The Mandalorian and Grogu

 

The first new Star Wars movie since 2019s The Rise of Skywalker has hit the big screen causing me to emerge from the shadows of real life and hit the theater to take it in. This time around the galaxy far, far away continues the story of the show and the latest adventure of Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian and his apprentice/son Grogu, aka “Baby Yoda”, as they help stamp out the remains of the fallen Galactic Empire.

The Mandalorian and Grogu plays it safe and doesn’t try to reinvent the Star Wars wheel. Sticking close to the familiar and proven in what’s basically a two-hour and twelve-minute extended episode of the popular Disney show.  Proving to be a smart move on writers Dave Filoni, Noah Kloor, and writer/director Jon Favreau’s part as they’ve delivered a solid, entertaining, fun, humorous, and heartfelt addition to the Star Wars franchise. 

Beautiful cinematography. Stellar set designs. Plenty of action-packed sequences balanced with character moments/development. All the great special/visual effects/animatronics we’ve come to expect, a soaring score by Ludwig Göransson, and creatures both old and new galore make TM&G a film Star Wars fans will enjoy, and the simple straightforward storyline allows accessibility to the less hardcore movie goer to enjoy.

Interesting and fun new characters are introduced and open up future possibilities. Not gonna lie, while a little disappointed that Sigourney Weaver didn’t figure more prominently in the film. Love her Colonel Ward and hope this is a character that returns. Familiar characters ground this film in the “old school” feel. The tone is lighter, the pacing well executed, a thoroughly enjoyable watch from start to finish.

While The Mandalorian and Grogu doesn’t add much to the overall Star Wars lore, I really didn't care. It’s a highly entertaining film that brings thrills, joy, humor, heart, and a spark of hope for the future. I had a smile on my face and happiness in my heart the entire time. In my book, that makes it a good addition to the overall franchise and a stand-alone film worthy of a trip to the theater to view on the big screen as intended. 

I’m giving The Mandalorian and Grogu an 8.5 and hope this is just the beginning of more films to come. This is the way.

#TheMandalorianAndGrogu

The Devil Wears Prada 2

 

Movie Review: The Devil Wears Prada 2

I’m fashionably late with my emergence from real life with my impromptu trip to my local theater. Once again answering the call to gird my loins to catch up with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and the rest of the Runway gang (Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci) after a twenty-year absence in The Devil Wears Prada 2.  I’m no fashion maven, never have been, never will be but I adored the original film and had high hopes that this long-awaited sequel would be given the justice it deserves.

I’m thrilled to report that I was not disappointed.

David Frankel’s direction is spot on. The costuming and set design rich, textured, and lavish. Editing and pacing make for an enjoyable 1 hour 59-minute viewing experience that’s never boring and keeps you fully engaged.

Writers Aline Brosh McKenna and Lauren Weisberger have taken a very smart approach in this film in bringing the characters/backdrop we love up to date with the current times we’re living in and the trials and tribulations of culture, politics, and sensibilities. Giving us a sequel that’s truly a sequel, not simply a bigger more expensive rehash of what’s come before.

The characters of the original cast once again deliver across the board. Wonderful chemistry, witty dialogue, biting wit, warmth, and emotion all on full display wrapped in gorgeous trappings. 

Fun callbacks blend nicely with new characters and situations. Cameos galore and there’s even a nice little story twist at the end.

Some will be no doubt be upset that Streep’s Miranda has been cobbled somewhat in her blatant toxicity due to “modern sensibilities” but watching her try to navigate the PC landscape is a joy to behold. 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is nostalgic yet fresh and opens up and expands the world of the original film in a way that feels accessible and relatable to everyone. It’s fun but less fantastical, grounded in reality and resonates accordingly. It doesn't recreate the magic of the original, it redefines it. That works for me, and it’s well worth a trip to the theater to see on the big screen. 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets a 9 from me and a sincere hope for a third film. 

That’s all.

#DevilWearsPrada2

Hoppers

 

Woo chile! 

It has been a minute. 

Three months into the new year and I've only now hit the movie theater for the first time in the new year. This week I ventured out to check out the newest original Disney/Pixar film Hoppers. The story about a 19-year-old animal loving student who hijacks experimental technology to download her consciousness into a robotic beaver. So, basically Avatar in animated Disney/Pixar form. Too cute and promising to pass up I headed to my local theater to check it out.

Hoppers clocks in with a good runtime of an hour forty-four minutes. While it starts a little slow, the stunning realistic visuals keep you engaged while you wait for the rest of the film to catch up. I never got bored or restless, just anxious for the story to gain traction. Once the story kicked it paid off in the form of a fun, emotional, and entertaining ride. 

Great creativity, vibrant colors and details leapt off the screen. The animation doesn't disappoint. Solid voice casting that brings the bluntness and brutality that is the harsh circle of life inherent to nature alive with humor and charm that keeps things “family friendly” but realistic.

There’s good messaging even if it can be a bit heavy handed in its delivery. Solid soundtrack and strong characterization. 

I admit the main character of Mabel played by Piper Curda challenged me throughout the film. She pissed me off a number of times and had me disliking her greatly at others. That’s one of the things that actually elevates the film for me. The complexity of her character and the ensuing roller coaster ride makes this one of the stronger, more emotional, and engaging animated films of late. Not to be outshone, Bobby Moynihan's King George is a perfect foil. 

Hoppers is entertaining, emotional, humorous, thoughtful, and well worth a look. It’s familiar in theme (e.g. Avatar/Over the Hedge) yet still feels fresh. The surprise villain origin story is epic in its simplicity. The charm and warmth will make you happy you took the initiative to see this one on the big screen. If you do, be warned there is a single post credit sequence that wraps things up nicely so pace your fluid intake, so you don’t miss it. 

I’m giving Hoppers an 8. 5.

#Hoppers