Ralph Breaks The Internet – November 23, 2018

Video game bad guy Ralph and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz must risk it all by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, “Sugar Rush.” In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet — the netizens — to help navigate their way, including an entrepreneur named Yesss, who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making sites.

Wreck it Ralph might be one of the best animated films in recent memory. It was so clever, so whip-smart, so fun and different from anything else before it. I believe the sequel was announced very quickly after the release, and I can understand why they wanted to move forward in the Ralph universe. There were so many places they could take the characters in this world.

Sadly, they seem to have taken the fun, bright characters back in time. For me, so much about the film felt dated. Some of this was done well in Wreck it Ralph, with purpose. To warm the nostalgia cockles of our hearts. Once they surf into the internet, the characters seem stuck in a time we would rather forget, not a fun other world with characters we know and love.

There were many new characters introduced, but none of them were likable. Everything we learn about their world in the first, such as ”Going Turbo” seem completely forgotten here. There are no friendly faces we know from other games or platforms, just new, bright and loud ones that we fail to connect to. All the wit, all of the sass and snark from the first film is missing here. The things we like about Ralph, that made us empathize with his character are mostly gone.

Direction: While the first is quick, clever, with pointed direction and plenty of laughs, this one feels as if it were phoned in. Or dialed up, perhaps.

Acting: Our leads are still funny when the gags work, but the newer characters are just loud and not likable.

Overall: One – Whopper

 

Incredible 2 – June 15, 2018

Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back–but this time Helen [Holly Hunter] is in the spotlight, leaving Bob [Craig T. Nelson] at home with Violet and Dash to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transition for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone [Samuel L. Jackson] must find a way to work together again–which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.

Pixar films are some of the best branch of Disney films, in my opinion, for their story and character depth, their breadth of emotion and story lines, and their beautiful design. From Toy Story to Inside Out and Up, they hit it out of the park every time. 2004’s The Incredible’s was rare animated film that checked all the boxes of comedy, action, adventure, and depth and the sequel is one fans have been looking forward to for years.

Supers are still considered outlaws and even more so after recent destruction involving the Incredible family. A tech guru and his sister decide they want to change the world’s perception of Supers and get them back out there. Elastigirl becomes an ambassador for superheroes, working with tech company to be the face of their technology in hopes of making it possible for them and their kind to help people legally.

Helen takes on some jobs as Bob is left to handle the kids including an excitable Dash, a mopey teenage Violet, and an out of control Jack-Jack. He does his best but is in over his head and Helen soon feels the same about the lack of progress she is making and how much she has been forced to sacrifice. Before she knows it, she’s entangled in a larger plot than she’s aware of, involving some of the very people she thinks are trying to help her and her family.

It was a bit more socially focused than the previous film with lots of feminist undertones. I appreciate putting a female lead in charge but dismissing the rest of the family and the husband so carelessly felt like too much. When they family was together and the kids joined forces, the film was at it’s best.

Pacing and tone were a little all over the places, with it almost feeling as if two movies–one starting Elastigirl and one starring Bob–were happening at once. It had some great hero moments and it looked great, but it felt disconnected and though I am all about girl power, it got old fast because it wasn’t subtle or inherent, it was shoved down our throats.

The villain kind of came out of nowhere for me, unless I missed something, and  it added to the disconnected feeling. Heroes still get to be heroes and the family saves the day, but the third act really dragged on a little too long and you don’t get a clear cut ending, which is I guess the norm for Disney films.

Acting: Hunter is great until her character and her motives become weak and tired and it’s really the kids that save the story.

Direction: Plotting this film has been underway for a decade and yet nothing fresh or exciting came of that work, and while it looks good, has some funny moments, and an easy ending, it was not the masterpiece the original was and not something that feels like an instant classic.

Overall: Three Sour Patch Kids

 

Moana – December 16, 2016

An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Together they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.

First heard about Moana from The Rock’s announcement of his role in it. Immediate Eye-Roll. I love him, I do. Will check out most anything he does. But Disney?

But, I digress. It looked fun and I love me some Disney.

I am so glad I did not let myself be swayed. Not only is The Rock perfect for his role [Singing too, in fact], the newcomer cast as Moana was positively perfect as well!

Not only are the voice characters funny, sweet and engaging, bringing to life lovable characters sure to be favorites, it looks AMAZING and the songs are perfect for the tone and the visuals of the film. Oh if you hadn’t guessed it, I loved it.

It has heart, soul and all the parts that make up a Disney classic, great songs, fun, quirky characters and just enough humor for both adults and the kids. Some of the elements were a little confusing but I think the visuals will make those deeper elements of the film not affect kids loving it.

Acting: Perfectly casted, I could see The Rock as Maui and the other voices felt right as well.

Directing: It looked so good, the songs were so great and although some of the complex elements might pass over kids heads, it makes it that much easier for adults to enjoy

Overall: Five

 

Pete’s Dragon – September 2 2016

Mr. Meacham [Robert Redford], a woodcarver, delights local children with stories of a mysterious dragon that lives deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. His daughter Grace [Bryce Dallas Howard] believes these are just tall tales, until she meets Pete [Oakes Fegley], a 10-year-old orphan who says he lives in the woods with a giant, friendly dragon. With help from a young girl named Natalie [Oona Laurence], Grace sets out to investigate if this fantastic claim can be true.

 

I love Disney. I do. Disney basically represents my childhood and all the good that was in it. I mean, not ALL the good, but you get it. As of late the reimagining, redoing and retooling of classics has been hit or miss for me.

 
But when I heard about this, I was aghast. There is no WAY, no HOW they can capture the greatness that was the original, the CLASSIC Pete’s Dragon. As a child, I forced my bestie to watch it almost every sleepover for like, a YEAR. While I sang the songs. Every. Single. Word. Its imperfectly perfect and I adore it from Candle on The Water to the crazy doctor, to the rousing bar house foam fun. No way it could be redone like that. I think the filmmakers respected that when they started making this version of Pete’s Dragon.
We meet a young family with a curious little boy just before tragedy strikes. Sometime later, we meet another family-park ranger mom Bryce Dallas Howard and Logging dad Wes  Bentley and their own curious child Oona Laurence-who happen upon a young, feral boy in the woods. Elliot the dragon has cared for the curious boy from before and now they’re both found out and the loggers, specifically Karl Urban, want to reap some rewards. This is nothing like the original. I don’t think the filmmakers meant it to be, though.

 
Like the original, we have the wonder of Elliot and Pete’s friendship, the wonder of a family coming together and the greed and misdirection of an outside force. This time instead of a quack doctor, it’s a quack logger. And, like the original, it’s the strength of the bond between Pete and Elliot as well as his newfound bond with a new family that makes this film work.

 
It could have been cheesy, but the acting and the lack of song and dance-literally and figuratively-about the fact that a huge dragon is scampering through town make it work as well. Elliot is not as cute as the original, but still lovely and likable and well crafted. I wish they had kept him animated, as I liked that juxtaposition, but he’s cool CGI too. I wish they had thought to include the classic original songs somehow, in the background even. Nonetheless, it was as warm and fuzzy as the original, in it’s own modern way. Elliot was more likable than Pete, but mostly because they didn’t give him much to do; the little girl played by Oona was properly curious and not overly smart like most movie kids these days.

 

I’m not really a fan of any of the lead actors, except Karl Urban and he played a smarmy dick, so…anyway. It was enjoyable, I laughed, I cried, I cared. It was better than I expected, by leaps and I would recommend it and most definitely if it had songs, be singing those songs just like the old days.

 

Acting: Oona is very likable and Redford ads some stability but the rest of the cast is just a ‘MEH’ for me.

 

Directing: The pace was good and made sense to the story, the script was fairly well written and the SFX were really well executed.
Overall: Three Sour Patch Kids

 

Finding Dory – July 1 2016

Dory [Ellen DeGeneres] is a wide-eyed, blue tang fish who suffers from memory loss every 10 seconds or so. The one thing she can remember is that she somehow became separated from her parents as a child. With help from her friends Nemo and Marlin, Dory embarks on an epic adventure to find them. Her journey brings her to the Marine Life Institute, a conservatory that houses diverse ocean species. Dory now knows that her family reunion will only happen if she can save mom and dad from captivity.

Over a decade ago, Pixar gave us one of the most beloved animated tales ever-Finding Nemo. With stunning animation, a relatable story and the sweet but simple Dory, it won the hearts of millions. Disney seems to have made a habit out of trying to re-write greatness with varying degrees of failure. Cars 2. Planes. Plenty of failures litter the landscape of Disney not knowing when to leave well enough alone. Thus, I was skeptical when Disney first announced this sequel.

We meet up with Nemo, Dory and Marlin about a year after we last left them. The decade plus between isn’t important. Dory has found a home with Marlin and Nemo, and lately, her short memory has allowed her glimpses of her past. Dory is overcome with a desire to find them and be a family once again. Marlin and Nemo tag along but soon the three are separated and Dory is on her own in a Marina attraction. Do we need to take this journey with Dory? Is it necessary?

The answer to both is no. Not really. Still, it doesn’t mean the adventure isn’t fun and enjoyable and doesn’t look as stunning as we would expect. The script is solid with endearing parents for Dory who struggle with her memory issues. The new characters are interesting and likable and the kids will love them. The journey is heavy on the Dory and light on the Nemo so I hope people expected nothing less. It is absolutely DeGeneres’ film and she shines.

Really, it’s a good film but it feels like another Finding Nemo. Lost kid seeking parents, some heartbreak along the way, some outrageous and lovable characters. Sound familiar? That doesn’t make it bad. It just means Disney wisely disguised Finding Nemo 2.0 in pretty packaging that fooled us all. Where it limits itself is setting; Marlin and Nemo went on a grand adventure to find each other, all along the Austrailian coast. Here we get less adventure stuck in a marina. Dory is charming enough, as is the rest of the characters, that it doesn’t matter greatly but does seem pale in comparison to Nemo. Still, for a new generation, Dory will be their Nemo and I believe that’s what Disney intended.

Acting: Ellen is great, funny and doofy just like Dory should be. O’Neil is good too but maybe a tad dark for a kids film.

Directing: It looked great, as usual, but the pacing was a bit sluggish though the humor and script were solid.

Overall: Three Sour Patch Kids

 

Zootopia – May 20th 2016

From the largest elephant to the smallest shrew, the city of Zootopia is a mammal metropolis where various animals live and thrive. When Judy Hopps [Ginnifer Goodwin] becomes the first rabbit to join the police force, she quickly learns how tough it is to enforce the law. Determined to prove herself, Judy jumps at the opportunity to solve a mysterious case. Unfortunately, that means working with Nick Wilde [Jason Bateman], a wily fox who makes her job even harder.

As of late, Disney seems to have once again found its footing. After great turns with Big Hero 6, Wreck It Ralph, Frozen and others, they seem to finally be making good films again. Between the advent of Pixar there were several misses, for me especially. With more good on the horizon, such as Finding Dory, Moana and another Incredibles, it looks like they’re not slowing down. Zootopia has been a massive hit and I really looked forward to checking it out.

The premise is simple: tiny bunny that could, Judy Hopps [Goodwin] dreams of something more. Of being whatever she wants to be, despite the preconceived expectations of the rest of the world. Judy is a prey, someone predators, like foxes and wolves, look on as a meal or meal ticket as it were. In Zootopia, a metropolis much like New York, there is no such thing as defining lines of predators and prey. And yet, prey like Nick Wilde [Bateman] a fox, still live very much like Predators. Judy fulfills her dream of becoming a cop in the big city but she has no idea she maybe doesn’t have as open of a mind as she thought.

Right away I don’t like Judy. Hate to say it folks. She’s a cute, fluffy and determined bunny but I did not like her from jump. Hah! Pun not intended but it works, yeah? I thought she was a try-hard and not as likable as she should have been. Until she runs into Nick, who I did like very much, I had little hope for the movie. What also surprised me was the direction the plot went. It went from hopeful bunny tries conquering the big city, to clueless chick bunny goes up against the bad guys turning predators into monsters. I don’t usually buy into all the propaganda crap, but that’s what it felt like to me. Like Disney wanted to say the powers that be were allowing monsters to run the cities and all the little Judy Hopps’ of the world were in danger.

By the second act, Fox Nick Wilde was the only good thing going. Judy was unbalanced in her opinions and actions and annoying clueless about life. Bateman, as Wild, saved a lot of the moments he could, but overall he couldn’t save a whole film. There were laughs to be had and it maybe was trying to tell a moral story,  like most Disney films, but I checked out by the third act. It felt too melancholy and despondent for a kids/family film. I was kind of bummed out by the end of it, even though they finish with the warm fuzzy that Disney films always do. Maybe I’m of the minority but I just couldn’t enjoy it the way I have most Disney films.

Acting: Bateman added character and life to an otherwise bland tale. Idris Elba was underused as was most of the cast in fact.

Directing: The script was a bit of a mess and the tone felt off for an animated film but it looked great and I’m sure kids loved the sloths and the mice.

Overall: Two 1/2 Mike & Ike

 

Big Hero 6 – November 28th 2014

When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his close friends adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called “Big Hero 6.

Disney is a complex beast now. With the acquisition of Marvel in 2009 and the shocking purchase of the Star Wars Franchise/Lucas Films, their horizons have expanded beyond Princess Fairytales and Toy Stories. What that means we’ve yet to fully realize I’m sure; but what it means for the animation department can’t be good. So it was a surprise when word of an animated comic tale was being made after the success of the MCU. Big Hero 6 is an obscure tale, and not one most comic fans, myself included, had ever heard of. Initially I was so disgruntled with Disney after the last few animated outings [Frozen, I’m looking at you], that I had no desire to check it out. Hearing good things though, I spent a lazy afternoon letting Disney reel me in.

As should be expected, it looks stunning. I still prefer old school hand drawn animation, Princess & The Frog being a recent success at this, but I do like the shiny pretty computer stuff too. Knowing basically nothing about the source material, I had no expectations and if there were changes or inconsistencies of course I was unaware. Then again when do we ever get exactly what we hope when a beloved source material is used? What we do get is a sweeping landscape of an alternative reality with a host of lively and colorful characters that it’s impossible not to like and root for.

Young Hiro his likable and there’s much more character development than one expects with an animated film. Tragedy is dealt with in a very un-Disney way and it’s a refreshing story to watch unfold. The bond between the cute-but-creepy Baymax and Hiro is necessary to make Hiro’s character grow past his pain and it feels genuine and well executed. Baymax is ultimately responsible for leading Hiro to other friends who help him adjust to a life he never expected and it’s such a great journey to take with him. There’s action and plenty of jokes and a mystery to be solved, but it’s all rooted in the human experience. Loss and pain and how we all deal with it are central to this story and it was so well done, I thought.

I am sure there were changes made that may not sit well with fans of the obscure comic series. But the good they did with this film no doubt outweighs any changes or overlooked facts. It’s so thoroughly human, with flawed characters but a few stereotypes that I had to side eye. Still Baymax is a lovable character, unwavering in his support of his friend no matter the circumstances, something we could all aspire to be more like.

Acting: The voice talents are great, though maybe not as diverse as they could have been for the very diverse characters presented.

Directing: It looks great and the script was well crafted, with great doses of both levity and human emotions.

Overall: Four Raisinets

 

Frozen – December 6th 2013

When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna [Kristen Bell] joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff [Jonathan Groff] and his reindeer sidekick to find Anna’s sister, Snow Queen Elsa [Idina Menzel], and break her icy spell. Although their epic journey leads them to encounters with mystical trolls, a comedic snowman [Josh Gad], harsh conditions, and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff bravely push onward in a race to save their kingdom from winter’s cold grip.

Disney does it best when they weave an updated tale, based on a beloved well known tale. Beauty and The Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, The Princess & The Frog. All brilliantly adapted tales we already know and love. This is no different except its absolutely different from the original story, and even the blurb is misleading. In fact most the teaser trailer was misleading as well, promising us a frolicking story between a cute reindeer and an even cuter snowman. Not exactly what Frozen ends up being at all, however.

Once again we turn to Hans Christian Anderson for our story. It’s t he tale of two princesses, sisters, who have a difficult relationships; once very close, there is a growing distance forced upon them by their cautious parents. After the parents pass away tragically, the two grow further apart, instead of banding together. The oldest sister, Elsa, has powers she cannot control; powers that allow her to control ice and snow. The younger princess, Anna adores her older sister and is slighted by how she has shut her out. Elsa’s coronation promises a change; though it is not at all what the sisters hope for.

What I do like is how strong, in absolutely different ways, these two princesses are. Anna is quirky and bold and very comfortable with who she is. Elsa is stoic and strong, doing all she can to protect her sister and finally losing it when she can’t seem to protect anyone at all. Also the ideals of love and wonder that Disney often shoves down our gullets is quite different here. The heroes are not men, in fact the men play a fairly small role ultimately. It’s almost and ode to girl power.

While I love Disney’s musicals, this one doesn’t feel like a Disney musical. It feels like broadway wearing something Disney. The songs, save for one, don’t feel at all like you expect them, and certainly not comparable to the genius that Disney doles out. Another complaint I have, is the pace of the film. We barely learn about these powers Elsa has before the entire tone of the film shifts into tragedy. Then shifts again into a frolicking film, before changing once again with a dramatic turn. Its enough to make one dizzy, Disney. The teasers, the blurb, were all so misleading I felt like two entirely separate movies were made and we don’t know until the third act, which one we got.

Acting: Both the leads, Menzel and Bell are great in their first Disney roles; Josh Gad, as Olaf, is lovable and cute as well. Still, their performances can’t save the script and pacing issues that almost freeze out this film.

Directing: The songs aren’t grand enough and the pace is so confusing and rushed, I can’t understand all the buzz about this one. I didn’t hate it; I just didn’t really like it. I wanted to, I really did.

Overall: Two Milk Duds

 

Monsters University – July 12th 2013

Mike Wazowski [John Goodman] and James P. Sullivan [Billy Crystal] are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Can’t say enough how much I enjoy animated films. The sweeping tales are able to take us to places and introduce things no other spectrum can. That being said, Disney is the mastermind behind some of the most classic tales of all time. Some of the best movies of all time, in fact, animated or not. Toy Story is a perfect example of a movie, animated or not, that has lasting impressions and few people can argue the brilliance of. Pixar having a hand in that, Nemo, Monsters Inc, led to expansive universes with colorful characters subtly teaching lessons to their young viewers.

In Monsters’ Inc, we learned about buddies Mike and Sully, the best team of scarers at Monster’s Inc. They triumphed through some difficult circumstances and came out smarter and closer for it. Before they managed to make a great team, it turns out they were rivals at Monster’s University. Mike wants nothing more than to be a scarer, feeling it’s his calling, while Sully takes for granted his natural talent and feels his success is just entitled to him. Struggling through his courses, Mike’s animosity towards Sully grows as the big guy seems to breeze right by him without any effort.

That these two can find a common ground and not just learn to understand each other, but become the supportive, devoted friends is the lesson woven within the scares and jokes here. With some funny truly funny moments and some very touching ones, it was a great journey to take with the soon-to-be besties. The animation, of course is awesome to look at, the bright and quirky characters fun to get to know and the world exciting to learn more about. Pixar struck gold with the fresh, imaginative world they created over a decade ago. In a world so imaginative, there’s so many avenues for these characters, in this world to be able to explore.

As always the voice talents are perfectly cast. The manic Crystal as Mike and the lovable Goodman as Sully are there, of course, but with the talents of Nathan Fillion, Hellen Mirren and Steve Buscemi it was certainly a wildly assorted cast. The thing I applauded most about this turn was the imperfect ending; Pixar was brilliant about how they showed the heroes NOT succeeding and learning how to deal with that and move forward. An important lesson for many of us to learn is just because it’s a no, doesn’t mean it’s a never. Well done.

Acting: Always loved Goodman, since his early TV Dad days and nothing has changed. He’s likable and is the only person I can imagine Sully being. Crystal can be grating at times, but his hysterics make for good laughs for little ones.

Directing: The fun college setting was a good choice and the pace rolled perfectly to let their good times be told. Animation was beautiful and the script was clever, though not entirely original thoughts.

Overall: Four Raisinets

 

Wreck It Ralph – November 9th 2012

Wreck-It Ralph [John C. Reilly] longs to be as beloved as his game’s perfect Good Guy, Fix-It Felix. Problem is, nobody loves a Bad Guy. But they do love heroes… so when a modern, first-person shooter game arrives featuring tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun [Jane Lynch], Ralph sees it as his ticket to heroism and happiness. He sneaks into the game with a simple plan — win a medal — but soon wrecks everything, and accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens every game in the arcade. Ralph’s only hope? Vanellope von Schweetz [Sarah Silverman], a young trouble making “glitch” from a candy-coated cart racing game who might just be the one to teach Ralph what it means to be a Good Guy. But will he realize he is good enough to become a hero before it’s “Game Over” for the entire arcade?

Though I love Disney with a passion, it has faltered as of recent times. With my recent disappointment in Brave, Mars Needs Moms [who green lit that movie?] & a lack luster Cars 2 my hopes were not high. However Wreck it Ralph looked fun and engaging, it combined some of my favorite things-Gaming, Animation and some Retro call outs. Also the voice talents chosen seemed absolutely perfect for their roles. So I was in fact looking forward to it.

Ralph is a good guy cast in a bad guy role he has grown tired of. Never invited to celebrations, never being involved in anything special and never being seen as the good guy he knows he is. When he tries to change his fate, he throws the gaming world out of wack as he fights to become a hero. Along the way he meets Vanellope, a glitch who isn’t even supposed to be in the game, but who is really a hero in her own right. With Ralph’s help she gets a chance to prove and and he learns that maybe he doesn’t need someone to tell him he’s a hero to know he is one too.

I absolutely loved the animation; its not old school Disney of course but it was perfect. Not too slick not too perfect. Vibrant and exciting and again, perfect. I loved all the old retro game references too. We get a little dose of all sorts of characters gamers grew up playing and loving. From Q’bert to Sonic to Chun Li there is a little moment for any gamer here. Really the entire movie felt like a big warm slice of childhood. If you can’t tell, I loved it.

As always with Disney there was a message to be learned. Ralph and Vanellope were all about the glory until they realized they enjoyed the game, the ride, the experience more than the win. It also touched on Ralph’s selfishness, his confusing desire to be liked and accepted while he stepped on people’s feelings to do it. Not a bad lesson learned in this day and age.

Acting: The voice talents were perfect cast, with Reilly doing a great job with both the comedy  and the emotional depth needed for his character. Though not a huge Sarah Silverman fan, I couldn’t picture anyone else’s voice for Vanellope.

Directing: The film looks AMAZING; so vibrant with so much attention to details and layers. The pace is good and it doesn’t have a too-happy ending, but one that satisfies.

Overall: Five Movie Munchies