JamesMarsden – Credits Rolling

For many years, Mike (James Marsden) and Nick (Vince Vaughn) have had each other’s backs as friends and as colleagues. But when something goes awry during one of their jobs, Nick uses a time machine to go back to before the scene of the crime to change the future.

Sometimes you just need to leave your expectations at the door and put on a film that is pure entertainment. After a long week at work, that is exactly what I wanted for a cozy Friday night in. I didn’t know much about Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice except that it was part time travel, part buddy comedy and park mob action flick. The cast were also a selling point so I figured why not? It was definitely better than I thought it was going to be.

I love a good time travel plot line and while I understand why this was integrated in the film, I have to wonder if it was entirely necessary. It had been set up to be a huge deal and in the end it was just a detail to go with everything else that was happening. Had they fleshed out this particular aspect more, I think it really would have tightened up those loose ends.

The cast are all fabulous and were what made the film watching. I have been a fan of Marsden since he starred in Hairspray; he is such a dynamic actor who approaches each role with everything he’s got. Vaughn typically plays the same type of characters, but I did enjoy his portrayal of two versions of the same person. They were different enough to decipher who was who and really added to the comedy. Eiza Gonzalez starred as Alice, Nick’s wife, who just so happens to be having an affair with Mike. I loved how even though she was swept up in the drama, she tried to help out instead of sitting back and acting like a damsel in distress. Keith David was enjoyable as shady boss Sosa while Jimmy Tatro, who played his son Jimmy Boy, was a big scene stealer.

We’ve seen plenty of similar storyolines before so it’s not trying to reinvent the genre by any means. But where it exceeds is in its comedy and action sequences. There are some genuinely funny moments throughout that had me laughing out loud. I also thought that the action was exciting. That final fight scene was particularly amusing and thanks to a killer soundtrack, it all just came together.

Overall Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is the perfect film for a quiet night in. It’s not perfect, nor does it entirely make sense, but it is highly entertaining and that was all that mattered. I’m glad I gave it a go.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Ten years after the events of Enchanted, the storybook opens once more on Giselle (Amy Adams), Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino). After the birth of baby Sofia, Giselle thinks its time they move somewhere new. Unfortunately, Morgan is anything but thrilled at the idea of leaving behind her beloved New York for Monroeville. When the two get off on the wrong foot in their new home, Giselle makes a wish that changes all their lives forever. Can every day really be a fairytale?

Getting all the gang back for the sequel that fans have been waiting years for was a wondrous sight. Amy Adams is the epitome of Giselle. Her mannerisms and high pitched voice complete with her charming innocence it was makes her so lovable. This time around, it was interesting have her go through a complete transformation unlike anything we’d seen before. Another bright point of the film was having more time with Nancy (Idina Menzel) and Edward (James Marsden). I always felt like they needed more time in the original so this was a treat for me.

Amongst the returning cast were the newbies. Maya Rudolph portrayed the role of wannabe evil queen Malvina. While I’m not a fan of Rudolph’s, I have to say that she was perfect here. The way in which she worked off of Adams made for some really fun scenes. I wish we could have learned more about her and her minions Rosaleen (Yvette Nicole Brown) and Ruby (Jayma Mays).

In typical Disney fashion, I was transported into a land straight out of my dreams. The bright and vibrant color palette really worked and I loved how that only changed as the plot turned into something more dark and sinister. On top of that was the delightful costume designs; I basically envied every single one of Giselle’s outfits. And who can forget the new, catchy soundtrack?

Enchanted is one of my all time favorite films. I remember the first time I watched it and it still makes me tear up at the end. I always thought it was genius to play off of typical fairytale stories and then putting a new spin on them. There was no way that Disenchanted would be better. I hoped it would come close and there were elements I really did like. For the most part though, it seemed like some of that magic was missing. Maybe it was the tired evil stepmother trope that did it. Regardless, I did finally get a glimpse into Giselle and co.’s lives post happily ever after so I guess I can’t really complain.

Rating: ♥♥.5