flblueeyedboy Reviews

Descendants (2015 TV Movie)

Made me remember what it was like to be a Disney kid!

[10/10 · 3 August 2015]

I've grown up on the Disney Channel my whole life with shows like 'Wizards of Waverly Place' and the 'Suite Life of Zack & Cody', along with dozens of Disney movies, from 'Aladdin' to 'The Santa Clause' to 'High School Musical', and even to the most modern works in 'Frozen', 'Big Hero 6' and 'Inside Out'.

But over the past few years I've strayed away from the Disney Channel, because it didn't really interest me any more. A few shows that caught my eye would come and go, but I never really paid attention to them. I knew only a few cast members, but I've seen all the 'Twilight' movies, so when I heard that Booboo was playing Jafar's son I thought, "maybe this movie will be pretty good." But that was my last thought about it until I learned last month that it was releasing on DVD. I thought it was a TV series, to be honest! So I gave it a shot, and it has to be one of the greatest Disney Channel Originals ever created. The concept of the villains of the classic Disney tales being washed up nobodies seemed a bit far-fetched, but they played on it perfectly, having the children of these super-villains brought to Auradon Prep where they're taught to be good. Or so they think.

This whole movie is excellent. The singing and dancing scenes and the CGI may be cheesy for some, but they're believable. The best part about the movie was when Mal (Dove Cameron), the daughter of Maleficent, finally stood up to her mother and learned to be good, forming an unbreakable bond with the Jay, the son of Jafar (Booboo), Carlos, the son of Cruella De Vil (Cameron Boyce), and also gaining a sister in Evie (Sofia Carson), the daughter of the Evil Queen. Although, nothing's ever what it seems. Mal flashes a mischievous smile at the end of the movie, reminding us that their story's nowhere near done.

This movie is a must-watch for Disney fans. Aside from the 'High School Musical' franchise, this movie is easily the best Disney Channel Original Movie ever made. It really reminded me of what it was like to be a Disney kid. The only bad thing about it is the movie's theme song 'Rotten to the Core' getting stuck in your head for days. Anyways, an absolute 10/10.

Still Alice (2014)

One of the best films of the decade

[10/10 · 18 May 2015]

I can't say enough about this movie. This movie hit home for my family in the best way possible. Nobody except Sony would even think about putting the entire movie through the lens of the patient. Julianne Moore's enigmatic performance is unparalleled in this film.

Even though she was given an a-list cast in Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart and Kate Bosworth to film with, she could have easily carried the entire movie by herself. The entire movie is emotionally intense with a depressing - yet uplifting - undertone to it.

The fact that this movie digs in deep with a modern accent and original challenges of Alzheimer's, this movie produces a very unique style all its own. The way Alice keeps trying to hold onto her memory, from self-recordings to default questions in her phone, you can feel her pain and anguish as she slowly - and literally - loses her mind.

By the end of the movie Alice has completely forgotten everything, barely being able to speak. Her daughter Lydia (Stewart) read a very intriguing and interesting story to her, and then tried to ask her what it was about. And she uttered the one word she always knew: love. "Yeah, Mom. It was about love." This film is one of a kind. Anybody struggling with the disease, or who knows someone who is, should watch this movie. It could have ended better than it did, but it also gives us hope, showing us that anything can happen. A definite 10 out of 10.

The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

Geek Power!

[10/10 · 30 March 2015]

Since 2007, millions of viewers around the world have been mystified and amazed at the hilarity of four best-friend scientists, coupled with a wannabe actress as a next-door neighbor, have generated millions of laughs for the past eight years.

First off, the fan base is the biggest of any comedy on television... pretty much EVER! Over the past three seasons they've been averaging over 15 million live viewers per episode, and they deserve it, too! A cast of colorful characters composes this show, providing wise cracks and useful scientific info in virtually every aspect.

Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), a somewhat narcissistic, misunderstood in terms of emotions, is a theoretical physicist who works for the science division of Caltech. Coupled with his roomie-turned-best-friend Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), along with aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), astrophysicist Rajesh Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), and sarcasm expert Penny (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting), they have made us all chuckle our heads off, while learning about the flaws of string theory and the particle acceleration of the Hadron Collider. Together the five have soared in the ratings over the past near decade, being extended through their tenth season.

The show has been awarded dozens of accolades, including two dozen Primetme Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe award, and various other prestigious awards. All in all, the group was raunchy at first, but now that seems to have calmed down, although it is still prevalent in some points of the show. I vote 10/10 for an absolutely gut-busting, world-changing performance from everybody on the show. Well done, BBT. Well done.

Song of the Sea (2014)

One of the top-ten animated films ever created

[10/10 · 22 March 2015]

I watched this film with my grandparents, not knowing what to expect. I'm a huge fan of Celtic and Gaelic culture, and this movie appealed to me. I didn't know what to make of it until I watched it, so I kept my mind open. The next day after watching it I went to the store and bought it.

First off, it's one of the few hand-drawn groundbreaking animated films since "Princess and the Frog" back in 2009. Being recognized by the Academy with 7 Annie Award nominations and a nomination for Best Animated Feature by the Oscars, beating out 'The LEGO Movie' and 'The Book of Life' for the last spot in a thin five-nominee category.

The story is amazing, the colors are beautiful, and the original spiritual feel of true, ancient lore and legend give this movie the tangibility of a 3D high-tech animated feature. Saiorse, the last member of her kind known as a Selkie, a mythical creature of Irish lore that is said to be able to transform into a seal and back to human and vice versa, attempts to try and save the rest of her kind, without saying so much as a word until the final 15 minutes! The contrasting attitude of big brother Ben, who blames Saiorse for everything, including the death of their mother, and now emotionless Dad, who is still tormented from his wife's death all complement and contrast each other perfectly. Put them together with the playful sheep dog Cù and a wide variety of fairy creatures of many shapes, sizes and attitudes, and you get a unique film pulled straight out of the Irish sea.

A film that broke ground, developing an absolute perfect blend between ancient lore, modern day, classic animation, friendship, sibling rivalry, fairies, and the true power of family and magic. In my opinion, it could possibly be the highest rated animated film since 'The Lion King.'

I definitely give this film a 10/10. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this film. One of the greatest representations of Irish folklore I have ever seen.

Frozen (I) (2013)

Perfect

[9/10 · 14 March 2015]

Over the past sixteen months the world has developed literal "Frozen Fever", as evident in the billions of dollars of DVD, Blu-ray, toy and clothing sales. Everything is amazing about this film, it's hard to put it all into one review.

The attitudes of the characters contrast each other perfectly with the chilling outlying of the plot. Care free Anna and Olaf balance with hard-toned Kristoff and paranoid Elsa.

But the best parts of the movie are definitely the 'Let It Go' sequence and the revival of Anna from her frozen heart. Not from Elsa's love, as everybody else at first thought, but from the sacrifice of herself in order to save her sister.

The computer animation is also astonishing, giving the movie that feel of early 1800's Norway. With the close-knit kingdom of Arendelle virtually coupled to the sea and nestled in the snow-covered mountains, it gives a feel of reality.

Overall this movie is by far the highest-grossing and highest-selling animated feature of all time, but it's still not considered the best, compared to the original wave of Disney features, including 'The Lion King', 'Aladdin' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. That's why I didn't give it the extra star.

Maleficent (2014)

Mrs. Jolie at her absolute best

[10/10 · 13 March 2015]

First off, the graphics and twist on the story are absolutely astonishing. Who would think to turn Maleficent into a misunderstood, scorned fairy warrior? Well, Disney, of course! Angelina is by far the best woman ever to play the role, live-action or voice-over. Elle is good as Aurora, but her sister Dakota could have possibly played it better. All in all, the story is still amazing.

Sharlto Copley can play as good a bad guy as the best of them, even when he's the opposite in real life. But all other facts aside, the plot, execution, and storyline twists are out of this world, making a lovable version of Maleficent that the whole family will enjoy. This is by far one of Disney's greatest live-action accomplishments, right up there with Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)

Rainbow-afro zebras? Count me in!

[10/10 · 13 March 2015]

DreamWorks is still nothing compared to Disney, but they are working their way up the animated ladder, producing effective and fun movie series such as this, along with the "Shrek" and "How to Train Your Dragon" movie series.

The plot of this movie is still centered around Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melvin, four domestic African animals who are shipped to the island of Madagascar after a breakout from the zoo. However, this story is now further developed as a colorful cross-continent escape from Captain Chantel DuBois (voice of Frances McDormand).

Coupled with new, color-filled characters in Gia (Jessica Chastain), Vitaly (Bryan Cranston), and Stefano (Martin Short), this movie is filled with excitement, laughter, and fun for the whole family. A perfect addition to a hilarious movie trilogy.

Supernatural (2005–2020)

One of the best shows on the air

[10/10 · 13 March 2015]

It may not have the strongest viewer numbers, but 'Supernatural' is nothing to be messed with. Anybody craving action, gore and ancient lore is in luck when they choose to watch this show! The entire series is centered around brothers Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki), who travel the United States, fending off unholy creatures of lore and legend of every kind. From werewolves and vampires, to ghosts and ghouls, angels and demons, and even Lucifer himself, 'Supernatural' has literally done it all.

The seriousness of baby brother Sam contrasts perfectly with the bad ass, care-free attitude of older brother Dean, providing a hot-and-cold, Heaven-and-Hell, good-cop, bad-cop kind of relationship. The fact that Dean is cursed to Hell early in the series sets the platform for an extraterrestrial war on a scale like the Earth has never seen before.

By Season 4 Dean has been cursed to Hell, and only by the assistance of an angel by the name of Castiel (Misha Collins) does he escape. It's the absolute perfect show with a little bit of everything for everybody. Be warned, however. It is NOT a television show for young children. Nobody under the age of 15 should be permitted to see it, for the sheer terror of the plot alone.

To Write Love on Her Arms (2012)

Oscar-worthy

[10/10 · 13 March 2015]

All her life, Renee Yohe was a dreamer. Until life took away her dreams. Caught up in the mid-Florida drug world, she reconnects with her friends whom she left two years ago, asking for help to overcome her struggles. What she doesn't know is that her story would provide hope for people like her around the world.

This film is a perfect depiction of what really goes down, and how rehab really goes. Throughout her entire career, Kat Dennings (Renee) has always played sarcastic, hilarious characters. And one of the truly serious roles in her career, she nails. I'm surprised she wasn't given at least a nod from the Academy for Best Actress.

Everybody's performances to couple with hers give the whole movie a sense of solid tangibility, as a BOATS (Based On A True Story) feature should. To think that one woman, whose story we've heard a million times, would inspire a non-profit organization that shares the same name as the movie, motivating depressed, addicted, and even suicidal young adults to never give up, because Renee didn't.

This movie should have won awards across the board, but even though it didn't, it shows that anything is possible when you ask for help. A definite must-see

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast (2014 Video)

A perfect finish to the story of Pixie Hollow

[10/10 · 22 February 2015]

DisneyToon Studios has managed to dive in head-first into the world of Peter Pan's fairy friend TinkerBell, illuminating every aspect of her world, Pixie Hollow.

Starting with the very first movie, released back in 2007, Tink and her fairy friends have taken us on an eight-year ride, managing to describe every detail of fairy lore. First off, we have the four seasonal divisions of Pixie Hollow (one of which hid TinkerBell's twin sister for three movies), the origin of the blue dust, the Blue Harvest Moon, the relationship with a human girl named Lizzie and her scientist father on the Mainland, along with talent-switching dust, how Captain Hook became obsessed with fairies, Tink's origins with Wendy (well, mainly her music box) and now, the Legend of the NeverBeast: a terrifying cat-like creature who can control the weather.

I love the centric view of Fawn in this movie. She seemed to be the only one who hadn't had her time in the limelight, and in this movie, she is determined to prove that the NeverBeast isn't what everybody thinks, and boy, did she ever! Even though Gruff (NeverBeast) had to go back into hibernation for a thousand years, they played with the finale perfectly, with the pathway illuminated by flowers and lighted dandelions dancing through the night sky. The most touching part was the closing of Gruff's eye, with Fawn in his reflection, to metaphorically close the book on the story of TinkerBell and Pixie Hollow, leaving behind a saga of family-friendly animated films that will not soon be forgotten.

Pacific Rim (2013)

A much-needed monster flick!

[10/10 · 21 January 2015]

First off, the colors are quite impressive. The fight scenes are exciting and energetic, and the whole movie itself is quite believable. The idea of monstrous 400-foot tall creatures living underneath the world's oceans comes as unique and different, but in a good way.

The Kaijus, as they're called, wage a war with the humans, who in turn drop their political and military differences to create an army of larger than life combat robots, referred to as "jaegers". The end result is a world war waged between two different armies to determine who gains control of Earth. Overall it's an amazing monster movie for a change, instead of those unbelievable low-budget flicks.

The Avengers (2012)

Greatest superhero movie in history

[10/10 · 21 January 2015]

Saw the preview at the end of Thor back in 2011... had to wait almost a year to experience the global phenomenon first-hand. The theater experience wasn't something to forget.

All in all, the title of this review says it all. 'Marvel's The Avengers' is quite possibly the greatest superhero movie in history. The combination of hardcore assassins Widow and Hawkeye, reclusive Banner, arrogant Iron Man, leader Cap and the Norse brothers Thor and Loki mixes itself together into a concoction of personalities and superpowers which guarantees to impress.

Marvel has set the bar high for themselves. Since its release, only a select few superhero movies have compared to it. And all of them have been Marvel!

Big Hero 6 (2014)

A unique trend setter for animated movies to come

[10/10 · 21 January 2015]

Disney Animation Studios, back in November 2014, bought us a story of 14-year-old robotics genius Hiro Hamada and robot nurse Baymax, who together band together a team of heroes in speed demon Go Go, chemistry master Honey Lemon, organized Wasabi and school mascot wannabe Fred, whose mission is to help the citizens of San Fransokyo.

This film is like nothing else on Earth. A unique animated movie, it combines aspects of the Marvel Comics line of the same name, while still keeping the magic of Disney animation.

Combined with the valiant, electro-rock anthem "Immortals", created originally by the immortal Fall Out Boy just for the movie, Big Hero 6 oozes heartfelt sentiments, safety tips, and the strength of family and friendship. The Academy recognizes it too, as the film has been nominated for dozens of awards, including nominations for both the Golden Globes and Oscar.

DreamWorks Dragons (2012–2014)

An absolute masterpiece follow-up to one of the greatest animated films in history!

[10/10 · 20 January 2015]

DreamWorks, in its decision to make Dragons into an animated series, branched out on the plot, delving into the details of Berk from ground level. Coupled with various mini-feature specials, including 'Gift of the Night Fury' and 'Book of Dragons', the power of this show never ceases to amaze.

The excellence of the animation alone is mind-blowing. From every movement of Hiccup and the gang, to every plasma blast, spine shot and sheep "baaa" feels real enough to reach out and touch. The art of the Vikings brings a sense of reality to a fantasy story that will be remembered for decades to come.

Deliver Us from Evil (I) (2014)

Gory, freaky, filled with jump scenes... the perfect horror flick!

[9/10 · 20 January 2015]

Deliver Us From Evil gets it right. The feeling of a modern-day horror movie is prevalent in this title. The story of a New York police officer and a priest dealing with evil sent from hell itself is very effective and powerful.

The fact that it's based on a true story makes the story even more powerful and heart-pounding. The movie is packed with various gory sequences and jump scenes. The main demon, writing etched into his skin, can be extremely frightening, but the possessed woman who threw her baby over the ledge is the next goriest thing in the movie, her body deteriorating over time throughout the movie until she's almost nothing but flesh pulled over bone.

I give this movie 9 out of 10. I would have given it a 10 if the language wasn't as frequent.

The Maze Runner (2014)

One of the most unique book franchises out there

[9/10 · 20 January 2015]

Only seen this movie once, but the execution and plot are brilliant! The land itself is spectacular. The perfect example of Louisiana backwoods bayou country.

Any fans of book franchises like The Hunger Games and The Hobbit would most likely enjoy this feature. The story sucks you in until every detail is revealed, and until you know the truth, you regret having to pause the movie and come out of the trance.

The grouping of characters of different accents, races and nationalities gives a sense of equality to the movie. There is a star and hero of every kind of race. Overall 'The Maze Runner' is a very impressive piece of work, worthy of a book movie trilogy. I would have given it a 10 if the end wasn't such a cliffhanger.

The Conjuring (2013)

Enough to keep you up all night!

[10/10 · 20 January 2015]

'The Conjuring' is virtually an autobiographical tale of Ed and Lorraine Warren's most terrifying and memorable case. This film is definitely worth an R-rating, but for nothing too out of context. It's not a bloodbath, no one has sex, there's not even severe language. But the jump scenes by themselves are enough to give it R, and scare grown men out of their skin and back into it! This film is definitely worth its rating, but it's one of the best horror movies in the past 20 years. The power behind the story is one that will never be forgotten. But be warned; upon your first viewing, do not eat or drink AT ALL! Otherwise you'll have a popcorn rain and a manual soda fountain!

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

A color-coordinated and sugary masterpiece!

[10/10 · 20 January 2015]

I never saw Wreck-It Ralph when it came out, and after seeing "Frozen" and "Big Hero 6", I thought "there's no way that this guy measures up to the likes of Elsa and Baymax!" Boy, was I wrong! The overall film itself is made to tell the story of the video games we take for granted every day. Ralph is a bad guy trying to get along with the good guys, but every bad guy has his challenges. The power this film carries with it is amazing, about friendship, proving yourself, and accepting yourself for who you are.

The part at the end when he helps Vanellope finish the race sprouts the friendship in these two, who live only one trip through Game Central Station from each other. This film highlights the bond of two unlikely friends. One from a world where he's always the bad guy, and one from a world in which she's treated like a freak.

This film lives up to the immortal and nearly incomprehensible standards that Disney Animation Studios sets for itself, raising the bar every year with yet another animated, colorful, and sugary spectacle that will leave you with a warm heart and a craving for cake!

2 Broke Girls (2011–2017)

Better than you'd think

[9/10 · 15 January 2015]

2 Broke Girls is a modern-day sitcom that follows the lives of two nearly bankrupt mid-20s' women and their struggles trying to create a cupcake business endeavor which will lead them to success.

First off, the show is quite funny. There are usually a half to a full dozen gut busters per episode, delivered mostly by Max (Kat Dennings), Oleg the chef (Jonathan Kite) and Earl (Garrett Morris). The show is very sexually oriented, however. Most of the jokes are about some form of sex, or at least associated with sex. I do NOT recommend it to anybody under the age of 16.

I encourage viewers not to give up on the show. It's highly sexual, but there are many genuine and heartfelt moments spread throughout the series. Overlooking the sexuality can be difficult, but there are a few good spots.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

An animated spectacle for the ages

[10/10 · 6 January 2015]

I have been a fan of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise since the first movie, and when I saw this movie for the first time... it was nothing I had ever seen before! Every component of the first movie was expanded and branched out upon. Their world has gotten bigger in every way possible. The colors, the characters, the conflict, the dragons... even the score has been expanded and improved to bring about a whole other dimension of their world! How to Train Your Dragon 2 is truly an animated juggernaut, and is something that nobody else will be able to upstage. It is possibly the most unique storyline of any animated film out there, and is a movie that the entire family can enjoy, from ages 8 to 98. Here's to you, Hiccup and Toothless!