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Reviews
California Suite (1978)
If not for Jane and Maggie..
The relationships and witty lines between Alan Alda and Jane Fonda and Maggie Smith and Michael Caine were funny and sharp. It was the best parts of the movie. If the story was just built around them and continued with that humor this movie would be wonderful.
However, the stories of the other three couples were too silly and not humorous to me. Maybe this film didn't age well and isn't well received by my generation (I'm in my late 20s watching this for the first time).
I have no interest in watching this film again. I will discuss how great my favorite two couples' jokes were and characters acted however I can't recommend this film overall.
The Lion King (2019)
Amazing CGI
The CGI and digital effects in this movie are out of this world. Makes it all look so real, it's the thing I found most impressive about the film.
As a kid who grew up watching Lion King time and time again, when it came to the Mufasa-Scar battle over the canyon, a part of me hoped the storyline would change as that scene is always heartbreaking. However, if they did change that turning point scene, the entire rest of the story would be completely different.
The new jokes from Timon and Pumba fit it quite well and held true to the original characters.
This film is visually a nice change of pace from the original but otherwise they are virtually the same, just with a new cast and new renditions of the songs.
Aladdin (2019)
Entertaining!
Holy cow, the acrobatics and dancing in this movie were truly amazing! I didn't expect much from this movie as I'm not one to really appreciate a remake, but man, I think this is the first remake I might like better than the original.
This movie had bits of similarities between the characters Genie and Hitch - similar humor and a guiding role played by Will Smith.
Aladdin had a lower level of confidence in this film compared to the original. Not quite as cocky. I really enjoyed the slight changes to the storyline that make this differ from the original slightly.
I would absolutely recommend this movie and will watch it again at some point, not soon, but definitely again.
The Jungle Book (2016)
Stick with the original
It appears I'm outnumbered in this opinion, but this movie just didn't do it for me. While I can appreciate the visual affects, I still prefer the original film. I must say, they did a wonderful job casting each of the voices - a lot of really great actors in here and each gave the characters unique traits and accents.
It was more dark and serious than the original, and in doing so I feel the story loses a lot of the charm and joyous moments.
I will not be running to rewatch this movie anytime soon, if at all. I'm also not sure I will be recommending this movie. Sorry to say it's a flip for me.
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Intertwined, Clever Storyline
The best thing about this movie is the way the storylines weave together and the connections between everyone. It's extremely clever. The cast is pretty great and everyone is pretty believable in their role. This doesn't have the usual "dumb" Steve Carell, but his lighter, slightly more realistic humor, which I actually really enjoy. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are each in finest form and do a wonderful job in their roles in this film, similarly to many of their others.
This movie has a few cringe moments, but overall it's a nice story. I would recommend this movie for someone who wants a light comedy.
Red Dawn (2012)
Solid cast, yet disappointing
A bunch of A and B list actors you've seen multiple times before and yet this film still falls very short from being anything close to great. Some actors were better than others, more believable than others. An action movie without being too gross or hard to watch, which is a welcome change for a chicken like me. Be prepared to have your heart broken a few times throughout the storyline.
I can't say I would recommend this film or be running to watch it again. Maybe years from now I'd watch it again if someone suggested it, but otherwise I'd probably pass on viewing it again. Went in with no expectations and left being disappointed.
Love in the Maldives (2023)
A little better than a typical Hallmark romance
I'm typical Hallmark romance fashion, this movie is a light hearted, semi-corny, pretty predictable, feel good movie. Some actors were better than others but the main three were pretty great. I loved the character of the older woman on vacation, I found her character to be realistic and relatable for a lot of people, which is great.
The scenery was stunning and the little elements of adventure were intriguing.
Even with all this, I doubt I would find myself running to rewatch this movie anytime soon. I might leave it on if I came across it while scanning the channels for something in the background.
Enchanted (2007)
A spin on the classic fairytales
Just have to start out by saying, Pip is the best character in this film. Funny, courageous, sassy, this chipmunk has it all.
As for the rest of the movie, they have a pretty solid cast. All of the actors have played major roles in other films and they do a great job here.
It's fun that this movie touches on multiple fairytale stories and plays into a few of them. I find that very creative.
I think it's awesome that this movie takes place in NYC with human actors but also in the fairytale land where it's all cartoon animation.
I wouldn't run to watch this movie again but if I found it while scrolling through the channels I would watch at least for a few minutes.
Abominable (2019)
Unique Story
This was a beautiful story. At times it was a little predictable but for the most part, there were elements of characters and the storyline that have not been seen in other films, which is great! Focuses on family, adventure, grief, friendship, and wonder. A few silly scenes throughout a captivating adventure.
I would recommend this movie to others. I can't say that I would be running to rewatch this movie anytime soon but I would watch it again at some point whether I selected it or watched along as it played on tv.
The art in this animation was very nice and impressive. The scenery especially is beautiful.
Snatched (2017)
Not my kind of funny
This movie is supposed to be a comedy but it only actually made me laugh (out loud) once. It's very much "stupid" funny, which isn't my taste. The cast was good, a couple people in surprising roles but overall good selection. The jokes were too silly, too over the top, too dramatic.. it's not my taste. The dirty jokes were a bit ridiculous.
I can't say I will be recommending this movie to anyone. I have no plans on rewatching it at any point in time - not even if it's already on and I'm scrolling through the channels.
This movie is one I will forget about soon. The only thing I liked was the scenery.
Matt Rife: Natural Selection (2023)
So so
It was cool to see how proud he was to be performing at that caliber of a venue. Matt is a great storyteller as shown in this feature. The best parts of this features were the stories he told, the inspiration and motivation he provided, and his cleaner jokes. I didn't care for the jokes that were crass or inappropriate for my standards. There was a lot to learn about Matt Rife from this feature. There were a few good laughs but nothing that had me rolling or things that I'd be quoting/referencing. I would give another one of his shows a chance but I don't know that I would rewatch this segment.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
EMOTIONAL
Holy cow was this movie heavy. It was interesting to learn about Rocket's past but at the same time it was difficult. I was clutching my partner for the entirety of this movie for emotional support. The CGI and graphics are seriously impressive. I loved the new characters (minus the antagonist and a few of his clan). The creativity is definitely a little out there, this movie is unlike any other storyline that's for sure. I had no idea what to expect 90% of the time. I really couldn't predict the ending for most of the movie. I only have this movie a 7 because while it was so unique, soundtrack and graphics were phenomenal, acting and cast was wonderful, but it was such a heavy storyline I'm not rushing to watch it a second time, at least not for a long, long wile.
Chalet Girl (2011)
Silly but comforting. Will watch repeatedly
This movie is about a young woman finding herself after a tragedy and yet at the same time it's a lighthearted rom com. The cast is comprised of some familiar faces, a few of whom are pretty big names. This movie is silly, easy to watch, and nothing extremely monumental, and yet it is comforting to watch. This should be the type of movie you watch once, maybe a second time if it's on tv or a friends suggests watching it, and yet somehow this movie has become one that I rediscover every couple of years and watch as engaged as the first time I've watched it. I can't explain it, so instead I guess I'll just enjoy it.
Big (1988)
A little too weird for me to love this "classic"
I know this movie is supposed to be a classic, and while it has its witty moments, the whole concept is a little too out there for me. I understand it's fiction but a 13 year old boy has certain mannerisms and all of a sudden, that of those start to disappear the longer he's an adult? He somehow he becomes mature enough to be in a mature, adult relationship? It's all a little too goofy for me.
But the first third of the movie when he gets the first job and is truly acting like a 13 year old boy in a man's body, that's all more believable and funny.
As someone who's lived almost her entire life in NY, it's fun to see the scenes filmed at FAO Schwarz and Playland Park.