Her Movie Reviews

Let me just preface this by saying that I have a soft spot in my heart for all Disney films (and all things Disney in general- I love that mouse!), but especially 2D animated Disney films! This was right up my alley.  I also knew I’d love it before I’d even bought my ticket. I’m biased, there aren’t any laws against that, right??

This movie has got a lot of heart. Yes, it’s a cartoon, but it’s not just some dumb kids movie. It was a good message to it, along with some great songs! It’s all about working hard for what you want; wishing on a star will only get you so much, you’ve got to work for it! Come on now, that’s not just a message for the kiddos! That message certainly contradicts the ideas of the studios earlier films, but it is geared towards a generation growing up in a tough economic climate, so I can certainly respect their new approach. I could get on my soap box about this topic, but I will resist!

The story takes place in and around 1920’s New Orleans. What really makes the film is the supporting characters: this includes alligators and fireflies and voodoo shadows. I know this is a contradiction, but the bad guy is awesome. He’s a voodoo king. Does it get much cooler than that?

It’s just a really fun story, and you don’t need to have a 5 year old to enjoy you. You may need a 5 year old to use as an excuse to see it without looking weird, but if you manage to go, I hope you like it as much as I did (and no, I didn’t steal someone’s kid to go see it, we went at 9 o’clock on a Friday night, and we were not the only adults in there. And none of them had children either).

Rating:  

This movie was incredible. I’m not sure there are enough good things I can say about this film. It’s an easy movie to just sit down and enjoy with the whole family. Or if you’re a guy who cries easily, watch it alone.

Sandra Bullock’s character is unstoppable. From the minute she came on the screen, I was convinced she was some kind of superhero. The fact that she is based on a real person just made her that much more amazing. She is a force to be reckoned with.  I couldn’t wait to see how she’d handle the next situation she was put into.  The kid who plays S.J (Sean Jr.) is just stinking cute! All the actors are wonderful, and yes, that really is Tim McGraw, the country singer.

Okay, let’s talk about the story for a moment. It was great. This is a solid family film, about a strong Southern mama who does not let prejudice dictate who she invites into her home. It is about love and acceptance and a family coming together to help build up the courage and self esteem of an outsider. And this boy, played Quinton Aaron, is the biggest marshmallow you’ve ever seen on screen. In a nutshell, I am pretty sure I walked out of the theatre thinking I should adopt the next kid I saw walking down the street in the rain. And keep my fingers crossed they have amazing athletic potential. It has a lot to do with football, which I know nothing about, but I don’t feel like I missed anything by not understanding what position he played on the team.

So if I haven’t said it enough by now, or maybe I wasn’t clear, this movie is a must-see! It’s got comedy and romance and a fantastic story that will leave you smiling (and crying). Hope you like it as much as I did!

Rating:  

I knew I would love this movie before the previews even began. I mean really, how can you go wrong with Disney Pixar? They have yet to disappoint me. Those of you who know me know that I am quite biased, but nonetheless this movie was delightful.

The animation is, as usual, mind blowing. You think to yourself “how do they do it”, it’s just THAT good! The story is, as usual, genuine and heartfelt. I think it takes a bit of Disney magic (and some pixie dust) to make a story that an adult and child can both watch and enjoy equally. Nothing is dumbed down and nothing goes over your head. It is just plain and simple good story telling.

The characters are so easy to love, you almost forget they are fictional. Carl is the grumpy old man who has recently lost his wife. He is cranky and a hermit, which invites the attention of Russell, the eager boy scout. Together they set off on an adventure to move Carl’s home to South America, where his wife always dreamed of visiting. Along the way they meet “Kevin”, a bird and “Doug” the dog. I kid you not, if you do not fall in love with Doug immediately, you may not have a soul! Not only does the movie convey the idea of embracing adventure, but also it communicates the idea of looking out for others, whether it is man or animal or nature.

It would have been great to see this in 3D, but fear not those who did not venture to the theatre in time, but fear not, nothing is lost! Watching it at home on the couch in 2D is good too! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Now let’s all go to Disneyland, shall we?!

Rating:  

as a child of the 80′s, this book actually had very little effect on me. i couldn’t tell you the names of any of the characters, or what the plot line to the story was. in fact i do not even believe i owned it. I probably skimmed through it a few times throughout elementary school and looked at the pictures, but make something into a film, and i am bound to see it eventually.
the film itself is a work of art. the costumes and the scenery and the effects are spectacular. it is a very visual film, and at times looks like a great music video. i don’t think a child will walk out of that movie and not want to be max for halloween, with his whiskered costume and crown; hell, i want to be max! my favorite “wild thing” was alexander (voiced by paul dano). he is quiet and overlooked and is constantly asking “can anyone hear me?” he is an understated presence in the film. KW (lauren ambrose) is lovable and compassionate. she is the one who shows consistent support and kindness to the lost little boy pretending to be king.
the story is a roller coaster of emotions. i found myself becoming so attached to that cute little boy on his big adventure. max (played by max records) was absolutely perfect. he was mischievous and innocent and completely believable as the king of the wild things. when he is happy, you are happy, and when he cries, you cry. that being said, i have very mixed emotions about this movie. i cannot decide if i liked it or not. i mean, i did like it, but there is something about it that i just didn’t quite love, which i cannot put my finger on. i would definitely recommend it as a date movie. get some popcorn, and have a seat. be entertained, most certainly you will.
on a side note, the soundtrack is great.

Rating: