The Greatest Showman features joyful dancing and infectious songs

Movie Title:    The Greatest Showman

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG, 105 minutes

In a Nutshell: Critics seem to be ripping this musical movie to shreds, so it makes me wonder if I saw the same film they did!  I really loved it!  In fact, the audience I watched the movie with on opening day applauded and cheered at the end of the movie.  They loved it too!  So do the Golden Globes, having recently nominated it as Best Picture in the Musical/Comedy category.     

Directed by Michael Gracey, this movie has been a passionate pet project of Hugh Jackman for quite awhile.  I adore him.  He can do it all: sing, dance, act.  He is a true showman and was also nominated by the Golden Globes for Best Performance by an actor in the same Musical/Comedy category.  I hear he is also a genuinely nice guy.  Don’t tell my husband I’m in love with him. I thought he was absolutely incredible in Les Miserables (2012)

                             

Tips for parents: 

• A father slapped his son on the face so hard that you could hear an audible "OH!!" from parents in the audience.
• No profanity.
• There is an element in the movie that teaches there is no right or wrong and that everything is ok.  That may bother some parents who teach their children that there IS a difference between right and wrong in this world.
• Lots of alcohol and drinking
• Violent bullying

Uplifting theme: 

• "The noblest art is that of making others happy." - P.T. Barnum
• Everyone of us is special and no one is like us.  That’s the point of my show.” – P. T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman)
• “No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” – P. T. Barnum
• “We can live in a world we design.”  - song lyric
• “A man’s station is limited only to his imagination.” – Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson)
• “Make no apologies.  I am who I’m meant to be.” – song lyric
• Small-minded people vs. accepting others for who they are
• “Dream with your eyes wide open.” – song lyric

                                       

Things I liked:

• One critic said the 11 original songs are not even memorable.  I wholeheartedly disagree.  In fact, I'm completely obsessed with the soundtrack and have listened to it at least a dozen times already. The songs were fantastic and I can’t wait to watch the movie again.  This Is Me was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.  Keala Settle sings the triumphant anthem.  I’m so happy for her to make her film debut.  She plays the Beared Woman.  She is new to most of us, although she has been performing on Broadway for 30 years.  I think The Greatest Showman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is going to be very popular.
• The talented cast includes Zac Efron (He does a fantastic bar scene with Hugh Jackman), Michelle Williams (lovely solo), Rebecca Ferguson (she is truly stunning in this movie), and the popular pre-teen idol Zendaya.
• The dance numbers were joyful, infectious, and energizing.  Dance tutorials are already popping up on YouTube. 
• Some of the transitions were really clever.
• While the movie is a period piece, the songs sound more like today’s pop radio hits.  Critics claim that the songs should match the time, but audiences will love the songs because the lyrics are inspiring and the music feels relevant to today.  The  award-winning lyricists from La La Land wrote for this movie.  Critics fell all over themselves for La La Land, but I liked THE GREATEST SHOWMAN more.  
• It felt like a carefully crafted stage production, something that Barnum would have actually created. 
• I thought Rebecca Ferguson was amazing in the movie and looked gorgeous.  Then I learned that her singing voice wasn't hers, but actually Loren Allred's.  The song was beautiful.  It was actually written with Anne Hathaway in mind, but she didn't end up in the movie.

Things I didn’t like:

• The biggest complaint movie critics have is that the script is weak and clunky.  Again, I disagree.  I loved it all. 
• I would have liked learning more about some of the characters, like the Bearded Lady. It would have been a 3 hour movie to include back stories on some of the circus performers though!
• There are some basic historic facts that the movie got wrong, but it really didn't bother me.  In reality, P.T. Barnum was not a very nice guy and cared more about money than people.  He didn't have a romantic relationship with Jenny Lind.  She really did leave the tour early, but it was because she had been donating all of her earnings to charity and was getting tired of being on the road for so long.

Interesting lines:

• “People are fascinated with the exotic and the macabre.  That’s why we stare at it.”  - P.T. Barnum
• “You don’t need everyone to love you, Phin, just a few good people.” – Charity Barnum (Michelle Williams)
• “Men suffer from believing too little than too much.” – P. T. Barnum
• “Comfort is the enemy of progress.” – P.T. Barnum
• “Nothing draws a crowd quite like a crowd.” - P.T. Barnum
• “People come to my show for the pleasure of being hoodwinked.  Just once I’d like to give them something real.” – P.T. Barnum
• “When you’re careless with other people, it will bring ruin on yourself.” – Jenny Lind
• “I wanted to be more than I was.” – P. T. Barnum

Funny lines:

• “Don’t turn sensible on us now.” – Beared Lady (Keala Settle)
• "Real estate in Manhatten is a terrible investment." - P. T. Barnum   haha
• 
  

If you're obsessed with this movie, check out some of these must-have items:

           

                                                @trinaboice 

MeshugaNutcracker just might be your new holiday tradition

Movie Title:  MeshugaNutcracker

Grade:   A

Rating: G, 2 hours 11 minutes (including an entertaining 15 minute intermission).

In a Nutshell: Fathom Events brings stage productions and other special events to theaters across the country for limited release. 

For the month of December, it’s showcasing MeshugaNutcracker, a creative mix of Chanukah stories and songs set to the music of Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker ballet.  Sounds pretty crazy, right?  "Meshugana" means crazy!

I need to disclose that this movie was co-created and directed by an old friend of mine from high school, Stephen Guggenheim!  We sang in choirs and performed in school productions together, but he was always the one with true talent. I’m so excited for him and proud of him! He co-created the production, directed the film, did all of the vocal arrangements, and stars as the Mayor of Chelm.  Talented indeed.

This is a film version of a stage production that was first workshopped in 2003, which has been performed every year since.  The moving stories illustrate Jewish strength, tradition, and faith.  Just so you know, no actors were harmed in the reenactment of the Maccabean revolt.  (wink)

 

Uplifting theme: 

• Heroism
• Jewish tradition and values
• “Light can always overcome the darkness.” – Jacob (Jackson Davis)
• “Light is everything.  Together, our lights can shine more brightly.” – little girl (Shannon Guggenheim)
• We witness miracles every day and sometimes take them for granted.
• Hope

Things I liked:

• Cute introduction by Kevin Weisman in the film version of the stage production.
• Get that phlem going as you learn about the foolish people of Chelm, a mythical town in Poland of Jewish folklore. 
• Eight actors perform 20 original songs. You’ll also hear Handel’s famous “Messiah” being sung with new lyrics about dreidels.  It is also the number eight that represents the number of times the funny cast yells, “Oy!”  ha ha
• The costumes are clever and colorful, incorporating symbols that represent various traits of the characters, such as corn fields, scrolls of the Torah, a Kiddush cup, and the Jerusalem skyline.
• Continue watching during the final credits in the end for more clever jokes, video clips of the cast, and upcoming features that are coming soon to the Theater of Chelm.
• Christians will be able to learn about Jewish customs and stories appreciate the rich religious and culture celebrated this time of year.
• You’ll want to stay seated during the intermission just to enjoy the entertaining lessons and quizzes on Yiddish sayings, Jewish traditions, and items for discussion.
• Cute, whimsical set.
• Talented cast!

Things I didn’t like:

• I love that each time the cast performs live, they invite a celebrity to surprise the audience in the end.  This movie version of the show features Bruce Vilanch, who was an embarrassing disappointment, bumbling his way through his parts.  Granted, he was only given minutes to prepare, and I’m sure not many of us could do any better under those circumstances.  On another note, I loved his “Jewbacca” t-shirt.
• After the intermission, you get a quick glance of the surprisingly small audience that watched the production while it was being filmed.  I’m so glad that it is now being seen in movie theaters across the country through Fathom Events so that more people can enjoy it.

Tips for parents: 

• Challenge your children to find the hidden gold coin on each of the characters’ costumes.
• The second act may prove too long for children, who might get antsy.
• Safe entertainment for all ages.
• Christian children will probably be unfamiliar with the Jewish stories and history lessons, so it's a great opportunity to expose them to this faithful nation.

@trinaboice 

Saturday's Warrior makes a comeback

Movie Title:  Saturday's Warrior

Grade:  B-

Rating:   PG, 119 minutes

In a Nutshell:  I first saw this stage musical when I was a little girl.  I LOVED it and immediately began memorizing all of the songs day in and day out.  It was turned into a schmaltzy movie in 1989, so I was excited to see this new remake, directed by Michael Buster. 

I’ve been a huge fan of the talented Lex de Azevedo for many, many years.  He added 3 new songs to this version, which are great, but also removed some from the original fan favorites.   If you're unfamiliar with this story, know going in that it's super cheesy and melodramatic.  If you're a fan of this Mormon legend, feel free to sing along.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Life on earth is going to be difficult.” – Heavenly guide   (Alex Boye)
• “Truth is truth.” – Mack (Carlton Bluford)
• “Freedom is knowing who you are.” – Pam
• “Nothing is impossible.” – Tod (Mason Davis)
• There is more to this life than what you see. 

Things I liked:

• I got a kick out of the “There” and “Here” clocks in heaven.  
• The “Captain Uchtdorf” announcement at the airport made me laugh out loud.  That was awesome and hilarious.  You gotta be LDS to appreciate that one.
• They did a great job with 70’s costume design and home décor.
• A new song was added when Jimmy’s band, “Warrior”, played for Capitol Records. 
• I liked the new song “There’s Got to be More”.  What a fun addition to include the Piano Guys.  I love those guys.
• I thought Pam (Anna Daines) was lovely and I'd like to see more of her in other movies.  I felt the same way about the actress/singer who performed in the original stage play and soundtrack.
• Julie (Monica Moore Smith) has a really beautiful voice, although she over-acted like she was on a big stage.  
• The ending actually had true emotion, unlike most of the other scenes that felt over-acted.
• Keep watching as the credits roll to see Jimmy sing his version of “There’s Got to be More” with sweet Emily watching from the side.
• Mason Davis, who plays Todd, is also an artist, like his character.  All of the artwork you see Todd make was really made by Mason Davis himself.  He looked like a Ken (Barbie) doll to me.

Things I didn’t like:

• It feels like a stage play.
• It's super corny with very low production value.
• The technical dubbing issues were extremely distracting.   

• You can see what looks like microphone packs on the backs of the performers quite often.
• Non-Mormons won’t get some of the jokes or even the pre-mortal world scenes.
• Why is Emily (Abigail Baugh) in a yellow dress in heaven, while everyone else is wearing white?  She sure is adorable.
• Julie says, “I’m going to miss this beautiful place” while she and Jimmy are standing in a building with old, brick walls.  That line would have been more accurate if they were standing in a beautiful garden or something.
• There is an odd, unexpected, funny “gay” moment during the family’s concert towards the beginning of the movie.
• There are a lot of artificially white teeth.
• What happened to the song “He’s Just A Friend”, “Dear John”, and “Daddy’s Nose”?  Why did they take those songs out of the original?
• While everyone else looked "normal", Jimmy (Kenny Holland) always looked like he had a ton of make-up on. His boy-band nasal voice started to really grate on me.
• I recognize I had very high expectations, but I felt a bit disappointed.

Funny lines:

• “Stake President material for sure.” – Elder Greene (Morgan Gunter)

“Maybe one of my counselors.” – Elder Kestler (Clint Pulver)

Tips for parents: 

• I counted 3 times that people were slapped.
• No profanity.  Thanks Mormons!
• There are a lot of "downer" scenes that make the movie feel pretty heavy.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

La La Land has everyone singing its praises

Movie Title:   La La Land

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG-13, 128 minutes

In a Nutshell:  With a theme song that will be stuck in your head for a long time, this unexpected romantic musical feels like one of those magical movies Hollywood use to pump out decades ago.   

Beautifully shot in CinemaScope, it features the glamour, hope, sacrifice, pain, and dreams found in Los Angeles.  

It’s very entertaining and honest, already winning a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, as well as a big trophy for both of its lead actors: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

Uplifting theme: 

• “People love what other people are passionate about.” - Mia (Emma Stone)
• Here’s to the ones who dream…
• “You gotta give this everything you got.” - Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)

Things I liked:

• Emma Stone’s face can show a thousand different expressions.  She is so charming that you just can't keep your eyes off of her in every scene.
• It’s fun to hear some good jazz.  Sebastian explains, "You can’t just hear it; you have to see it.” 
• I know they must be partially or even completely manufactured, but I loved all the pretty LA sunsets. 
• Ryan Gosling.  Good on you.  He can do it all.  He actually learned how to play the piano for this movie.  
• Ryan and Emma Stone have great chemistry.  This is not their first movie together.
• I love the scene where they hold hands for the first time.  I remember those breath-taking moves from dates gone by.
• It's really such a breath of fresh air. Keep those musicals coming.
• John Legend!
• Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Damien Chazelle.  Nice job!
• I liked how the movie announced the seasons, reminding us how the seasons of our life come and go.
• This film reminded me of last year’s film Cafe Society that makes you ache with love, regret, and longing.
• Is this film a love letter to Los Angeles or Hollywood or being passionate about your dreams? Or maybe all three?
• The musical numbers easily blend into the traditional storytelling.
• The sequence at the end was done so well.
• I didn't expect to see J.K. Simmons in a musical!
• Mia and Sebastian go to the famous Griffith Observatory with a little nod to James Dean. Put it on your bucket list.  It has one of the best views of La La Land...I mean Los Angeles and Hollywood.
• It's clever that there are 2 story lines...2 paths that could have been.  In La La Land a/k/a Hollywood, movies end with "happily ever after", but in real life...not so much.  So, which story did YOU think was the REAL movie?

Things I didn’t like:

• I love Emma Stone, but I’m just wondering how much more fantastic this could have been with Anna Kendrick in the female lead role?  Maybe match her up again with Justin Timberlake like when they were together in Trolls?  Wow, can you imagine how great the soundtrack would have been?  As it is, Emma and Ryan aren't what I would call "powerful" singers.  If Director Chazelle was going for "sweet and simple", then he nailed it.  Some say that the "not perfect" singing was part of the point of the movie...everyone, even everyday people can make their dreams come true.  What do YOU think?
• That string of hair that constantly droops in Sebastian's face.
• The sound isn’t always quite in sync with the lips.
• It was funny, but also super annoying how Sebastian would honk loud and hard when he went to Mia's house and pick her up. Really?  Be a gentleman and go to the door, Bud.
• It conjured up images of great dance numbers with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, although not nearly as good.

Interesting lines:

• “Why don’t you want to do it anymore?” – Sebastian

“Because I think it hurts a little too much.” – Mia 

Funny lines:

• “This idea that we’re re-imagining Godilocks and the three bears from the perspective of the bears…it could be like a franchise.  There’s a lot we don’t know.  There could be 4 bears.  We don’t know.” – Carlo (the real screenwriter Jason Fuchs)
• “It’s pretty strange that we keep running into each other.” – Mia

“It IS strange.  Maybe it means something.” – Sebastian

“I doubt it.” – Mia

“Yeah, I don’t think so.” – Sebastian

• “You’re a real…um….what’s the word I’m looking for?” – Mia

“Knight in shining armor.” – Sebastian

“Weirdo…that was the word.” – Mia

Did you catch all of the Easter Eggs and tributes to other movies?
* The opening CinemaScope opening gives a tip of the hat to old movies from the 1950's and early 60's.
* Look at all of the pictures hanging in the cafe where Mia works and you'll see a bunch of celebrities eating or cooking food.
* Check out all of the movie posters in Mia's apartment.
* I love Ryan Gosling on the street lamp post ala Singing in the Rain.

• The dance scene on the street at night pays homage to Top Hat with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. 
• Guy and Madeline on a Park bench is represented by a scene where a movie poster rolls by Sebastian and Mia.
• To learn about more, check out this fun video.

Tips for parents: 

• This is pretty safe for all ages, but your daughters will probably enjoy it more than your sons.  It’s a romantic musical after all.
• 1 F-bomb; otherwise, no other profanity. 
• You see a couple living together out of wedlock.
• Mia flips someone the bird (the middle finger).
• Plan on listening to your kids sing these songs over and over again.

@trinaboice 

Moana is picture perfect for families

Movie Title:         Moana

  

Grade:  A+

Rating:  PG, 103 minutes

In a Nutshell:   Disney brings us another animated film that is simply gorgeous.  Each frame in the movie could be a postcard.  The animation is stellar and absolutely breathtaking.  The hair, sand, water, feathers, fabric and textures are done so well you feel you could reach out and touch them.

It has everything you want in a family-friendly film: solid characters, adventure, memorable music, a positive lesson for kids to learn, a good role model, comedy, peril, and touching family moments.

Before the movie begins, another Disney short entitled “Inner Workings” plays that reminds us to live our lives with meaning and joy.  Adorable.

Uplifting theme: 

• You need to have heart.
• “Find happiness right where you are.” – lyrics in one of the songs
• “That voice inside is who you are.” – Grandma Tala
• Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface.” – Moana
• “The things you have learned will change you.  The people you love will guide you.”  - Grandma Tala
• Your weaknesses don’t define you.

Things I liked:

• Some of the song were written by writer and star of the Broadway smash hit Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) [Explicit], Lin Manuel Miranda.  The lyrics are powerful and meaningful.
• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently earned the title as “Sexiest Man Alive”.  Now we get to hear him sing!  He has great comedic and dramatic timing in everything he does.
• Auli’I Cravalho does a fantastic job voicing Moana.  The character even looks like her.
• Hei Hei, the stupid chicken, got lots of laughs from the audience.  I adore Alan Tudyk and was tickled to learn that it was his voice that brings the chicken to life.  Pua, the cute pig, was just that…cute, but didn’t grab the audience’s attention nearly as much.

• Maui’s tattoos interact with Maui and even the audience.
• Clever use of tapa bark cloth prints to set up the story in the beginning.
• I love a good romance in a movie; however, I love that there is no prince or hero in this one...Moana is the hero. Moana’s future is determined by her own efforts and leadership.  She is a strong role model for your daughters. You go, girl!
• This movie will make you want to go on vacation to Hawaii or some other Polynesian destination.  If you’re in Hawaii, be sure to visit the famous Polynesian Cultural Center where you can get a taste of Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand and more!
• Stay seated until the very end of the rolling credits for a funny moment with the crab.
• While watching the credits, you’ll notice a long list of babies who were born during production.  Cute.
• I loved it when baby Moana helps a baby turtle find its way to the ocean.  I got to participate in a turtle release in Cabo San Lucas in November several years ago.  The turtle sanctuary invited us to help them release hundreds of babies. Soooooo cool!
• Cute choreography.
• Who knew coconuts could be so dangerous?  ha ha
• The plot is pretty simple, yet Moana has a lot of interesting and creative adventures along her journey.

Things I didn’t like:

• For some reason, Chief Tui (Temuera Morrison) was the only character with a Polynesian accent.
• You have to listen to the songs a few times to understand the clever lyrics, because sometimes they're sung so fast you can't catch everything the first time around.
• You don't have to see it in 3D to love it.

Funny lines:

•  “Nothing?  Really?  What’s a demigod gotta do?” - Maui
• “Really?  A blow dart in my butt cheek?” – Maui
• “I’m the village crazy lady.  That’s my job.” – Grandma Tala
• “When you use a bird to write with, it’s called Tweeting.” – Maui
• “What’s nunya?” – Moana     “None of ya business.” - Maui

Interesting lines:

•  “The call that calls isn’t out here – it’s inside me.” - Moana

Tips for parents:

• There is a theme of reincarnation you might want to talk to your kids about.  Do you believe in reincarnation?  Resurrection? Talk to your children about where you believe you go after this life.
• There is a fiery lava monster that might scare young children.
• Young children may need to be reminded that they have to be very careful in the ocean when they go to the beach.

Trolls is sugary sweet, colorful fun for all ages

Movie Title:   Trolls

Grade:   A

Rating:  PG, 100 minutes

In a Nutshell:    This sugary sweet DreamWorks movie is like watching a bag of colorful Skittles sing and dance and hug for an hour and a half.  What’s not to like?  

The trolls are way cuter than those dolls that were around when I was a kid.  I mean, one troll poops cupcakes and another one farts glitter.  Totes adorbs.

As the trailer says, this is a “musical adventure that proves one voice can change the world.”  It’s a happy journey, perfect for all ages.  If you’re a cynical adult who hasn’t had children, this movie could be torture for you.

Uplifting theme:  

• Find your happy place.
• “Happiness is inside all of us.  Sometimes you just need someone to help you find it.” – Branch
• “Happiness isn’t something you put inside.  It’s already there.” – Princess Poppy
• “There’s always a bright side.” – Princess Poppy
• Friendship, unity, teamwork, togetherness.  We need each other.

Things I liked:

• This fun flick is filled with toe-tapping music.  There are a lot of familiar songs you can sing along to, as well as some new ones you’ll instantly like.  Some of them have great messages for your kids, like, “I’m not giving up today.  I will get back up again” sung by Anna Kendrick.  The trolls rescue the music and the music rescues them.  Speaking of combining music with animation in the film, Anna Kendrick said in an interview with Regal Theaters, “It just feels like they belong together.”  Anna is precious as Princess Poppy.
• Super colorful.  Even the color combinations are happy.  They use the lack of color to illustrate attitudes and states of mind as well.  It's simple symbolism that children can understand, but it works effectively.
• Cliché’d dance number at the end, but still fun and definitely appropriate for this story.  You'll leave the theater in a good mood.
• I know fanny packs are super dorky, but they sure are practical, right?  I thought it was hilarious that Chef Bergen wore one.  Speaking of Chef, I love Christine Baranski in everything she does.
• I liked that there was a little character named Cooper (played by Ron Runches), because it's my son’s name.  There was a "Jar Jar Binks" aspect about Cooper that was a little annoying, however.
• The animation is really good.  I’ve never seen felt, yarn, glitter, and fabric done so well before!  You really feel like you can reach out and touch them.
• Funny, fat crow.
• If you wondered why Zooey Deschanel was missing for weeks from her starring role in the TV show “New Girl”, you’ll be happy to hear her sing and voice Bridget, the scullery maid.
• Justin Timberlake’s voice is a welcome addition to the animated world.
• Once this movie hits the DVD market (March 2017), parents won’t mind this playing on the TV a hundred times a day.  Well, for a little while at least.
• Scrapbooking! 

  

Things I didn’t like:

• Merchandising for this film seems blatantly obvious, yet even the strongest objectors will probably secretly want to buy one of these adorable trolls.  The whole idea of merchandising these products is ironic, considering the theme of this movie is that you can’t consume happiness.  Ha ha
• The cast is absolutely fantastic.  It’s a shame that so many talented actors only get a short amount of screen/voice time compared to the main leads.  The list includes Gwen Stefani, James Corden, John Cleese, Jeffrey Tambor, Russell Brand, Kunal Nayyar, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
• Not all of the humor works.
• The movie poster could have been way cuter.
• The plot is extremely simple.  Just enjoy the musical ride.

Happy lines:

• “Hug time is all the time.” – Poppy
• “I know life’s not all cupcakes and rainbows, but I’d rather go through life thinking it mostly is.” – Poppy

Funny lines:

• “Solid burn, Branch.” – Poppy
• “Why don’t you scrapbook them to freedom?” – Branch
• “I don’t like the looks of him.  I mean, who wears socks without shoes?” – Branch
• "It has everything we need: fresh air and sweet acoustics!" - King Peppy

Tips for parents:

• Other than the troll who farts cupcakes, there is nothing objectionable about this movie.  Well, you see the rear end of one of the trolls.  ha ha
• No profanity, although one troll says "OMG."
• The monsters are called Bergens, but they’re not super scary.  Young children should be able to watch this movie without getting frightened.
• Talk to your children about what makes them happy and how they can help each other to find joy in everyday life.

Let the merchandising begin!

 

The Last Five Years stage musical comes to the big screen

Movie:  The Last Five Years

PG-13, 1 hour, 34 minutes

Grade: A-

In a Nutshell:  Mix these 3 things together for a tasty film: passion, pain, Anna Kendrick.   Based on the popular off-Broadway stage musical (by Jason Robert Brown), this deconstructed love story musical flew under the radar for most movie goers. 

With hardly any dialogue, Anna Kendrick fans will be pleased to hear her sing throughout the entire movie.   The story is cleverly told as she sings the story from the end, going backwards and Jamie, played by Jeremy Jordan (I thought he was great in TV's "Smash") sings their love story from the beginning in chronological order.  (It's less confusing if you know that ahead of time.)

Uplifting Theme:

* The Last Five Years was inspired by Jason Robert Brown's failed marriage.  It doesn't present a rose-colored view of romance, but a realistic look into how love is worth working for.

Things I liked:

·        I really enjoy Anna Kendrick and am thrilled that she is being featured in so many musicals lately.   I can’t wait to hear her again in Pitch Perfect 2.  It hits theaters on May 15, 2015.  

·        Jeremy seemed to start out slowly, but then really bloomed.  His Jewish accent during “The Schmuel Song" was hilarious.  Anna Kendrick's funny comments during the song are entirely ad lib.

      It feels like an Indie musical on a small budget, which fits the tale of two struggling artists living in New York City.

      I got a kick out of the subtle and satirical humor which deserve the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics the stage show received back in 2002, when it first opened off Broadway.

      The screen adaptation by Richard LaGravenese (he also did P.S. I Love You ), keeps the two stars on screen together most of the time, as opposed to the stage production where the characters sing solo during most of the show.

     The blonder Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan are so engaging that you don't miss not having a big ensemble cast.  They have both been previously nominated for Tony awards, Anna being the second youngest ever to do so.

Things I didn’t like:

·        It’s a bit depressing to know at the very beginning that their relationship fails when Cathy sings about their break-up.

·         

Funny lines

·        “Why am I working so hard?  These are the people who cast Russell Crowe in a musical.”  - Cathy

Interesting lines:

·        “You are the story I should write.” – Jamie

·        “If I didn’t believe in you, I couldn’t have loved you at all.” - Jamie

Tips for Parents:  Some profanity, 1 F-bomb,  people in underwear and bed scenes.

Other musicals with Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan:

Strange Magic is a bit strange

Movie:  Strange Magic

PG , 1 hour 39 minutes

Grade:  B-

In a Nutshell:   This fanciful animation features music from the past six decades in a whimsical search for true love inspired by Shakespeare’s William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream   The ILM animation itself is truly amazing, and reminds me of the impressive look of Avatar. 

The story was created by George Lucas, a master at creating interesting worlds, but the script doesn’t have much depth.    The family flick has all of the ingredients that should make it great, yet strangely, it isn’t.  Strained magic? While flawed, I still enjoyed it.  Little girls who love fairies and singing will too.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “Everybody deserves to be loved.” – narrator

·         “There are no shortcuts to love.  Just sayin.” - Griselda

·         “Never judge something or someone by how he or she looks.” - King

Things I liked:

·         After discovering Elijah Kelley for the first time on Hairspray , I thought we would see him everywhere because he was so fantastic.  Well, we don’t get to see him in this movie, but he voices the adorable character Sunny.

·          I love everyone’s hairdo’s, freckles and ears.

·         Stay seated in the theater half-way into the rolling credits at the end of the movie for a funny add-on about Roland.

·         I love small details in animation, like the whispering mushrooms.

Things I didn’t like:

·         The character development is pretty weak.

·         The pacing seems to be designed for an audience with ADD.

·         The music is fun, but sometimes feels out of place.  It takes you from a sweet, romantic melody in one moment to a 70’s acid trip the next.  I won’t be surprised if the movie soundtrack outsells the actual movie.  Fans of the Electric Light Orchestra should especially enjoy the eclectic mix of love songs.

·         I adore Kristin Chenoweth, but her character’s design didn’t match her voice at all.

·         Alan Cumming voiced the Bog King whose accent vacillated between Scottish and classic rocker.

·         I thought the psychedelic kaleidoscope ending was odd.  I suppose even strange…magic.

Funny lines:

·         “Too bad you can’t see me.  My hair is doing that thing we both love.” – Roland (Sam Palladio)

·         “He loves the crown and his hair, not necessarily in that order.” – Marianne (Evan Rachel Wood)

·         “Watch for grotesqueries at every corner.” – Roland

·         “Don’t you have a comb?” – Griselda  (Maya Rudolph)

·         “Both princesses..es..sss.” – Roland

·         “I wanted a wedding.  Now I’m getting a funeral.” – Griselda

Tips for Parents:

·         The Bog King is menacing , mean, and sometimes scary.

·         There are some creepy insects that will probably make your little girls squeal.

Here's the trailer: