Shrek 2

I saw the first "Shrek" a couple of months ago but didn't write it up at the time due to a massive migraine. I had liked it, found it rather clever, and rated it a solid 4 stars. I was hoping the sequel would live up to its predecessor, and it almost did.... almost. I thought it was a clever story, and the animation was gorgeous of course, but it lacked the heart the first had. The characters became much more stereotypical than in the first film, and Fiona's agency was severely reduced. I get what the script was going for, I do, but I never felt it hit the mark. I hope the third regains more of the magic of the first. 3/5

Shrek 2 on Netflix

Sing

Okay, I straight up loved this. There was nothing about this feel-good film I didn't love. I cannot say anything bad about it, honestly. It was sweet, I loved the redemption story, and all the character work was awesome. I had no idea ScarJo could sing either, so that was a bonus for me. Loved this! 5/5

Sing on Netflix

Toy Story 2

Am I weird? I must be weird, because I wasn't a huge fan of this. I liked the characters and their development, especially all the new folk from Woody's Roundup. I liked the sense of adventure and the moral of the story. But, honestly, the plot got a little much for me. Okay, I know this is an animated story about toys that come to life when no one is watching, but it got a bit ridiculous. For example - Woody's arm tears from gentle play, but he can handle the air velocity of a plane taking off without injury. RIIIIIIGHT. The whole film is filled with these types of gaffes, where we're given a rule of the world one minute and it's broken the next. It really bothered me after a bit, if I'm being honest. I'll be interested to see the third one now. 3/5

Toy Story 2 on Netflix

Mulan

In my quest to watch more animated films, I realized that there was a rather large chunk of Disney films I had missed in the 90's and 00's. I watched "The Little Mermaid" last week when I had pneumonia, and tonight I watched "Mulan". Here's the thing. I hated both of them. Now I remember why I stopped watching animated films, because I was finding I disliked more and more of them. "The Little Mermaid" was so sexist and gender-conforming it was ridiculous. And "Mulan" was so culturally insensitive I was honestly stunned a few times. I see that reviewers on Netflix praise "Mulan" for teaching girls they can be anything, but that wasn't what I saw. The gender and race tone of this film really bothered me a lot. I now understand the argument for the "revolution" as it were of Disney princesses, because what I've been seeing is just bad. Maybe it's just me, maybe I'm looking at something 20 years old with the eyes of today, but I just can't get behind these films. I think I'm moving back to the modern era for a bit. 2/5

Mulan on Netflix

Moana

Well, I think I'm in the minority with this film, because I wasn't really jazzed by it. I saw a lot of similarities between this film and "Kubo and the Two Strings" in terms of message and how the story unfolded. But I also felt that it was trying to be witty and clever and endearing ln the way that "Trolls" was. Unfortunately, because those two purposes were at odds with each other, I felt this film failed to really deliver on either front. I thought the message of the film came off as trite and actually played into some of the gender stereotypes it was trying to overcome. I also felt much of the humor felt stale and the songs weren't nearly as good as in other Disney films or in "Trolls". In the end, this didn't really do it for me I'm sorry to say. 3/5

Moana on Netflix

Finding Nemo

This is officially now my new favorite animated film. It had so much heart and wit and actual drama, I was really moved by it. I laughed really hard quite often, especially at Dory, who I just loved. Honestly, I loved everything about this. It's funny, I always think I don't like animated films, but, way more often than not, I really enjoy them. So, resolved, to watch a bunch of the animated films I've missed, in particular the Shrek series, the Toy Story sequels, Moana, the Despicable Me films, Trolls, and the Kung Fu Panda films. All added to my queue, with, of course, Finding Dory, which will be next. Loved this so much! 5/5

Finding Nemo on Netflix

Kubo and the Two Strings

This animated film was just gorgeous. I don't think I've ever seen stop-motion done quite like this - it was insanely beautiful. I really loved the story, the pacing was excellent, the comedy was witty and yet dark enough to convey the tragedy of the story. My one gripe? Maybe this is being a little hard, but I didn't understand why we heard Theron, Fiennes, Mara, and McConaughey voicing Japanese characters. It just seemed like a awfully strange choice to me. The movie tried so hard to ground this in Japan and Japanese culture that I really didn't get why I wasn't hearing Japanese accents and voices. But, that aside, this is a wonderful film. I normally don't watch much animation, so this is high praise from me. 4.5/5

Kubo and the Two Strings on Netflix

Inside Out

After this movie came out I had a stream of friends approach me and tell me I had to watch this film, and that I would adore it. As only a lukewarm fan of animated films, I was a bit dubious. But now, now I get it, totally and completely. This is a very important film, perhaps the most important film I've seen in a long while. It addresses depression and mental illness in a completely stigma-free way and allows for a discussion of emotions that everyone should have. Perhaps most vitally, it's done in a way that even young children can understand and relate to. This film should be required viewing for anyone over the age of ten, and I hope there is an endless stream of families that will sit down, watch this, and discuss it together. Absolute perfection. 5/5

Inside Out on Netflix

Night at the Museum

This family comedy was quite a bit funnier than I expected with some really good performances. Well done. 3/5

Night at the Museum on Netflix

High School Musical

I bet if I were 14 I'd love this. Interesting to see where "Glee" came from - a feel-good film for sure. 3/5

High School Musical on Netflix

Despicable Me

I really enjoyed this & loved the voice work but I felt it was missing that extra something that hits the heart. 4/5

Despicable Me on Netflix

Tangled

This family animated film was terribly sweet & well voiced - I loved Donna Murphy in particular. It made me smile. 4/5

Tangled on Netflix

How To Train Your Dragon

Possibly the most awesomely uplifting & happiest movie I've ever seen. I loved it, truly, so special. 5/5

How To Train Your Dragon on Netflix