Zootopia

2016 - _/5

I saw it and enjoyed it, but I feel as if I need to watch a second time to catch everything before I write a review.

some random thoughts for now:

Disney did a great job presenting animals in ‘human-like situations” (the nudist group)

Touches on racism/stereotyping in a broad sense.

It’s done in such a subtle way that leaves you laughing as a viewer, but it also allows you to stop and think about it.

There were a lot of Easter eggs in this one, and I love how Disney always has shout outs to other Disney movies. Not to mention all the connections to current brands. I’ll admit, I didn’t catch half of them, but there are SO many. To me this just shows how much attention to detail the creators put into making this movie.

They put so much time researching these details, and it comes off as so fluid that at times the viewer doesn’t even spot it because it’s so natural.

The Little Prince

2016 - 3.8/5

I can honestly say that I was never a huge fan of the book; I only read it within the last 5 years for the first time. When I saw the trailer for the movie, it looked absolutely beautiful and I knew I had to watch it.

The animation was stunning. At no point did I question anything. The voices were just as beautifully picked and it was a pleasure to watch. The score was enjoyable. For a movie that was just over an hour and half, it sure didn’t feel like it. It had a good pace and at no point did I feel it was dragging. It used the parts it needed to from the book and made it into its own. Most times, I find that that doesn’t work, but I’m on board with this one.

This movie embodies the fine line between childhood and adulthood and what is expected of us – what I took from it, and have always believed, is that it doesn’t matter if that line is blurred. You have a kid who has always looked up to her mother, yet it seems like a very bleak life; lots of greys and matte colours. When the Aviator comes into the girls life, there's colour, fun and imagination! The contrast between the two is so well demonstrated visually (and throughout the story line).

I really don’t understand why this movie flew under the radar; it should have gotten a lot more attention than it did, but nevertheless, I recommend it… not necessarily to really young kids. It would be neat to see what they’d take from it though. This movie is not just about growing up, it's about growing old, so I think most people will be able to enjoy it. Take some time out of your daily grind for this one ;) :P

"Growing up is not the problem. Forgetting is."

"It is only with heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."

Dope

2015 - 1.6/5

Like how it started with the definition of the word ‘dope’ (illegal drugs, an idiot, and slang for cool). I liked it even more so that throughout the movie, it portrayed each of those definitions.

Liked the acting; nothing really stood out though.

Had a good soundtrack that went with the scene, but I was hoping there would be a song or 2 that I would really like.

Liked where it was going in the first half compared to the second.

Interesting plot mainly because it’s a lifestyle that isn’t always portrayed in the media.

I’m glad I watched it, but would I watch it again? …that’s going to have to be a ‘No’ from me (don’t ask me why I just pulled a Simon Cowell).

Dirty Grandpa

2016 - 1/5

They went for shock value for a few parts. I didn’t find the race/sexual orientation jokes funny; same goes with whether or not DeNiro's character could say the N-word. NO, you cannot use that word... even if you "have permission".

The cheesy moments were pretty cheesy. This was a paint by numbers kind of movie. It didn’t pack a punch you weren’t already expecting.

Both Efron and DeNiro did fine with there roles, but their characters were so one dimensional and boring.

With that being said, my absolute favourite line was:
He’s like a Mitt Romney Terminator.