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Turning Red (2022)
Beautiful, delightful , sooo funny get incredibly poignant
A purely accidental wondrous hit, incredibly heart warming cultural and personal story of family and the struggles we often if not always go through together. Charming , witty and metaphors abound , this cute pixar offering is beyond animation and into the realm of heart tugging spiritual. See as a family and come out stronger and closer. I wept through a lot of it reminding me of my mother in the spiritual realm, an encounter I had shortly after She passed, very poignant and emotional for me, but better for it. Let yourself feel and enjoy this wonderfully rich beautiful Pixar offering, and as near end of movie, don't be surprised if you too are transported and renewed. The magic of Pixar Disney yet again, doesn't let down.
Supergirl: The Fanatical (2018)
supergirl is for all
I love this show, it has it all and lots of action, some violence for those who crave it and all around decent family flow and turbulent friehdships.
Welcome to your life, in front of you w/supergirl, with an extra kick of super strength and lots of other heroes.
Its sad when people have to add politics into the discussion and on top of that insult the average viewer with said rant.
What people don't realize is Hollywood has the RIGHT to script what they think sells, applies to millions of peoples views ,and if all is done right they make more.
Its not just lib'tards' as someone here mentioned, what about " republitards "?
I used that word, ONLY to make a point..pointing fingers, using profanity , filthy wording doesn't cut it anymore,,our word is, ever changing progressive and it seems some people aren't ready.
Thats just too bad , bc the rest of us really like the show, the great acting, the incredible acting and oh my, if it dares to showcase scripts where , a few outcasts() of society are given a voice at the expense of old fashioned thinking, far to often, then not doing a show of this topic, would be foolish and anti-social.
Everyone, most of us, love the superman philosophy of do no wrong, help those in need and do what we can to make the world better.
Those who can't stand those ideals, may be in the wrong place , but this viewer loves the show, and hopes those who take so easily to ugly little words like its falling rain dropping in a bucket are prob. having a worst day for it.
As supergirl, we all adapt with what is in front of us, and weakly we see epsidoes that reflect that inner struggle we all meet so life doesn't get the better of us.
Its nice seeing a show, Supergirl here, where the protagonist does the best she can to help even characters that would do her and the world we all live in, terrible things.
Often as the script goes, Supergirl and the heroes around her, are able to put aside outdated prejudices and care for others even if the thought of a 'liberal' saving them is tantamount to heresy.
Supergirl , and her fantastic pals deal with issues similarly, everyweek, and it would do us all well to do our best to mimic those behaviors.
ITs easy to be someones friend, but when experiences we have with others are not in parallel it easier to give up; Supergirl wouldn't, never would I.
I hope those angry souls give it another thought, as the liberal in me they perceive today, is the conservative someone else may view of them tomorrow with no less rancor .
Can't we all just get along- Supergirl is a fantasy character, but the writers do a great job of taking what her character brings to the show and , showing us all its not all that hard to be the better people, we can.
Her (2013)
Who are we, what to become & obscenity
Relationships are one of the most difficult things we as humans are faced with, as seen by too many individuals who struggle staying in them.
Many factors are at play, and we see some of them in the movie 'her'.
The few 'effects ' we see are not the hallmark of the movie,but they underscore where we are likely headed as a society, for likely the betterment of us , no doubt laced with challenges of their own.
We all want to be needed and in love and to share our lives with another human, or do we ? If that stimulates you to want to see 'her', then by all means you will probably enjoy it.
It is rated 'r' for good reason, so just be 'aware' of that, right from the start.
Its definitely 'sci-fi', and a intriguing look on where as a society, we may or may not be going, but it does ask some fair and interesting questions,yet at the same time in this authors opinions, strays a bit too far into language choices.
Its worth watching as a study of human interaction and a overall feel good sensation about the promise of what life and love can offer ,- just beware , its fairly riddled with F bombs and some unnecessary sexual content, that frankly disgusted me.
That is why, as much as most people will be able to 'relate' to the humanity of this movie, that I couldn't give it what I wanted to, and shame on Hollywood for venturing, where it did not need to. I felt somewhat betrayed.
Worth watching, just beware of language and 'odd' to say the least, sexual ( mostly verbal in one very obvious scene )content.
Flipper (1964)
nothing to say but awe with tragedy
I'll keep this short because the '10' I'm going to give it is obvious to most who love animals, yet feel some empathy and sadness for the outcome.
Most everyone by now has seen it, and if not SPOILER ALERT, but it needs to be said.
I loved this as a kid growing up. Period.
The eventual death of flipper in real life was tragic, but it brought to light the issues surrounding using wild animals in 'shows', not unlike some zoos and carnivals.
The person who trained flipper, a time after flipper died , came out and said he regretted doing it.
He is now, helping to stop the slaughter and abuse of dolphins, killer whales and other threatened innocent magnificent creatures of our oceans.
The show brings back memories, and it all deserved, but the story behind the story needed mentioned.
Its a enjoyable show but had sad results, but at least the trainer is doing the right thing now, in flippers memory and saving lots of marine life.
YOu can help donate to the cause and find him, by following Earth Island Institute.
That is not an ad, just my way of saying, if you enjoyed flipper, it wouldn't be a bad thing to follow what he is doing in the name of flipper, and donate as you see fit.
Gods of Egypt (2016)
Egyption Mythlogical tale with humor, emotion & solid effects
When we go to the movies, we are expecting to be entertained, based on the expectations we go into it with based on movie type, actors , TV spots and our overall love of certain genres.
Ancient Egypt is a fascination for a lot of people , not only its spectacular architecture, but because of the tales of the same sorts of things we go through in this modern era, spun from the point of view of Gods intermingling with humans.
Betrayal sets the scene for the story of fathers and sons, friends and lovers and the often hardships they go through amidst in this case, a towering city of Gold where Gods govern among their human counterparts.
A solid musical score sets the tone for very decent effects, supporting a tale of love surrounding jealousy, immortal battles , teamwork & a clash of good vs hatred.
A world not unlike what we sometimes find ourselves in, will whisk you into a fantasy world , drop you into a bittersweet tale , and leave you with a few questions.
Egypt whether ancient or current era is a fascinating topic, and this move portrays a tale from a ancient past in a positive light with a fantastical twist that most users will enjoy.
There are a few scenes that parents ( some adults) will want to be cautious about , so ratings apply as always, but overall they found a decent balance between the depiction of graphic violence ( not gratuitous )and telling a story of love , jealousy and ultimate triumph, all through the lens of a place in time we've all come, rightfully so, fascinated by.
Worth watching.
Free Birds (2013)
Comic yet appropriately stark retelling of historical setting
It's too bad that some reviewing this splendidly made and acted movie, seem to either have no sense of humor, or void of it only , when its about animal rights issues or so it seems. Movie reviewing is about objectivity, and if none can be given, none should be offered. Thats only fair to the medium.
It shouldn't matter, whatever the presumed 'goal' is in a movie, if its done with humor and accuracy and style, regardless, it should be judged solely on that, leaving politics out of it,- but since that was brought up, as someone whose diet resembles this movie on some grounds, was delighted to see such a topic presented in such high class with clever reference to historical data.
ONe can only hope as a species, we advance as we learn about our surroundings, comically and otherwise , as the protagonists in this movie do. Without creating spoilers, the irony is stark in this one . Some say this was void of any plot, not that it needed to be deep given the storyline which doesn't need to be necessarily deep to convey meaning in this case, but simple or not, the writing is clever and the use of acting voices to convey parallels to other movies was very clever and well done. Some of the deepest irony in this was the dialogue about one choice over another, and when you hear it, you'll smile and realize the movie has more depth and candidness than you might have been expecting, and given a history many of us never know or may learn of, the character swap couldn't have been more acute and appropriate . Near the end, you will fully realize this ( likely before), and it will make you smile and given some of us a sense of justice next to sadness . This PG movie does not insist on that, because while it does have historical reference as noted earlier, it does it in a lighthearted as possible way for the entire family. Laughter matters even discussing important topics, and this does not disappoint.
Birds become the twice removed ( think history) through clever use of anthropomorphism , making a point yet retaining smiles from the audience as well as humility.
The movie has hilarious in context, and I didn't have to push myself, to laugh, so the comments about it not being funny, are absurd and made up facts at their worst. I"m not kidding, I laughed right off, not even a minute or two into the movie, so those saying otherwise must have judged the movie on other fronts, because it was funny and tons of people have already said as much. Different views notwithstanding most would find this hilarious in conjunction with more serious topics this movie explored.
The stereotypes were rampant in this, which made it all the more funny, with yes, clear underlying tones of indicators as to why our food supply ideas and beliefs should be re-thought out. I'ts not a 'heavy hit' tone, but it's clearly there and appropriate. We grow as a specie as we evaluate our past and learn and elevate ourselves as a result; there is nothing ever wrong with appropriate introspection.
THe movie is so funny though even through the stark imagery and notes to history, that after while that dissipates and you just laugh out loud even though hidden beneath the surface that kids likely will not get and prob. best, is a tempest in a teapot of a story that needs to be told; it was done in style, lightly enough for mostly a children's story but with enough historical reference to give adults pause of the history they are part of.
I want to reiterate, that the movie made its points , clearly and efficiently, without hitting the subject too hard because laughter is good for all of us and sometimes it makes history easier to grasp and more desirable as well.
Easily a 10, a must see for the entire family, noting the PG rating of course.
Supergirl (2015)
Awesome re-spin, great characters, can't wait for more
I loved it, because a 'female' super person is a fresh idea and I was glued to TV all hour, pay no attention to bad/silly review, I smell jealousy ;)\
To those bashing this for having a 'bad' script , did you expect DEEP plots, along the lines of the previous incarnation of super man, well if so that's unfair to this attempt with a different protagonist.
I looked at this with a objective mind, not one that ridicules 'new' things or has excessive requirements just because its a been there done that series.
If I feel entertained, enjoyed the effects and didn't yawn on the acting or characters/plot , then I'm good.
I thought the characters were believable, villains as villainous as usual and I'm sure this will be as good or better than anything put forward so far.
Highly recommended.
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
Inspiration tale of faith not for children
I watched movie regardless of 'critiques', because while its often helpful to see opinions from others, we aren't all created equal in terms of how we all turn out, and have vastly divergent upbringings not to mention lives created by various circumstances , so having said that: First off I am a Christian, which is most certainly not a prerequisite , just a fact and wanted to be transparent.
I've seen 'Exodus' before when Charlton Heston wowed us in the first version but has ruined it or me with his visible support of certain issues. Your mileage may vary, but that's how it affected me, and my father was a hunter so its not like I've never seen a gun, but I was also raised to consider personal responsibility.
We all have a responsibility to present not just ourselves but truth forward as well, and while I was enjoying watching this exodus, I became horrified during certain scenes , mainly the crocodile scene.
We all know the bible contains war and death, but also compassion and a sense not of only a GOD ever present and hopeful for mankind's evolution and a present parent guiding ones children into a often dangerous but life full of possibilities and beauty.
I am not a bible expert, but I knew the 'crocodile' scene was nonsense, and I knew why.
I knew it was a insert, and thus accepted it for that given audiences often desire action scenes and few might not give high ratings to a otherwise 'boring' movie without it (?), but this Christian could have done without them because most everyone knows unless they were there to witness Exodus and provide proof, that the inserted scene was Hollywood.
History, yes, is written and filtered through a lens of as much fact based observation as man can draw upon and surely sometimes we may well get it wrong , but this scene and no other, assured me I could not give it a '10'.
Ridley Scott claims his reason for the crocodile scene was information he obtained from a consultant, and though for factual purposes I not show that here, do yourselves a favor and do a internet search for verification.
Given that, my criticism of the 'crocs' will be tempered , but given the bible has no mention of any of this means I will place it where it belongs, which is 'one' source believes this, they may or may not be correct, and it just adds to theories put forth as part of a narrative of history we are all trying to grapple with.
Apart from the few places where 'GOD' as the child is willfully wanting to see them 'on their knees' and let the slaves go as a result, the depiction of GOD as a child should concern no one, as God being our creator of all we know, we can all assume has liberty with form , and considering children are often sadly innocent victims in not just war but community injustices of all kinds, I felt the portrayal very appropriate and moving.
One scene which as a vegan I found rather disturbing, was when the lambs( Passover) were being slaughtered and the writers make it clear to showcase that, I felt possibly in the producers viewpoint asking questions about why this action would be necessary to 'filter' a group of people from harm , was a purposeful insert to acquire reaction, and I feel deservedly.
I later thought to myself as movie was coming to an end, how does a teacher, an adult or here, GOD, 'teach' compassion to one another, how is it done to usher in new eras of respect for oneself and ones neighbor and all others we share this earth with, in ways that will be everlasting and hold back violence all at a time when such barbarity was present ? Thankfully today we raise our children without force but love , firm but loving discipline and lots of otherwise TLC.
I can't be the judge of that time nor do I want to, but what I am sure of is that once we got past the plagues and Moses spoke of not being a conqueror and more a man of peace and civility out of practicality ( liberal writing freedom?) the desire at least for peace had a foothold.
I loved the ending as God as the child merged in with the crowds, and C. Bale as Moses looked back for support, and knowing God was leaving him now to be on his own, hopeful for a bright future for mankind all while wondering if he could really pull it off was a scene that tugged at my heart.
I go forward myself , alone in one respect that my parents are gone yet ever present I feel somehow, urging me on into a yes often violent world, yet full of capacity for compassion and empathy.
These are the things I think of as relates to a parents wish for their children or in this case, a God ; and while the movie is too harsh for young eyes, it certainly warms the heart for the promise of a hopeful, kinder future where we all thrive, together with all our uniqueness toward a future of equals, on the hopeful nudge from a loving yet firm creator that the wish for humanity yields success.
Fantastic Four (2015)
Unique spin on a fantastic series
I, unlike so many other harsher critics, enjoyed this movie a lot, and though in the end it doesn't matter because few of us really rely on reviews 100% of the time to go or not go to a movie, you could do a lot worse than this new spin on the Fantastic 4 universe.
It wasn't because the acting was simply amazing, by 'well known' actors, it wasn't, but just because they were a 'new' fantastic 4 team, doesn't mean we should pay them any less respect or give them a fair shot.
I'm so tired of the hate at such movies, do people watch these expecting to be dazzled every second of the movie ? I never do, I simply watch or I do not, based on the title and what type of movie I expect it will be, and sit back and relax and try to enjoy it, which after all, isn't that what movies are all about ? You can argue, oh NOT another sequel , and yes it is that, but judging it solely on that, or the ineffective acting because they aren't well known entities, or some other 'expectation' is just a bad way to go at movie going, and insufficient respect to hard work.
You don't have to love the support actors or every moment of the script or visuals, but you owe it to the hard work of everyone involved, to do what most of us do at movies, go in expecting what you get based only on what you likely know you'll see, which is exactly what I always do, and everyone should.
I have no patience for anyone who gives a movie a '1' rating ( or similarly childish like 'fantastic FLOP'), because they aren't here to critique anything, just hear themselves think and attempt to make a 'name' for themselves at the price of hard work, even if you think all involved were overpaid for what you got.
People forget, not everyone can 'act', it takes a mindset and a willingness to take the subject serious enough to put yourself IN the shoes of who you are playing so the audience is catapulted into a state of belief in what they are seeing, and have a good time.
I always do that unlike some other hate filled posts here and we always get them, and knowing full well what to expect, I enjoyed it , from beginning to end and look forward to a sequel with the came cast.
I review a movie based on my feelings about the acting, script, production , visuals and score, but most of all, was I 'entertained' enough to suspend my reality and come out of it thinking about the universe I and everyone else are part of, and dream of more and better things.
I got that from this movie, and if you didn't, well this type of movie wasn't for you.
Before I came to review Fantastic 4 2015, I looked at both of the prior movies, and they too , though not quite as bad as this one, similarly were given awful ratings , and I can't help but wonder, by who, what did they go into the movies expecting, and what precisely did they not feel they got, enough to mark a movie well enough done to remove their reality for a couple hours, sufficient to mark it that low.
Everyone wants to be a critique, but you can't effectively do that, never, unless you put on your objective hat, and agree to immerse yourself into the movies reality.
Yes, I felt some of the acting was a bit unconvincing, but that might be me expecting the same from a different set of actors, versus what we had from the 2 prior movies, and that's not really fair, but by the end of the movie I was losing that slight skew for their acting performances and just let myself settle into a new team of 4.
Some argue movie took too long to get going, but I couldn't disagree more, as I wanted a different back story, something different from the prior releases, and we got it.
The visuals were just as good as anything that's come before it if you want to compare it to the other movies, 1 and 2.
Yes it was another fantastic 4 movie, but I enjoyed it not because of its faults, but because I felt 'entertained' enough to keep watching.
That to me means the movie was a success.
I'm not won over easily, but if suspension of reality takes hold of me and lets go only till the movie is over, then I'm good.
If you are into the Sci-fi genre, and if you like the Fantastic 4 enough to detach yourself from the other movies and enjoy a new '4' team for what it is, entertaining, and aren't someone who is 'super critical', then head out and buy your tickets because you will be entertained just as I was.