Movie Review: Aladdin (2019)

To say I’ve been feeling iffy and nervous about this live-action version of Aladdin doesn’t begin to express my anxiety over seeing this film.  Like most, it goes without saying I LOVE the now classic animated version of the film featuring the late Robin Williams in the roll of Genie.  It also goes without saying that the comparisons to the original, in particular to Williams, are inevitable.  As such, my initial knee jerk response was “Why mess with perfection?”! No sooner had I decided to opt out on this one than I began thinking of the live versions of The Jungle Book, Maleficent, and Beauty and the Beast which I love. Hmmm, I see the great possibilities…  However, the possibility of yet another live-action turd like Cinderella, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, and Dumbo, combined with the trailers, brought me back to a resounding no. I’ve been going back and forth like that for months now.  Yes or no?   The hope of Aladdin falling into the first category of great live-action film versions and/or possibly being a glutton for punishment has me rolling the dice, saying yes, and hitting the theater.

DISCLAMIER:  I am a Disney stockholder.  The following review is based solely on the merits/faults of the current film without regard to the 1992 animated film.

Let’s do this!

WHEW.  It’s with an enormous sigh of relief I can safely proclaim, YES!  Disney got this one right!  Hallelujah!

In addition to a solidly written screenplay, Guy Ritchie’s direction captures the very essence of Agrabah and brings the story of Aladdin to life on the big screen.  The colors, textures, sets, costumes, and cinematography are simply perfection.  I was drawn into this world from the very beginning and swept up in the story to the very end.  There are scenes where you feel you’re a part of the story and can practically smell and feel the surrounds they’re so vivid. 

Alan Menken and Tim Rice return, capture, rework, and even elevate the musical score for today’s audience.  Pure delight.  Yes, I was the obnoxious woman singing under my breath and dancing in my seat the entire movie.  I couldn’t help myself.  The nostalgia is definitely there, but the small tweaks and the stunning choreography couldn’t be denied.  Crowd pleasing through and through.  So much so, yes, you’ll be singing all the way home and good luck getting the songs out of your head.  The added bonus of a new song Speechless is as beautiful as it is powerful.  Plays wonderfully to the movie as a whole and underscores the character of Jasmine to perfection. 

The musical numbers of Friend Like Me and Prince Ali are well worth the price of admission alone.  The former had kids singing and dancing all the way to the parking lot and the latter is such a jaw dropping spectacle to behold it’s breathtaking.  I hear tale they used over a thousand extras to capture the grandeur of Prince Ali’s grand arrival in Agrabah. 

The cast/acting.  With the exception of my man Alan Tudyk (Disney loves him!) and Will Smith, I’m largely unfamiliar with the cast. 

Mena Massoud (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan TV series) does an admirable job as Aladdin.  Completely bought into him as the character, was impressed by his physicality and dance moves (he claims he didn’t know how to dance before landing the part, making it all the more impressive).  I did find his singing voice a bit on the weak side here and there (again he never sang until training for the part), however, it wasn’t enough to detract too much from the film.

Naomi Scott’s (Power Rangers) rendition of Princess Jasmine is spot on.  She does a fine job of inhabiting the character and expanding on it.  Her singing voice is great, and I loved what she does with Speechless. Her being a professional singer as well as actor pays off in spades.  Marwan Kenzari has for me his strongest performance to date as Jafar (although they could’ve pushed the villainy aspect a bit more, but hey, it’s Disney).  Apparently, I’ve seen him before in Murder on the Orient Express and The Mummy (2017), neither film making a lasting impression upon me beyond disappointment and outright haterade respectively. 

Then there’s Will Smith.  The proverbial elephant in the room.  Obviously, his take on Genie was crucial in the make or break of the film.  This was the one I was sweating over.  Again, looking strictly at what I was seeing on the screen in this version of Aladdin, Smith nails it.  I had no problems, kicking back in my lounger and going for the incredible ride Smith/Genie takes us on.  Knowing he had big pointy shoes to fill, Smith did an exceptional job paying homage to his predecessor yet making the character his own.  Smart move and it pays dividends. His performance is funny, manic (but not too over the top), sweet, emotional, and just a joy to watch.  I even didn’t mind him being blue half the time.

The trailers for Aladdin really do this film an injustice.  Guy Ritchie and company have made a smart retelling of a beloved classic.  They’ve smartly avoided the exact replication of the original, have kept many original elements and mixed in some new for a perfect blend of nostalgia and freshness.  

Aladdin is filled with energy, fun, heart, and humor.  The Disney magic is back!  It’s a whole new world.  One that needs to be seen on the big screen and brought home to add to your movie collection.  Far from a diamond in the rough, Aladdin is a 10.

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Pets 2

Three years ago, Illumination stole my heart and created one of the cutest, original, most entertaining animated films of recent memory.  The Secret Life of Pets was the perfect blending of snark, cuteness, humor (both kid and adult friendly), freshness, and imagination.  On June 7^th, 2019 the follow-up, The Secret Life of Pets 2 will hit theaters in wide release.  Not wanting to wait the additional two weeks, I took part in Fandango’s early release showings and headed to one of my local theaters.

There’s little doubt in my mind that Pets 2 will be another hit for Illumination studios.  The kids in the packed audience loved it (thankfully, so I didn’t end up going off on the whiny little girl sitting next to me who got on my nerves as soon as her mother forced her to sit down), the adults in the audience enjoyed it, and I enjoyed it as well.  However, truth be told it became quickly apparent Pets 2, while entertaining, wasn’t going to be as strong a film as the original.

Most of the elements to equal if not surpass the original movie are present.  With one glaring (yet not surprising exception) all the original voice over cast members returned.  The soundtrack is definitely bumping. The animation is solid, and the pacing is good.  All things point to a great movie experience.  Truthfully, it was a good movie experience, but not great.

Why?

First off, the storyline or rather the storylines Rather than one overall plot with a secondary plot or even two, The Secret Life of Pets 2 is largely comprised as 3 separate subplots loosely mashed together in hopes of forming a whole.  Resulting in a watered-down film.  None of the three plots is developed as fully as it should be and are weakened.  The characters are all separated off into their corresponding story groups limiting their interaction.  Even within each story many of the previously prominent characters are reduced to secondary or even background roles.  I’m looking at you Duke. Furthermore, having so many “individualized” trailers running up to the films’ release is a bit of a misfire/backfire.  All the teasing has given away too many character/scene moments so I felt like I’d already seen a good portion of the film while viewing the whole. 

Further, while Tiffany Haddish and Harrison Ford (making his voice over debut) are welcome additions, the story structure has created another instance of under-utilization.  Haddish’s Daisy just appears out of nowhere to kick off Snowball’s story, but there’s no development of who she is, where she came from, how she came to hear of Snowball’s alter ego etc.  A missed opportunity.  And speaking of missing opportunities, Harrison Ford.  You get Harrison Ford people, make good use of him.  Ford’s Rooster is intriguing, but, again the lack of development and screen time left me wanting more. 

Finally, there’s the weakness of antagonists/villains times  three.  One storyline has part of life as an antagonist and the other two consists of a generalized stereotypical villain and an even more vague “them” for out protagonist to go up against.   All three ring hollow and fall a bit flat.

After all that, it may sound like The Secret Life of Pets 2 is a real dud.  While it was less than I hoped or wanted, it is entertaining, and not without its charm.  It’s a cute movie, with good action, humor, and the underlying message is relevant. I don’t regret an early viewing or seeing it at the theater.  It’s worth a viewing, especially if you have kids.  Paws down, I’m giving this one a 7.5.

 

Oh, as always, stick around for the first part of the credit sequence at least.  There’s some major cuteness and an additional scene to enjoy.

John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum 

I’ve been a fan of the John Wick saga since the original film but have been experiencing mixed emotions over the prospect of seeing the third installment.  On the one hand, it’s Keanu Reeves kicking butt and taking names as former (?) assassin, John Wick. But, on the other hand the powers that be have added Halle Berry to the mix.  And in case you’ve missed it in previous reviews, I am most certainly NOT a fan of Berry’s acting.  So, with mixed feelings of excitement and dread I geared up  to see John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum. 

JWC3P as with the previous film picks up right where the previous film ends.  Mere minutes after in this case. So yes, if you skipped seeing John Wick 2 for some inexplicable reason,  you need to give that one a looksy prior to seeing Parabellum so you'll know what's going on. 

Also like its previous incarnations, John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum is an adrenaline fueled, deliciously violent, no-holds-barred, @$$ kicking, butt clenching spectacle that grabs you by the throat and only lets up for perfectly timed moments of characterization and wait for it...story as well as the occasional sprinkle of humor. The first third of the film is so action backed and thrilling it's actually exhausting which underscores the story line perfectly. 

Featuring stunning set designs, beautiful cinematography and editing, and amazing choreography, Parabellum screams for big screen viewing.  

With near perfect casting and performances JWC3P shines.  The returning cast members not only continue to hit their stride and own their roles, but get to expand them into new, unexpected, and exciting territory.  Plenty of edge of the seat bouncing and "oh, hell yeah!' -ing to be had as we're given more of Wick (Keanu Reeves), Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (Lance Reddick), and Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne).  Joining in on the fun and also bringing their A - games are The Adjudicator (Asia Kate Dillon), Zero (Mark Dacascos), and The Director (Anjelica Huston) to name just a few.  There are also some smile inducing actors from Game of Thrones, The Blacklist, and The Good Place that pop up.

Noticeably absent from my list is dear, sweet Halle Berry.  She tries people, she really does, but I'm sorry.  For me, the one flaw in this film is as a feared, Berry's acting.  I tried to get behind her and go with the flow, and to her credit it kinda worked for me.  But only when she was reduced to straight up butt kicking action star.  Truthfully, even then there was a little part of my mind screaming for her  character , Sofia, to get shot, stabbed, or beaten to make up for the rest of her performance.   When not in action star mode, I experienced serious X-Men flashbacks (shudder) accompanied by major eye rolling, snorts of derision, and mutterings of, "Pah-leaze, I ain't buying this $#@!".  It was more painful and more cruel than any other brutality shown on the screen.

John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum is an epic action film, overflowing with spectacle, thrills, heart, and intensity.  It's also the rare sequel that continues the trend of improving upon its predecessor. Part Terminator, part boogeyman, the odds are even that Parabellum is brutally satisfying in the best ways possible.  It's a definite 10 for you…

I'm officially giving it a 9.5 for myself.  The consequence of casting Halle Berry.

Movie Review: Pokémon Detective Pikachu 

True confession time.  

Yes, I’m aware (in the vaguest sense) of the Pokémon phenomenon, but I for one don’t know jack, diddly, or squat about it.  Accordingly, the following review is pure from a Pokémon novice p.o.v. So, grain of salt time here with this review.  So, why did I bother to see the film in the first place?  Easy.  My interest/desire to see this film was strictly based on the “looks cute” factor and an opportunity to see if Ryan Reynolds voice acting could make me forgive him for the turdfest of Turbo from a few years back.  Kinda an animated Deadpool redemption story after Green Lantern.

Anywho, moving on. 

Yes, the cute factor did figure heavily in my overall enjoyment of the film.  Some of the Pokémon are just beyond adorable (the little turtle things were a personal fave).  Something that came in handy when my attention started to wane.  P.D.P. definitely has some pacing issues, at least for a novice.  The film’s opening grabbed my attention, but then I quickly got restless and squirmy for about 20 minutes awaiting Pikachu’s entrance. I found myself looking at my watch and noting the time.  However, once he shows, things got back on track, but again, here and there I felt the film was weighed down with visual effects and not a lot of story.

The visual effects themselves are also a bit uneven as well.  There are scenes where the thoughts in my head were literally screaming crappy CGI.  Fortunately, when the visuals were nailed (and there’s more of that than not) they’re quite stunning and allowed me to just get lost in the world of Ryme City.  The work done with the character of Pikachu is especially well done. 

The casting/acting is fine.  Not bad, but certainly nothing special.  I’m always happy to see Bill Nighy pop up, but once again felt Ken Watanabe is underutilized!  Someone please put the man in a film and DO SOMETHING with him! 

Good action, a serviceable (if shallow and a bit predictable) storyline, decent soundtrack, and good humor.

Again, I know nothing of Pokémon, so while Pokémon Detective Pikachu didn't give me the jellies, I still found it amusing and entertaining.  Enough so, I don't rule out seeing future films in the franchise at this point.  Whether I'll feel compelled to catch 'em all remains to be seen, I can say if you're in the mood for video game cuteness and have nothing else to do, you may want to give this film a look.

Pika! Pika!  That's a 6 from me.

The Intruder

Movie Review: The Intruder 

I’m keeping this review short and sweet folks.  Simply put, I opted for this film solely on the basis that I was in the mood for a movie.  It’s been a long week and wasn’t overly excited about any of the offerings that fit with my “school day” schedule.  The trailer for The Intruder seemed like it could be fun.  And I was definitely intrigued to see Dennis Quaid play to the dark side as the creepy, psycho making the dream home of a young couple a total nightmare.

The Intruder starts rather slow as the idyllic scene and couple are set.  Slowly but surely things become evident things and people aren’t as they appear.  The film falls on the predictable side.  You basically know what’s going to happen from the jump, but once it gets going it’s enjoyable, nonetheless. 

Michael Ealy and Meagan Good give solid performances as the young (somewhat naïve and even more naïve) couple at the center of events but make no mistake the star of The Intruder is Dennis Quaid as Charlie Peck.  Quaid goes all in and all out in kicking the crazy, creepy, chilling factor to the next level.  Quaid definitely had me squirming and jumping in my seat the further down the rabbit hole he goes.  I have no doubt if the character was played by another actor, the story wouldn’t be anywhere near as entertaining or creepy.

While not a complete waste of time (I did make a random couples afternoon by treating them to a free popcorn) without a lot else to recommend it, overall The Intruder is a 5-star movie at best (definite "meh" factor), that manages to be elevated to a solid 7 stars when Quaid is on the screen.  

No need to rush out and see this one on the big screen though.  It will be available for home viewing in no time at all.

Shazam!

Movie Review Shazam!

Admittedly I’m really late to the party on this one.  I’ve flip flopped back and forth on whether or not to see this one for weeks.  On the one hand, I’m a fan of Zachary Levi and Mark Strong.  I also remember watching the Shazam/Isis hour religiously growing up.  However, on the other hand, the trailers and clips for the film prior to release seemed rather cheesy and cartoony. Not in a good way.  And as far as the live-action show I grew up watching, the fact I can’t really recall much about it, other than watching in the first place, didn’t speak well of the character.  Wanting to spend time with a good friend as well as wanting to hit the theater, Shazam! was the film we both agreed upon, so off to the theater!

Ladies and gentlemen, we definitely have a winner in Shazam!  

Yea!

Shazam! probably is a touch cheesy and cartoony, especially compared to other recent superhero films, but those things actually add to the fun, heart, and soul of the film.  A tad uneven for the first twenty minutes or so, the film nonetheless is nothing but entertaining throughout.  Never getting bogged down to the point of boredom or loss of interest.  A solid, layered script chock-full of genuine laugh-out-loud laughs; sweet, heartfelt moments; drama, action, terrific soundtrack, great messaging and solid acting and character development, Shazam! definitely struck a cord with me, and by the sounds of the cheers and applause the entire theater audience (surprisingly, while it was a smaller theater, the place was packed) as well.

As hoped, Zachary Levi delivers as Shazam and Asher Angel’s Billy Batson is on point.  Jack Dylan Grazer (probably best known for his role in It as Eddie Kaspbrak) is outstanding as superhero obsessed Freddy Freeman.  The chemistry and camaraderie with both Levi and Angel truly are the superglue that binds the film together and takes it to the next level.   Then there’s Mark Strong.  LOVED his villainous bad self.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen Strong give a performance I didn’t like.  Strong’s Dr. Sivana isn’t generic or cookie cutter and is completely believable in his motivations and actions. 

Shazam! definitely shows DCEU has its $#@! together and is continuing to up their game.  I had a blast watching this film and am glad I broke down was able to enjoy it on the big screen.  I laughed, I misted up, I cheered, and I awwwwed my way through this one.  Watching Shazam! is a joyful experience, one I highly recommend to everyone.  If it’s still in a theater near you, get to the box office and say Shazam! It’s worth the effort to check out.  If not, do yourself a favor and make sure you rent, stream, on demand it when available. A solid 9.5 from me.

Oh, don’t forget to stay ALL the way through the credits.  DCEU goes MCU and has both mid and post credit scenes for your enjoyment.