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penelopemmorris
Reviews
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
So Overhyped That I Felt Disappointed
I was a huge fan of the first movie, excited for the sequel and pretty hopeful after I saw massive amount of RAVE reviews online claiming it to be better than the original. Well, that couldn't be further from the truth. The runtime was way too long and I FELT it from the beginning of the movie! (during Gwen's 20 minute opening.) By the time the film picked up its pace and stakes (the last 30 minutes) I was already mentally checking out, watching the time and waiting for it to end. And yes, basically nothing is resolved by the end of it, if you're wondering. Multiple people in my theater were groaning as the credits began rolling, due to the cliffhanger. Scenes stretched on far too long, had repetitive dialogue and just set up the final movie. I truly don't see the hype about this one. I think the wrap up next year will be good, I have seen films do a better job in a trilogy of making the second movie mean something. I feel harsh saying this, as the animation, soundtrack and characters are awesome! I just feel like people are acting like this is the best animated movie to be released, but it's just not. It doesn't live up to the greatness of it's predecessor. Hopefully the finale next year will make it all worth it!
The Little Mermaid (2023)
One Of The Best Live-Action Adaptations
I really enjoyed The Little Mermaid! Halle Bailey is absolutely perfect for Ariel in every single way. I liked how they expanded Prince Eric's character and Sebastian was hilarious! Melissa McCarthy was great as Ursula. The new songs weren't that great and Javier Bardem fell flat as King Triton for me. Wish they would've played with the storyline a liiiittle bit more, as some of the scene re-enactments with identical dialogue became a little tiresome. It shined when they expanded the source material with the original Hans Christian Andersen tie-ins. Some of the best moments were due to Ariel and Eric's chemistry, and I felt the ending was a bit rushed and they could've tweaked the final act to really build more drama between Ursula, Ariel, Eric and King Triton. Overall I really enjoyed it, but Cinderella still has it beat in my book as the best Disney live action adaptation.
Coco (2017)
So Underrated, The best Disney Film in a LONG time!
It blows my mind that a majority of people I come across have never seen this movie. I guess people couldn't "relate" to the Day of The Dead theme and honoring Mexican heritage. It shows how people are still so self-absorbed about what they want to "relate" to, instead of being open to learning about other cultures and traditions that can teach us ALL something. The main theme of this film is FAMILY. So well done, beautifully animated with fantastic songs and incredible moments. The best animated Disney film I have seen in so long. An actual original concept and not a sequel! Enjoyed every second of this film. And cried...a little. Okay, a lot.
Aladdin (2019)
The Greatest Showman 2?
I love the original Aladdin and the stage/broadway adaptation. The guy LOOKS like the perfect choice for Aladdin, but had hardly any personality in his line delivery. None of the classic Aladdin charm! He's clearly a better dancer than anything else. Naomi Scott blows everyone off the screen with her portrayal of Jasmine, but that was mainly boosted with the "female-empowerment" script, although I did like Jasmine taking over her father's role. That "Greatest Showman-esque" song they threw in for her made no sense in the context of the moment nor did it sound like it fit with the rest of the soundtrack. Will Smith as the Genie was not funny at all... felt so uncomfortable during his opening scene where NOBODY in my theater laughed. The best sequences were the further developments between Aladdin and Jasmine's relationship that we're outside of the source material. Don't even get me started of Jafar. Terrible casting choice. I was shook out of my boredom when he started to relate to Aladdin and tell his backstory, but it was a quick line that they never elaborated on. Disappointing all around.
Thy Neighbor (2018)
Confusing and Concerning Message
This movie fails to deliver on any level. It's Christian message is handfisted, overwrought and tortured. The thriller concept becomes completely unbelievable and irrational. The writing was forced and the actors had nothing work with. The couples' relationship was awkward and cringeworthy. Clearly, they were operating on a low budget, but that isn't an excuse for bad storytelling. So many plot holes. Letting the neighbor come into the hot tub and their home when they weren't there?! Not calling the police and driving away after discovering your house was bugged and having an intense confrontation with a crazy person?! The story dragged on and didn't have any sense of closure at any point in time. We're supposed to feel bad for the villian because of his mental illness, but he becomes extremely threatening and psychotic. The message of sacrificing the safety of your family for ministry is a dangerous one.