a touch of emotional complexity. Striking a delicate balance between love and grief, The Life List offers a delightful blend of feel-good emotions. And while it promises to be just that, I can’t wait to join Alex on this unforgettable adventure!

As a film enthusiast, I’d wholeheartedly recommend you to “Stream It”! Though it could easily have been wrapped up in under two hours, the delightful nature of the characters makes the extended duration feel just right. John Serba from Decider points this out too.

In a simpler and more conversational tone: The beloved character Carson from Disney Channel, despite having a role that’s somewhat underdeveloped, manages to carry both its light humor and subtle drama effectively. Interestingly, the movie leans more towards drama, as Carson pursues her aspirations not for worldly possessions, but because she truly understands and values the wisdom her mother shared. The charming dynamic between Carson and Allen could easily make you root for them.

As a film critic, I’ve got to admit that this recent romantic tearjerker left me feeling less than enthused. Grading it a C, I can’t help but feel that Netflix has strayed into Lifetime territory with this one. The movie is filled with overly dramatic moments and sappy romance that had me reaching for the tissues more often than I’d like to admit. It’s not exactly what I expect from Netflix, but if you’re in the mood for a weepy melodrama, this might be just the ticket.

After two hours, The Life List becomes overly extensive with multiple storylines that, while potentially significant in the book, only serve to confuse things here. For instance, there’s a women’s shelter that oddly enough includes a high school classroom, and a romantic rival who vanishes as soon as her role is completed. Despite improving as it progresses, The Life List requires a good amount of patience for slow-paced storytelling before reaching the more compelling segments.

Ema Sasic from Next Best Picture offers a less-than-enthusiastic endorsement for the film, The Life List. She describes it as having an “overtly acceptable” quality, which unfortunately lacks any distinctive style or character. Essentially, it’s a movie to have playing in the background while doing chores like laundry. Sasic rates it 4 out of 10.

The Life List might hold an uplifting message for its audience, yet its delivery is far from captivating. With minimal style, one-dimensional characters, and dialogue that seems predictable, it’s just another forgettable Netflix production that blends into the sea of overlooked films on the streaming service. It’s unfortunate considering the charming dynamic between Carson and Allen on screen and the heartwarming message in the story. Perhaps this experience will prompt the cast and crew to add ‘make a better movie’ to their personal life lists.

Critics have pointed out flaws in “The Life List,” giving it a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But if you’re a fan of Sofia Carson or believe Netflix’s rom-coms are top-notch romantic comedies, then it might be worth watching to form your own opinion.

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2025-03-29 19:37