AbigailAutumn Reviews

Frozen II (2019)

Beautiful and well done movie, but weak near the end.

[8/10 · 26 November 2019]

I went into Frozen II with mid-level expectations and found myself really enjoying the fun, beauty, and magic much more than I anticipated. Both adults and kids alike will be able to find things they can relate to in this movie that is often lighthearted, but touches on many heavy topics.

The biggest downside I found was the weak writing (or editing) near the end of the film. A lot builds up to it, but then it seems to come to an end too simply and without much in-content explanation. I do not know if they cut scenes out for time or if the writers couldn't come up with a way to make the moments have a stronger impact. Granted, the simplification might be better for young children.

Either way, I wouldn't say that made the movie any less great, I just believe it could have even been better. I expect movie goers to come away with awe and wonder, giggles, maybe a tune or two stuck in their head, and likely a few questions regarding the climax. Which for the most part can easily be explained through assumption.

Coco (I) (2017)

Beautiful but Predictable

[7/10 · 3 June 2018]

Coco is a beautifully animated movie that has a unique and interesting take on Día de Muertos. However, aside from the artistic creativity, the over all story line was very predictable and the songs relatively simple and boring. Though I know the Academy might say otherwise.

Kids will likely take a stronger likeing to the film, while adults may appreciate the theme and culture, bur might find plot elements too obvious or cliche.

Hairspray Live! (2016 TV Movie)

Amazed

[9/10 · 8 December 2016]

Hairspray Live deserves a great rating! While it is true there were a handful of technical bugs and when it comes to some casting choices, people who are familiar with the show might have to get used to the new cast, all the hard work and endless practice that went into this is quite an amazing feat!

Being a person of theater, film and broadcast myself, what it takes to pull something off like this in a live setting blows my mind. Life is not perfect, but what makes a live show feel more realistic, more connected on a human level than a couple of bugs or passionately exhausted vocal inflections?!

While some of the past live shows have had their struggles, Hairspray Live is a big leap in the right direction. For what it is, all the technical aspects they achieved, and how it was not pre-recorded, it is worth the watch.