Ggconte Reviews

Mr. Nanny (1993)

What You Would Expect.

[4/10 · 16 June 2023]

Let's face it, if you're one of the ten people who saw this in theaters, you weren't going for an Oscar contender. It's a Hulk Hogan film, you were going to, at the very least, be entertained. Question is, does the film accomplish that? Well, I'll get to that.

Directed and written by Michael Gottlieb, Mr. Nanny follows the character of Sean Armstrong, a wrestler turned bodyguard, who is put in charge of guarding an inventor and his children. The inventor is the creator of an anti-missile project and holder of the computer chip, which holds its data that is worth millions of dollars.

The kids are not the best behaved to say the least and give Sean a lot of trouble by pulling multiple Home Alone-like pranks. All the while, an evil man is trying to get ahold of the chip and happens to be a former promoter that Sean wrestled for and disobeyed. Needless to say, the family gets kidnapped and Sean has to save them.

Let's get the obvious out of the way, the story is garbage. It makes no sense and the characters lack any sort of common sense. The computer chip angle was nothing new for the late 80s and early 90s. No one knew any better and many just assumed that's how computer chips worked.

The comedy is a juggling act. The Home Alone humor I'm sure sounded good in the script, but comes across as a cheap parody. The comedy is at its best with Sherman Hemsley, and Mother Love. They do their absolute best to work with the material that they have.

The rest of the performances are equally as uneven. Austin Pendleton just looks and sounds bored throughout the entire thing. David Johansen, on the other hand, is having the time of his life. He's one of those over the top villains that you just can't help but be entertained by. Robert Gorman and future television star Madeline Zima are actually fairly decent in the film.

Then there is Hulk Hogan. His performance is exactly what you would anticipate it would be. It's not absolutely horrendous, but not too far above that. I'll give him this, he does clearly try to deliver a good performance. However, that still doesn't earn him a pass in my book.

The film isn't helped by its look either. It's a film on a budget and it shows. The filmmaking is not crisp and some scenes just look like they were shot in one take.

So overall, it's mildly, entertaining, and doesn't offend anybody. Don't get me wrong, it's not a good movie, but not one that's going to hurt to watch once.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

Attempts To Add Some Originality To The Trilogy.

[6/10 · 5 May 2023]

I think it's safe to say that Last Jedi has the best trailer in the trilogy because it really helped hype this movie up, which was a bit of a double-edged sword and I'll get to why a little later in the review.

J. J. Abraham's stepped aside for this film, and Rian Johnson took over as writer/director for Last Jedi. The story picks up directly after Force Awakens, with Rey meeting up with Luke and the Resistance in full-on battle with the First Order. Low on fuel after an intense battle, the Resistance send Fin and a mechanic named Rose to try to find a way to destroy the First Order's tracker.

While this is transpiring, Luke turns out to be a rather broken character after his perceived failure with Kylo Ren, hesitating to train Rey, but agrees after some convincing from R2-D2.

While these two events are being told, Rey and Kylo are somehow communicating with each other through the Force, which leads to Rey learning about what really happened between Luke and Kylo, and leads her into a trap orchestrated by Snoke.

This leads to a small stand off between Luke and Kylo as Rey helps the others escape and Luke sacrificing himself.

I'm not gonna lie, I was one of many fans disappointed by this movie when it first released. Having viewed it many times since and able to view it in more detail, I am finally able to review it a bit more fairly.

To say this wasn't what long time fans were expecting would be the understatement of the decade. The trailer did lead a lot of fans into thinking the story was going to be far different. Rian Johnson clearly wanted to distance this entry from what was, in hindsight, a pretty paint by numbers seventh entry into the franchise and bring some freshness to this entire thing.

With that said, some ideas work and others fall flat. The biggest misstep that most agree on still is Luke. Luke's character is completely mishandled in this film, and gives us a character that is 100% at odds with the character we saw at the end of Return of the Jedi. Not that a "disheartened" Luke is a bad idea, it's just very poorly executed and really weighs the movie down.

This weight really drags Rey's training, or lack there-of, with it. Rey's training is very much glossed over in this film. The obvious message is that she is far more advanced in her skills than most, appears to learn almost effortlessly, and is only growing stronger; a plot thread hinted at in the previous film. I know most fans didn't particularly care for that plot thread but I like the idea. I just wish there was more detail to that, rather than spending so much time on a confused and scared Luke.

A fantastic plot thread is the Force connection and relationship between Rey and Kylo, leading to some of the best scenes in this film. These two really do hoist this film onto their shoulders at times. There's an emotional weight with this plot thread that really helps with the story that Johnson is trying so desperately to tell.

Another decent plot thread is Fin and Rose's mission to shut down the First Order's tracker. It's not perfect. The casino scene, in particular, is a bit goofy but the acting saves it for the most part.

The battle between the Resistance and the First Order starts off fantastic but leads to an escape story that drags and drags and almost comes off as filler. The whole fuel storyline was interesting as I think fuel was only brought up one or two other times in this franchise. Yes, my fellow Star Wars nerds, fuel was a thing in this franchise, watch Revenge of the Sith again and you'll hear Obi-Wan bring it up. So, it wasn't just something Johnson made up out of thin air.

Then there's Snoke, and this is where fans went nuclear on this movie. Surprisingly, Kylo killing Snoke didn't bother me at the time and still doesn't. It actually made sense. However, I always felt that this is where the film would have benefited going in the direction the trailer inadvertently hinted at. Rey and Kylo being together seemed natural, but once they go their separate ways, the rest of the third act seems to lose most of its footing and direction.

Then of course there is the final confrontation between Luke and Kylo, which to be fair, leads to a great ending with Rey, but is undercut terribly by the fact that Luke is only there through the Force and isn't physically there. Obviously Johnson wanted to be different and not totally copy the scene from A New Hope with Obi-Wan, but I think it's safe to say that it failed.

Acting-wise, the film is great, despite any insufficiencies with the story, the cast delivers, particularly Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, who really help keep this movie above water with their chemistry.

So overall, it's a movie that is held together by two characters. It's got some good and bad ideas. However, it has ideas and not just rehashes, which does say a lot for this kind of franchise. It's not perfect but definitely worth the watch. I know that was a long review but it's a complex movie to say the least.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always (2023)

A Fun and Nostalgic Trip

[7/10 · 25 April 2023]

This project was kicked around for a while and it seemed almost doomed due to the sudden death of Jason David Frank and Austin St. John being on probation. It also didn't help that Amy Jo Johnson also turned down returning.

However, with enough cast members still returning and David Yost and Walter Jones in particular wanting to pay tribute to their dearly departed friends (Thuy Trang and JDF), the project was green lit.

The story actually hits the ground running with Trini being killed by Rita five minutes in. No that's not a typo, a Power Rangers film actually starts with a death on screen. We see Trini's daughter trying to cope with her death and the rest is about what you would expect. Trini's daughter successfully becomes the new Yellow Ranger and the Rangers win. I'm sure I'm not spoiling anything for those that have followed this show for thirty years. Yes, it's that old, I'll cry about how old I am now after writing this review.

Obviously, it's all about the returns for some watching this and plenty are back. Walter Jones, David Yost, Steve Cardenas, Catherine Sutherland, Johnny Yong Bosch, and Karen Ashley. The new member of the team is Charlie Kersh as Minh.

I know some critics thought the plot was clunky but that's a pretty weird criticism for a project like this. It's a Power Rangers movie, not Forrest Gump. It's the Rangers battling Rita, it's the quintessential Power Rangers plot.

The only area that kind of suffers is the action. The action isn't quite on par with what was accomplished on the original show. Obviously the actors are older, so that plays a part in the decline. Although Walter Jones and Steve Cardenas prove they still got some fight left. The fight scenes within the suits are okay but not really that well shot, the wide shots are too wide at times and the the editing is a bit of a mess, which a more the fault of the director, Charlie Haskell, rather than the actors or stunt performers.

However, where this film really hits a home run is with its heart. This was clearly important to the cast and they pay a great tribute to Trang and JDF. The latter is not necessarily a huge part of the story as this was clearly written while he was still alive but the thought was obviously there when being filmed.

So overall, it's not necessarily meant to be an Oscar contender but will definitely please fans and hopefully leads to more reunions for this show.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

A Fitting First Chapter in the New Trilogy

[7/10 · 22 April 2023]

Episode 7 had been in the rumor mill ever since the prequel trilogy came to a great end with Episode 3. With Disney purchasing Lucasfilm, it seemed fitting that Episode 7 be their first effort in the franchise.

Directed and co-written by J. J. Abrahams, the story takes place thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi with the Resistance now fighting against the Empires successor known as the First Order and one of its Commander's Kylo Ren, who happens to be the son of Hans Solo and Leia Organa, the latter being the General of the Resistance.

While this is going on we meet a scavenger named Rey and a disgruntled Stormtrooper named Finn who runs away from the First Order with a pilot from the Resistance named Poe. To keep this summary short, they all eventually unite with the Resistance to take out the successor of the Death Star, the Starkiller. Along the way we learn that Rey is Force sensitive and that she indeed is destined to become a Jedi.

There are pros and cons to this approach for the Force Awakens. The biggest pro is that it is a beautifully acted film with the original and new cast having tremendous chemistry. Newcomer Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver in particular are incredible together. Their stories as Rey and Kylo are tremendous and the true highlight.

Another positive is Abraham's direction and photography. The film is gorgeous and is one of the best shot films in this entire franchise. The effects are so good that you don't take time to notice them, which means they're perfect because they don't distract from the story.

That brings me to the cons. The first is unfortunately the story. While the new characters bring some freshness to the franchise, the story itself is essentially a modern clone of A New Hope. So much so, that the plot is the Resistance destroying another Death Star. The film really does rely a little too heavily on nostalgia at times that it takes away from some of the originality brought along by the new characters and stories.

The action goes back and forth. The space battles are great and epic in scale. The lightsaber battles however are a bit shoddy. They have their moments but the choreography and the way they're shot falls a bit short compared the the other films.

So overall, it has its flaws but it also has its positives. If you can look past the issues, it's worth the watch and is a stellar way to start this trilogy off.

Hogwarts Legacy (2023 Video Game)

Very Good Game With A Lot To Offer.

[8/10 · 12 February 2023]

I managed to get my hands on the early access of this game and had been looking forward to it since it's announcement.

The story is set before the story of Harry Potter, in fact about 100 years before. We meet a new student uniquely starting in his fifth year and has special abilities that allows him to tap into ancient magic and must go through various trials that only his abilities can defeat. All the while a sort of Goblin rebellion is at hand.

While I know some fans were upset at the Goblin storyline and were a little disappointed that this wasn't a 7 year Hogwarts storyline like the books and films, this is still a very good story, is well written and fits the world that J. K. Rowling built. I particularly love the amount of side stories that flood this game and most fit into the main story.

First and foremost, this is an open world game and despite being in a school, the developers pretty much built a game that allows you to do things at your leisure. The world isn't the biggest you'll play in an open world environment but has so much to access, which more than makes up for it. The world also has plenty of people and objects to interact with. I'm a little disappointed that Diagon Alley wasn't included but that's a small quibble.

There were questions on whether this would borrow from the books or movies with its design and the answer was both as the world is a blend of both of those products. The castles overall look from the outside is very much the films, while the interiors take note from the books. The uniforms and House symbols are also more from the books.

Obviously, due to the prequel nature of the story, there's hardly any returning characters from the other stories, except for the ghosts in Hogwarts, so that might be a bummer for some.

The controls do take some getting use to, particularly with the spell casting, which consists of a lot of spells but only four buttons the execute, so you have to select different spells for different missions and place them under one of the four action buttons, which gets a little tedious but is still a better option than most games in this franchise.

The games progression cycle is smooth for the most part. There are a few times when things seem to come to a halt and you have to really try to scan the map for some clue but those are minimal.

Graphically, the game is both spectacular and lackluster. The environments are gorgeous. The castle looks great and the overall scope of the game is magnificent. The character models are a bit patchy so far as the developers continue to fix elements of the game. The cutscenes a gorgeous but it feels like the character models downgrade once back in the gameplay, which is a bit of a step backwards for this generation.

So overall, this will definitely please fans and should even be fun for those who have never read the books or seen the movies. The are a few flaws so far, but hopefully the developers clean them out.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Not Too Different From Its Predecessor But Still Good.

[7/10 · 24 January 2023]

There was no doubt in anyones minds that the first film would be successful and with Warner Bros. Already being committed to the franchise, Chamber of Secrets was going to be released regardless and in quick fashion; releasing only a year after Sorcerer's Stone (Philosopher's Stone outside the US).

Directed again by Chris Columbus and adapted once more by Steve Kloves, Chamber of Secrets see's Harry returning to Hogwarts for his second year, which doesn't start off very well as he is warned by a mysterious elf not to return to the school. As the year progresses, mysterious events begin to unfold as various students are frozen (described as petrified in the book and film) by a mysterious being. The blame is placed on Harry as he not only inconveniently is spotted near the events but his ability to talk to snakes causes fear amongst his classmates.

He, Ron, and Hermione set out to find out who's behind the events and who is looking open a rumored area of the castle connected to Slytherin, the Chamber of Secrets. A place that supposedly houses a monster of some sort.

It goes without saying that the second book was much darker than the first, and seems very much out of Columbus' wheelhouse, but he does his best to retain the darker elements of the book in the final film. With that said, the film, at times, does feel a bit watered and more of a repeat of what we saw from the first film.

Also, Columbus clearly doesn't know how to handle the darker tone in some areas. There are far too many Dutch tilts with the camera angles, and some of it is too simplistically shot and doesn't match with the darker mood.

Also, the film does not juggle its three main characters very well, which is less a fault of Columbus' and more an issue with Kloves screenplay. Kloves has gone on record of liking Hermione the most and gives her the brunt of the dialogue, while Ron and our title character are relegated to merely facial expressions in some scenes. The character of Ron in particular is much different than he was in the first film, which doesn't help things.

With that said, the film is pushed along by many positive elements. The cast is still tremendous and the child actors really hold their own with the adults. The addition of Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart was the perfect choice as he is tremendous in that role. Also, Christian Coulson performs expertly in the small but important role of Tom Riddle (Voldemort). This was also Richard Harris' last film, returning as Dumbledore and he is still perfect. His voice clearly shows how ill he was but he still delivers as always.

Another positive to the film is that it really does a tremendous job building the Heir of Slytherin and Chamber of Secrets storyline. The third act alone is tremendous and helps make up for any flaws the first and second might have had.

So overall, it's not perfect. Chris Columbus struggles at times with the tone, but in the end, it pulls itself together and becomes another solid entry into the series.

That '90s Show (2023– )

A Really 50/50 Experience.

[5/10 · 21 January 2023]

To avoid too many spoilers, I'll keep this review short. I have to admit, I was really looking forward to this. I loved That 70s Show and this had no chance on being the abomination that was That 80s Show.

Without giving too much away, the plot see's Eric and Donna's daughter staying with Kitty and Red for the summer, and is of course based in the 90s. This leads to really the first problem. The show does not do a good job with the setting. Where the original felt natural with its 70s look, this struggles a bit to differentiate itself from the current time period. In fact, the set dressings on the newer sets actually have current packagings for products in them, which doesn't help make the time period believable.

The writing goes back and forth, unfortunately. The original writers returned for this, which is a bit of a double-edged sword. The returning cast is well written and the comedy really hits with them. However, the same can not be said for the younger cast. The writers understood the 70s, which showed, but clearly did not know what 90s kids were like, as the kids are very generic and at times come off as poor parodies of the originals teen characters. Due to this, the comedy really falls flat with them and only makes you miss the original cast more.

So overall, it's hit and miss so far. Best I can tell you, it's not as good as the original but better than That 80s Show.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

A Proper Start to the Franchise.

[7/10 · 6 December 2022]

It's hard to describe how anticipated this film was when it was in development. The Harry Potter book series, which was up to Goblet of Fire at this point, was massive and easily one of the most popular in existence then and now. Warner Bros. Was quick to gain the rights to the franchise and made the bold choice to start the film franchise before all of the books were finished.

To bring this franchise to life on the screen, veteran family film director, Chris Columbus, was hired on. While this sparked questions about how an American director would handle the European book adaptation, he promised to remain true to the source material. To turn the pages into a screenplay, writer Steve Kloves was brought on to adapt the book. In fact, he would adapt all but the fifth book in this franchise.

The story is about a young boy named Harry Potter. He lives with his abusive relatives who see him as very different but doesn't quite know why. He then finds out that he is a wizard and is sent to the most famous of wizarding schools, Hogwarts. He then learns that he is very famous as is known as the boy who lived and rid the world of the most evil wizard, Voldemort, and brought an end to his reign after he survived Voldemorts attempt to kill him. While at school, he befriends many kids, including a young redhead boy, Ron Weasley, and young girl, Hermione Granger. He also makes enemies, particularly a boy, Draco Malfoy.

As the year unfolds, they suspect that an evil teacher, Severus Snape, is after an ancient stone, the Sorcerers Stone (Philosopher's Stone in other parts of the world). However, it turns out that the stone is being sought out by a very weak Voldemort himself and he is using another teacher to do his bidding to get it.

The biggest positive about this adaptation is its look. It cannot be emphasized enough the tremendous job Columbus did in bringing this world to the big screen. He was essentially in charge in creating the world that would be featured in the 8 films that would be made to adapt this franchise, and he knocked it out of the park.

One thing that fans were quick to note on with the film was its ignoring of certain elements of the book. The movie does very much rush through the first few chapters of the book to get to Hogwarts and it also eliminates certain details to simplify the story of the Stone. This didn't surprise me because book adaptations have to be condensed into a three act structure, so certain things were bound to be left out. For instance, the sport known as Quidditch is significantly cut short compared to the book.

Also, since it is the first film, it keeps things very simple. The story is easy to follow, and the overall design of the film is straight forward and not overly glamorous in its cinematography. The tone is also kept in line with the book itself, kid friendly and light, which is right up Columbus' alley.

The acting is the true story of this film, with the casting being a huge part in the making of the film. Daniel Radcliffe takes on the role of the title character and does a fantastic job, not only looking like the kid seen on the book cover but showing an acting ability that was beyond his age. The same could be said for Rupert Grint as Ron and Emma Watson as Hermione, who also deliver strongly. Another great performance is from Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy, who makes the perfect adversary to Harry.

The adult cast is filled with great performances, with my favorite coming from Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. While most European fans were familiar with him, most of us from America only recognized him from his tremendous performance in Galaxy Quest. He is the perfect Snape. Then there is Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore. He brings an elegance to the role that cannot he understated, and fits the character well. Then of course there's Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall and she is never short of delivering in any of her roles and this is no exception. Then there is the small but pivotal role of Rubeus Hagrid brought expertly to life by Robbie Coltrane. The only performance I did not care for is Ian Hart as Quirell. While not particularly terrible, his performance always seemed off next to everyone else's.

So overall, it's light and simple but it was the perfect way to start this franchise.

Wednesday (2022– )

Much Better Than What Critics Say.

[8/10 · 27 November 2022]

The fact that Tim Burton was not the director of the two films from the 90s' is quite surprising. I'm amazed it took this long for him to do any sort of adaptation to the Addams Family.

The premise is very simple. Wednesday is sent to an outcast school, Nevermore, and attempts to solve a series of murders by a monster within the school.

For those looking for a project that reflects some of Burton's early work, this is it and it is the perfect style for this type of show. I love the set designs and the cinematography is tremendous for a show like this.

This is a show that is really driven by its cast. Jenna Ortega is wonderful as Wednesday, giving a very hilarious deadpan performance. Catherine Zeta-Jones is a surprisingly perfect Morticia. Luis Guzman is an odd yet humorous choice for Gomez. However, my favorite performance, outside of Ortega's, is Gwendoline Christie as the Principal Larissa. She so delightfully creepy, that she fits this show like a glove.

There are only a couple of minor problems with the show thus far. For one, some of the shows scenes with the teenage characters can come off as rather formulaic. Also, one of the highlights of the original source material and the two films from the 90s' was that the rest of the world contrasted the Addams family completely. The real world in this show is very much Tim Burtons version of it, which sometimes doesn't differentiate itself enough from them.

So overall, a great show that really brings Tim Burton back to his roots as a filmmaker. If you are a fan of Burton or just the Addams Family in general, you will love this.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Tremendously Well Made But Is Overshadowed By Violence.

[6/10 · 25 November 2022]

This was one film I remember generating tremendous interest when it was announced, not just for its subject matter but the fact that Mel Gibson was directing and financing it. This was actually Gibson's third directed film, with one of those films actually being Braveheart.

I don't mind religious films if they're well told or just entertaining in general, so I was interested in seeing it.

The story is about as straightforward as they get. It's about Jesus' last 12 hours. It's starts with his arrest and ends with his death on the Cross. We see his suffering in horrid detail and also get brief flashbacks as well with his mother and his disciples.

There are two very glaring issues with this film. One is it's pace. Gibson chose to follow the story in very thorough detail, which makes the pace very deliberate and this can be viewed as extremely slow to some. The other is the violence. Gibson is relentless when showing the crucifixion and events leading up to it and making sure it is as brutal as described. This can at times make the film unwatchable.

With that said, the film has great qualities to it that try to push it through its flaws. For one the film is simply gorgeous in its making, one of the best. The cinematography is beautiful and Gibson's direction is almost flawless, showing his talent behind the camera.

I also like some of the choices he makes with the story that were often overlooked by other films that centered around this story. I like the more detailed version of Pontius Pilate and showing his sympathy for Jesus rather than making him the antagonist, as some other films have done. The story of Jesus' mother is also very well done and we get to see things quite a bit through her eyes, which is a very original take on it from a film perspective. Another interesting but also intriguing take is the inclusion of Satan. I know some were offended by that inclusion, but since this is a film, I thought it made for some well done scenes.

This is also one of the best acted films you will ever find, with Jim Caviezel shining as Jesus. However, it's Maia Morgenstern as Jesus' mother Mary who I feel gives the most standout performance in this. Monica Bellucci also gives a great performance as Mary Magdalene. Another tremendous performance is Rosalinda Celentano as Satan.

So overall, it's very hard to see through the violence. This film is a chore to sit through at times. However, beyond that it is tremendously made and acted. If you look past the violence, you will find something to like about it.

The Santa Clauses (2022–2023)

A Social Commentary in Disguise!

[3/10 · 18 November 2022]

Of all of the shows that we're coming to Disney+ this holiday season, I was most looking forward to The Santa Clauses. The primary reason being that I figured it would be a really great fantasy show, similar to the film series that it spawned from. I loved the first film, and while the sequels were flawed, I never really hated them because they were just Christmas movies.

I also figured that it would be the one project where Disney couldn't leave any hints of social commentary or political views, which is something that has really been weighing down some of their more recent projects. Yes, on some of those projects people have overreacted. However, on others, the arguments were warranted.

When watching the first two episodes of the show, it's very clear from the opening scene that the kid humor in the show is going to be more in tune with the sequels rather than the first film. Which is fine, it's a kid series, so that makes sense, especially since the first film had quite a bit of adult humor in it.

Without delving too far into the plot of the show thus far, Santa is beginning to lose his powers, because apparently the current mood of the world has slowly ruined Christmas and thus the belief in Santa has become less important to Children. Not only has this caused Santa to start losing his powers but he has also become more disenchanted with his job.

I can deal with social commentary on a dramatic film level. Hell, I will even take a good comedy film about it. But when it's a children's show about Santa Claus that does it, that's just a huge red flag for me.

One of the first scenes in this show is a father mistakingly telling his daughter that Santa isn't real. That already wants me to to pull my daughter away from the TV with the show. Then not even two minutes after that, we learned that the little girl from the first film grew up to be a miserable woman living with her parents because that is apparently realistic.

That is the main problem with all of this, it is a fantasy show that tries to give its message on what it feels is wrong with the world. This is a kid show, and doesn't need messages for the adults. One of the things that made older Disney films and shows appealing to the entire audience was that the overall message was still kid friendly but they threw in a little adult humor to keep the parents happy. This is the exact opposite.

With that said, I will give credit to where credit is due. The show looks great, the effects are good, and the overall design of it is pretty good. While the overall scale of the sets and size of the cast is minuscule compared to the films, it still looks really good for a show on this level.

Also, the kid humor that it does manage to squeeze in is fairly decent. There's actually a really amusing scene where Santa tries to gain more weight.

So overall, it has splices of heart to it, but it's all hidden behind a political curtain. I really wanted to say that people and critics overreacted but I can't, unfortunately.

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

Surprisingly Stellar Entry

[7/10 · 15 November 2022]

After the far-fetched yet successful second entry to this franchise, I don't think anyone was knowing what to expect from an entry that did not contain any of the original cast and would be taking the franchise in a slightly different direction.

Directed by Justin Lin and written by Chris Morgan, Tokyo Drift follows a character named Sean, who is sent to Tokyo to live with his dad after he causes too much trouble while racing a snobby kid from his school. Not wanting to follow the rules that his father has set for him, he races in a drift race after his very first day of school, losing but befriending a group of racers who take them under their wing, particularly a character named Han. However, this also puts him at odds with the son of a mafia leader, whose girlfriend he falls for, named Neela. Naturally, this all leads to them having to race each other to prove who's better.

While Tokyo Drift won't be winning the franchise any points for originality, it's still manages to stand out amongst the rest of the Fast and Furious films. Lin brings a lot more emotional depth to this film than the two previous installments, which is helped by Morgan's more down to earth portrayal of the characters. There's a lot more character development here, and a lot more dramatic weight to the plot than it just being a racing or action film.

I also really like Lin's directorial approach. He focuses a lot more on the characters rather than the cars, and while the racing is still essential to the story, it's not the main highlight. Also, the father and son story line with Sean and his dad is a nice change of pace for a franchise like this.

With that said, it's not perfect. Some of the character development really does fall into the cliché, particularly with the character of Neela. Her damsel in distress storyline really does feel out of place in a franchise where the female characters have been generally portrayed as very strong in will and mind.

The acting is the biggest positive for this film and highlights the main strength in handing this franchise over to Justin Lin. He really pushes the actors to deliver great performances throughout the entire movie. Lucas Black, Bow Wow, Brian Tee and Sung Kang are all really good in this. The only real negative aspect to the acting comes from Nathalie Kelly. However, in fairness, I think it's far less to do with her acting ability, than the way the character is written in general, because as I stated earlier, the character is very out of place.

So overall, this movie surprised me a little when I first saw it and continues to surprise me when compared to the rest of the franchise, outside of maybe the first movie. While the story is not original, it has a heart to it that really helps it along the way.

The Fast and the Furious (2001)

Should Be Mediocre, But Has Something Special.

[7/10 · 15 November 2022]

I decided to rewatch this entire franchise and of course that means starting from the beginning. I actually went to theaters to see this film and I remember this being a huge hit to my friends in high school.

Directed by Rob Cohen and written by Scott Thompson, Fast and Furious centers around an undercover police officer trying to find a group responsible for multiple semi-truck robberies. This leads him to a group of friends headed by an ex-convict, Dominic Toretto. The group takes part in illegal street races, which Brian (the officer) takes part in as well as part of his cover. Things become complicated when he becomes attracted to Dominic's sister, Mia.

Anyone who entered into this franchise through its more recent installments might be shocked to read how simplistic and non-action oriented this plot is. In fact, in terms of plots, this is probably the most basic (other than maybe the third film).

One of the positive elements about the story is its great focus on friendship and family. While that would eventually become overblown later in the series, this one feels far more natural in its depiction and not forced like the others.

With that said, the plot is not strong. The police investigation scenes feel more like they were written for a 1980s TV show than a movie set in 2001. In fact, the police storyline and the story of Dominic's family feel like two separate movies at times and don't feel cohesive, especially during Dominic's interrogation scene with Brian.

The story concerning Brian and his interaction with Dominic's family really is the heart of the movie and helps make up for the shortcomings in the overall story. It also helps that the racing scenes and car scenes are so well constructed and very entertaining. Granted, some of the dialogue for the car scenes is a bit weird. For instance, the scene when Dominic makes fun of Brian after the first race is some of the worst dialogue ever.

The acting is rather unique for this film. Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster are very good and have great chemistry. Vin Diesel goes up and down, some scenes are great and others are really off. Some performances are just downright bad. For instance, Michelle Rodriguez is just terrible in this. However, the unique element is this, while performances like that might be seen as a detriment, the chemistry of this cast is undeniable and easily make up for any subpar performances.

So overall, it's a movie that doesn't have a strong plot, not all of the performances are stellar but there's a charm to its presentation that keeps it undeniably entertaining.

Halloween Ends (2022)

Ending On A Whimper.

[3/10 · 14 October 2022]

I'm going to do my best to be nice and try be spoiler free, keyword being try. David Gordon Green returns to direct the last of his retconned trilogy.

The story in a nutshell takes place four years after the horrendous Halloween Kills. Michael has returned after being discovered in the sewers and actually kind of has a partner with the character Corey...no joke. The town has turned on Laurie, blaming her for what happened. All comes culminating in the biggest letdown ever written for this franchise and yes I said that.

It completely ignores the mythology of Myers, and actually ignores elements of the trilogy it's apart of. The story is disjointed from the start. It's up there with Rob Zombies Halloween 2, it's that hard to follow at times.

The kills are few and far between, the scares are non-existent, and the movie moves a snails pace for a majority of it. The movie does look good, Green is great at the cinematography and the lighting and tone does evoke a sense of terror, too bad it doesn't live up to that sense.

Also, if you were expecting this great answer to the question surrounding Michael Myers powers and immortality, you are going to be deeply disappointed. I won't give it away, but it definitely doesn't add up for a man that's been shot over 15 times, beaten by a mob, burned and stabbed multiple times in this retconned series to go down so easy.

The performances are good. Curtis is magnificent and Andi Matichak is still good. Rohan Campbell is bit off but is tolerable. Of course, James Jude Courtney is still great as Myers.

Overall, it looks good but that's it. It's a film severely lost from start to finish.

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Not Good But Not Terrible.

[6/10 · 1 October 2022]

I know many people were wanting a sequel to this about 20 year ago, so it came to the surprise of everyone that Hocus Pocus would get a sequel on Disney+.

It was one of the first films announced for the new platform, so it took a while to get here, which built quite a bit of excitement around it.

Directed by Anne Fletcher and co-written by David Kirschner, who actually wrote the story for the first film, Hocus Pocus 2 tells the story of three teens who study witchcraft, and through the unknown help of a man who runs a magic shop in the Sanderson Sisters old house, two of them bring back the trio with a candle he provided to them. With the three witches back, they intend on using a massively powerful spell to not only take over the town of Salem but also against a descendant of the man who banished them from Salem.

The plot itself has a lot of merit, but it kind of stops there. While the film boast a very strong beginning with the backstory of the Sanderson Sisters and introduces fairly interesting new teen characters, it falls short in other areas.

Once the Sanderson Sisters are brought back, the film turns into a nostalgia machine and becomes very formulaic, matching the first film beat for beat, except placing it in 2022.

Another issue is unfortunately the humor. The first Hocus Pocus was well known for pushing the boundaries for a Disney film, with edgy humor and some rather dark comedy compared to its peers. That is not nearly the case here. 2 plays it far more safe, with much of the humor being kept very kid friendly, which makes this feel very watered down by comparison.

Not only that but outside of the main teen characters, every character here doesn't act nearly their age. Recent live action Disney+ ventures feel like the adults need to act like children and Hocus Pocus 2 follows that trend, which again, makes this one feel less than.

With all that said, there are positives. Bette Mitler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are still fantastic as the witches. Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham and Belissa Escobedo are also welcome addition.

The film also boast a great third act, which caught me completely by surprise after watching a film that was nothing but nostalgia up until that. The ending to this film really lifts it quite a bit, it's just unfortunate it takes an hour and a half to get to it.

So overall, it's 10% original and 90% trope. It has a lot of issues and is not nearly as good as the original. However, the original aspects to it do lift it out of the grave.

Selena (1997)

Flawed But Entertaining

[6/10 · 14 September 2022]

Let me just start this review off by saying that before this movie came out, I had very little knowledge of Selena. I had seen her on the Grammys, watched her acceptance speech, and that was it. For many of us who are living on the east coast, this movie was our introduction, which was extremely unfortunate.

Selena had unfortunately been killed in 1995, which led to this movie being released in 1997. Even by Hollywood standards, that is an unusually quick move to release a biography film just barely under two years after the stars death.

Directed and surprisingly written by Gregory Nava, the film is about the the life of Selena, going from her childhood, all the way to stardom and her unfortunate murder just before she potentially hit global fame.

From a story standpoint, the film is obviously very straightforward. However, this turns out to be more of a detriment than a positive for the film. Before I did this review, I hesitated for quite a bit, because it's one of those films where you really don't want to say anything bad about it, because of what it's about. Also, Selena fans are ruthless to anyone who has anything negative to say. Trust me, I'm from New Mexico now, so I have seen it.

With that said, the film was under the close eyes of her family, and that is extremely noticeable in the final product. It plays it safe from start to finish, even skipping most of her childhood, a segment of the film that seems insanely rushed, going from a preteen Selena and skipping to young adulthood.

Also, one of the main problems with having the family so involved, and with so much say, is that it really does seem to water down the realism of the people and the story, including the title figure. With all due respect to Selena herself, who seemed like a deer heart and an absolutely lovable person, she surely still had one or two flaws but that's not here.

Nowhere is this more noticeable then the love story between Selena and Chris. Yes, I understand that they were a real couple and did fall in love, but this film throws every cliché at you, and the dialogue is George Lucas worthy at times.

I also didn't care for how they brought Yolanda into the story. It's from there, that this biography almost turns into a traditional crime drama. Because they write Yolanda like a movie villain. I know she is the real life murderer of the star but writing it in this fashion does take the authenticity away a bit.

With all of that said, there are a great deal of positives to the film. For one, the musical sequences and the reenactments of the performances that Selena gave are top notch, with Jennifer Lopez completely capturing the stage presence of the real life performer perfectly.

Also, Edward James Olmos is his usual great self as the father Abraham. Constance Marie also does great as the mother, Marcella, I just wish she got more screen time because her role really does feel small compared to the fathers. Everyone else is great as well with Jon Seda, Jackie Guerra and Jacob Vargas all giving great performances.

Also, despite all of the flaws, it is a really entertaining film. It's shot well, and the great number of songs and musical montages will have you dancing to it. It also has a very touching and emotional ending that will stick with you.

So overall, this is a biography that clearly is a one-sided affair. It's flawed, plays it far too safe in areas. However, if you can look past that, it's pretty entertaining and worth the watch.

Bullet Train (2022)

Very Entertaining!

[7/10 · 4 August 2022]

This film caught my attention, not from its trailer, but it's movie poster. I loved it's almost retro looking poster and became interested.

Directed by David Leitch, this is based on the Japanese novel of the same name. The plot remains the same, where an assassin who wants to retire is brought into another mission that is secretly interconnected with missions that various other assassins are on. To avoid spoilers, I'll keep it at that.

For the record, Brad Pitt in action comedies is usually gold and this is no different. On that note, don't expect too much from this and you will have a blast. There's no real drama. It's sort of reminiscent of Mr. And Mrs. Smith in terms of tone, another film starring Pitt.

The action fits the tone. It's action packed but keeps you laughing and into what's going on.

The cast is tremendous. Pitt and Sandra Bullock are naturally awesome but I was completely surprised by Joey King, who I thought was miscast at first, but she does a great job.

The only real flaw is that the film is not for everyone. This is very much a movie that will appease action fans, but not really anyone else.

So overall, it's fun, funny and action packed. Go in with those expectations and it won't let you down.

DC League of Super-Pets (2022)

What You Would Expect.

[7/10 · 28 July 2022]

I had the privilege to see this film at an early screening and being a comic fan, I was actually looking forward to this.

Without spoiling anything, the plot is essentially Superman's dog and other dogs with powers saving the Justice League. I can't imagine that I've spoiled anything because you could see that plot coming a mile away.

With that said, the film is exactly what you would expect, nothing more or less. While that might not sound groundbreaking, it's not a bad thing either. It's charming, can be extraordinarily funny, and the voice acting is great. Granted, it is really tough to hear Dwayne Johnson's voice in an animated movie and not picture the character of Maui from Moana.

However, I can't see this being a movie for everyone. The League of Super Pets has always divided a good chunk of the comic fanbase. Some love it and some hate it, it really depends on not only your taste but what you really grew up on in entertainment. The comic series was never as edgy or groundbreaking as its peers and the movie certainly stays along those lines.

So overall, I personally really like this film. It's fun and entertaining from start to finish. It's not nearly as dramatic as some of DC's most recent work, which I personally view as a blessing.

Men in Black II (2002)

A Movie Held Together By A Strong Second Half.

[6/10 · 27 July 2022]

Having loved the first MIB I didn't hesitate to go see this in theaters. While the trailers didn't really show off the greatest jokes, I was still excited.

Barry Sonnenfeld returned to direct. The story finds an evil alien (Serleena) coming to earth to search for an object known as "The Light". When MIB find out her activity, they realize the only person who remembers it's location is K. J manages to find him and brings him back to MIB headquarters to give him his memory back. However, before that can take place, Serleena attacks headquarters, forcing J and K to evacuate.

They manage to still get his memory back and K slowly figures out where to find the Light. He also helps J protect a woman named Laura whom watched Serleena murder her alien boss. It turns out that Laura is indeed the light and they have to protect her and get her off earth.

Much like the first film, they actually deliver a plot that is very simple and not overly complicated, which is extremely surprising given the comic that the two movies are based on.

However, despite that accomplishment, there is one huge problem, the first third of the film is a struggle. Will Smith is without Tommy Lee Jones for part of the film, and they have Smith go for as many laughs as possible during that time and it is severely forced. Smith was still trying to find himself as a leading man at this point and it shows. The only scenes that work before Tommy Lee Jones comes into the picture is his ascenes with Rip Torn and Rosario Dawson.

The character of Serleena also lacks the intimidating presence of the first films Bug during this portion as well, despite a committed performance by Laura Flynn Boyle right off the bat.

The film does not find its footing until the second act when Tommy Lee Jones enters the picture. His performance not only helps Smith's performance but adds the weight to the story that was sorely missing in the first act. That weight also helps the character of Serleena become a more worthy adversary.

The story continues to get stronger leading into the third act. I particularly love the flashback scene with Agent K, because it gives the story a little more drama. This all leads to a really good ending with Laura's character, it is an ending that I think is far better than it's given credit for.

With that said, it's not just the first act that is extremely flawed, the film does look extremely inferior to the first film when it comes to its quality. The effects are nowhere near as good, and despite Sonnenfeld returning to direct, it doesn't look as well shot, despite a much bigger budget.

So overall, it's nowhere near as good as the first film. It starts off poorly, and doesn't look as good. However, it is really held together by its final two acts, and that's what makes it worth watching.

The Batman (2022)

Flawed But Still Worth The Watch.

[7/10 · 25 July 2022]

I hesitated to see this film due to its too serious tone in its trailer. This looked like a Batman film that took itself way too serious. Also, a three hour movie also creates reservations when it comes to seeing it in theaters. However, I finally gave it a chance.

I know it's been in theaters and is on Blu-ray/DVD but I'll try to avoid spoilers, key word being "try". Bruce Wayne is a reclusive billionaire that has been Batman for a year. There were questions on who the main villain was going to be due to a huge cast for the film. It's very much Batman facing off against the Riddler, with Penguin and Falcone being spliced in due to the Riddler's riddles. The movie also makes brief mention of Maroni.

The Riddlers game also brings Bruce together with a cat burglar, Selena Kyle/Catwoman, whom helps along the way. He is also helped by James (Jim) Gordon, a police Lieutenant.

Let me just begin by saying the film was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. The plot, while long, is not overly complicated and despite the amount of villains it throws in, they're not misused or under appreciated, which adaptations tend to do when they're in large numbers like this.

The dynamic between Batman and Catwoman is also well done. The trailers and posters had me worried they were going to take their partnership a little too far but it was well done and doesn't take up as much screen time as I was anticipating.

Another positive is the acting. Robert Pattinson is more proof that we fans need to stop questioning the actors who play Batman. His version of Bruce Wayne and Batman is very much a slightly altered version of Michael Keaton's version, which is kind of refreshing after the last couple versions were the billionaire playboy version. I also like Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, a nice combo of Pfieffer's and Hathaway's versions of the character. Than there's Paul Dano as the Riddler, who finally delivers a film version of the character that lives up to the comic.

With all of that said, the film is nowhere near perfect. A big flaw being the cinematography. This reminds me a lot of Aliens vs Predator: Requiem in terms of lighting. It's one of those films that feels that one of the ways to convey the darker tone is through its lighting. While that can be effective, it can also be a strain on the eyes, particularly some of the action scenes.

This also brings me to the overall tone. It's very reminiscent of Batman Begins with its earnestness. It does take itself a little too serious at times. A little more humor wouldn't have hurt.

Also, like I said before, the film is unbelievably long. I guess director Matt Reeves felt that since fans liked a four hour cut of Justice League, he could get away with a nearly as long Batman film. Needless to say, this could have been shorter, some scenes drag and it can be a bit of a chore to sit through in a single viewing.

So overall, this is easily DC's best film in recent years. While it still could benefit from some improvement, this is a great Batman film.

Jack (1996)

A Much Better Film Than Critics Say It Is.

[7/10 · 22 July 2022]

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and written by James DeMonaco and Gary Nadeau, Jack is actually a fairly simple story about a 10-year-old that suffers from a severe aging disease. Due to the disease, his mind ages properly but his body ages at four times the rate of the average human being. With the encouragement of his tutor, his parents elect to finally put him in public school, which shows the positives of social interaction, but the negatives of his aging body.

There are always those films that moviegoers understand but professional critics don't. This is definitely one of those films to me.

While the disease that is discussed in the film is based on a real life disease, this is very much a fictionalized version of it, which is something that I feel many misunderstood. It was never intended to be a factual version of the disease, it's only loosely based on it.

The biggest positive about the movie is its cast. They are really the ones that help drive this unusual plot. The chemistry between Robin Williams, Diane Lane, and Brian Kerwin is impeccable, which is a huge element to the movie. Had it not been for that chemistry, it would've just been awkward, especially since Robin Williams was older than the both of them.

The role of Jack was tailor made for Williams. When I first viewed the film as an adult, I didn't know what to think, and didn't expect anything new from Williams because he performs most of his roles like a child-like adult. Williams brings an authenticity and such heart to this role that you honestly believe he is the ten year old he's playing. His performance becomes particularly memorable when the character has to come to terms with his own mortality.

The film also consists of two very underrated performances from the then new Jennifer Lopez and Bill Cosby. In fact, this is my favorite film with Cosby, because it was a great showcase for his dramatic acting skills. There's also the child cast, who give great performances of their own.

Don't get me wrong, the film is not perfect. The film gets incredibly slow as it builds towards its ending. It also pushes things a little too far during those moments, especially with the bar scene, which could've been left out of the film.

However, it all leads to a tremendous ending, which features a great speech from the character of Jack. A speech that hits a little too close to home given how we lost Williams.

So overall, this is a film that I feel critics completely misunderstood. Is it perfect? No. However, it is a film that I feel deserves a much better reputation than it has gotten.

Men in Black (1997)

A Great Adaptation To The Comic.

[9/10 · 21 July 2022]

For the record, I am a huge fan of the Men in Black comic book. So, when I heard that they were doing an adaptation of that, I didn't know what to think, because it didn't look like the type of comic that would be very easy to adapt, especially at that time.

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and written by Ed Solomon, the story is about a NYPD officer being recruited by a secret agency that monitors alien life forms on earth, the Men in Black (MIB). While being recruited, an evil alien comes to earth in search of a object that is holding a tiny galaxy. It's then up to our two leads, agent K and J to stop him.

One huge piece of credit I will give Sonnenfeld and Solomon is that they kept the plot of this movie very simple, because the comic could be very difficult to understand at times. Despite its complex appearance, this movie is very singular when it comes to its plot. It doesn't waste time on a bunch of exposition, which you think would be more essential than it is in this movie, and the pacing is tremendous.

One element of the film that really stands out when compared to movies like Batman and Robin (also 1997) is that this film knows when to be funny and when to be serious. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but it also doesn't drown it with laughs.

It also helps that the movie has the two best leads for agent K and J. I didn't know what to think about Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith being placed together in the buddy cop roles. However, their chemistry is undeniable and they really lift this film into another stratosphere. Jones' very straight and serious acting chops are the perfect contrast to Smith's outlandish comedy.

The rest of the cast is great too. In fact, Vincent D'Onofrio's Performance is extremely underrated in my opinion. I also really liked Rip Torn as well, and felt he should've had more screen time because he was a tremendous actor.

If there was one element to the film that I thought would age poorly as the years have gone on, it was the effects. A lot of these effects-heavy films from the 90s tend to age differently dependent on the context of the effects. Given the fact that this film required so much, I wasn't expecting them to look as good as 20+ years ago. However, after sitting down to the film for the first time in a long time, they hold up just as well as they did before.

So overall, MIB is the perfect example of what comic book adaptation should be. It's an uncomplicated but effective plot, has a tremendous cast and knows how to balance the comedic and dramatic elements to the story.

Mousehunt (1997)

It's Hilarious That's All That Matters.

[8/10 · 21 July 2022]

This was a movie that I begged to go see when I was a kid. The trailer alone intrigued me because I was a huge Tom and Jerry fan.

Directed by future Pirates of the Caribbean Director Gore Verbinski and written by Adam Rifkin, Mousehunt possesses one of the simplest plots that I have ever seen in film. It is a story about two contentious brothers who have just recently lost their father, and they have inherited his string factory and his old house. After learning of the possible fortune they could make on the house, they prepare to auction it but are being outwitted by a mouse that is living there.

From the naked eye, this film does not possess the standard ingredients of a traditional film. There is no suspense to the plot, there's really no villain, and there is no drama, because it's primarily a straight comedy. However, it's those reasons that made this the perfect movie to release alongside Titanic, because this movie was a really great alternative to that drama.

This is essentially a live action adaptation of Tom and Jerry, and a really well-made one. It's well shot, the slapstick comedy is tremendously well done and funny throughout, the stunt work is amazing, and the effects, while few and far between, hold up very well.

With that being said, it's not a film for everybody. Like I said before, this is not your typical run-of-the-mill film, it does lack a lot of the ingredients that some people might like in comedies. However, if you are a fan of the Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, Laurel and Hardy, or the Three Stooges among others, you will laugh nonstop.

The other huge benefit to the film is the tremendous duo that is Nathan Lane and Lee Evans. They are so good in this film that you will wish that they did more work together.

So overall, this is one of my favorite comedies. Does it have a complex story? No. However, it is a film that I feel doesn't need it. Its goal is to make you laugh, and it succeeds.

Encanto (2021)

Flawed But Still Entertaining.

[7/10 · 17 July 2022]

This was the first movie I saw in theaters when they reopened in my town, so my expectations were pretty high. Especially since Disney has developed a great reputation for animated musicals.

Both co-written and directed by Jared Bush and Bryon Howard, Encanto tells the story of a family that is magically gifted, and helps serve the title village. However, one member of that family, a 15 year-old named Maribel, is the one member who was not given a gift and is not loved as much nor respected amongst her family. Apparently, there was more to her situation as predicted by another member of the family, Bruno, whom could predict the future. Upon learning of some of her fate, he appeared to leave the family.

However, Maribel's purpose (a gift in many ways) becomes more clear after seeing the eventual fate of their magical house and powers, and her connection to it. After attempting to warn her grandmother Alma (the matriarch of the family), whom ignores her, she eventually finds Bruno and convinces him to show the rest of the prediction, and learns that she is sort of the heart of the house and the love of the entire family will hold their home and magic together.

Eventually an argument between Alma and Maribel leads to the destruction of the house but they reconcile, and Bruno reunites with the family. The house is rebuilt and all their magic is restored.

Like most Disney animated musicals, this film is predictable from start to finish. In fact, it's plot is very similar to another film that Bush and Howard helped develop, Moana. In fact, it's plot is almost copied and pasted, just in a different setting with different characters. Does this make the film as good? Yes and no.

Encanto is very well paced and some of its characters are very intriguing (with Luisa being my daughters absolute favorite). However, unlike Moana, this film feels almost over-dependent on the music. Yes, the songs are catchy but they do flood the first two acts.

Also, while songs can be catchy for the most part, they sort of fall into Frozen's territory, where it sounds more pop-like than classic Disney. While I'm sure that it adds intrigue for the soundtrack and eventual music videos, it does seem out of place for a movie, especially when the music scenes are made to look like music videos.

It also doesn't help that this movie presents Maribel's family as the most unlikeable group of people ever, outside of her parents and Luisa. So much so, that there were a good number of moviegoers who still didn't like all of them by the end of the movie.

With that said, this movie can be downright funny, visually amazing and third act is tremendously well done with the fall and rebuild of the house and their magic. The voice acting is also amazing. That's one element that is truly perfect about the film, which is no surprise for Disney.

So overall, its predictable, lacks the perfection and emotional punch of recent Disney films such as Moana or Pixar's Soul. However, it is still entertaining and will definitely be enjoyed by the whole family. Yes, there are better Disney films but this still has earned its place.

Turning Red (2022)

Not Perfect But Still Very Entertaining.

[7/10 · 13 July 2022]

I think it's fair to say that the trailer for Turning Red created a lot of questions. It definitely seemed like a departure for Pixar and I was initially very apprehensive about seeing it, marking the first time I ever felt that way towards a Pixar film.

Directed and co-written by Domee Shi, Turning Red is the definition of a coming of age story. It centers around a 13 year old Chinese-Canadian girl named Meilin who gains a family curse that transforms her into a giant red Panda when she feels certain emotions. While her and her friends eventually learn to like that change, her family want to complete the tradition of ridding her of the curse. However, her and her friends have been using the curse to gain money to go to a popular boy band concert. She also decides she wants to keep the curse, despite her over-protective mothers opinion.

I know that sounds really simple but the truth is that it really is. In fact, when it comes to Pixar, this is really straight forward and simple. The story is essentially about going through puberty, it's just Pixar's way of telling it. I know a lot of people got offended by that but I don't see the harm in it.

The film is very much a period piece (no pun intended), set in 2002. However, like most period pieces, this film feels like it consistently has to remind you what year it's set in. With that said, there are strong hints in this film that 2002 was not the original timeline this movie was supposed to take place in. In fact, it looks like they tried a couple of different timelines. For one, the story includes virtual pets, which were very much a dead brand of entertainment by the late 90s. Also, there is far too much use of the phrase OMG, which I do not even remember being a thing until a few years after this when text messaging was becoming far more popular. None of these inaccuracies would bug me so much if they weren't so overly used in the film.

Another difference between this film and other Pixar films is the lack of drama and predictable plot. This can be viewed as positive or negative depending on your taste. The film can be extremely funny but it is almost 100% fun and games with really only one scene of true drama that doesn't really last long. I'm kind of in between, I think more suspense and drama would be fine but it's primarily a kids movie, so no big deal.

The animation is where many were divided. Pixar obviously used Anime as a primary influence for its story and overall concept but other than some of the character emotions, it always reminded me of claymation, particularly Wallace and Gromit. Because of this, it's not nearly as advanced looking as Incredibles 2 or Toy Story 4, but I actually love the design.

The voice acting is tremendous for the main characters. While some of the secondary child characters can be a bit over the top, it's great where it matters.

So overall, kids will love this film and parents might like it for pure nostalgia due to the timeline. Is it Pixar's best work? No, it is lacking in some areas. However, it is lighthearted and very entertaining.