Beauty and the Beast brings animation magic to life

Movie Title:
  Beauty and the Beast

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG, 129 minutes

In a Nutshell:  In this lovely Disney re-telling of a tale as old as time, Emma Watson shows us she can sing, dance, and cast a delightful spell on audiences, even when she isn’t playing Hermione Granger.  

Bill Condon (who also directed Dreamgirls and one of the Twilight movies) sticks fairly close to the source material, but adds a few new songs and some new jokes to freshen up the story.

While I enjoyed this new version, I have to admit the 1991 Disney animation did it better.

Uplifting theme: 

• Do not be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.
• “Don’t be afraid.” - Beast
• Be kind and fearless

Things I liked:

• There are some beautiful set pieces and landscapes that put the make-believe French village and castle in the magic zone. 
• Josh Gad is Disney awesomeness and looks quite comfortable in another musical.
• It’s better in 3D, but not necessary.  (I saw it in both.)
• I love Dan Stevens’ blue eyes.
• I’ve always loved Kevin Kline in anything he does, so I thought his little solo was very touching. “How does a moment last forever? How does a story never die? It's love we must hold on to.”  Celine Dion sings it again at the end of the movie.  More love.  Did you know she won a Grammy for a song she sang with the 1991 animated movie?
• Audra McDonald clearly has the best pipes out of all the singers in the movie.  Did you know she is married to Will Swenson (I thought he was hilarious in Sons of Provo)
• I loved the Beast’s eye makeup in the beginning.
• I thought the tomato soup and rolls that Belle and the Beast ate for lunch looked delicious.  Yeah, of course I would notice the food.
• As an author, I love that books played a prominent role in the movie.  Belle explains that books allow you to escape.  Yes!  (So do movies.)
• Did you notice Belle’s modern earring that she wore on one ear at the ball?
• I thought Belle and the Beast looked good together at the end, like they matched.
• I loved how the rolling credits showed the cast at the end of the movie.
• Emma Thompson is magical in everything she does.
• The sets and costumes are all gorgeous.
• The original composer from the 1991 animation came back to score this film!
• Luke Evans was awesome as Gaston.
• If you loved the original, you'll be glad they didn't change much in this version.
• A lot of critics are bashing Ewan McGregor for his terrible French accent, but I thought it was fine.  I've always really liked him.  I mean, c'mon, he's a Jedi.
• Can't get enough of this movie?  Check out this interesting video that includes 20 secrets about the making of Beauty and the Beast.

Things I didn’t like:

• While I thought the live action remake of Cinderella with Lily James and Cate Blanchett was absolutely fantastic, this new version of Beauty and the Beast is just ok.
• In this new adaptation, the Beast has a magical book that allows you to teleport anywhere.  Awesome, right?  So then, why is the magic mirror still needed?
• While I enjoyed Emma Watson, I’m just wondering why Anna Kendrick wasn’t cast as Belle.  She has a much, much better voice.
• Why is Belle’s skirt always pulled up on the right side?
• It feels like a stage play at times.
• Sometimes the camera moves too fast.  I wanted to see more things slower.
• I wanted the famous ballroom dance scene to be breathtaking, like in the newest Cinderella, but it was underwhelming.
• If you were hoping for a new take on the original story, you might be disappointed, because it is very much the same movie, except with live action.
• I thought Belle was kind of rude when Gaston gave her flowers in the square.

Interesting lines:

• “She hasn’t made a fool of herself just to gain my favor.  What would you call that?” – Gaston (Luke Evans)

“Dignity.” – Le Fou
"It's outrageously attractive, don't you think?" - Gaston

• “Your library makes our small corner of the world feel big.” – Belle
• “People say a lot of things in anger.  It is our choice whether or not to listen.” – Mrs. Pott
• “Can anybody be happy if they’re not free?” – Belle

Funny lines:

• “It’s never going to happen, ladies.” – Le Fou (Josh Gad)
• "You really want to marry into this family?" - Le Fou

Tips for parents: 

• There is a scene with LeFou, Gaston’s sidekick, that has been labeled a “gay moment." Because of it, the movie has already been banned in Malaysia and restricted to viewers over the age of 16 in Russia.  In my opinion, that moment has been blown out of proportion.  In fact, I was able to identify what could be called 3 "gay moments."  I completely understand why parents feel betrayed by Disney, who they look to for "safe" family-friendly entertainment; however, over the years, more and more Disney films have contained potentially offensive material. What are parents to do?  Talk with your children about what you value and why, while teaching them to love others.
• Young girls will notice that only the boys were allowed to go to school and read.  Talk to your daughters about that.  Point out how smart, independent, and capable Belle was because she read and sought knowledge.
• No profanity.  Thank you Disney!
• There are some scenes that might frighten young children, particularly with scary wolves and fighting.

Check out this cool video that BYU's Vocal Point just made with Lexi Walker to honor the wonderful music of Beauty and the Beast! The male dancer in the scene "Tale as Old as Time" was dating my niece. They were both on the award-winning BYU Ballroom dance team together! He's a really great guy.

Ricki and the Flash hits DVD on November 24

OUT ON DVD November 24, 2015

Movie:     Ricki And The Flash

Rating:    PG-13, 1 hour 42 minutes

Grade:   D

In a Nutshell:    Written by a guy named Diablo, this film features three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep.  Did you know she has been nominated 19 times for an Oscar?  Unfortunately, this film isn’t going to win her any awards. 

What’s fun is watching Meryl’s real-life daughter, Mamie Gummer, play the daughter of Meryl’s character.  Mamie looks a lot like her mom, but hasn’t hit her mother’s successful stride yet in films.  Even though her first movie role was when she was only 2 years old, she is still young in her career, so hopefully she’ll follow in her mom’s footsteps someday.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “It doesn’t matter if your kids love you or not.  It’s not their job to love you; it’s your job to love them.” – Greg

·         You give your life to what you value most.

·         No family is perfect.  Blood may be thick, but forgiveness is required.

Things I liked:

·         Kevin Kline is always a pleasure to watch.

·         Rick Springfield sings and acts alongside Meryl as her lover and member in her band.  He's had some plastic surgery that makes him look....um...plastic, but he sounds great.  His character is sweet and believable.

·         It always cracks me up when movies want to poke fun at real companies, but they have to change the name.  For example, Ricki works at “Total Food.”  ha ha

·         SPOILER ALERT:  When Ricki stays at her ex-husband’s home, I was sure it was going to end in a romp down memory lane, but was pleasantly surprised when Pete was able to pull himself together and resist temptation.  Wow, what a refreshing twist.
      Who doesn't love Meryl Streep?

Things I didn’t like:

·          There’s not much of a plot.  It’s kind of like the writer and director just wanted to make a movie where Meryl Streep could sing again.  She looks like she’s having a lot of fun singing, although the music isn’t really that great.  (And I LOVE 80's rock music and Meryl Streep!)  Her voice sounded much better in Into The Woods (Theatrical)  and  Mamma Mia! The Movie .

·         Meryl Streep’s character sometimes waivers between acting like a helpless 80 year old and a rebellious teenager.   The writing seemed uneven.

·         It’s really sad to see the kind of life that Ricki traded her family for.

·         Ricki sleeps with her make-up on.  Gross.

·         The family members treat each other terribly with such disrespect and intolerance.  I wouldn't want to live in either household.

      SPOILER ALERT:  The ending is very predictable and shallow.  Just because people dance to Ricki's music, does that mean her children truly forgive her?  Does that mean she's going to be a part of their lives from now on?  Have things really changed?  Has the protagonist really grown?

Funny lines:  

·         “Do you have a gig tonight or do you always dress like a hooker from night court?” – Julie

·         “OMG, she’s parenting.  Someone get a camera.” – Joshua

·         “Why don’t you skip therapy today?  Call in sick.” – Ricki

“I am sick.  That’s why I’m in therapy.” – Julie

·         “A Big Mac lives forever.  I saw it on 60 Minutes.” – Ricki

Tips for Parents:

·         A lot of profanity and trash talk.

·         Ricki is a terrible role model and mother.   This isn’t a great movie for your kids, but if they watch it, you can have a good conversation about parenting, families, forgiveness and love.

Other movies where Meryl Streep sings:

          

And for some really great music:

Last Vegas plays as Grampas Gone Wild

Last Vegas just came out on DVD this week, so I thought it might be helpful to review the flick and let you know what you're in for with a purchase or rental.

Movie Title: Last Vegas

Grade: C

In a Nutshell: This is one big Las Vegas party with an Oscar-winning ensemble cast that you can’t help but think is charming and adorable. The movie has its guffaw moments and comes off as The Hangover Part 63. As expected, there are a lot of age jokes as we watch some of our favorite leading men get old. Think Grampas Gone Wild.

Uplifting theme: My husband’s best friend recently died, so the life-long friendship between these four men really struck a chord with me. Friendships that endure the test of time and trials of life are truly priceless. The themes of love, forgiveness, and even good ole fun that creates memories comes through loud and clear.

Things I liked:
• I was impressed with how much the child actors looked like their counterpart adult actors. Nice casting!
• I loved the image when the men are coming down the escalator so that you only see their legs. The sexy torsos from the strippers in Las Vegas’ male dancer show “Thunder from Down Under” appear to be the actors’ upper body. It was a fun visual that only lasted a moment.
• The Morgan Freeman dance
• I thought it was hilarious when Kevin Kline had to put on his glasses to see the nude lady
• I’ve always enjoyed Mary Steenburgen and some critics say that she stole the entire movie.
• My kids laugh that Morgan Freeman is in every movie they’ve ever seen. No harm there. He’s a national treasure.

Things I didn’t like:
• I don’t like hearing kids swear. You experience that within the first minute of the movie. I understand that it sets the tone for the adult character’s personality, but I still don’t like it.
• Within the first 5 minutes, the kids steal wine and grind it in a pool. Parents, this is not a kid’s movie.
• Was Michael Douglas trying to look young and tan or was his character? Either way, I couldn’t decide if the fake color was funny or pathetic. Come to think of it, I couldn’t decide whether or not the entire movie was funny or pathetic.
• It’s too bad that so much acting talent couldn’t come together to create something better. Then again, as you get older, sometimes you just want to have whatever fun you’re capable of and don’t care anymore what other people think (another theme that is celebrated in the movie.)
• Sam’s story line reminded me a bit of The Big Chill . I have a really hard time thinking I would ever encourage my husband to sleep with other women. Uh, nope.

Funny lines:
• Dinner party at 4:15
• “This will be the first bachelor party that could be covered by Medicare.”
• “These Red Bull Vodkas are strange. I feel like I’m getting drunk and electrocuted at the same time.” - Archie Inspiring lines:
• “I was 17 five minutes ago. It’s winding up a little too fast.”     So true.
• “There ain’t nothing more important than loyalty and love between thugs.” = 50 cent

Things to look for:
• The disgustingly funny guy in the bikini contest
• Famous Last Vegas landmarks on Fremont Street and the Strip

Tips for parents: Much of the material is so inappropriate that the film should be rated R. You kind of feel like you just had a dirty romp in Las Vegas. I repeat…parents, this is not a kid’s movie. It is filled with profanity, scantily clad women and lots of sexual jokes, infidelity, transvestites, and inappropriate scenes.