Trolls

This and "Moana" arrived together, and I have the worst food poisoning of my life and needed something funny. All I knew about "Trolls" going in is that most said it was damn funny and I liked the theme song. I didn't know it was a musical, so that caught me off guard, as I'm kind of meh on many musicals. This was really really funny though - the script was both snappy and witty. I'm absolutely awful as placing voices, so I was really surprised to see everyone who voiced this in the credits - they were all great, with special nods to Zooey Deshenel and Russell Brand, and obviously the two leads were awesome.. It really did make me laugh out loud quite a bit, so I'm happy I went with this tonight, I will watch Moana in a day or so. 4/5

Trolls on Netflix

King Creole

This is now my fourth Elvis film, and I liked this one more than I expected. I wasn't fond of the last drama I saw Elvis in, and this was a more serious role than "Viva Las Vegas", which was the first Elvis I liked. They gave Elvis a lot to chew on in this film and he did it quite well and with conviction. I enjoyed the songs and didn't feel they overshadowed the plot. It did drag a bit at the end, but overall I really liked this one. Not sure what I'll try next, but this was a winner for me. 4/5

King Creole on Netflix

Hail, Caesar!

I've been sort-of hate-watching the Coen brothers' comedies for a while now in the same way I hate-watch anything by Wes Anderson. A long time ago the Coens and Anderson made movies I absolutely loved, but they've been coming up short for so long I'm beginning to question why I keep coming back. For once, I was very pleasantly surprised by the Coens, because I really enjoyed this. It was an odd plot, that's for sure, but the acting and pacing were top-notch. I was intrigued and engaged thoroughly, and there were moments that really sizzled for me. Channing Tatum's dance number was divine, as was every scene with  Alden Ehrenreich, who I just loved in this. Really entertaining, and enough to keep me watching for another few films. 3.5/5

Hail, Caesar! on Netflix

Viva Las Vegas

Finally, an Elvis movie I really enjoyed! This comedy had a halfway decent plot and gave Elvis some decent scenes to show off both his comedic skills and his singing. But for me the real star was Ann-Margret - she positively sizzled on scene with talent and beauty. And she has an amazing voice and dance skills to boot. Heck, I wanted to take her home by the end! This was a fun movie, I might have to try "King Creole" next. 3.5/5

Viva Las Vegas on Netflix

Blue Hawaii

This is my second Elvis film, and I'm still torn about him. This was better to me than "Jailhouse Rock" was. It was fun and silly and played to all of Elvis' strengths as a performer and actor. The problem for me wasn't him, it was the insipid film. There was virtually no plot to speak of, the acting was all pretty terrible, and some of the musical numbers came so out of left field I was left scratching my head. I guess I'm looking for something in between the two films. I want a comedy, but one with a plot and at least some kind of character movement. Does such a thing exist in Elvis' catalog? If so, point me to it, because I'm really hoping to find something I like better than what I've seen thus far. 3/5

Jailhouse Rock on Netflix

Jailhouse Rock

My first Elvis movie, and I'm rather mixed about it. The script for this paced way too fast and tried to tell way too much story too quickly. That really threw me off, and I felt it definitely lacked in the character development this story so badly needed. I'm torn on Elvis himself as well. I enjoyed him to a point, but I felt that this role required more meat and gravitas than he had. My husband thinks I'll like "Blue Hawaii" more - I'm going to try that next. 2.5/5

Jailhouse Rock on Netflix

God Help the Girl

God I hated this - terrible music with nonsensical plot. I turned it off an hour in, which says a lot.  1/5

God Help the Girl 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

Rock of Ages

Tom Cruise is transcendent in this perfectly casted but oddly edited adaption of the hit musical. So much fun. 4/5

Rock of Ages on Netflix

On The Town

I'm sorry, but this classic musical didn't do much for me - I think Fred Astaire ruined Gene Kelly for me. 2.5/5

On The Town on Netflix

The Gay Divorcee

Fred & Ginger's first film together is a lovely, charming & heartwarming musical that lifts the spirits.  4/5

The Gay Divorcee on Netflix

Carefree

This Fred & Ginger classic is sweet, funny, & simply charming. More of a comedy than a musical - I missed the dancing. 4/5

Carefree on Netflix

Swing Time

Seriously, does it get more divine than watching Fred & Ginger dance? I highly doubt it! Lovely. 4.5/5

Swing Time on Netflix

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Marilyn was divine, but I have to say Russell put me off quite a bit. I wanted to like it more. 3.5/5


Gentlemen Prefer Blondes on Netflix

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

This movie is ridiculously stupid but also truly funny - I honestly laughed out loud. 3.5/5

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story on Netflix

Singin' In The Rain

What can I say? GENE. KELLY. IS. AWESOME. I would have had such a crush on him! A truly splendid film. 5/5

Singin' In The Rain on Netflix

Burlesque

Xtina may sing like a bird but she can't act for shit in this soupy Cabaret wannabe musical. Weak sauce. 2/5

Burlesque on Netflix

Stomp Live

HOLY F'N SHIT that was AWESOME! I've always wanted to see this show - it didn't disappoint! WOW! 5/5

Stomp Live on Netflix