Peter Rabbit has something for all ages

Title:  Peter Rabbit

Grade:  B

Rating: PG

In a Nutshell: Beatrix Potter’s beloved The Tale of Peter Rabbit gets a very modern spin as Sony Pictures blends live action with impressively expressive animation.  

With lots of critter mayhem, silly banter, and posh British accents, this family flick will make old and young viewers giggle at least a few times.  While it’s not the greatest movie out, there is something for everyone here, as well as some surprising depth that will touch your heart.
                                                 

Tips for parents: 

• An old man dies by having a heart attack.
• The rabbits steal things and trash a house and all of that is supposed to be considered cute and funny.
• Your kids are going to want a pet rabbit after they see the movie.
• Some fighting and violence
• Some references to things anyone under 25 wouldn’t understand.
• Some rude humor, but no profanity.

Uplifting theme: 

• The importance of family
• Forgiveness
• Kindness

                                     

Things I liked:

• James Cordon does a great job as the voice of Peter Rabbit.  We’ll see him in two more animated movies this year: Smallfoot and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.  He’s probably hoping everyone will forget he was in The Emoji Movie.
• Other voice talent includes Sam Neill and a cast of very lovely ladies: Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Sia, and Margot Robbie.
• Domhnall Gleeson is perfect, just like he is in everything else he does.
• Cute beginning.  Quick intro to all of the characters with some humor.
• Very expressive animation with incredible details.
• Some of the original Peter Rabbit animation design is shown as a respectful nod to the past.
• Upbeat soundtrack.
• I liked the enthusiastic rooster’s reaction to each new day.  We should all feel that way when we wake up!
• It’s sweet when their foreheads touch.
• Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end.
• Funny deer gag.
• Peter Rabbit’s motivation is much deeper than you would expect.
• Parents aren’t going to mind watching this with their kids.
• When Bea and Tom play Scrabble, she makes the word “Potter” in honor of the author of the original The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter.
• Very fast moving in action, gags, and jokes.
• Surprisingly, many of the live scenes were filmed in Australia, although the story takes place in England.

Things I didn’t like:

• It veers VERY far from the gentle original.
• Harrods department store is mentioned several times.  Americans may not know what it is.  It’s similar to the famous Macy’s department store in New York City, enormous and hugely successful.
• It’s predictable, but still enjoyable.

                                                                    

Funny lines:

• “And where did they get those little jackets?  They’ve been there all along!” –  Mr McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) 

                                     

                                              @trinaboice

Man From U.N.C.L.E. is stylish fun

Movie:   Man from U.N.C.L.E

PG-13, 1 hour 56 minutes

Grade:  B+

In a Nutshell:    This stylish spy film from Guy Ritchie features eye candy for all tastes, and is based on an old espionage cult TV show of the same name.  It’s American CIA agent vs. Russian KGB operative.  It’s sexy and cool and fun.

While the plot isn’t deep, the one-upsmanship gag and evolving friendship between the two spies keeps the whimsy going and the audience happy enough to forgive its faults.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Friendship, loyalty, love, patriotism.

Things I liked:

·         OK, first off…Henry Cavill.  His gorgeous, sculpted face is worth the movie ticket, just so you can stare at him for two hours.  His suits are smart too.  He plays a suave American spy…I mean, a “specialist in complicated acquisitions.”  He couldn’t get any cooler.  His Superman vs. Batman movie hits the big screen next month.  That should be interesting...

·         You’ll remember Armie Hammer who played twins on The Social Network .  (Great movie.)  In this snazzy flick, he’s a Russian spy with some cool tricks up his sleeve and an fist coming out of it.

·         Much of the film takes place in beautiful Italy, Rome in particular.  It’s one of my favorite cities in the world.  Here’s a picture from my trip there a couple of years ago with "the guys" at the Colosseum.

·         Fashion divas will get a kick out of all the retro 60’s dresses, huge dangly earrings, floppy hats, long gloves, and chunky necklaces.

·         Everything was so stylistic from the movie to the sets, cars, street scenes, and split screens.

·         Elizabeth Debicki is such a gorgeous goddess in this film.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Alicia Vikander wears a lot of really fun outfits, but her white sunglasses are just silly.

·         It’s not the action-packed spy thriller that the Jason Bourne franchise is, but it’s still fun.

Funny lines:

·         “When you hear something like a gun shot, drive.” –Napoleon Solo

·         “Loving your work, Cowboy.” – Illya Kuryakin

·         You’re not very good at this subtlety thing, are you?” – Napoleon

·         “For a special agent, you aren’t having a very special day, are you?” – Waverly (Hugh Grant)

·         “Apparently, you put someone named Count Lippi  in the hospital.” – Napoleon

“He had soft bones.” – Illya

Things to look for:

·         I love all the lamp shades in Napoleon’s hotel room in Rome.

·         British actors Henry Cavill and Jared Harris have American accents in the movie, while American Armie Hammer plays a Russian, Swedish actress Alicia Vikander speaks German and European English,  and Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki speaks Italian and British English.

·         The beginning credits give audiences a quick overview of the Cold War through images. 

·         Be sure to read the hilarious ID cards about the spies during the rolling credits at the end.

       Yep, it looks like there will be a sequel.

Tips for Parents:

·         Napoleon is a playa.  You see the silhouette of a mostly naked woman getting out of bed with him.

·         As you can imagine in a spy movie, there is a high body count, lots of fight scenes, explosions, car chases, torture devices, and a man is on fire.
       Some profanity.

Want to learn more about the Man from UNCLE TV series? Check these out:

 


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