Movie Review - Finding Dori

Finding Dori

Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Hayden Rolence, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton, Eugene, Levy, Sloane Murray, Idris Elba, and more.

Directed by: Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane Original Story by: Andrew Stanton Screenplay by: Andrew Stanton, Victoria Strouse, and Bob Peterson Cinematography by: Jeremy Lasky Music by: Thomas Newman

Premise: Dori has issues with her short term memory. A small accident causes her to remember things she'd forgotten from her childhood - like her parents. For a brief moment, she actually remembers where she came from. And Nemo keeps the name for her. Dori helped Marlin find his son when he was lost. Now Marlin and Nemo will help Dori to find her forgotten family. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Though it's been 13 years since "Finding Nemo" hit the theaters, you wouldn't know it from watching the sequel. Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks reprise their roles as Dori and Marlin as if they'd never been away. Some of the characters from the first film make an appearance, but we're also introduced to a slew of new and memorable characters. Ed O'Neill was a ton of fun as the octopus named Hank. The kids will get a blast from his awesome chameleon powers. :) (They can also try to spot him during the first part of the end credits!)

2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: "Piper" is the name of the short film that plays before the main feature of "Finding Dori". It is beyond adorable! And the animation for it was fantastic. The water, the bubbles, the sand and more were super detailed - the beach looked real. The birds, too. And Piper was so cute!
Here's a taste!

"Finding Dori" itself also had superb animation. Some lovely transitions between the ocean and surface worlds. Some 'jaw-dropping' moments as well. The art was phenomenal in several places. Did some fabulous work with textures, too. From Hank's pitted, semi-slimy skin to the hard tortoises shells, you could visually feel the textures. Great work!

The end credits (stay all the way to the end!) have the algae filled water in the middle section and it is populated with all manner of species of fish who swim lazily by as the names roll past. The variety of fish represented was amazing. It was like going to the aquarium without ever leaving your seat. Kudos guys!

And Becky was one weird, but fun bird. lol. (So was the third seal - even with those creepy, shifty eyes of his. Heh heh.)

3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: When I heard they were doing a sequel to "Finding Nemo" and that it would center around Dori, I had my doubts as to what we would get. But my worry, much like Marlin's, was unnecessary. By introducing flashes of Dori's returning memories as events moved along, they got the audience invested in the quest and finding more about Dori. And we got a chance to see a side of Dori we'd not seen before. (She was also the cutest baby fish EVER!) 

As in the original, the film dives to different depths to explore themes and emotions during the story. There were some quite poignant moments which get revealed during the tale without being heavy handed. It also gave us a true taste of what it would feel like to have Dori's condition, and how strong and determined she truly is.

A range of themes are woven through the film as well. The meaning of family, of belonging, perseverance, trust, friendship, and more. 

There are also all sorts of gags through the movie. Watching Hank moving through the MLI was a ton of fun. They even build on a few of the jokes in tiny bits - stay till the end of the credits for the final one. :)

Conclusion: "Finding Dori" is a great sequel to "Finding Nemo". The animation is fabulous and there are lots of fun characters to fall in love with. You'll probably also find yourself thinking: "What would Dori do?" :)

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)

Movie Review - The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book

Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken, and more.

Directed by: Jon Favreau Screenplay by: Justin Marks Based on the Novels by: Rudyard Kipling Cinematography by: Bill Pope Music by: John Debney

Premise: When the tiger, Shere Khan, finds out the wolves are protecting Mowgli, a man cub, he gives an ultimatum - give him the child to kill or he will kill other jungle denizens until his will is met. Trying to protect his jungle family, Mowbli leaves with his protector, the panther named Bagheera, who plans to take the boy to a man village where he can be safe from Shere Khan. The ruthless tiger, however, has other plans. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: The film has a lot of well known actors doing the voices for the animals. All the choices fit quite well. Scarlett Johansson was fabulous as Kaa - she gave the boa constrictor just the right amounts of sexy-scary. Lovely voice during her song as well. 

Bill Murray was a great choice for Baloo - he created a lovely impish tone for the character. :) Another fun matchup was Christopher Walken as King Louie - especially when he breaks out in song! lol. Lovely performance. 

2) Special Effects/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: The Disney-Pixar team did a great job on the look and feel of the film. The jungle and its different areas felt real and so did the animals. The creatures moved as their real counterparts would and even made their mouth movements look quite natural. Mowgli, the only real person in the film, was seamlessly woven into tapestry created for us with the CGI animation. Nice work!

While some of the animals represented were from familiar species, the animators also brought in many unfamiliar ones as well. Watching the movements and habits of those new species proved quite fascinating!

I totally loved what they did for Kaa and King Louie. Kaa was mesmerizing and the animators came up a lovely way to emulate and make sinister the snake's hypnotic gaze. Loved how they then took it and swirled the reality of the red flower to show the audience a glimpse into Mowgli's past. King Louie was huge! The detail on the orangutan was amazing. And wait till you see him move!

There's a nice bit of fun during the closing credits. (And more Christopher Walker singing! lol.)

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: It's been a very long time since I've seen the Disney's original animated version of the Jungle Book. I don't believe I ever read the series the film is based on - so definitely can't add any opinions from that angle. But for those who grew up with the 1967 animated version, I think you'll be quite pleased - especially as they actually redid several of the songs from the original. 

The film starts you out with action to try to create a sense of urgency but since the audience doesn't yet know any of the characters, it didn't seem to come across exactly as intended. No real surprises in the beginning part of the film and despite several tense or dangerous situations, the film didn't really take off for me until we meet Kaa. Totally adored the whole scene in that part of the jungle. And then matters picked up again once Baloo comes on the scene. 

Multiple themes play during the film - family, belonging, being accepted for who you are (or despite what you are), the fact that despite each others's differences some of them can also be strengths. 

My only true complaint was the typical superfast return effect sometimes used in plots. Though it took days to get to where Mowgli ended up (and the fact he got there on ox back and river speed travel), when the time comes form him to come back - he made it in super record time. The something he decided to take along back with him, wouldn't have lasted that long a trek. You'll see. Still, overall it, the point is easy to overlook. The film was definitely enjoyable.

Conclusion: If you're a fan of the old animated film, you'll find plenty to like and lots to feel nostalgic about. (Bear necessities will follow you home!) Yes, they bring back several of the songs! For those who've never seen it, though, you're in for a neat treat!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)

Movie Review - The Good Dinosaur

The Good Dinosaur

Starring: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, Maleah Nipay-Padilla, Ryan Teeple, Jack McGraw, Marcus Scribner, Peter Sohn, Steve Zahn, Sam Elliot, A.J. Buckley, Anna Paquin, and more.

Directed by: Peter Sohn Original Concept by: Bob Peterson Story by: Peter Sohn, Erik Benson, Meg LeFauve, Kelsey Mann, Bob Peterson Screenplay by: Meg LeFauve Music by: Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna

Premise: On an alternate timeline, where the giant asteroid missed Earth 65 Million years ago, dinosaurs continue to exist to develop language, civilization, and other skills. Three young dinosaurs hatch on a farm to live and grow with their Momma and Poppa, where they grow corn and raise chickens. While Libby and Buck prove quite apt for the life there, Arlo has problems. Trying to help him, Poppa gives Arlo the job of catching and killing the critter who's been stealing from their corn stores, otherwise they might not have enough food saved for the winter. But things don't go as his Poppa had hoped. (Rated  PG)

Review:

1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Raymond Ochoa and Jack Bright are adorable as Arlo and Spot. Sam Elliot was perfect for Butch. His character was a neat surprise along with Nash and Ramsey. Jeffrey Wright and Frances McDormand were great as Arlo's Poppa and Momma. Peter Sohn as Forrest Woodbush, the crazy old hermit triceratops, was a total hoot. :)

2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: I didn't think it possible, but Disney and Pixar have pushed animation up another notch. From the first scene of the film to the last you'll be trying to remind yourself the backgrounds are animated because they look so completely REAL! The seamless integration of the characters into their environment shows they must be animated; but you'll still find yourself not believing it. Honestly, the realistic quality of the environment was a total jaw dropper! The reflections, the detail, I was flabbergasted!

The dinosaurs and other critters are easily identified as animated, and looked great. Lots of lovely expressions and other visual cues. Good textures for the reptilian skins and more. Everything around them though is so amazing, it makes you wonder if Pixar was afraid of doing the same with the characters, so that the drama might become a little too  real for young viewers.

The realism of the scenery make for some amazing cinematography! The two scenes with fireflies are utterly wonderful. :)

3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: Think of the movie as dinosaurs meet Little House on the Prairie meet Bonanza and you'll have the general feel of the film. It's definitely a coming of age story and seems aimed more at the tween age group than the younger kids, though there's enough going on to keep them interested as well, even if they don't get everything being presented. 

It was a lot of fun to see the dinosaurs as the civilized species. The human boy, Spot, has reasons for being wild but even then his ingenuity and intelligence shine through, showing humans are still in the game despite the meteor missing the planet. :P The swap between roles, though, was a lot of fun. And that isn't the only surprise they've prepared for us either. (Arlo and the chickens are a hoot!)

So though the story itself will be familiar, the trappings and stage settings make it fresh. It was also very well done besides. Major themes are about family, belonging, finding your true self, and being open to experiences. There are several poignant moments, so if you're like me, make sure to take a handkerchief or two. 

Conclusion: The Good Dinosaur is visually fantastic! The animation of the surroundings is so detailed you'll swear they're real. Well worth it just for that alone! The short for the film is called Sanjay's Super Team and it is super adorable!

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)

Saw two other films this week, but won't have time to do full reviews - so here goes:  Mojin - The Lost Legend:  (Combo of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider) cool effects. Story a little disjointed, but still fun if not looked at too closely. 3.5 out of 5. The Hateful 8: acting is awesome, cinematography as well, but plot had several issues. :( 3.0 out of 5.

Movie Review - Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland

Starring: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Raffey Cassidy, Hugh Laurie, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Robinson, Pierce Gagnon, Chris Bauer, and more.

Directed by: Brad Bird Screenplay by: Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird Story by: Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird, and Jeff Jensen Cinematography by: Claudio Miranda Music by: Michael Giacchino

Premise: Casey's dream is to go to space, so she's been sabotaging the equipment being used to dismantle NASA's launch platform trying what she can to keep it alive. When she's caught and then released, she ends up with a strange pin she's never seen before. And when she touches the pin, it lets her see a marvelous city full of technical miracles. But when she uses up all the power on the pin and heads off to find information about it at a SF collectibles store, she finds there are people out there willing to kill her just for having it. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Tomorrowland has a great cast - especially the kids. Thomas Robinson and Raffey Cassidy were totally adorable in the 1954 sequence. Thomas rattled the technical terms and explanations like a total pro - and his instant attraction to Athena was like a neon sign. Britt Robertson did a great job as the spunky Casey. Her reactions to the insanity were great. George Clooney as Frank Walker was an excellent choice, just the right amount of disillusioned bitterness and sparkling hope. Sparring verbal matches between Clooney and Britt were a lot of fun.


2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The special effects are totally worth seeing in IMAX. From the giant wheat field to the lovely lines of the city in Tomorrowland, there's so much to enjoy visually. A lot of attention is paid to detail, even going so far as to adjust the tech and look-and-feel of it during the different periods we see Tomorrowland or technology on Earth derived from it.

From the pin to the different permutations of the jetpack, the special effects group wove in subliminal homage to a ton of SF from the past - Jules Verne/Steampunk, 2001 Space Odyssey, Flash Gordon, Star Wars, Star Trek, The Day the Earth Stood Still and more. (And that's on top of the ton of SF related material flashed around at the collectibles shop!)

The sequences where Casey touches the pin are fab. She's lucky not to have broken something! lol. The switching back and forth was seamless, making it that much easier to believe it was really happening.

Tomorrowland itself was fabulous! We get a little bit of a quick tour, but it will need a couple of viewings or more to see everything, there's so much going on. Heh heh. Also the effects used for physically travelling to Tomorrowland and those for the tachyon time distorted future images came out really well, giving both a nice unique touch.

Extra kudos for changing the Disney castle intro to match Tomorrowland. Super nice touch!


3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: The film covered all sorts of themes - family, dreams, not giving up, love that transcends, making a difference, good and evil. Many of these are interwoven together and played off each other as well. There's also a lot of minutia in the visuals to fill in information even before some of the themes are explored.

A few bits at first seem not to make sense or appear to be errors, but this is only because the pace is so fast the audience is expected to realize the reasons for themselves. For example: automatons killing people and trying to kill the main characters on Earth, yet these same characters not being immediately shot in Tomorrowland - at first it seems an odd incongruity until you realize that on Earth their actions are not being seen while in Tomorrowland, the same actions would be noticed and commented on by those with power to make a stand. With the consistently fast pace of the film, you have to put things together on the go!

All the scenes where there are one-to-one interactions really were well setup and executed. The whole section of Casey trying to get into the house and what she does to get in and what happens with Walker after she does are priceless.


4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Most of the gags were usually a mix of CGI and live action. For the most part you couldn't tell which was what and worked together to great effect. The chase and battle scenes at Walker's house were fab!

5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: The cinematography was awesome! The view of endless water in the secret room under the World's Fair, the golden wheat fields in Tomorrowland, all the shots of Tomorrowland itself, and what they do with Paris - everything seemed bigger than life, the amazement factor ratcheted up high. The time lapse sequence of the NASA launch pad and the other visuals from using the time map were very cool.

6) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Michael Giacchino did a great job on the score. It had a very strong John Williams vibe to it. It was almost as if the music, and not just the visuals, were paying homage to all the SF that has spanned and entertained us for the last 60+ years. Nice!

Conclusion: Tomorrowland is a fun, fast paced adventure. Great visuals and lots of witty repartee. There also a three second or so extra bit at the very end of the credits that was the perfect conclusion for the film. :)

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price to See Again!)

  

Movie Review - Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6

Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, James Cromwell, Alan Tudyk, Maya Rudolph, and more.

Directed by: Don Hall and Chris Williams Story by: Don Hall and Jordan Roberts Screenplay by: Robert L. Baird, Daniel Gerson, and Jordan Roberts Head of Story: Paul Briggs and Joseph Mateo Based on the Comic by: Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle Music by: Henry Jackman

Premise: A thirteen year old mechanical prodigy, Hiro withdraws from the world after the untimely death of his brother. Yet it is his brother's final project that makes Hiro realize that what he'd thought was an accident, might have been something else entirely. And he's going to find a way to get to the bottom of it. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Ryan Potter was adorable as the thirteen year old prodigy, Hiro. Scott Adsit was perfect for the calm, soothing voice of Baymax. T.J. Miller was a hoot as Fred. Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., and Genesis Rodriguez rounded out the fun group.

2)  Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: The world of Big Hero 6 was fascinating - giving us lots of interesting things to look at. The whole concept of San Fransokyo was brilliant. It made for a truly fascinating place for our heroes to have their adventure. The clash of cultures and how they mingled together made me want to see more. Making the San Francisco Bridge out of Torii gates? Super awesome.

They had fun with the cinematography, too. Some lovely overhead shots down into the crowds. Lots of definitely spectacular city scape views. The sunset during one particular scene was breathtakingly beautiful. Krei's corporate headquarters was really cool looking. And the lab building at the college? Any nerd's dream.

Disney did a marvelous job on their textures. Between Baymax, the little filings, the portal, and Honey Lemon's balls, they covered a nice range. The zone (you'll know it when you see it) was incredibly impressive - such awesome colors.

3) Story/Plot - Total Thumbs Up: Unlike a lot of movies, where from the previews you learn almost too much about what to expect, Big Hero 6 played it sneaky. All the major elements are in the trailers, but  there's also a lot they didn't even hint at. The plot also works at getting the audience invested, so when strategy strikes, we have a highly empathic reaction. Nice job!

Several themes run through the film - family, loss, staying true to yourself, living up to your potential, friendship, and a few more. All were quite understated, (aside from looking at things from a different perspective) but are definitely there.

There's a very cute and totally true spot in the film writers and other creative types will totally relate to - coming up with an idea. What I liked even more was the quick time lapse sequence showing all the work that was done to bring the idea (once he got one) to a reality. As the old saying goes "2% inspiration, 98% perspiration. Heh heh

Lots of lovely little surprises pop up along the way. And Heathcliff? Priceless! Love the man! (Make sure to watch for his tiny expressions. Heh heh) Also, you must absolutely sit through the credits for the last surprise - totally cracked me up.

"Feast" - the cartoon before the film - beyond precious!

Conclusion: "Big Hero 6" will be a big hit for both comic book and anime lovers alike. San Fransokyo alone makes the film worth watching - add in Baymax, Hiro, and the others, and adventure abounds. Make sure to sit through the credits! The bit at the end was way, way too much fun.

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price to See Again)

Movie Review - Wreck-It Ralph

Wreck-It Ralph

Starring: John C Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, Mindy Kaling, Raymond S Perci, Ed O'Neil, and more.

Directed by: Rich Moore Screenplay by: Jennifer Lee and Phil Johnston Additional Story Material by: John C Reilly Original Music by: Henry Jackman

Premise: Ralph has been wrecking things for the Mr. Fix-It Jr. game for thirty years. He has no friends, he lives in a junkyard of bricks, and he gets no recognition for his contribution to the game by the other members. So when one of the building's tenants get upset at him and tells him if he gets a medal, he can live in the penthouse, Ralph decides he'll go off and do just that. Unfortunately, leaving his game during arcade hours has repercussions. Dangerous repercussions Ralph had never thought about. (Rated PG)

Review:

1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: John C Reilly is very convincing as the misunderstood and underappreciated Ralph. Sarah Silverman is utterly adorable as Vanellope. Jane Lynch is a lot of fun as Calhoun, especially when reliving her game backstory in flashbacks and having to deal with Felix (Mr. Fix-It Jr.)

2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: For the adults in the audience, especially those who liked or loved video games (and for those that still do), the film will well up tides of nostalgia as different games and the art used in them flash across the big screen. Having played most of the games mentioned in the movie myself, it was an utter treat to see my old friends brought back to giant sized life in the film.

From 64 bit to HD, old and new games are well represented. The artistry really shows though, once we enter the gaming world. Those with better, more complex software, even within their own game, move easier and better than others. This gave a nice touch of individuality to the characters, while also showing the restrictions on being who they are. The obvious research that went into the film with regards to old and newer games truly shows in their wonderful attention to detail.

Once Ralph goes to Sugar Rush though, that's when the art really impresses. With the Real 3D effects added on, the cotton candy, the giant gum drops, and the taffy swamps really gain texture, making the experience even more amazing.

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: While in real life we look at games as often being clear cut as to the roles of the characters in them, in the gaming world, life is as complex as the human one, despite the characters' programming. And as is so often in life, sometimes those who seem good are not, and vice versa. Plus even good people can make bad choices.

On the surface the story seems simple and straight forward, but ends up having a few plot surprises and more depth than expected. And while kids will enjoy the movie a lot, this is one which will also be a big hit with the adults. Between the nostalgic elements, the deeper emotional currents, in-jokes, and play-on-words, parents might just end up even more entertained than the kids.

Conclusion: Fun film filled with both comedic and heartfelt moments. For video game players, young and old, the film will be a treasure trove of relived memories.

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price To See Again!)

Movie Review - The Secret World of Arriettty

The Secret World of Arrietty

Starring: Bridgette Mendler, Will Arnet, David Henry, Amy Poehler, Moises Arias, Carol Burnett, Gracie Polleti, and more. (US Version)

Directed by: Hiromasa Yonebayashi From the Novel "The Borrowers" by: Mary Norton Screenplay by: Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa Original Music by: Cecile Corbel

Premise: Arrietty has come of age and gets to go on her first "borrowing" trip with her father. Unfortunately, she is seen by a sickly human named Shawn, one of the greatest taboos of her tiny race. Yet Arrietty finds herself strangely drawn to the boy and he to her. (Rated G)

Review:

1) Voice Acting - Thumbs Up - Bridgette Mendler is perfect as the brave and inquisitive Arrietty. David Henrie also does a great job, Shawn's despondency at his possible fate yet his need to connect coming through quite nicely. Carol Burnett is a hoot as the maid Hara. Amy Poehler was a lot of fun as Arrietty's overprotective mom. Nice job by all involved.

2)  Artwork/Animation - Thumbs Up - There's a reason why Disney likes to import Studio Ghibli's works. Not only are the stories great and appealing, but their unique art style with the gorgeous backdrops are a feast for the eyes. Major kudos to the creativity by Miyazaki's people in creating a believable world of little people. The physics of normal liquid drops for those of that size was well done and helped give their lives a unique flavor, which pulled you that much further into the secluded family's miniature world.

An amazing amount of well thought out details. And just enough diversity in the glimpses of the city and the location of Aunt Jessica's house that this could be just about anywhere if you don't look too deeply. Maybe even your own home.

3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up - A simple seeming story with very deep subtext. A number of points are touched upon, yet the adult viewers are left to realize some of the harsh realities behind them by the hints given, yet not spelled out to slow the pace of the fun for the kids.

Loved the coverage of a lot of points of view; how the concept of little people affected not only the Borrowers but the humans who came to believe in them as well. And also seeing for ourselves the inherent dangers in discovery for all involved.

If you ever cry at movies, like I do, make sure to take some tissues. You'll probably need them. I did!

Conclusion: A lovely film by Ghibli Studios! With the cat, the crow, and the bugs, should have enough action to keep the younger kids entertained as the older ones thrill at all of Arrietty's adventures. Definitely enough fodder and depth for the adults to enjoy the experience as well.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)