This is a very dangerous thing they want to pass.

I’ve heard it topped the box office this weekend, way to go Lion King! I hope it goes to show that it’s not 2D that is selling poorly it’s the weak story lines that have gone with it!

Anyways, narrator was good, Samuel L. Jackson. There was NO preaching about how the world is going to end because of pollution and global warming BS. So that made me rather happy. It was just a nice film, following the lives of a Cheetah mom and a Lion mom and their cubs. Extremely simple but I enjoyed that! I will be getting this one on DVD and I recommend it. If you love cats, you’ll love this movie.
This review is rather short and sweet, but really I have nothing much else to say about it. Check it out!

Here comes the story plot, spoilerish, I won’t give away TOO much though. So the movie starts off with a little filler about Flynn’s son, Sam, why Flynn himself is missing, and it shows his son and how he reacted to his father disappearing. Then it shoots forward to present day. His son is all grown up etc, his dad’s partner gets a page from Flynn’s old arcade and for whatever reason the partner tells him to toodle off to check it out. He somehow activates the lazer that sucks him into “the Grid”. He meets C.L.U., a program coded by his father ages ago to create the perfect virtual world. However C.L.U. is corrupt and he sends Same to the “games” and is almost killed. Then Kora comes and rescues him, takes him to his father, his father doesn’t agree to come with him because C.L.U. is after his memory disc and will surely find him if he comes to the portal. His corrupt program wants the disc so he can enter the world and purge it of it’s impurities. I won’t say how it ends though so not the WHOLE story. Anywho! So now that I’ve gotten the setting put out, I’ll delve into my opinion on this film.

I DID enjoy this movie. I did however find it had a lot of plot holes and some pooey character development. If they had built up the characters more, and there were some pretty interesting ones in there, it would have made the movie much better. If they had showed C.L.U.’s obsession for perfection rather than just showing him as the random bad program here and there it would have given him so much more depth. Kora, this random sentient coded life form, she apparently was created by Flynn and C.L.U. I guess? Well they never really explain much about her. They do explain why she is the only one left but they don’t really show much of her “people” … programs… Anyways. I didn’t expect them to build up Flynn since he was already in the first, I did however wish they had built up his back story on how he stayed hidden for so long from C.L.U. There was one character I absolutely hated, that was Zuess. The owner of a bar. He was so over the top and obnoxious. What was his point? Just something to throw in to break up the movie a little. They could have used those extra minutes to build up C.L.U. or Kora.

*spoiler* Flynn lives in this “rugged” area of the grid where there’s virtual mountains, only he and Kora can go there because they’ve encoded their vehicles to be able to handle it somehow. Regular “light cycles” and whatever else cannot go there or they’ll basically derezz. So the first thing they don’t explain is how C.L.U. and a few of his minions manage to get into this “rugged” area after tracking down Flynn’s light cycle. Do they figure out how to adjust their vehicles to accept this terrain or what? Nor do they explain why C.L.U. never found Flynn. If he’s so obsessed on perfection wouldn’t he start to attack that rugged area of the grid to clean it up and perfect it? Wouldn’t he stop at nothing to find that disc? Or does Flynn set up some kind of firewall to keep C.L.U. from finding him? I mean how does it work? It’s never really explained. I also wanted to know how on earth they were eating pork and greens in this virtual world. In the original they had this fluid power source, that made a lot more sense than this did. *spoiler end*

Comparing this to the original is hard because they really are super different. It’s totally updated and most of it does not feel at all like the older one. This doesn’t make it bad, it just doesn’t seem like a continuation of the same story. The programs don’t really seem to have a purpose now, or maybe they do they just don’t do a good job of explaining it like they did in the old one. There were little easter eggs here and there referring back to the old film, which was kind of neat to see, but other than a few vehicles being similar to the original the similarities pretty much end. I do admit the new costumes were pretty awesome, but it would have been nice to see them mix in a little of the older more digital feel of the original.

The story, it could have been better. It was good enough, it was interesting but they left so much of it open, it almost leaves too much up to the audience to piece together. I think they could have done better on it. The visuals were pretty cool, the new light cycle race was cool and the disc throwing thing too, but the light cycles kind of lost something. They ran too smoothly, there wasn’t this sharp turning and total accuracy thing going on that the first had. It didn’t seem as dangerous and threatening. The “train” was pretty cool looking and the planes were neat though. It was fun to see the action scenes in 3D. The music was also really good, probably one of the best parts of the movie.

So my overall opinion of this movie, it was pretty good. It has it’s flaws, oh yes and quite a few, but I still enjoyed it. Maybe cause I’m just a sucker for these kind of movies, or cause I liked the original Tron and just thought it was neat to see parts of that universe updated. I don’t know, but for all it’s flaws I still enjoyed it. Would I buy it on DVD? Yea, I probably will, especially if it comes in a two pack with the original. I mighta had a couple more things to say about this movie, but I’ve forgotten what they were so I’ll just end this review now.

Tangled, I do believe, is the best 3D animated Disney movie. Strictly Disney, nothing to do with Pixar, just to specify. I liked Bolt, but there were certain aspects I did not enjoy, and with Tangled I cannot really think of a part of the film I didn’t like. The intro is a tad on the slow side, but once the two main characters bump into each other the story takes off! All the characters are well thought out, none of them are annoying. Well I wanted to see her “mother” get punched in the face, but hey she’s the “bad guy” so that’s normal. Music is by Menken and it really shows. It’s not epic like Beauty and the Beast, but it is in the same style. The songs are sometimes, I think placed oddly, but others fit really well. I didn’t find any of them obnoxious like I did with Princess and the Frog. I will most likely purchase this one on DVD. I recommend seeing it, it looks great on the big screen.

Due Date reminds me a lot of ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ just with a different storyline, but the jist of a guy trying to get home at a certain day is the same and having an obnoxious traveling companion to deal with throughout the timeline of his trip. This movie was pretty darn funny, couple scenes were a bit crude, but for the rest I was laughing pretty hard. I won’t put out any spoilers though for anyone who hasn’t seen it and doesn’t like that kind of thing. Both lead actors were great, and the “obnoxious one” was extremely stupid and annoying but you couldn’t hate him. I don’t know what else really to say about this film, it was really funny, would be a great Friday night movie date. Will I buy it on DVD, maybe.

Unstoppable is a great thriller. There are so many tense moments it’ll have your heart pounding. I didn’t know what this movie was about really at all other than a runaway train. The trailers made it seem like it was hijacked by terrorists, kind of like that bus movie with Keanu Reeves, but no! It was all because a negligent train worker didn’t flip on the brakes to a train carrying hazardous materials. It started to roll out and then the engine engaged and it picked up speed and went out of control. What they did to try and slow it was crazy, and to be based on a real story made this movie even more interesting. Both lead actors were excellent, they portrayed the emotions great and they were built up well. That’s why this movie worked so well too, you could feel for the characters and that made it pretty intense. I know several times both myself and my husband kind of held our breath or tensed up at certain parts of the movie. I would definitely recommend seeing this one in the cinema. Does it have big shiny effects? No, not really, but you get the full impact of the film on such a large screen. It makes it that much more exciting. This is one I will buy on DVD.

So there’s my triple combo review! Hope some find it enlightening. Cheers!

They got a great actor for the role of Dastan. Just browsing through and looking at pictures from the game, he fits the role well. I don’t think there was any character that was cast poorly. You hated the bad guy and you loved the good guy and all were very well portrayed.

The story, which I won’t spoil too much, was fast paced and they built up the characters pretty well. The princess turns out to be a little more than what she initially appears to be. There WAS a cheesy romance running in the movie, but it was kept short and sweet. Sometimes though it’d make me facepalm. For example, yes the only spoiler I will release, when the bad guy is trying to unleash the Sands of Time, Dastan stops for a whole two minutes to stare at the prince and give her a kiss. Ok sure it’s good to kiss her and all but couldn’t you do that AFTER you save the world? I mean the bad guy is just about to unleash the sand by plunging your dagger into the rock that holds it back. Why not go knock him off the cliff then come and kiss your woman? XD I just found that a real eye roller. There were other small things but that was the biggest one. haha

Music in this movie was really good. By Harry Gregson-Williams, and it’s kind of like a mix between Sinbad and Narnia. I found the theme stronger than Narnia and more enjoyable to be honest.

The movie ended well, I don’t think there will be a sequel because it closed. They didn’t really leave it open for one. Which I DO hope they don’t make one because it’s going to turn out like Pirates. Which, ok I did enjoy the sequels to those movies, but they weren’t as good as the first. And now they’re going for a fourth which makes me cringe a bit. The third wrapped it up nicely. Ah well, I just hope they don’t totally kill it with this movie.

Anyways back to my review, Prince of Persia is a good movie! Go see it! I would suggest the big screen just for the action parts and visuals, like when they pan out across the cities or when the sand is whipping around, it’s kinda cool to get the full effect on the big screen. This is one I’ll probably buy when it hits dvd. And that’s my thoughts on it.

Been watching a few older movies, checked out The Librarian. I have to say it’s really cheesy and it made me laugh sometimes at how lame it was, it’s ok. Nothing real amazing but if you’re bored it’s ok to watch. It’s not a movie that’ll grab your attention right off though. I was drawing while watching it and sometimes I’d zone out because it got a little dull but meh. Catch it on TV or netflix maybe.

That’s about it for this entry, I’m waiting for the rain to go away! Tired of it. The weather here is always windy and wet, kinda like a bad fart, it’s not enjoyable! XD

The songs, they weren’t bad but they were just blah. Typical type songs, forgettable, but I find most of Randy Newman’s work kind of bland to begin with. This movie is no exception. Darnit why couldn’t they have snagged Menken? I also don’t enjoy jazz type music or that particular type style so I guess I’m also a bit biased there.

The story, it suffered badly from side-kick-itis. Too many side characters. There is one scene *oop spoiler* where the frogs are being “hunted” (I use the term loosely) by some southern… rednecks I suppose you could call them. It was a pointless scene, the characters were unneeded, and annoying. They could have had Tiana and the prince figure out they love each other through a better way but they just HAD to add in some “comedic” relief. Even though we already have the Gator and lightening bug. On a side note I really really loved the Gator and all his silly facial expressions.

The main characters are like-able. I like the polar opposite personalities the prince and Tiana have. I also like that it’s not just a typical princess movie. The woman doesn’t rely on the prince for everything etc.

The bad guy was pretty cool, I loved his design BUT he wasn’t really creepy or scary enough for the movie. At least my friend and I thought so. He had really great potential but fell a bit short. And most of the other characters in this film were “ok”.

The message in the movie was a good one, but for some reason it didn’t really feel like a Disney movie. It just lacks something, I can’t really put my finger on it. It has all the technical aspects a Disney film has, beautiful animation, good voice acting and decent music, I just think there was something lacking in the story.

This movie is decent, I would say go see it in theaters just to support 2D, but I’m not going to say you’ll be amazed by it. Disney is back, but not quite up to snuff with what they have produced in the past. It is a step up from their last 2D theatrical release, “Home on the Range” But it’s no “Beauty and the Beast”. It’s a fun, decent holiday movie. It’s worth seeing a couple times.

14. The Lion King

Of course no list would be complete with out this one!  It’s just one of those Disney films that’s so good it makes it on to just about every list.  I loved it as a kid…wait I would say I was borderline obsessed with it at one point.  Kind of embarrassing but hey at least I have taste?  …I think.  If you haven’t seen this I’m going to ask what planet you are from.  Animation is amazing, story is great and endearing, powerful score and the songs fit it so well.  I really don’t have anything negative to say about it.

13. Titan A.E.

A lotta people are probably going to say “What?!  Why did you choose this one?”  Well despite it’s rather large plot holes I really enjoyed it.  It does have a good story, and well as for the plot holes where that’s where imagination comes into play.  Or fan fiction!   Anyways the story was one that kind of kept you guessing what the characters were going to do next.  The animation was great and the music was not half bad too.  It was a flop in the box office, which I mainly will blame lame advertising by Fox.  It’s a good movie for anyone who enjoys sci-fi and animation.

12. Mulan

Another great Disney movie, I love the story, the animation and the music.  Though the end is a bit rushed the comedy during the first half makes up for that.  I enjoyed the fact it was not a typical princess movie, the heroine was not just a prissy snit, she was tomboyish to a certain extent.  Mushu is just great too.  Tis one that if you haven’t seen you should.

11. Treasure Planet

Another of Disney’s attempts to make something more geared towards adults, and I liked it!  No singing!  Huzzah!  Where Atlantis failed in this Treasure Planet won.  The characters were great, good music, the storyline was good.  Naturally it was based on the book but the whole concept of it taking place in space was pretty cool.  The animation was just wow, everything was so detailed and nice.  I don’t think it’s really given the credit should have and I really think if  Disney had kept making 2D’s in this more adult theme they would have really succeeded well with it.  It’s not too childish but it’s not so adult that kids won’t get it either.

10.  Up

I’ve already reviewed it here but it totally deserves a spot on my list.  I have not been a big fan of 3D animated films just for the main reason, most these days have no decent storyline/plot and are pretty much epic fail in my opinion.  Up really surprised me on that!  It sounds utterly ridiculous but once you start watching it you get so wrapped up in the characters and the story it all just kind of makes sense.  There was only on part I found way too much of a stretch but overall it is one of the best Pixar movie ever.

20. The Cat Returns
This is a really neat movie. I’m not real big on anime but this one’s story was pretty intriguing and I wanted it to keep going after it had finished. It also helps that it was about cats too. The story follows a young girl, after she helps a stray cat, he vows to help her for her kindness. She is then swept off to the kingdom of cats. There she begins to transform into a cat and the king cat tries to force her into marrying his son. She then tries to make her escape with a few cat friends she has made on the trip before she forever remains a cat. That’s all I’ll give about the movie.

19. The Prince of Egypt
It was really over hyped, but for all that it was a very good movie. The animation, the story, the music, the acting. It was all very well done. I think it is the best Dreamworks 2D. They have yet to come up with another that was as groundbreaking or moving since then. I don’t have to say much about the story since most probably know, but it follows the story of Moses from the Old Testament. For a child’s movie, it follows the story pretty well. If you have not seen it check it out, I have talked to people who don’t even really know the story from the Bible and are not of any faith and they enjoyed it too. So it’s not just a “for Christians only ” movie.

18. Balto
Overshadowed by the Lion King and Toy Story, Balto came out at just the wrong time. It was one of those lesser knowns by Universal that was really pretty good. It is a shame it didn’t do better in the cinema. The story is interesting, the characters although a bit predictable are still fun, the acting is great, animation smooth, music is excellent. One thing I LOVED about this movie is none of the doggies broke into song like most “Disney-esque” movies, nor was the villain killed. It is based on a true story but really has absolutely nothing to do with it other than there was a race to save the children of Nome. It would have been nice to have seen it at least resemble the real story in more than just one way. Other than that downfall it is a good film. It’s been one of my favorites since I saw it back in December of ’95.

17. The Iron Giant
This is, again, one of those films that never got the credit it deserved. To be able to evoke an emotional response from the audience over a robot is pretty darn hard. The animation is amazing and the story is even better. Excellent casting, plot, music… I can’t really think of anything I didn’t like in this movie. It starts off with a boy who finds a giant robot during the height of the cold war. He tries to keep it secret because he doesn’t want the government to kill the robot. It follows his journey with the robot till the end where the robot sacrifices itself to save the whole town. Definitely one to check out if you haven’t seen it.

16. Aladdin
Again a favorite of mine since childhood. I have always loved it, the acting, the animation, the music. It doesn’t follow the “original” story that closely but meh I don’t care. It was a neat take on it all. It has a great balance of humor and seriousness. I don’t really think I need to explain the story since most everyone knows it. If you haven’t seen this one… I will ask what rock are you living under? Go see it!

15. The Land Before Time
The first, the original, Land Before Time, is really excellent. The story is very emotional and the music carries that so well. The animation is typical Don Bluth, a bit grungy and it fits so well. I always loved this movie since I was little. I also really appreciate that there is no singing dinos in this film. It starts off with Littlefoot and follows him through his journey to the Great Valley where he hopes to find his Grandparents after his mother dies. On the he meets with many other young dinosaurs also separated from their families. It’s a classic and if you haven’t seen it, do so! Avoid the sequels at all cost though, they are terrible and just put out to make more money off the franchise.