Tag: KeeganMichaelKey

Migration

Published on by Daniela1 Comment

Migration is the newest of Illumination’s offerings. The Mallard family have a pretty great set up in their New England pond. Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), the father in particular, isn’t bothered when everyone else flies south for the winter. This year is different when his wife Pam (Elizabeth Banks) convinces him otherwise. Together they set out with their two children Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Tresi Gazal) as well as Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito) on the adventure of a lifetime.

Though the plot may be simple and straightforward, there’s plenty to enjoy. At the heart of the film the theme of family and this was depicted prominently throughout. The ways in which they worked together was heartwarming to see. You could tell they were close and would do anything for each other, no matter the trials and tribulations they faced.

At times it felt like the events unfolding were predictable. Sometimes this can be comforting because we know that everything will turn out okay. That was the case here. It was the journey leading up to the final destination that kept me invested with the scenes in New York City being my favorite. Chump (Awkwafina), a tough on the outside yet warm on the inside pigeon, and Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), a down on his luck macaw, were introduced here and elevated the story.

From the tranquil pond where the Mallards live, to the skies up above and the bustling city down below, ending in the exotic beaches and waters of Jamaica, the audience is transported to many places over the course of the film. The animation was pretty to look at and really made me feel like I was along for the ride.

Overall Migration is the perfect film for all the family. Not only is there adventure, there are many laughs and a lot of heart thrown in that make for a perfect combination.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Wonka

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination in Paul King’s adaption of Wonka. We all know what happened after Willy Wonka opened his chocolate factory. He went on to give many people, young and old, joy and happiness with his unbelievable creations. But we don’t know that Willy (Timothée Chalamet) started off as a boy with a dream. All he ever wanted was to share his passion with the world and regardless of all that was thrown at hime, he never gave up.

If you aren’t into musicals, then this might not be for you. It’s not overloaded with songs, but they were there to help move the story along. I thought this incorporation was smart and really added to my enjoyment of the film. Some of the songs were stronger than others. One thing was for sure, the cast were able to carry a tune and I found myself bopping along.

I wouldn’t say I was hesitant about Chalamet’s portrayal, but considering the fact that I’m usually indifferent towards him, I was impressed. He oozed the right charm and charisma and I could see the similarities between him and Gene Wilder which was appreciated. The rest of the casting choices were A+: Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas and Mathew Baynton as the opposing chocolatiers Slugworth, Prodnose and Ficklegruber, Keegan-Michael Key as the gullible Chief of Police, Sally Hawkins as Willy’s mother and Rowan Atkinson as Father Julius. It was Olivia Colman, however, who stole the show as Mrs. Scrubbit. She was both absolutely horrible and completely hilarious all at the same time and I loved how she leaned into the madness of it all.

As the film focuses heavily on delectable and otherworldly desserts, I was in absolute heaven watching them all come to life. The CGI effects were quite outstanding here and really managed to transport me to these places. From Wonka’s shop in the galleria, to the scene in the zoo, it was beyond anything I could have ever imagined it would be.

What I loved the most about Wonka was the amount of heart it had. Sure there were some predictable and corny moments, but it worked overall. It truly reached out to the dreamer in me and had me feeling like anything was possible. This is one the whole family can enjoy and as a result, I recommend giving it a watch this holiday season.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Pinocchio

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We all know the story of Pinocchio. A puppet made out of pine comes to life after his maker wishes upon a star. In order to become a real boy, he must listen to his conscience in doing the right thing. The original 1940 animated feature was never one that played constantly in my house. Though it had an important message for children, it didn’t hold up to the likes of The Lion King, Aladdin or Oliver and Company for me. And if I’m being honest, the scenes at Pleasure Island were terrifying.

When you hear that a movie is getting a reboot or a remake, you expect an updated version of its predecessor. Something that will take it into a modern age so that today’s generation can enjoy it right along with those who grew up with it. Unfortunately, this new version missed the mark. So many things were lacking and while I finished watching it only twenty four hours ago, I can tell you that I’ve already forgotten a lot of it.

Although this fairytale was never one of my favorites, there was something about it that kept even me glued to the screen. The same cannot be said this time around. That Disney magic that we have all come to know and love was nowhere to be found.

For a movie that was supposed to be live action, that aspect was severely lacking. I understand that Pinocchio needed to be CGI, but the animals and some of the backgrounds just did not look realistic enough to me. On top of that, the additional scenes that were included did little to nothing to add to the overall story.

If it wasn’t for Tom Hanks, Cynthia Erivo and Keegan Michael Key, I probably wouldn’t have pushed myself to finish it. It may not be the worst Disney remake I have ever seen (I’m looking at you Mulan), but it is definitely in the top three.

Rating: ♥♥