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

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

The Open Road

I've been on a Kate Mara kick lately, and this light dramedy also had a young and still young-and-goofy-looking Justin Timberlake as a bonus for me. Mara has the ability to fall perfectly into any genre and own it. I recently saw her as an embattled medieval baroness, a corporate killer, and now a comedic ex-girlfriend. Timberlake is always fun to watch, and he was pretty funny in this. Jeff Bridges as his father was also great fun to watch. This was a witty film worth a watch if you're looking for something light. 3.5/5

The Open Road on Netflix

Southside with You

Perhaps the most amazing thing about this drama that chronicles the first date of Barack and Michelle Obama is that they found actors who look uncannily like the President and First Lady. It's actually eerie how much Parker Sawyers looks like Barack Obama. The downside, however, is that I feel the casting directors sacrificed talent for looks, as neither Sawyers or Sumpter really had the acting chops to make me really feel they were their counterparts. The writing was very uneven - great in some moments and less cohesive in others. The direction was simple and homey, which was an asset. On the whole, this was a good effort, but it was just average for me. 3/5

Southside with You on Netflix

Aloha

Wow, I remember when Cameron Crowe made good films. Hell, the man wrote "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and directed "Singles" and "Jerry Maguire". He was my god for a while. However, his last few films have been bad, and this was downright awful. Everything you've read about how offensive it is to native Hawaiians is absolutely true, and I have no idea why Emma Stone was cast in the role she was in. This was really a miss for me, and I wish Cameron Crowe could just find his way again. 2/5

Aloha on Netflix

Wide Awake

There's a reason no one has ever heard of this early M. Night Shyamalan film. Because it's horrid. It's family dramedy that is Hallmark quality and faith-based. I couldn't make it past the halfway point without turning it off. Not good at all for me! 1.5/5

Wide Awake on Netflix

Dark Horse

This documentary about a small Welsh town who banded together to raise a champion racehorse was tender, witty, and heartfelt. I really enjoyed this - it had real heart, and I felt inspired watching it. 4/5

Dark Horse on Netflix

Dear Eleanor

On the one hand, a lot of the dialogue in this comedy is snappy and smart. All the leads show great comic timing and do solid acting jobs. One the other hand, the plot to this is ridiculous, overly sugary, and, at times, eye-roll worthy. So I'm torn - it's okay, but nothing special. 3/5

Dear Eleanor on Netflix

Hello, My Name Is Doris

Wow, what a lovely, sweet, and heartwarming movie this is! I was utterly charmed by it, and I really disagree with the Netflix reviews claiming it was creepy. Sally Fields was lovely, and Max Greenfield is, as always, pretty ridiculously sexy. Wonderful. 4/5

Hello, My Name Is Doris on Netflix

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me

What a brave & unflinching look at the twilight years of a true legend! Rest in peace Elaine. 4/5

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me on Netflix

Chef

Favreau gets everything right in this wonderful feel-good comedy about life, love & great food. I'm so hungry right now. 4/5

Chef on Netflix

Life of a King

Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a solid performance in the feel-good drama that needed a more solid script to be exceptional. 3/5

Life of a King 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

The Story of Luke

Lou Taylor Pucci was wonderful but the script a bit weak in this drama about autism & "normalcy". 3.5/5

The Story of Luke on Netflix

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Stiller knocked this out of the park with gorgeous direction & a heartfelt story. Lovely. Bonus treat - I don't think Stiller's ever looked this good, not even in "Zoolander". 4/5

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty on Netflix

The Way Way Back

This acting in this brooding dramedy is just wonderful & really elevates the film. Poignant & touching. 4/5

The Way Way Back on Netflix

Starbuck

This french Canadian comedy truly has a heart of gold & is the defintion of charming. Very acted and written - lovely. 4/5

Starbuck on Netflix

The Sapphires

This inspriational tale of a aboriginal girls group is well written & acted throughout. A fun movie, well done. 3.5/5

 The Sapphires on Netflix