Mini Review: Onward

Pixar is moving "Onward" to greatness

Now don't get me wrong, I love Pixar very much, but the last half of the 2010s was a bit lackluster. The reason, mainly because they focused a lot on sequels. I don't hate these sequels, I think they did a good job on expanding their movie's story. Of course though, eventually the fans are going to want some new original content, and Pixar provided. Onward is a movie set in a fantasy world where magic exists. Though magic was hard to learn, so normal people instead invented electricity, and modern technology, as the years go by, magic basically disappears. However two Elf brothers go on a quest to find a little bit more magic in the world, so they may see their dad one last time. 

Onward is a emotionally driven movie with plenty of silly moments in between. Although, personally I feel that this movie is geared towards a older crowd, especially with the Dungeons and Dragons related jokes. This movie is ultimately about brotherhood, so those who grew up with a older brother taking care of them will be able to relate to the main characters. I know that after seeing this movie, I had to hug my older brother, and thank him for all he's done for me. If Onward was simply an appetizer before the main course that is Soul, coming out this summer, oh man, Soul is going to make me cry a literal river. In other words, this urban fantasy tale of brotherhood gets a 5 out of 5 Paws up.

Mini Review: Sonic The Hedgehog

The era of good video game movies is upon us

From nightmare fuel, to a charming family action flick full of heart. Just like Detective Pikachu from last year (wait it only came out a year ago? For some reason I could've sworn it was a few years), Sonic proves it is possible to make a good video game adaption movie. Although, I will confess i'm a bit skeptical of the Super Mario movie being produced by Illumination Studios. Back to Sonic though! This movie really doesn't deserve to be as good as it was, especially with the insane backlash from when Paramount released the first trailer almost half a year ago now. To be honest the crazy production history of this movie could be a movie all on it's own.

I really loved how the references, and easter eggs began within the first second of film with the stars on the Paramount logo being replaced with Sonic's iconic golden rings. The Sega logo also gets a Marvel-esque clip. What I mean by that is how the Marvel logo shows bits and pieces from their comics, and other movies, Sega does the same, but with their games. I liked how they even included clips, and screenshots from more obscure games (By the way, Sega if you're reading this please bring back Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, sincerely, the only Billy Hatcher fan in existence).The origin story they give to this cinematic version of The Blue Blur is actually rather tragic, and you already feel sympathy for him off the bat. Of course Sonic isn't the only character in the movie, he is joined by a cast of human characters that enhance the movie. Jim Carrey though, absolutely stole the scene anytime he appeared. If you enjoyed his Ace Ventura character then you'll love his performance as the mad scientist, Dr. Robotnik, or Eggman depending on which name you prefer. Surprisingly enough, despite Sonic's cartoony looks, he doesn't look out of place at all in this world, which is a achievement in itself. Actually his cartoony style looks more realistic then the original "realistic" design.

Even if you're not a big fan of Sonic, or barely know him at all, this movie is still a blast. Of course it isn't perfect though, it has many flaws, but they're a bit nitpicky, so I won't go into much detail. Well, other then the fact that the product placement in this film broke the immersion a few times... hmm, I have a sudden urge to go to Olive Garden now. Other then that problem, the movie is tons of fun for the whole family, and since today is Valentine's Day, maybe take your SO (Significant Other) on a movie date, if ya know what I mean ;^). I recommend you gotta go fast to check out this fun filled adventure, 4 out of 5 Paws up! Actually before I end this review, I better say real quick that there are two end credit scenes; the first one before the credits actually start, and the second one in the middle. Let me tell you know, this is Marvel levels of hype creating end credits scenes.

Mini Review: Parasite

And the Oscar for Best Picture goes to-

If you have been on the internet for the past few days chances are you have heard of the South Korean movie, Parasite, and how it became the first ever non-English film to earn a Best Picture award at the Oscars ceremony. That wasn't the only reward they earn though, Parasite also earned Best Director, Best International Feature Film, and Best Original Screenplay. What this also means is that Director, Bong Joon-ho is now tied with Walt Disney himself for most awards earned in a single night. Bong Joon-ho's Parasite is a movie about the wealth disparity in South Korea, and how poverty forces the family in this film to do what they did.

Parasite beautifully illustrates the growing social divide between the rich, and poor. It is also written in a way that is understandable for anyone, anywhere, not just those living in Korea. Sure last year I said that Joker was the most thought compelling, and hard to talk about movie on this blog. I, take that back, and in the best way possible I mean. Parasite deserves all it's awards, and praise. I think it will be a long time before we see another movie like this. I really don't want to spoil anything, don't even watch the trailers, just go in completely blind. This Oscar winning masterpiece gets a easy 5 out of 5.

Mini Review: Frozen 2

Let It Go, Into The Unknown

This movie doesn't deserve to be as good as it was. I still can't believe that the first movie came out six years ago, is this what it feels like to be old? There are so many things I have to say about this movie, it is near perfection. I am well aware however that a lot of people do not agree with me on that statement, and that's okay. Anyway enough with the teasing, I really want to talk about this movie!

The animation was gorgeous, and the music I thought was much more better in this movie then the first one. They say that the song, "Into the Unknown" is the new "Let It Go", but personally "Show Yourself" Is my absolute favorite song from this film. Sure the plot wasn't the best, but it really did connect with me. I know i'll probably sound like a rambling idiot, but I feel like this movie was created with people riddled with depression, and anxiety in mind. Especially the song, "The Right Next Thing", is literally a song about coping with depression, and not letting it engulf you. I am actually someone who constantly struggles with anxiety, and depression. Gosh, i'm actually starting to cry typing this up. I'm so happy that this seemingly childish film was able to address such heavy topics. First Inside Out, now Frozen 2, I hope more movies like this come out in the future, because these could be very important with how children cope with their own complex emotions. 

To be honest, I would actually go see this in theaters again, it is such an experience. I understand though that for some the movie can be slow paced, and the story could use some polishing. Other then those flaws though, I can see this movie becoming a classic, possibly ranking even higher then the original. I give this movie, 5 out of 5 paws up.

PARENTAL WARNING
Though it is rated PG, I wouldn't recommend it for younger children as it delves into heavier topics as I mentioned before. It is also very slow paced in the first act, so it may bore a child easily. Keep this in mind if you're thinking of bringing Little Timmy to see the fun princess movie.

Mini Review: Terminator: Dark Fate

A surprisingly good sequel

Terminator: Dark Fate is a sequel to the hit 1991 movie, Terminator 2: Judgement Day. We follow a group of heroes as they must flee from a new type of deadly robot, with the help of some returning characters. Did the movie succeed in bringing this franchise back from the grave, or has Terminator been... terminated.

Many people are very divided when it comes to this movie, people either completely hate it, or they liked it, there seems to be no middle ground. Personally, I liked what this new entry did to freshen up the series, and retcon some of the more bad entries in the franchise *cough*Genisys*cough*. I feel like they really took the successful formula, and changed it up enough so then that way it's different, but still very familiar to long time fans of the series. 

Overall, I can't wait to see what comes next. Although looking at the box office, the chances for a sequel are quite slim, hopefully the international box office can set it straight. This movie really doesn't deserve the hate it receives, and so i'm going to give this a 4 out of 5 paws up.

Mini Review: Joker

We live in a society... B O T T O M  T E X T

I think by now, you've seen all the memes surrounding the new stand-alone movie, Joker. Despite these silly internet jokes however, it is very easy to take this movie seriously as intended. The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleek, a deranged man who we follow spiraling into madness until he finally becomes the titular, Joker of Batman fame. Despite it's connection to the DC Comics character, Batman, Joker is not a superhero movie. It is much more of a psychological thriller that really makes you question yourself.

I'm going to be honest, it's actually rather difficult to talk about this movie without accidentally spoiling it. It is a masterful, artsy film accompanied by a brilliant soundtrack, Joaquin's performance though, absolutely blew me away. I will not be surprised if either he, or the movie earn a Oscar this upcoming reward season. Joker is something to be experienced, even if you're not a fan of DC like me, it stands alone as an amazing character study. Please, go watch it yourself. This movie gets a 5 out of 5 paws up.

TRIGGER WARNING

This movie is guaranteed to make you feel extremely uncomfortable during many scenes, and later on in the film the violence is rather graphic. Please keep this in mind when going to see the movie if you have any concerns. Then again if you're going to see this movie, you should already be mentally prepared to handle whatever this movie throws at you, just saying.

Mini Review: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

A scary good Halloween flick 

Tonight is Halloween, how will you spend it? Perhaps watch a scary movie, but which one, especially if you aren't a big fan of horror. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a competent PG-13 horror, which is rather surprising when seeing the negative reputation horror movies with this rating have. The movie tells a story set on Halloween night when a group of young teens find an abandoned house, and within it a old book. The book is filled with tons of frightening stories, which all start becoming true.

This movie is inspired by the popular anthology book series of the same name that released from the mid-eighties, to the early-nineties. Surprisingly enough I feel it is a rather faithful adaptation, then again I've only read the stories that were featured in the film; Harold, The Big Toe, The Red Spot, The Dream, The Haunted House, and a original one that takes inspiration from Me Tie Dough-ty Walker! (Yes, that is the full name of the story). The movie doesn't just focus on those stories as there are plenty of easter eggs to the original book sprinkled around the movie for fans of the series to find. It probably helps that the twisted mind of Guillermo del Toro (Whose works include Pan's Labyrinth, the original Hellboy movies, and most recently the Academy Award winning, The Shape of Water), who was able to bring Scary Stories' illustrator Stephen Gammel's morbid drawings to life.

I'm going to be quickly honest, this review may be a bit biased as I actually never grew up reading the books as the cover art always scared me too much to even open up. It is because of this, I won't fault you if you personally think this is a bad adaption, but hey it's at least a good horror film, much more better then last week's Deadly Detention anyway. All in all, this scary story get a 4 out of 5 paws up from me! Have a happy Halloween everyone!

Mini Review: The Addams Family (2019)

They're all together ooky, the... decent-ish family flick *snap snap*

The nearly 100 year old (81 to be exact) franchise is back to introduce a new generation to macabre humor. Did it really succeed in what it set out to do, or will children forget it as soon as the next hit animated feature comes out. The plot centers around two different plot lines; one about Pugsly's passage into manhood, and the other plot being about not judging others, and learning to accept those who are different (Haven't heard that one before). 

You may have already noticed the quirky art style they went with, this is actually a homage to the original 1938 comic strip. In all fairness, it works... sometimes. Some of the character designs are pretty good and great renditions of the original drawings, although then we get to some of the new characters that were made for the movie, god are they ugly. Unfortunately one of these new characters is a major side-character to Wednesday's plot, Parker Needler, the daughter of the movie's villain who befriends Wednesday. I wouldn't mind her character design too much if it weren't for the fact that she's important to the plot, and thus appears a lot throughout the movie. Funnily enough she looks more pleasing to the eye after the gothic makeover she got from Wednesday. Other then that one complaint, I don't mind the animation too much. To be honest, the only thing interesting in the movie was Wednesday's story of her exploring outside the Addam's Family estate, and causing general chaos where ever she went. Although because of this, it makes me wish that the other characters had as much development as her. 

All in all, the movie is sadly lacking. I wish that the Addams had gotten into more wacky scenarios with the picturesque town at the foot of the mountain they live upon. Sure we get one scene, but that was far from enough for me. While the message is quite generic, it is a good one for children to learn, "it's okay to be weird". I most certainly could've benefited from such a message when I was a kid. The meh reunion with America's most spooky, kooky family gets a 2 out of 5 paws up. 

Trigger warning
if you suffer from extreme arachnophobia like I do, think twice before seeing this in theaters as there are many moments throughout the movie where spiders are close to the screen for long periods of time.

Mini Review: It Chapter 2

You'll float 2

The long awaited sequel to the highest grossing horror movie is finally here. Set twenty-seven years after the events of It (2017), Pennywise The Dancing Clown has returned to feast on the citizens of Derry, Maine (Inspired by real life city, Bangor, Maine), but the Loser Club; consisting of Bill (James McAvoy), Beverly (Jessica Chastain), Ben (Jay Ryan), Richie (Bill Hader), Mike (Isaiah Mustafa), Eddie (James Ransone), and Stanley (Andy Bean); are here to stop the murderous clown. I intend to make this review as spoiler free as possible, that way everyone can enjoy It.

The last film was a nostalgia filled coming-of-age story, about seven distinct children coming together to battle their fears that manifest themselves via a cosmic shape-shifting clown (and that's not even the weirdest part of Stephan King lore). It: Chapter 2 builds on this idea, and expands on it, evolving it from conquering basic fears to instead conquer ones inner demons, moving on from the past, and creating new positive memories. The movie also successfully manages to combine horror, drama and surprisingly, comedy. One complaint I do have is that it is a little too CGI at certain points.Another problem were all the unexplained bits and pieces, I can forgive it however as the movie only had a run time of almost three hours. Hopefully a extended cut will clear some of that up. 

Overall, It: Chapter 2 lives up to the hype. Even though there are some flaws in the movie, this horror makes for it with lots of heart and a satisfying conclusion to a terrifying story. I highly recommend seeing this in theaters. I give it 4 paws out of 5!

Although I highly recommend seeing this, I feel like I should point out some trigger warnings. Within the first twenty minutes of the movie there is an extremely graphic depiction of a hate crime against a gay couple and later followed by a equally graphic depiction of domestic abuse, and much later on in the movie there is also a flashback that includes a depiction of sexual abuse. For the photosensitive folks reading this, towards the end there is a moment full of rapidly flashing lights. I myself am not photosensitive, but after a few minutes my head began hurting, so please take caution. I hope these trigger warnings help out anyone who is interested in seeing the movie. 

Anyway, I hope you all have a good time. Until next time, good bye!