Gone on vacation

I'm in Europe right now, having an amazing vacation in several countries, so I won't be posting any movie reviews until I get back in September!

Of course, movies are always on my mind.  In fact, I just sat on the bench in Amsterdam as seen in the movie "The Fault in Our Stars."  Quite a few other tourists had the same idea when we got there.
So many fun things to see an experience, so little time!

If you live in any of the following countries, I'd love to hear any travel tips you have for me:
The Netherlands
Sweden
Germany
Finland
Russia
Estonia
Denmark
Scotland
Wales
England

More Movie Review Mom posts to come!

Leap is inspiring, gorgeous, and will make you dream bigger

Movie Title:  LEAP

Grade:  A-

Rating:  PG, 89 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This gorgeous family-friendly film paints Paris with an incredibly charming stroke, created by the L’Atelier Animation Studio in France.  You’re easily transported back to 19^th Century France.

I love titles that have double meanings.  While the orphan Felicie’s dream was to produce the incredible leap she had seen a ballerina make once, the film also encourages us all to take a leap of faith and hard work to make our dreams come true.

Uplifting theme: 

• Passion
• Dream big and take action.
• You are unique.  Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re nothing.
• Persistence, hard work, tenacity

Things I liked:

• Catchy theme song.  All of the music was infectiously good and included a lot of lovely songs unfamiliar to Americans, as well as a few faves like “Suitcase” by Sia, and “Confident” by Demi Lovato.  Carly Rae Jepsen voices Odette, and also sings and wrote several of the songs.
• The scene where Victor tells Felicie about his first day in Paris was hilarious.  Excellent animation stops and sequences.
• Felicie’s training sequence was really cute and as inspirational as any sports movie training montage.
• Elle Fanning voices Felicie, whose dream it is to dance in the Nutcracker Ballet.  Elle Fanning actually performed in The Nutcracker 3D (2010 movie).
• Maddie Ziegler voices Camille.  She’s a dancer in real life, having appeared on Dance Moms in 2011.
• Victor was voiced by Dane DeHaan in the international version of the film.  Nat Wollf was used in the American release.
• It’s well balanced in comedy, magic, and drama.
• The ballet battle between Felicie and Camille before the big evening performance was adorable and hilarious.
• It feels like a European animation, because, it is.  Originally, it was entitled “Ballerina”, which is the version I first saw.
• It was choreographed by Aurelie Dupont and Jeremie Belingard.  The dancing animation in the beginning felt a little off, but by the end it was perfect.
• The film appears to have a deeper origin.  Director and writer Eric Summer also comes from Brittany where the story begins.

Things I didn’t like:

• Some of the animation looked rushed and out of sync, particularly in the beginning.  

• The underdog plot isn’t unique, but it’s still very sweet.
• Most of the characters are thin archetypes.
• Some critics don't like the fact that pop music is played, insisting it should all be classical ballet music like Tchaikovsky, but that didn't bother me at all.  I actually liked it.
• Other critics complain that the filmmakers didn't do their research for historical accuracy.  For example, were there motorcycles in France in the 1800's as this movie supposes?  It turns out that yes, there were in the later half of the 1800's, just about the same time the Statue of Liberty was being built.  

Funny lines:

• “Thank you Mother Superior.  And may I just say that you’re looking very superior today?” – Victor
• “Who is that?”  Felicie (Elle Fanning)

“Rudy.” – Dora (Elana Dunkelman)

“From the top boys’ class, holder of the best cheekbones at the Opera award.  I love him.  He’s so blonde and shiny.” – Nora (Shoshana Sperling)

• “How is that pick-up line working for you?” – Felicie
• “I am loving your apron!” – Victor
• “Paris!  City of romance.  City of Dreams! City of Romance!  City of Pigeons!” –   Victor

Interesting lines:

• It’s when you’re tired you start to progress.” – Odette (Carly Rae Jepsen)
• “Tired is for losers.” – Regine (Julie Khaner)
• “There’s a difference between being ready and being ready to do it well.  That’s why we train every day.” – Odette

Tips for parents: 

• This is an enjoyable film for all ages.  It’s funny, sweet, and inspiring.
• Several fart jokes.
• Your little ballerina daughter will be very inspired and want to see the Nutcracker Ballet.
• I really like how the movie features two children with dreams, who don’t just fantasize about what they want to do, but are willing to work hard to achieve it.
• No profanity.
• Some bullying.
• Some animated moments of peril.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Kidnap showcases every parent's fear

Movie Title:  Kidnap

Grade:  C

Rating:   R

In a Nutshell:  Having your child kidnapped is every parent’s fear.  You don’t mess with a mother and her son.  (I have 4 sons.)

Uplifting theme: 

• “I will never let you go.” – (Karla McCoy) Halle Berry   That's the fierce attitude of protection every parent of a young child needs to have.  
•  Think smart. 

Things I liked:

• The opening music tells you that you’re in for an intense ride that rips your heart out.
• Halle Berry is as beautiful as always.  How is it that she doesn’t age, but I do?
• What a miracle it was to watch the little boy grow up in the opening sequences. My babies grew up way too fast.
• Lots of interesting drone views from above and other different camera angles.
• I was impressed that she spoke nicely about her ex-husband’s new girlfriend for their son's sake.  Wow, I don't think I would be that composed.
• She does a lot of things right, but she also makes some dumb mistakes.
• I can’t blame her for not wanting to wait for the police to take care of matters.  Good for her for taking action.
• It’s somewhat suspenseful as you wonder what the scumbag abductors are going to do next and what you would do as a parent in that situation.

Things I didn’t like:

• It's just not that good of a movie.  Halle Berry is fierce, but the script lets her down.
• The custody battle that begins in the movie is left unresolved.
• SPOILER: That was pretty bold and dumb of the kidnappers since they didn’t know she wouldn’t have a cell phone on her. For all they knew, she could have easily called the cops or anyone for help within seconds.
• Lots of driving around, watching Halle Berry look worried and upset.
• There should have been some kind of informational graphic at the end, telling audiences about how many children are kidnapped each year, and providing a web site for more information on how to keep your kids safe. 

Tough lines yelled by an angry mother:

• “You took the wrong kid!” - Karla 

Funny lines:

• “Hey God, I know I never pray to you unless somebody is sick or dying or in an airplane…” - Karla 

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity, including an F-bomb.
• Body count.
• Lots of crashes and destruction.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice