Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is simply...Fantastic

Movie Title:    Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG-13, 132 minutes

In a Nutshell:  The beasts are truly fantastic.   J.K. Rowling’s imagination is limitless.  She personally wrote this script, and David Yates, who directed the last four Harry Potter movies, shows he clearly understands the Harry Potter universe and is the one director who is uniquely qualified to successfully bring this new spin-off franchise to the Big Screen.  

If you’re a fan, you’ll love it.  If you’re not, you still have to appreciate the child-like wonder of this magical world.  The film is successful as a stand-alone film and you don't have to know anything about the previous Harry Potter films to be entertained. 

That alone is an amazing feat. This is the 9^th film in this Harry Potter universe, so I’m especially impressed that we’re still being surprised and introduced to fun, interesting characters and creatures.  Well done!

Uplifting theme: 

•  Friendship, love, respect, wonder, tolerance.
• Be yourself. 

Things I liked:

• Eddie Redmayne is fantastic, as always.  It’s impressive how he changes his posture to appear like a different character in each movie he is in. The audience laughed with delight while watching him do a mating dance with one of the fantastic beasts that looked like a bloated, glowing rhinoceros.
• "Fantastic special effects and where to find them."  (I saw the movie in 3D.)
• The musical score was noticeably very good.
• Ron Perlman as Gnarlak. ha ha
• There are a lot of little things to see within each screen, such as the shoe shiner who shines wands instead of shoes.
• I really like the logo on the movie poster.
• That struedel looked delicious.
• It’s cute how Newt and Jacob climb in and out of that suitcase.
• The little bowtruckle creature is ADORABLE!  He's kind of like a miniature Groot on Guardians Of The Galaxy and a sure-fire merchandising hit.
• Dan Fogler is terrific and never feels like a side-kick character.  He is us.  We muggles have always wanted to enter Harry Potter's world, and now, we get to experience it through Jacob's eyes.  He is the classic "Every man."
• That little platypus-looking creature thief was adorable and creative.
• I thought the invisible umbrella was so sweet.
• SPOILER ALERT:  Johnny Depp!  Yes!
• I like the origin story that takes place 70 years before Harry Potter is born.  I got a kick out of the idea that the movie was based on a book that later becomes required reading for students at Hogwarts.
• I thought it was fun to see the wizarding community in America, as compared to England's.  For example, the Brits call humans "muggles", whereas in the USA, they're called "No-maj".  Personally, I think the British name is more creative.
• If you're a Potterhead fan, you'll get a kick out of brief mention of things from the past films and books, such as erumpents, and nifflers.

Things I didn’t like:

• The newspaper headlines scrolled so fast in the beginning that I actually got dizzy.  They'll be hard for kids to read quickly too.

• Even though this time period is around the 1920's, several of the guys had modern-looking haircuts.
• It’s sometimes hard to understand what people say between the mumbling and the British accents.  Newt Scamander’s personality requires some mumbling, but it makes it difficult for an audience who wants to hear what he’s saying.
• There are a few bad editing moments.
•  Samantha Moron’s character was just creepy and disturbing.
• Sometimes the sound was too loud and distracting.

Easter Eggs:

• The "Deathly Hallows" necklace that is given to Credence (Ezra Miller).
• Newt has an old-fashioned Hufflepuff scarf in his suitcase.
• The Congress clock looks similar to the one the Weasley family has in their house to keep track of everyone's whereabouts.
• Newt was expelled for the same reason that Hagrid was: they supposedly couldn't control their animals.
• There is a picture of a man that has reference to the Lastrange family.
• Newt mentions he worked with Ukranian ironbellies.
• Obscurus Books is the name of the publisher of the book.
• Mention of Dumbledore.

Interesting lines:

• “Are you a seeker after truth?” – Mary Lou (Samantha Morton)

“I'm more of a chaser, really.” – Newt Scamander  (seeker/chaster = clever reference to Quidditch!)

• “The most vicious creature on the planet…humans.” – Newt
• “That’s why I want to make pastries…makes people happy.” – Jacob  (I teach classes at the famous Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College and that’s how I feel about baking!)
• “People are easiest to read when they’re hurting.” – Queenie Goldstein (the lovely Alison Sudol who has a fantastic singing voice!)
• “She was a taker.  You need a giver.” – Queenie
• “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.” – Newt 

Funny lines:

• “Why do I have to wear this?” – Jacob

“Because your skull is susceptible to breakage under immense force.” – Newt

• “I don’t think I’m dreaming.  I ain’t got the brains to make this up.” - Jacob

Tips for parents:   

• There are parts of each Harry Potter movie that would frighten young children.  Fantastic Beasts has similar scary moments.
• No profanity, sexuality, nudity. 
• There are some forms of physical and mental parental abuse. 
• It has some dark themes, peril, and destruction. 
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Can't get enough?  Relive the magic and wonder:

Doctor Strange works magic at the box office

Movie Title:     Doctor Strange

  

Grade: A

Rating:  PG-13, 130 minutes

In a Nutshell:    Cheers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for introducing another interesting superhero to the Big Screen. I had never read the comic books, so I was curious to learn what Doctor Strange was all about.  I'm now a fan.

This fun origin movie plays with the space/time continuum and other dimensions that will blow your mind and entertain you long enough to help you forget this election season that has just as many punches and blows.

Uplifting theme: 

• Physical body vs. spirit.
• “Who are you in this vast multiverse?” – The Ancient One
• “It’s not about you.” – The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton)
• “Death is what gives life meaning, to know your days are numbered…your time is short.” – The Ancient One
• Giving up the things of this small-minded, self-centered world for a better one.

Things I liked:

• Benedict Cumberbatch.  Boom.  I love that his character is passionate about learning and improving himself. Cumberbatch offers the perfect mixture of arrogance, intelligence, physicality, and humor.
• I love that Stan Lee is in every Marvel movie.  If you blink, you’ll miss him in this one.  He’s sitting in a bus reading a comic book and says, “That is hilarious!”  ha ha
• If you really want to get the most out of this movie, you need to see it in 3D.
• Fun visual gags and a good amount of cheeky humor show that Marvel has learned to poke fun at itself.  
• Cool, glowing weapons made out of fiery energy fibers.  Awesome.
• Impressive slow-mo car accident.
• I broke my fingers and knuckles several years ago and could relate to Doctor Strange’s pains in his hands.  Sometimes I still feel it.
• They did a great job on scars and wounds on people’s bodies.  Everything looked realistic, not like movie make-up.
• I loved the Marvel label intro with all of the characters at the very beginning of the movie. This is already one of the Marvel movies I'm going to need to see again.
• As an author, I thought the bookshelf  where they stored the special books was really interesting.  
• “Feel so Good” by Chuck Mangioni in 1977.  I used to love that song.  There is other good music in the movie too.
• Interesting fight sequences like you’ve never seen before.  Think Avengers meets a Salvador Dali painting with elements of the movie "Inception" and "The Matrix." 
• Tilda Swinton looks amazing and is perfect as The Ancient One.  Using a woman to play this role, which is a departure from the source material, was controversial, but she is fantastic.
• The Cape of Levitation is its own character that seems self-aware.  Excellent.
• You HAVE to keep watching after the final credits roll.
• I love Rachel McAdams in everything she does.
• There are some extremely picturesque set pieces and real life locations.
• Fantastic movie poster and trailers.

Things I didn’t like:

• Sometimes the CGI looks like a video game.
• There is a lot of grumbling, so you can’t always understand what everyone says.
• I’ve never taken drugs, but this trippy film kind of makes me feel like I have. 
• I wish the training sequences had lasted longer.
• Most of the humor works, some not so much.

Funny lines:

• “People used to think I was funny.” – Doctor Strange

“Did they work for you?” – Wong

• “Have you seen that before in a gift shop?” –The Ancient One
• “Just how experimental is your treatment?” – Doctor Strange

“Quite.” – The Ancient One

• “Doctor.” – Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen)

“It’s Strange.” – Doctor Strange

“Maybe.  Who am I to judge?” – Kaecilius

• “What’s this?” – Doctor Strange

“The WiFi password.  We’re not savages.” – Baron Mordo

Interesting lines:

•  “You want to know what I see in your future?  Possibility.” – The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton)
• “Why are you doing this?” – Stephen Vincent Strange

“There are other ways to save lives... so much you don’t know.” – The Ancient One

“Teach me!” – Stephen

• “Stephen Strange.  Might I offer you some advice?  Forget everything that you think you know.” – Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor)
• “You’re a man looking at the world through a keyhole.  You’ve spent your life trying to widen it.  Your work saved the lives of thousands.  What if I told you that reality is one of many?” – The Ancient One
• “This doesn’t make sense.” – Doctor Strange

“Not everything does.  Not everything has to.” The Ancient One

• “There’s a strength to him, but is he ready?” – Baron Mordo
• “We never defeat our demons, Mordo.  We only learn to live above them.” – The Ancient One
• “What is real?  What lies beneath your senses?” – The Ancient One
• “Some things just can’t be fixed.” – The Ancient One
• “The cost there is high.” – Kaecilius

“How much?” – Doctor Strange

“I’m not talking about money.” – Kaecilius

• “Time is what enslaves us.” – Kaecilius

Tips for parents: 

• Violence, fighting, some scary images.
• Ask your kids if they can explain the significance and symbolism of Doctor Strange's wristwatch.
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For the fans: 

Pete's Dragon is simply sweet

Movie Title: Pete's Dragon

Grade:  B

Rating:  PG, 90 minutes

In a Nutshell:   Disney is on a live-action roll!  This is a charming family movie for all ages. 

In fact, it’s the adults who will probably get the most out of it, feeling like children again.  It’s very touching and a simplified version of the 1977 original.  

Uplifting theme: 

• “There’s magic in the woods if you know where to look for it.” –  Meacham (Robert Redford)
• “If you go through life only seeing what’s right in front of you, you’re going to miss a lot.” – Meacham
• Family, belonging
• “Just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it’s not there.” – Meacham
• Why we love and need a faithful pet.

Things I liked:

• Little Levi Alexander, who played the young Pete, is absolutely adorable.
• Oakes Fegley does a great job as Pete.
• Popular Mormon YouTube artist Lindsey Stirling created the song “Something Wild”, which is featured in the movie.  Did you know she is the highest paid female YouTuber?!  Her newest album “Something Wild” just dropped last Monday. Andrew McMahon sings the vocals. 
• Beautiful forest scenery.
• Sweet ending.
• I liked that Elliott, the dragon, didn’t look sugary sweet, but had just the right amount of scariness and believability.
• The car accident was handled well in the beginning, although young children may be frightened by the scenario.
• I saw it in 3D, but it’s just as good without the added 3D element.
• Great blend of CGI and real humans.
• I’m always happy to see Bryce Dallas Howard.  Her emotional performance got to me.
• Who doesn’t love Robert Redford?
• You get to see the dragon.  A lot.  Yay.

Things I didn’t like:

• If you're looking for a remake of the original musical movie, you will be disappointed.  
• The relationship development between Grace and Pete seemed too fast.  It seemed unrealistic that Pete would so quickly leave the only friend he had ever known for most of his young life (Eliott) to go with Grace, whom he had just met.
• Karl Urban’s character, Gavin, was too one-dimensional.
• There was a little bit of humor, but there could have been more.

·       The film has an E.T. quality about it, as most of the adults in the town don’t understand magic or friendship.  I’m not sure why I put that in the “Things I didn’t like” section.  Maybe because that idea is no longer original?

Interesting lines:

• “That’s the other thing about an adventure; you have to be very brave.” – Dad (Gareth Reeves)
• “You might be the bravest boy I’ve ever met.” – Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard)
• “It was like magic.  There’s no other word to describe it.  It was magic.  It changed the way I see the world.” – Meacham

Tips for parents:   

• No profanity.  Very clean.
• Your kids are probably going to want a pet now.
• Good time to buy the book so your kids can relive the magic over and over again.

Now You See Me is mostly smoke and mirrors

Movie Title:     Now You See Me 2

  

Grade:   B

Rating:     PG-13, 115 minutes

In a Nutshell:    I loved the first movie, but this sequel just felt more like smoke and mirrors.   

Uplifting theme: 

•  “Seeing is believing, but is it truth?  It depends on your point of view.” – Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman)

Things I liked:

• Lots of twists and turns.  It’s a fun ride, because you never know what's around the corner.
• Funny sleeping scenes.
• I love all of the cast.  Two Woody Harrelsons?  Twice the fun.
• It's always fun to see places around the world.  They spend some time in London, Macau, and New York.
• SPOILER ALERT: I love it when good "bad guys" outsmart real bad guys.
• Lots of action sequences mixed in with some quick wit.

Things I didn’t like:

•  I should have re-watched the first movie so I could remember how everything left off.  There were a lot of comments made that referred to past events, so if you haven’t seen the first one, you’ll be a bit lost.
• Too many villains.
• Everyone is too cool and slick, coming off as smug characters we have a hard time feeling sorry or concern for.
• Do't get me wrong here...I love all of the actors in the film, but they kind of play the same characters they usually do in almost all of their other movies.  Well, except Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter.  Amirite?  For example, Jesse Eisenburg always plays a fast-talking genius.  Morgan Freeman always plays someone wise and mysterious.  Dave Franco always plays a playboy loose cannon.  Lizzy Caplan always plays a snarky chick.  I'm just sayin...
• A lot of things are just too implausible and ridiculous.  If you think really hard to figure it all out, most of it just doesn't make much sense.  
• Most of the lines sound like scripted performance lines, rather than spontaneous conversations.

Funny lines:

•  “Not Chinese food.  I think here it’s just called food.” - Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson)
• “I want to be completely off the Grid and do you know why?” – (Walter Tressler)    “Yeah, because the Grid is for real humans.” – J. Daniel Atlas  (Jesse Eisenberg)
• “Don’t do anything I would enjoy.” – Merritt McKinney
• “Is that weird to have more hair in your ears than on your head?” – Merritt to his twin brother

Interesting lines:

•   “The eye; it can’t lie, but don’t think for a minute it can’t be lied to.” –  Thaddeus Bradley

• Tips for parents:   

• Someone flips the bird at the camera.
• Some profanity and inappropriate language.

As the characters say, “Didja get all that?”

The new Cinderella is quite charming

Movie:  Cinderella

PG, 1 hour 45 minutes

Grade:  A

In a Nutshell:  In an era of movie remakes, this version of Cinderella by Director Kenneth Branagh is very simple, elegant, pure, and even old-fashioned, staying true to its original animation roots.  Walt Disney would have been very pleased.  So would the original author Charles Perrault. I loved it.

SPECIAL NOTE:  One of the best things about seeing this in the movie theater right now is the animated short that plays before the movie.  It’s called Frozen Fever and highlights your favorite characters from the Frozen movie!  It’s a cute singing number that features Anna’s birthday party.  Absolutely ADORABLE!

Uplifting Theme:

·         “Have courage and be kind.” – Cinderella’s dying mother’s wish for her.  This phrase is repeated so many times that it’s not a subtle theme, but a very clear one that even little children will be able to pick up on.

·         Inner beauty shines greater than outer beauty.

·         “Just because it’s done doesn’t mean what should be done.” - Ella
-    "Where there is kindness there is goodness and where there is goodness there is magic." - Ella

Things I liked:

·         That dress! Wow. We are sure to see dozens of little girls wearing miniature versions of Cinderella’s shimmering, blue ball gown  on our front door steps this year on Halloween, complete with butterflies and sparkles in the hair.  I thought it was clever to match the ball gowns with the personalities of the wearers, such as the tacky and garish stepsisters’ dresses contrasted with the beautiful, graceful one worn by Cinderella.  I also loved the Fairy Godmother’s whimsical dress with wings.

·         The word that describes the film itself, as well as the set designs is charming.

·         Cate Blanchett can do no wrong. I adore her in everything she does.  She is splendid in this role as Lady Tremaine and looks absolutely stunning in every outfit in every scene.  Her subtle expressions add depth and nuance to the wicked step-mother, but they don’t change the story, only enhance it just enough.

·         The mice and other CGI creatures look very real.  They provide some comic relief, but it is very understated and simple.   The narrator tells us that Ella “had very little in the way of friends…well, her friends were very little.”

·         The magical transformations of the creatures to footmen, coachman, etc  is wonderfully Disney.   The lizard footmen are kind of creepy looking, but I love that they had lizard teeth and kept a green eye shadow hue to remind us of their true nature.

·         Both Prince Charming (the handsome, blue-eyed Richard Madden with absolutely perfect teeth) and Cinderella are modest, wholesome, noble, and good.  That’s so refreshing in protagonists these days.

·         Cinderella shows such grace and poise even when confronted with cruelty.  SPOILER ALERT: I love it when she tells her wicked stepmother “I forgive you.”  Lily James is the perfect Cinderella, so kind and graceful.  I want to be her.  In real life, she's a mezzo-soprano and sings the classic Cinderella song "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" at the end when credits are rolling.  How lovely.

·         I’m really glad this film didn’t show the ugly step-sisters getting their feet cut off to fit into the glass slipper like in the recent movie Into the Woods .  So gross.  Speaking of glass slipper….wow!  Gorgeous.  “And you’ll find them quite comfortable.”  - Fairy Godmother    
-     There are a few touching moments, including a very sweet one with the prince and his father that made me shed a tear. 

Things I didn’t like:

·          Helena Bonham Carter appeared too fake and quirky for this simple, elegant version of Cinderella.   While some would say she stole the show, I thought the humor seemed too forced and out of place.

·         Ella always wears the same blue dress to everything. Her ball gown is also blue.

·         It’s a bit slow-moving with very little action.

·         The interactions with Ella and Prince Charming were too short.  I wanted to see them together longer.

·         I was surprised that Prince Charming’s castle didn’t look like the Cinderella castle in Disneyland.

Funny lines:

·         “I can’t drive!  I’m a goose!.”  - Coachman

Interesting lines:

·         “I believe animals speak to us if only we have an ear to hear them.  That’s how we learn to care for them.” – Ella’s mother  (played by the lovely Hayley Atwell who you will see more of in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man)

·         “Time passed. Pain turned to memory.”  - Narrator (Fairy Godmother)  True statement.

·         “I do love a happy ending, don’t you?” – Ella

·         “Kindness is free.”  - Ella

·         “This is, perhaps, the greatest risk we will take – to be seen for who we really are.” – Narrator/Fairy godmother

·         “Surely you have a right to your own heart.” – Ella

·         “It really was like a dream…better than a dream.” – Ella

·         “They’re all looking at you.  – Ella

“Believe me…they’re all looking at YOU!” – Prince Charming

Post by Walt Disney Studios.

·         “Names have power.”  - Narrator/Fairy Godmother

·         “Punctuality is the politeness of princes.”  - King

Tips for Parents:

·         There is nothing super scary or offensive.  This is a very safe movie for family viewing of all ages. 

·         No profanity.  You’ll hear “Gosh” and “my goodness” instead. I think the harshest sentence uttered is when the wicked Stepmother says “Do shut up” to her own daughter who sings terribly.

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