The Emoji movie is not only "Meh", but "Bleh"

Movie Title: 
The Emoji Movie

Grade:  D

Rating: PG, 86 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Meh. Rumor has it that this film was Sony’s last effort to make a good movie before going bankrupt.  I doubt that's true, but I have a feeling they’re not going to be posting any happy emojis when they see how audiences are reacting to this disappointing movie.

Unfortunately, It appears to be a blatant money grab, as well as a copycat of Pixar’s successful movie Inside Out (Theatrical). 

Based on the idea that high schooler’s lives revolve around cell phones, the animated emojis live in a colorful, nonsensical world called Textropolis.  In fact, the narrator (Meh) exclaims cell phones as the “most important invention in the history of communication.” Ummm...no.  I love using emojis too, but I love language even more...and real human interaction.

Uplifting theme: 

• Individuality, express yourself
• “Being #1 doesn’t matter if there aren’t any other numbers.” – Meh, Jail Break
• “I’d rather have a real friend.” – Meh, hand
• It’s OK to have a lot of different emotions.
• Friendship, loyalty

Things I liked:

• The talented voice cast includes T.J. Miller, James Corden, Anna Faris, Maya Rudolph, Steven Wright, Jennifer Coolidge, Christina Aguilera, and Sofia Vergara.  Can you believe Patrick Stewart plays “Poop”?!
• Good music.
• The parents of “Meh” talk in monotone, which is pretty funny, especially when you recognize comedian Steven Wright's voice who is absolutely perfect for his role.
• The YouTube video of the kitten getting tickled got more reaction out of the audience than anything else in the entire movie.  

• Tons of poop jokes.  Who doesn't love the poop emoji?  Some movie critics are using it to describe this movie. The poop emojis are in a lot of scenes and easy to write gags for.  I thought it was cute when the young poop followed his dad out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck on his foot.
• There’s a quick look at WeChat, which Meh describes as “a whole other world.”  That’s for sure.  I’ve been to China twice this year and have been completely amazed with WeChat.  You can invite a friend out to dinner, make a reservation at a restaurant, call a taxi service to take you there, pay for dinner, and all without ever leaving the app.  You can even pay for vending machines, go shopping, shake your cell phone to win prizes, and soooooo much more, all on WeChat.  It’s like all of America’s apps built into one.
• When you see The Emoji Movie in the movie theater, you’ll also get to see the animated short called “Puppy”, based on the characters from Hotel Transylvania.

Things I didn’t like:

• Really dumb script and plot.
• It’s just not funny.  When I arrived in the theater, kids were bouncing out of their seats with excitement.  Once the movie started, they became almost comatose.
• Predictable, obligatory dance number at the end of the movie that fell flat.
• The sub-plot of Meh's parents almost divorcing was bizarre.
• A ridiculous amount of product placement.
• Some of the dialogue is just absurd.

Funny lines:

• “My mom just joined Facebook.  Can you believe she wanted to friend me?” – school girl
• “We’re number two!  We’re number two!” – poop emojis
• “What could a teenage boy possibly want to hide from his parents?” - Meh (T.J. Miller)

Dumb lines:

• “We have business to attend to.” – monkey emojis

“What kind?” – Meh

“Monkey business!” – monkey emojis

• “Words aren’t cool.” – boy’s friend’
• “That’s what matters in life: popularity.” – High 5 (James Corden) 

Tips for parents: 

• Your kids deserve a better movie.
• Talk of piracy, skins, and a ton of social media programs.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Inside Out is one of Pixar's most honest and deep hits

Movie:   Inside Out

PG, 1 hour 34 minutes

Grade:  A

In a Nutshell:   This is Pixar at its finest.  It’s fresh and original and surprisingly deep.  It’s about emotions, so expect to bring tissues.  With a fantastic cast and great writing, this insightful animation will touch the hearts of all ages.  It’s honest, sophisticated, and imaginative and will make you think about your own life and memories in a new way.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Amy Poehler’s character asks in the very beginning of the movie: “Do you ever look at someone and wonder what is going on inside their head?” The film is extremely creative in showing how our emotions work, as well as evolve.

·         “You can’t focus on what’s going wrong.  There’s always a way to turn it around, to find the fun.” – Joy

·         I think everyone can relate to the feeling of sadness and melancholy we feel when remembering the past.  Feeling sadness is OK.  It’s a part of life and learning.

Things I liked:

·         It’s a mature kid’s film.  In other words, there aren’t stupid farting and burping scenes, like in most kid movies.

·         The color is lush and rich and meaningful.  I love how some of the colors glow.

·         Keep watching when the credits start rolling at the end of the movie.  I love it when movies give you more.

·         “Train of thought”….ha ha
-    The funny voice talents include: Amy Poehler (Joy), Bill Hader (Fear), Lewis Black (Anger), Mindy Kaler (Disgust), Phyllis Smith (Sadness), and Richard Kind (Bing Bong).

·         I love how Joy gives herself pep talks and focuses on the good to keep herself happy.  Shouldn’t we all do that more often?  She says, “Joy, you’ll be in charge of the console, keeping Riley happy all day.  And may I add I love your dress?  It’s adorable.  Oh, this old thing?  Thank you so much!  I love the way it twirls!”  A few years ago I wrote a “Things that make me happy” list that I refer to when I’m feeling down.  I’ve been trying to fill each day of my life with more of the things on that list.  It sounds like such an “Oprah” thing to do, but it works and I highly recommend it!

·         There are several poignant moments when someone is feeling down and Sadness reflects the emotion, while carefully listening.   Joy is surprised and learns that Sadness’ response is more helpful and appropriate than simply trying to cheer someone up or change the other person’s attitude.  I’ll never forget when a dear friend’s husband died.  Everyone was at a loss as to what to say.  Most of us weakly grinned and said something like “I'm so sorry. Everything will be OK.”  I watched as someone wrapped her arms around my friend's sorrowing body and simply cried with her.  She later told me that meant more to her than anything else.   

·         I loved the teenage boy’s reaction towards the end of the movie at the hockey game.

·         I remember being 11.  It seemed like it lasted 2 years.

·         I get tired of being slapped and preached at by so many movies nowadays, but this film does none of that.  It’s an intelligent movie that allows you to reflect and dig as deep as you would like.

·         Director Pete Docter successfully manages to make you feel happy and sad at the same time, like he did in Pixar’s brilliant movie “Up”.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Some parts of Joy’s journey seemed super random and willy-nilly.  Then again, some parts of my own journey are that way too.

Funny lines:

·         “I read somewhere that an empty room is an opportunity.” - Joy

“Where did you read that?”  - Anger

“It doesn’t matter. I read it and it’s great.” – Joy

·         “Congratulations, San Francisco.  You’ve ruined pizza!  First, the Hawaiians and now you!” – Anger

·         “Crying helps me slow down and obsess over the weight of life’s problems.” – Sadness

·         “When I’m through, Riley will look so good, the other kids will look at their own outfits and barf.”  - Disgust

·         “Being cool is so exhausting.” – Emo teenager

·         “Wait Joy!  You’ll get lost in there.” – Sadness

“Think positive!” – Joy

“Okay…I’m positive that you’ll get lost in there.”  - Sadness

·         “Maybe it was a bear?” – Fear

“There are no bears in San Francisco.”  - Disgust

“I saw a really hairy guy.  He looked like a bear.” - Anger

Tips for Parents:

·         Watching this film together creates a great opportunity to talk to your kids about life’s experiences and how they’re feeling.  As a society, we’re often told to just have a good attitude and everything will work out.  Well, sometimes things don’t work out.  Kids need to know that their feelings are valid; they’re allowed to feel angry or disappointed or scared.  It’s acting on our feelings that can often get us in trouble.

·         The movie is clean and inoffensive.

·         There is a scary clown scene that might worry wee ones (I just got back from Scotland and so I have to use the word “wee”).

·         Pixar has always been mindful of parents who are paying for the movie tickets and sitting through the film with their kids.  As a mom, I definitely appreciate that.  This movie is different in that parents may actually enjoy this movie more than their kids will, because of the profound truths layered underneath the color and fun. 

This is one you'll want to watch again:

Sure, there will be merchandising.  I don't mind on this one.  It's already out: