ChrisODowd – Credits Rolling

George Hardy (Hugh Jackman) is a devoted shepherd to his flock of sheep. Aside from making sure they are fed and giving them their medicine, he reads them detective novels every night. When an unthinkable tragedy rocks the farm, the sheep realize that they must become the detectives and solve the crime.

While Jackman delivers his most wholesome performance yet. Joined by the likes Hong Chau, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitizine, Molly Gordon and Emma Thompson they were all brilliant in their roles. However, the sheep were front and center. Lily (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Mopple (Chris O’Dowd) and Sebastian (Bryan Cranston) were the leaders of the flock who took it upon themselves to try and solve the mystery. The voice talents didn’t stop there with Brett Ronnie and Reggie (Brett Goldstein), Sir Ritchfield (Patrick Stewart), Cloud (Regina Hall) and Zora (Bella Ramsey). Each had such a distinct personality that helped set them apart from the rest. They are so real and I wanted them to succeed so badly in their quest for the truth.

The mystery element was the main selling point for me. Not only was it compelling, but I was invested from the get go and couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out. The Agatha Christie vibes were strong – the clues were bountiful and the suspect list was small yet filled with some good options. I genuinely did not see that final twist coming which made it all the better. Paired with the quaint English countryside village, it was the perfect backdrop for the story.

I truly did not expect this film to tug at my heartstrings so much. With the themes of community and teamwork as well as found family featured, there were a couple of moments there that had me in tears. The bond between an animal and a human really can be so special and to see this depicted many times throughout was lovely. I also enjoyed seeing the sheep come together to prove they are so much more than those who have deemed them stupid.

The Sheep Detectives is a delightful film. Whether young or old, it is perfect for the whole family. If you are looking for something that will capture your heart, I recommend checking it out.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5

For as long as she’s been alive, it was Nemo (Marlow Barkley) and her father Peter (Kyle Chandler) against the world. Living in a lighthouse on a little island, they didn’t need anyone else but each other. So when Peter is lost at sea one night after a horrific storm, Nemo’s life is turned upside down. Having to leave behind the only home she’s ever known, she goes to live with her uncle Phillip (Chris O’Dowd) in the big city. Adjusting to her new normal is no easy feat; all she wants is to be reunited with her dad. That dream becomes a reality when, at night, she finds herself in Slumberland, a magical place where anything is possible.

I was originally going to give this film a miss, simply because when it came out, I had four other movies I needed to watch. But then I found myself with nothing to do this weekend, I figured why not check it out after all? The premise sounded interesting enough, it was filmed in Toronto and Jason Momoa was in it. That seemed like more than enough reasons for me.

The cinematography was stunning. The various locations that Nemo visited on her dream quest were ever-changing. They always offered something new and exciting and I’d find myself wondering where we would be transported to next. Larger than life outlaw Flip (Momoa) not only served as a guide to Nemo, but also helmed a colorful cast of characters.

What I thought would be an average run of the mill movie about a girl on an adventure soon turned into something else entirely. Yes, a large part of the film is just that, but there was more to it too. At the end of the day, Slumberland is about loss and how we deal with it. As a child, it’s difficult enough formulating thoughts and feelings, but learning how to deal when someone we love is no longer with us is a completely different matter. Unfortunately I could relate to Nemo all too well as I also lost a parent when I was young. Perhaps if a movie like Slumberland had been around for me at the time, it would have helped me.

Rating: ♥♥♥.5