Movie Reviews By Movie Reviews Pro

The Princess and The Frog

Rating:

Movie: The Princess and The Frog(2009)

Studio : Walt Disney Animation Studios

Info : Click Here

Runtime : 97 min

Website : disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/

Trailer :
http://www.dailymotion.com/videoxaghsp

Review:

Set in New Orleans (or “N’awlins” if you’re a local), Disney’s newest “Princess” is anything but that. Tiana is not a girl who makes demands but fulfills them. She is a workaholic who loves her parents enough to make it all she ever thinks about. Her goal is not a fantastic dream, but the American dream: starting her own restaurant where the world will come and acknowledge her late father’s cuisine.

Her foil is a prince who is comparable to the villainous Gaston from Beauty and The Beast. As royalty, he cares only to entertain himself, and to woo women. When he is cut from his parent’s fortune with an ultimatum to marry into a rich family, he immediately accepts until he encounters a Shadowman (voodoo magician) with plans of his own. It is only their adventure along the way that slowly lets these two understand what they actually wanted and needed in life.

This film is so different from what you would expect out of Disney that I consider it a welcome surprise. One point I particularly like to point out is Tiana’s best friend Charlotte, who is not only someone who shares a mutual friendship with her, but is not the rival you would expect these kind of movies would shape her into. Even more surprising, there is actually a subtle suggestion of racism from one of the characters that gets in the way of Tiana’s dream. To be frank, even the idea of an interracial relationship may not seem very daring these days to a generation that grew up past Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, but in my eyes it’s another surprise from a conservative company like Disney.

Originally, I was led to believe that this film was going to be totally cel-drawn, but then found out that it was not totally done that way, and I’m glad. There are certain scenes in the film that could only be done with CGI without looking messy. That aside, everything about this film melds together and you really feel this tapestry of N’awlins as you are guided along.

After dealing with a lineup of films that included such awful ideas like an endless torrent of Dwayne Johnson movies and show-inspired teeny bopper fodder, I am glad Disney has finally come to their senses and brought something not only a little more daring, but something that everyone can enjoy for once that doesn’t have a Pixar logo on it.

-Donald Lee

Animation, Family, In Theaters 2009, animated film, daring disney films, disney, Family, princess, princess & the frog, return to Disney's roots

Up - Edward Asner

Rating:

Movie: Up (2009)

Studio : Pixar Animation; Disney Pictures

Info : Click Here

Runtime : 96min

Website : disney.go.com/disneypictures/up

Trailer :
http://www.dailymotion.com/videox8lbph

Review:

Up follows the adventure of Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Edward Asner) and Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), as they set out on a trip around the globe in Carl’s house, which is floating thanks to thousands of helium balloons. Carl imagines this scheme after being relentlessly annoyed by construction workers for him to move, as his old house has become a bit of an eye-sore among the jungle of skyscrapers and futuristic buildings. Following a brief altercation with one of these construction workers, Carl is ordered by a judge to move into an assisted living community. Intent on keeping his home, Carl sets his plan in motion; however, he does not know that Russell, who is working for his “Assisting the Elderly” badge as part of his Boy Scout program, was on his porch when he lifted off. Together, the two embark on a wild journey to visit exotic locations as well as inadvertently forge a rather unlikely friendship.

Over the years, Pixar has been known as a powerhouse for producing comical, clean movies that are entertaining for children and adults alike, and Up is no exception. The incredible animation, aesthetically pleasing vibrancy and beautiful film score alone are worthy of positive reviews, but the compelling storyline and relatable characters make up the bulk of my praise. Up is not only a tale of adventure, but it is also a heartfelt story of undying love; this is evident in Carl’s unyielding desire to visit Paradise Falls, an exotic destination in South America that he vows to visit, as per his deceased wife’s request. This extremely realistic enterprise, coupled with flawless execution, results in a movie that is instantly relatable for viewers of all ages. Young or old, average movie-goer or film fanatic, you are absolutely guaranteed to enjoy Up.

-Daniel S.

Comedy, Family, In Theaters Comedy, disney, edward asner, Family, Up

Monsters vs Aliens - Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen

Rating:

Movie: Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)

Studio : DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures

Info : Click Here

Runtime : 95min

Website : monstersvsaliens.com

Trailer :

Review:

After a mysterious meteor lands on Earth, a power-hungry alien named Gallaxhar sends an enormous robot to the planet in order to retrieve it. After failed attempts at a diplomatic solution and unsuccessful results from conventional weaponry, the president orders a secret coalition of detained monsters to fight the robot. The monsters, including the recent addition of Susan (who was rendered a giantess after touching the meteor), are guaranteed freedom if they succeed. From here the story unfolds as the group of kind-hearted monsters must save the planet from Gallaxhar and his malicious minions.

Despite the fairly formulaic storyline of ‘good versus evil’, Monsters vs. Aliens successfully delivers thorough entertainment for viewers of all ages. The dialogue is chock full of clean, elementary humor targeted at younger audiences while several adult topics are consistently referred to, ensuring enjoyment for children and parents alike.

An all-star lineup provides voices for the characters, from actors such as Seth Rogen, Will Arnett, Reese Witherspoon, Kiefer Sutherland, and Stephen Colbert (among about a dozen more big names). The friendly, loveable characters coupled with the reinforcement of positive morals yield a movie that parents will wholeheartedly support.

Monsters vs. Aliens opened at #1 on March 27, grossing $59.3 million on opening weekend. The movie has gone on to amass roughly $325.71 million.

-Daniel S. Edited by:Trent M.

Comedy, Family, In Theaters disney, disney movies, Family, hilarious, kid comedy, Monsters vs Aliens, seth rogen

Bedtime Stories - Adam Sandler

Rating:

Movie: Bedtime Stories (2008)

Studio : Walt Disney

Info : Click Here

Runtime : 95min

Website : disney.go.com/disneypictures/bedtimestories/

Trailer :

Review:

I must say this movie really came at a surprise to me! I did not think that Adam Sandler could actual endure an entire film without making an adult joke or saying a foul word. But in the end I was actually “surprised”…

All the actors not only did a great job, but they connected well. Although the movie did seem too focused on the story of Skeeter Bronson, I would say it pinpointed the success of the film.

If you see the movie then think back through the scenes and lines the character’s say you could see that a few re-writes could have turned this film into a full on “Sandman” movie; but it’s the thought that counts.

If you plan on seeing this movie be prepared to laugh at Russell Brand’s lines quite a few times. Adam Sandler does get some good one-liners in that make you laugh in the oddest way as if were 5 years old again.

Overall, definitely an acceptable movie to see, but I’m not going to be dipping my hands in for seconds unless I’m offered a free viewing.

BUY Bedtime Stories on DVD

- Trent M.

Comedy, Family, On DVD adam sandler, bedtime stories, Comedy, disney, Family, movie, russell brand, sandler, stories