Isle of Dogs displays style and detail in a stop-motion treat for dog lovers

Movie Title: 
      Isle of Dogs

Grade:   A-

Rating: PG-13, 101 minutes

In a Nutshell:  I went to Japan with my family last summer for the first time.  It was so amazing that I know it won’t be the last time.  I absolutely loved it. 

The ground crew at the airport in Tokyo actually bowed in unison to all of the passengers on our airplane right before we took off.  I mean, how could you not love a country that does that?

My kids went crazy for Japan too.  It’s an incredible country with so much to offer, so I really got a kick out of this movie’s story and Japanese-influenced style.  

This stop-motion film is fresh, different, and extremely entertaining.  Some might even call it a work of art.

                                              

Tips for parents: 

• Your kids are probably going to want to adopt a dog after seeing this movie.
• This is only the 3^rd stop-motion in the USA that is rated PG-13.  While this is an animation, the movie is really geared more toward adults.  That's not to say there is a lot of profanity or suggestive material; there isn't.  The humor is just more sophisticated and subtle.

Uplifting theme: 

• Loyalty
• Friendship
• Pet ownership

                                                  

Things I liked:

• The talented voice cast includes Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Live Schreiber, Scarlett Johansson, Jeff Goldblum, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Harvey Keitel, Greta Gerwig, and Koyu Rankin. Most of those actors are either Oscar winners or nominees.  Pretty impressive.
• Director Wes Anderson showcases his talent for detail.  Sooo much detail.  I love detail.
• The introductory back story was hilarious.
• The locations were so full of depth.  Each trash zone area was unique and named according to what happened there. For example, "Spots’ Landing,”  “Drone Beach” and “The Crash Site.”
• Clever humor.

Facts that showcase the craft in this movie:

• Many of the newspapers seen in the film include real articles that have been translated into Japanese.
• All of the shots from the dog’s perspective don’t have red or green in them since dogs can’t see those colors.
• Spoken in English, “Isle of Dogs” sounds like “I love dogs.” 

Things I didn’t like:

• A lot of Japanese is spoken with no subtitles, so you have to assume dialogue based on context. There is also a lot of written Japanese.  I wish I could have read it.
•  Some of the cleverness turns into smugness.

Funny lines:

• “Da## it.  I’ve got a crush on you.” – Foreign exchange student Walker 

                                                      

                                          @trinaboice

Finding Dory has the "Awwww" factor

Movie Title:        Finding Dory

  

Grade:   A

Rating:     PG, 100 minutes

In a Nutshell:   The feels!  The first line of the movie that you hear comes out of the sweet little mouth of Dory when she was a toddler, causing every female in the audience to gasp, “Awwwww!”  My teenage son leaned over to me and said, “This is going to be a long movie.”  Ha ha   Later, he admitted he really did like the movie, even more than he thought he would.

This heartwarming Pixar sequel is perfect for all ages. It’s risky to feature a supporting character from a previous movie (Finding Nemo), but it works great in this film.  Dory is adorable, lovable. and easily carries her own movie.  

One of the best parts of seeing this movie is watching the ADORABLE animated short before Finding Dory!  The animation is AMAZING!  Sooooo cute!  Awwwww!

Uplifting theme: 

•  “You can do whatever you put your mind to.”  - Jenny (Dory’s mom, played by Diane Keaton!)
• During the final credits, the screen says, “The film is dedicated to all our families – of every kind.  You keep us swimming.”    Families come in all shapes and sizes.
• “The best things happen by chance.” – Dory
• “There’s always a way.” – Dory
• We often don’t know who we are and what our talents are.  Let’s help each other by sharing kind words with one another.
• “Just keep swimming.” – Jenny (Dory’s mother)
• While the title makes you believe someone is trying to find Dory, SHE is the one looking to find someone…her parents.  On her journey, she finds herself.
• Mr. Ray (Bob Peterson) teaches the school children about instinct and describes it as “the song you always know.”  We all have a natural desire to go home.
• Respect for ocean life.

Things I liked:

• Ellen DeGeneres is wonderful as Dory.
• Keep watching during the post credits to see Hank doing silly things.  Then, keep watching until after ALL of the credits for a fun surprise.
• I love the last line of the movie and the song that follows.  Marlin looks out over the drop and sighs, “It really is quite a view.”  Dory agrees, “Yep.  Unforgettable.”  Then, the ridiculously talented Sia sings “Unforgettable.”  Perfect.
• Two of the “dads” from Modern Family voice characters in this film:  Ed O’Neill (Hank) and Ty Burrell (Bailey).
• John Ratzenberger is a Pixar icon.   
• Some of the small roles are voiced by BIG talents such as Eugene Levy, Idris Elba, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Willem Dafoe, and two SNL comedians -  Kate McKinnon and Bill Hader.
• You’ll never see sea shells in the ocean the same way again.
• Becky!
• It’s interesting that this film doesn’t really have a classic villain, other than the dangerous situations Dory and the characters find themselves in.  Nevertheless, it works. Very well.
• I love it when Dory talks in her sleep.  This time she says, “Give me the ratchet wrench.  I can fix it.”  It’s another insight into her character that she always wants to fix situations, despite her disability.
• The colors and textures are rich.  The movement under the sea is so realistic that you really feel like you’re in the ocean.

Things I didn’t like:

• I adore Albert Brooks as Marlin and was sad he wasn’t utilized more in the movie.  Still, he has some poignant moments.

· I cried in Finding Nemo.  I’ve seen the movie a bunch of times and still cry when I watch it.  SPOILER ALERT: The reunion moment should have had me bawling, but it ended so quickly that I hardly had a chance to tear up.

·  Did you notice the Coke product placement?  Do those every bug you?

Funny lines:

• "Nobody saw Dory?  That’s a lot of eyeballs doing nothing!” - Hank
• “Suck it Bypeds.” – Hank
• “Everybody does it.  Nothing to be ashamed of.” – Dory, after Hank “inks”
• “Follow me!” – Dory

“You’re in a cup…” – Hank

• “My life’s a rainbow!” – Bailey
• “I don't have a problem with crazy.” – Dory

“You know, I could see that.” – Hank

• “You lost a tentacle?  Then, you’re not an octopus; you’re a septimus. I can count.” – Dory
• “Cuddle party! I’m in!” – Dory
• “Hey dude, if you’re gonna hurl, could you do me a solid and head to the back of the shell and lean out and go for distance?” - Crush
• “We see the undertow and we say…” – Charlie (Dory’s dad)

“Let’s go!” – Dory

• “Righteous!” – Crush (Andrew Stanton, who is also one of the directors and writers of the movie!)

Tips for parents:   

• There is an awkward/funny “when 2 fish love each other” speech Dory begins to give to young children when she thinks she’s supposed to teach “that” class.
• Children (and parents) with any kind of disability will find comfort and inspiration as we watch Dory deal with her short-term “rememory loss.”  The topic is handled very respectfully in the movie.
• Very young children might be frightened by the idea that it’s so easy to get lost from your parents.  Watching the movie can spark an important conversation with your little ones about how to deal with separation, as well as emergencies.
• There is an important lesson for parents to let their children do things for themselves.