Tag: MovieReview

Tom and Jerry

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

I grew up with Tom and Jerry so this movie sparked my interest from the beginning. While I wasn’t an avid watcher, I have seen my fair share of episodes and enjoyed watching the feud between the cat and mouse. I was curious to see how these characters would be brought into 2021. Additionally, the premise of having them in a live action setting was quite appealing and I was curious to see how that would be done.

When Jerry (himself) moves into New York City’s most prestigious hotel on the eve of the biggest wedding of the year, his rivalry with Tom (himself) is inevitably reignited. In order to get rid of Jerry, accidental event planner Kayla (Chloe Grace Moretz) hires Tom to get rid of Jerry. This task will not be easy and as the battle between the two escalates, not only is Kayla’s job on the line, but the future of the wedding and the hotel are in jeopardy.

The combination of bringing cartoon characters into a real life setting was really well done. I thought the way it was done seemed normal in the grand scheme of things and it kind of made me wish we actually lived in such a world. I liked how the people were still themselves, but the animals were all animated. I feel like it made sense that way since the story was mostly told from Tom and Jerry’s perspectives.

Another positive point for me was how Tom and Jerry was given a modern update. The choice to put upbeat, hip hop music was genius and really made the story more relevant. This in comparison with the new special effects really gave a fresh spin on things. It seemed like the way in which the cartoons were drawn in particular was much sharper than they used to be as well.

Unfortunately, that is where the enjoyment stopped. I didn’t feel the plot was extraordinary by any means and couldn’t help but feel like this was targeted to a younger audience. All in all, I do think that Tom and Jerry is a fun movie than can be appreciated by families around the world. The hilarious antics of the cat and mouse will be thrilling for children while parents can relive their younger years while watching.

Rating: ♥♥.5

I Care A Lot

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

I didn’t know what to expect from I Care A Lot. All I knew was everyone and their mother was talking about how amazing Rosamund Pike’s performance in it was. Frankly that was enough to gauge my interest. What I didn’t bargain for were the emotions this film took me on. I was gripped from the get go and can’t get over how eye opening it was at the same time.

Marla Greyson (Rosamund Pike) is a legal guardian who always gets off scot-free when she screws over her clients. Up until now she and her partner – in crime and in life – Fran (Eiza Gonzalez) have never had any problems. When Marla decides to target Jennifer Peterson (Dianne Wiest), however, she lands herself in hot water. Jennifer’s son Roman (Peter Dinklage) is a powerful gangster who will stop at nothing to make sure his mother is safe.

This movie is pegged as a comedy thriller and I definitely agree with that. At times it seems as though the comedic aspects don’t quite fit in, but I am glad that they are there because it is a nice balance to the darker nature of the story.

To reiterate what everyone has said about Rosamund Pike’s performance, I do believe that this is one of her best yet. We may not see her in a lot of projects, though when we do, she always gives 110% to whatever the role is. In some ways, I like how the character of Marla has been compared to Amy Dunne from Gone Girl. They are both conniving, ruthless and badass. I definitely think that Rosamund’s Golden Globe nomination is well deserved. In addition, the rest of the cast are brilliant too.

I think that what struck me the most about I Care A Lot is that it is based on true events. Being an elderly person in the United States is no easy feat these days because people really do pose as legal guardians in hopes of getting money. On top of this being eye opening, it was also educational and kind of scary.

I Care A Lot was a surprise for me. The fact that it was unlike what I was expecting it to be in the best way possible was just a bonus. It took me on a rollercoaster journey and I really loved every moment of it.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Time loop stories may no longer be original, but they will always be interesting to me. I heard about The Map of Tiny Perfect Things recently and was instantly intrigued. Each version that I have seen so far of this concept has been different and I was curious to see how it would all unfold this time around. The film was certainly enjoyable though I do think I expected too much from it.

Mark (Kyle Allen) has been stuck living the same day over and over for some time now. It has gotten to the point where he almost doesn’t care what he does with his time because he’s sure that nothing will ever change. But then one day, something does happen that changes everything. Mark meets Margaret (Kathryn Newton). Turns out she is also reliving the same day Mark is. They decide to team up to try and figure out why this has happened to them and how they can break out of it.

What I liked the most about this was that the story picked up in the middle of the time loop and not at the beginning of it. We as the audience knew from the start that Mark had been stuck for quite some time now as he had adopted a similar routine for himself to follow. I think that this had more of an impact and it made me curious to find out why he was in this predicament to begin with. I also liked how Margaret was introduced and that the two of them could sort out their issues together.

While they tried to give depth to the film, I do think that there could have been more. Unlike Palm Springs for example, I don’t think that this version was different than what we have seen before. I did appreciate the fact that the two main characters really tried to focus on the smaller things in life that we otherwise don’t pay attention to, but I was hoping for more at the end of the day.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things was a cute take on a familiar story. It was entertaining enough for an hour and a half, however I wish it had left more of an impression on me.

Rating: ♥♥♥

To All The Boys: Always and Forever

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

The highly anticipated end to the popular To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise is finally here. Like every other fan, I was eagerly looking forward to seeing this last installment. I was so hoping that the story would be wrapped up in a perfect bow so that it would be easier for me to say goodbye to these characters that we have come to know and love. Luckily I got my wish!

Returning from a family trip to Korea, Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) is about to start her senior year! Together with her boyfriend Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo), best friend Chris (Madeleine Arthur), nemesis Gen (Emilija Baranac) and friend Lucas (Trezzo Mahoro), they are ready to conquer everything from their trip to New York, Prom and graduation.

As she tries to immerse herself in her final days at Alder High, Lara Jean can’t help but be conflicted as to where she wants to go to college. The plan was to attend Stanford with Peter so they can stay together however when she gets into NYU, LJ isn’t so sure she wants to stay on the West Coast after all. Maybe following her dreams instead of her heart isn’t such a bad thing after all?

It has been some time since I read the trilogy so I can’t compare the movie to the books. Overall I was happy with how it all came together in the end. The characters got their happy ending and I liked how there were a lot of odes to the first two films. I’m sure that was much appreciated by the fans.

The only thing that bothered me throughout was how unsure Lara Jean was throughout the movie. She spent most of the time going back and forth between her decision and almost always based her choices on what she thought Peter would want her to do. Not going to lie – it got tiring after a while. It seemed like this whole topic of college swallowed up time she could have spent enjoying her last days at Alder High and with her family. I’m sure if she had been honest from the beginning, it would have saved a lot of heartache.

To All The Boys: Always and Forever was what I hoped it would be. If you are a long time fan of the series, I am sure you will be just as satisfied with this ending as I was.

Rating: ♥♥♥.5

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

Published on by Daniela1 Comment

Don’t you just love it when a movie is so unexpected in all the right ways? That is exactly what happened with Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. I don’t actually think I even knew what it was about though that didn’t matter whatsoever because it had a much better impact that way. I was amused, confused and thoroughly entertained the whole way through.

When lifelong friends Barb (Annie Mumolo) and Star (Kristen Wiig) lose their jobs, they are left wondering what to do with their lives. After much deliberation, they decide to leave behind their small Mideastern town for the first time ever to go to Vista Del Mar for a vacation. Vista Del Mar seems like the perfect place for middle aged people like themselves but nothing can prepare Barb and Star for the adventure that awaits them.

Words cannot describe how hilarious this film was. All the jokes slapped and I was laughing out loud on multiple occasions. I was worried that the humor wouldn’t be my cup of tea, but fortunately I was proven wrong. It all worked.

The casting choices were A+. Kristen Wiig was a standout and was her perfect compliment Annie Mumolo. Their friendship was serious goals and they worked so well off each other. I loved Jamie Dornan in this too – not only is he wonderful to look at, he is actually quite diverse in the roles that he chooses (you’ll understand what I mean by this once you watch). Other well knowns rounded out the cast perfectly: Damon Wayans Jr., Wendi McLendon-Covey, Vanessa Bayer and Rose Abdoo.

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar was the greatest surprise I have had while watching a movie in a long time. I honestly went into it thinking it was going to be a drag and it turned out it was the complete opposite. If you need a pick me up, I recommend checking this one out!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Palmer

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Having just completed a twelve year sentence in prison, Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake) returns home. Trying to put his life back together, the former football star needs to find a job and check in with his parole officer every two weeks.

What Palmer doesn’t bargain for is meeting a young boy name Sam (Ryder Allen). Sam often spends time with Palmer’s grandmother Vivian (June Squibb) when his drug addict mother Shelly (Juno Temple) skips town. At first, Palmer doesn’t know what to make of Sam – the boy is unlike others his age. He loves playing with dolls and wants to be a princess. As the two spend more time together, Palmer’s feelings change and he learns that caring for Sam is what he is meant to do. It’s just unfortunate that his past keeps getting in the way.

I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to watch this at first. The story didn’t initially appeal to me, but I am very glad that I gave it a chance. There were so many things that I liked about it!

Justin Timberlake as an ex-con was a little hard to believe at times. Overall I did enjoy his performance though I have to admit that I am still on the fence if I prefer him as an actor or a singer. All I know is he is lovely to look at. Ryder Allen, on the other hand, was a revelation. I could not get over how precious that little boy was. For his first ever role, he really knocked it out of the park.

Palmer is a story about second chances and starting over. It hit me in all the right feels and I highly recommend it.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

The White Tiger

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

A rags to riches story is one of my favorite tropes. The White Tiger, a film by based on the 2008 book by Aravind Adiga, sparked my interest because it was executively produced by Ava DuVernay. I am convinced that everything she touches turns to gold. Together with director Ramin Bahrani, I knew that checking out this film was a no brainer. I just didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did!

Balram (Adarsh Gourav) knows that he is destined for greatness. When he gets a job as a driver for a wealthy Indian family, his life begins to change. But then Balram starts to see flaws in the system. He thought that working for Ashok (Rajkummar Rao) and Pinky (Priyanka Chopra) would be good for him, that they actually care about him and his wellbeing. Realizing that that couldn’t be further from the truth, Balram must use his wits to break free even if it means losing himself in the process.

This is not a light-hearted tale. It may start off on a hopeful note, complete with colorful visuals and lively music, however it slowly turns more dark as the film goes on. I thought this was also perfectly conveyed through the acting of the leads. The performances were all off the charts and I am excited to see what Adarsh Gourav does in the future. He put so many different emotions into his role and I was rooting for him the entire time.

I loved how the movie gave me major Parasite vibes in that the main character knows they are better than what society says they are. The caste system in India is just as thriving today than it was in the past and in some ways, it seems almost backwards for the 21st century. I appreciated how we as the audience had the opportunity to see this depicted because it helped make the movie more realistic.

The White Tiger was a joy to watch and I know it will stick with me for years to come. I’m sure it will have the same effect on you too.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

One Night in Miami

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

The hype leading up to One Night in Miami’s release was real. The directorial debut from Regina King was not one to be missed! Knowing that it would be added to my list, I chose to watch it on Inauguration Day. That choice was rather fitting, though I didn’t realize just how much until after it had finished. While the story was foreign to me going in, I did know the names of the four main characters and that was enough to gauge my interest.

On the night of February 25, 1964, four men gathered together in a room at the Hampton House. In this room, minister and activist Malcom X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), professional boxer Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay Jr. (Eli Goree), football player James Brown (Aldis Hodge) and singer songwriter Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) discussed various civil rights movements as well as what it is like to be a Black man in America. While the actual conversation these men had is not known, this seemed to be a pretty realistic account of what could have happened.

The movie which was based on the play of the same name written by Kemp Powers in 2013, was interesting to see unfold. While there were some other sets throughout, the room at Hampton House was integral to the story and most of the events took place there. It definitely had the feel of a play and I liked the more intimate feel that it brought. In fact, I think it would be rather interesting to see the play adaption so that I can compare the two.

The casting for One Night in Miami was flawlessly done. Kingsley Ben-Adair, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge and Leslie Odom Jr. were brilliant as these men who we have all come to know in one way or another. Despite the fictitious depiction of their conversation, I would like to think that there was some truth to these discussions as well as the chemistry that we saw on screen.

Overall, I really appreciated the story and I feel like I learned a lot while watching. I liked hearing each man’s beliefs that they not only shared with one another, but that they wanted to share with the world too. Black Lives Matter is not only something that happened back in the 60s. If the last year taught us anything, it’s that this is still a hot topic that needs to be addressed.

Rating: ♥♥♥.5

Promising Young Woman

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Promising Young Woman is a film that I have been (impatiently) waiting for for almost a year now. As soon as I heard about it, I knew it was something I was going to enjoy. I guess I just didn’t expect it to have such an impact on me afterwards or for it to have become one of my favorite films of all time! It really was that good and I already can’t wait to watch it all over again.

Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Thomas (Carey Mulligan) is a med school dropout who still lives at home with her parents Stanley (Clancy Brown) and Susan (Jennifer Coolidge) at the age of thirty. She has had the same coffee shop gig for ages where she has a great relationship with her boss Gail (Laverne Cox). On the outside, Cassie seems like a normal girl living a normal life.

But what nobody knows is that she is actually living a double life – at night, Cassie goes out to bars and clubs, pretends to get drunk so that guys will take her home all so she can snap out of it and give them a taste of their own medicine. It’s all part of her revenge tour against those who were responsible for the sexual assault and eventual suicide of her best friend Nina. These men must pay for what they have done and Cassie will stop at nothing until that happens.

At first glance, this movie may seem like a comedy and that is partially true. There are some funny moments and the writing is incredibly witty and sharp. It also seems like there is some romance thrown in complete with a falling in love montage to Paris Hilton’s iconic song Stars Are Blind. Underneath all that, however, is the depiction of a heavy subject.

The cast were absolutely flawless in this. Carey Mulligan should get all the awards for her portrayal as Cassie. I have never seen such a convincing performance before and it blew me away. I liked the other well known faces that popped up throughout including Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Max Greenfield, Bo Burnham, Molly Shannon, Alfred Molina and Chris Lowell.

Promising Young Woman was truly phenomenal. I really do believe this is because of how important the topic is and how instances like this happen all the time. Sexual assault is not okay and it is always overlooked. I loved how Cassie took matters into her own hands. She was determined and really wanted vengeance for what had happened to her friend. She was inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time.

If you don’t go and watch Promising Young Woman now, you are missing out. This is not a movie to be missed! I know it is one that will stick with me for a long time.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Locked Down

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Not going to lie, I wasn’t sure I was going to be up for watching a movie about a pandemic especially when we are knee deep in one. Movies, to me, are for escaping, not to be reminded of what is is I am already dealing with every single day. That being said, Locked Down looked fun and it starred some really well known actors so I decided to give it a shot.

When London goes into lockdown to help curve COVID-19, Linda (Anne Hathaway) and Paxton (Chiwetel Ejiofor) had just made the decision to separate after many years together. With no other choice but to cohabit during this time, they try to make the best out of an inconvenient situation. Then, a chance of a lifetime opportunity presents itself. Linda and Paxton must work together one last time if they want to change their lives forever.

If I’m being honest, I was both highly amused and kind of taken aback at how realistic this was. It perfectly embodied what life is like today complete with zoom calls, social distanced meet ups and the wearing of masks (though there wasn’t nearly enough of that). To be fair, it seems as though this had been filmed at the beginning of the pandemic and a lot has changed since then.

I did like the premise of the film, but I expected more. I had gone into it thinking I was about to watch a comedy and while I did laugh out loud, there were a lot more serious moments than I had bargained for. I also felt like some parts were slow and while I appreciate the need to set up the story, not much happened until the end.

There were some fun cameos by some very famous people which I thoroughly enjoyed. Ben Stiller, Lucy Boynton, Mindy Kaling and Ben Kingsley rounded out the cast and made for great side characters. I loved it whenever one of them would pop up.

If you are looking for a different sort of heist movie, I’d say give Locked Down a go. Just prepared that it hits very close to home these days.

Rating: ♥♥♥