Deadpool 2 is over-the-top with surprising depth

Movie Title:       Deadpool 2

Grade:   B+

Rating: R, 119 minutes

In a Nutshell:   Marvel is on a roll.  The X-Force team assembles under the guidance of the most disrespectful, irreverent superhero ever, Deadpool, played expertly by Ryan Reynolds.

As Ryan Reynolds says in the movie, “The Academy’s watching.”  The sequel is definitely bigger....is it better than the first?  Umm....probably not.  Did it make me laugh?  Definitely.  

                                    

Tips for parents: 

• Deadpool says in the beginning, “Believe it or not, Deadpool 2 is a family movie.”  Nope.  Not true.  This is a true rated R movie.  If you set filters on VidAngel to delete profanity, violence and gore, this would be a 20 minute movie. 
• Crude language and TONS of F-bombs.  I hate it when kids swear especially, which Julian Dennison does as Russell.
• Scoutmaster pervert joke.  Ouch.  I have 4 sons.
• Lots of severed limbs and brutal, gory deaths.
• Lesbians
• You see a bottomless little kid’s junk full Winnie the Pooh style and a man’s naked rear end.
• Super high body count, destruction, violence, crude gestures.
• Guns.
• Some fun music, but other songs with very crude lyrics.

Uplifting theme: 

• “We all need that sense of belonging.  We all need a genuine sense of home.” – Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds)
• “Kids – they give us a chance to be better than we are…better than we use to be.” – Vanessa (the beautiful Morena Baccarin)  
• Family
• Sacrifice for others
• “Pain teaches us who we are.” – Blind Al (Leslie Uggams)
• “No child is hopeless.” - Blind Al

Things I liked:

• The trailer was hilarious. I loved the crack about Superman’s mustache in the trailer, referring to when DC had to use CGI to remove Henry Cavill's mustache in the movie Justice League.   
• I got a kick out of the opening credits.  Most of the time, we just ignore them, but read them this time!
• This is the year of Josh Brolin as the evil villain.  He voices a fantastic Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War
• Great action sequences.  As Deadpool says, “Big CGI fight coming up.”  Yep, LOTS of them.
• Tons of fun jokes and visual gags, all lightning fast.  You’ll have to see the movie again in order to catch everything.
• We learn a lot more about Wade Wilson, making his character development more deep and grounded.
• You’re going to get a kick out of some new twists.
• Keep watching after the credits for a couple more fun scenes, but there’s nothing at the very, very end of the music.
• The Logan music box in the very beginning scene got the audience I sat with to immediately start laughing.  There is a running gag about Logan during the entire movie.  So funny.  For example, both films played the same music during the death scenes.  Ha ha
• Tony Robbins.  Love that guy.
• Wade and his girlfriend watch the movie Yentl  I always loved that movie and the music.  Deadpool points out that the song, “Papa, can you hear me?” is the same tune as Frozen’s “Do you want to build a snowman?” I never noticed that!
• X-Men – trainee!  Ha ha
• I like Dub Step too.  Ha ha
• Several Canadian jokes.  A lot of locations in Vancouver were actually used in the movie. 
• At the end of the movie, it says that 15,000 jobs were created to make the movie.  The stunt work was amazing.  Sadly a stunt woman, Joi Harris, died while filming one of the stunts on a motorcycle. Production stopped for two days.
• Tons of fun Easter eggs.  For example, Deadpool refers to Cable, played by Josh Brolin, as "One Eyed Willy", which was a character in the 1985 movie The Goonies which starred Josh Brolin.
• Tons of movie, song, and pop culture references.  One of the movie posters shows Deadpool in a Flashdance pose on a chair with bullets raining down on him.  He definitely takes a beating in this film.

                                                      

Things I didn’t like:

• This is the first Marvel film to NOT give Stan Lee a cameo performance!  Drats!  I always look forward to those little moments.  Instead, you can see him in a quick picture montage.  Definitely not as good.
• Sometimes trailers are deceiving.  In an earlier trailer for DEADPOOL 2, Deadpool says, "Pump the hate brakes, Thanos," referencing Josh Brolin's role as Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, but in the actual movie, he's talking to two lesbians and he says, "Pump the hate brakes, Fox and Friends."
• I don't read the comic books, but Domino's character and alliances are much different there than in this movie, as well as her color and eye circle.  It certainly didn't bother me, but some fans might be annoyed.  Zazie Beetz did a fantastic job.
• SPOILER:  Have you seen The Terminator?  Yeah, that's this plot.

Funny lines:

• “Forgive me for being late.  I was busy gathering all the gluten in the world so it can not NOT hurt us.” – Deadpool
• “That is why the man bun is just the Millennial mullet.” – Deadpool
• “So dark.  Are you sure you’re not from the DC Universe?” – Deadpool
• “Mission accomplished?” – Dopinder (Karan Soni)

“Well, in a George W. sort of way.” – Deadpool

• “Every family film starts with a vicious murder…Bambi. Lion King. Saw 7.” – Deadpool
• “It’s time to get back on LinkedIn.” – Weasel (T.J. Miller)
• Vanisher….ha ha  IMDB shows his face listed as Brad Pitt!  The studio actually wanted Brad Pitt to play Cable, but he had to decline that role due to scheduling conflicts.
• “Never underestimate a man with a mustache.” – Deadpool
• “I have no idea what’s happening.” –  Blind Al

“It’s probably best.” - Deadpool

Interesting lines:

• “Family was always an F word for me.” - Deadpool
• “You are not your father.” – Vanessa
• “I fight for what’s right.” – Deadpool

                                           

                                           @trinaboice

Pitch Perfect 3 is the swan song of the franchise

Movie Title:  
    Pitch Perfect 3

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 33 minutes

Grade:  C+

In a Nutshell: I admit that Pitch Perfect is one of my guilty pleasures. I’ve seen the first two movies in the Pitch Perfect franchise several times, and so I was really excited and curious to see what was going to happen in this final installment. 

While it was fun to see all of the Barden Bellas together again, their swan song ended on a bit of a low note.

Tips for parents: 

• EXTREMELY crude language.
• LOTS of sex jokes.
• The Bellas are generally NOT good role models for your daughters.  There is a lot of cleavage, foul language, alcohol, an unwed pregnancy, and they say things like, “Let’s get slutty!”

Uplifting theme: 

• “Your real family doesn’t hold you back.  They lift you up.” – Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson)
• “Age wrinkles the body, but quitting wrinkles the soul.” – Aubrey (Anna Camp)
• “I’m part of a group and we all have something special.” - Becca (Anna Kendrick)

                     

Things I liked:

• Great, fun music as always.
• Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson carry the show.
• This time the Bellas go to the south of France.  Ooh la la  They also spend a little bit of time in Spain, where I lived for 2 years.  Woot!
• Finally, Jessica and Ashley get a little more attention.  Ha ha
• If you like DJ Khaled, you’ll get a kick out of his appearance in this movie.  In fact, he plays a big role in the story.
• Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end of the movie.
• SPOILER:  We FINALLY get to meet Aubrey's dad who has all of the crazy sayings.
• A lot of the Bellas experience some kind of final resolution in their lives and stories in the end.
• Hailee Steinfeld and Brittany Snow are delightful as ever.
• John Lithgow was a surprise!  The trailer did a great job of hiding his role in the movie.  He's pretty amazing and can do dramatic roles as equally well as he does comedic ones.  He most recently won an Emmy for his impressive role as Winston Churchill in Crown, the - Season 01 , which my husband and I binge-watched and loved.

Things I didn’t like:

• The final song in the first two movies actually made me tear up with some emotional depth, but this one not so much. It just felt like a fond farewell.
•  If you haven't seen the first two movies in the series, you won't understand a lot of the inside jokes, but you'll still be entertained enough.
• Fat Amy's story gets chaotically crazy.
• If you're not a Pitch Perfect fan, you'll think this is a really dumb movie.  If you are a fan (like me), you'll put up with the nonsense and enjoy the last hurrah.
• Ruby Rose as Calamity is so mesmerizing.  I would love to have seen more of her.

Funny lines:

• “You can go wherever you want!” –  Fat Amy's dad (John Lithgow)

“Urban outfitters?” – Fat Amy

• “When am I ever going to learn to open my mail?” – Fat Amy
• “This is way too much cardio.” – Fat Amy
• “As my dad always says, “Always give 100% unless you’re donating blood or getting a divorce.” – Aubrey  

                                            @trinaboice 

Daddy's Home 2 mixes laughter with love

Movie Title:    Daddy's Home 2

Grade:  B

Rating: PG-13,  1 hour, 40 minutes

In a Nutshell: “We’re back with more daddies!” says Will Ferrell’s character, easily the tag-line for this movie.

It's a funny sequel that also has some touching, cheesy moments, which will put you in the Christmas spirit and inspire you to celebrate your own crazy, dysfunctional family.

A lot of movie critics really hated this, but I thought it was really entertaining for a light night at the movies.  It addresses the complicated issue of step-parenting in a lighthearted way.

Uplifting theme: 

• Divorce doesn’t end the relationship.  My parents were divorced when I was a little girl, but they continually have to associate with each other because of their children.  Instead of competing for their kids' love, parents and step-parents should be glad that there are more parents around who can love and support their children.  It's never perfect, but it's better than hating each other, which hurts the kids and puts them in a difficult situation.
• “You’re the only one who can ruin Christmas.” – Brad Whitaker (Will Ferrell)
• Family comes in all shapes and sizes.
• Love, patience and forgiveness.

Things I liked:

• The leading men were very entertaining and had great chemistry together.  They are all equally talented at comedy as they are in at drama.  Wait, have we ever seen Will Ferrell in a serious drama?
• The cabin where they stayed was awesome!  I stayed in an AirBnB home in Arizona that had the same awesome shower.
• Mark Wahlberg did a great job. There’s an interesting article that reveals Wahlberg hopes that God will forgive him for his past mistakes and movies.  While Mel Gibson plays Mark Wahlberg's dad, he is only 15 years older.  Surprising, right?
• I thought it was funny when Mel Gibson’s character demands that his grandchildren call him “El Padre.”  My dad decided he wanted his grandchildren to call him “Sir”, so now they call him “GrampSir.”  Ha ha
• The “Be a man” bowling scene was funny and touching at the same time.  I have 4 sons, so my husband gave that speech many times to our boys that Mel Gibson’s character gave to the cute Dylan (Owen Vaccaro).
• The band “Chicago” is mentioned in a funny way and you also hear their music later from Chicago IX - Chicago's Greatest Hits.  I went to one of their concerts back in the day.
• There’s a really cool copper mug that several people hold and drink out of.  I looked on Amazon to see if I could find it and I did.  It’s called Moscow Mule Hammered Copper 18 Ounce Drinking Mug, Set of 4.
• I thought the movie “Missile Tow” sounded awesome!  Ha ha  It’s the pretend movie that the families watch at a theater, featuring Liam Neeson.  Linda Cardellin’s characters says of the movie, “It has kids in it.  How dirty can it be?”  That was a big poke at the movie Daddy's Home 2 itself.  The answer?  The presence of kids definitely doesn’t mean the movie is clean or appropriate for kids to watch.
• All of the characters sing!  They don’t all have great voices, but it’s still really fun to see and hear them sing.
• John Cena has a much bigger role in this movie than he did in the first Daddy's Home.   If you’re a fan (who isn’t?), you’ll be happy to know that he voices the main character in the movie FERDINAND that arrives in movie theaters next month.  Rumor has it that the next movie in this franchise will revolve around him.
• The audience I sat with loved the surprise cameo at the end of the movie.

Things I didn’t like:

• The trailer showed lines that didn’t actually appear in the movie.
• It definitely helps to have seen the first Daddy's Home movie.  You’ll understand more jokes and the character development better.  There are references to things that happened in the first movie.
• Some of the jokes fall flat.
• Mel Gibson's character is a real jerk.  He's not really funny, but just laughs at his own jokes.  Speaking of Mel's laugh, it sounds really raspy like he has been smoking all of his life.
• It often feels like a goofy sit-com with a laugh track and carefully placed music to tell you how to feel.

Funny lines:

• “I got some gender-neutral flashcards!” –Brad Whitaker
• “The thermostat is a sacred covenant.” – Brad Whitaker   (That’s so true.  When my sisters and I were growing up, we had a constant battle with our dad about the temperature in the house.  We would dial the temperature up to the high 70's and he would knock it back down to the 60’s.
• “It looks as if he’s been chiseled out of Gibralter itself.” – Will Ferrell’s character describing Mel Gibson’s character.

Tips for parents: 

• There is a funny scene when Will Ferrell and John Lithgow play car games during a long ride to a cabin in the snow and drive everyone else nuts with their enthusiasm.  What car games do you play with your family?  Here’s a list you can use with your kids to make the time go faster in the car and be more enjoyable.  
• You see Will Ferrell’s back side in his underwear with an uncovered cheek.
• There is a lot of man-on-man kissing (father/son), as well as talk of French kissing, and a gay moment where a boy wants to kiss another boy.
• Inappropriate sexual innuendos.
• Megan (adorable Scarlett Estevez) lifts up her shirt to look like her sexy step-mom.  Later, she swears several times and shoots a gun.
• Some sexist comments.
• Two of the little girls get drunk.
• Didi Costine’s character was such a bratty little girl.  She was either on her cell phone the entire time or saying snotty things to people.  If you have a daughter, talk to her about some of those behaviors that can make a pretty girl become ugly.
• Andrea Anders has a very short part as a principal who tries to unsuccessfully convince the parents to put down their cell phones and iPads.  I laughed out loud, because it’s so true.
• Mel Gibson's character is a womanizer.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Blade Runner 2049 enriches the original with stunning cinematography

Movie Title:   Blade Runner 2049

Grade:  A-

Rating:  R, 164 minutes

In a Nutshell: This is a LONG movie.  If you’re a big fan of the 1982 original Blade Runner, you’ll probably love every minute, while admittedly, it’s not everyone’s cup of futuristic tea.  

This visually stunning sequel was a long time in coming and I’m thrilled that Harrison Ford was able to be in it so we can revisit his character.

You don’t have to see the original Blade Runner movie first, but it sure helps.  While this film stands alone in an impressive way, it also deepens and expands the original.  It's a science-fiction masterpiece that has director Denis Villeneuve earning the praise he deserves.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• What makes a man?  What is humanity?
• Life....the value of life, the meaning of life.

Things I liked:

• You had me at Ryan Gosling.  When he touched a piano key, I kind of hoped he'd start singing City Of Stars (From "La La Land" Soundtrack)  ha ha
• Ana de Armas is just fun to look at.  I loved her scenes with Ryan Gosling.
• Robin Wright sure has come a long way since The Princess Bride (one of my all-time faves.) 
• They did an amazing job with creating a new world and time.
• The cinematography by Roger Deakins is outstanding.  Some say it’s the best of his career and worthy of an Oscar.
• The sound is impressive, but sometimes annoying.
• There are many surprises, which makes movie-going so much fun.

Things I didn’t like:

• Everything is so dusty!  ha ha
• Some of the frames are just so long and drawn out and slow-moving.  Did I say the same thing three times?
• There are  a lot of scenes where people sit, think, and stare.
• Lots of monologues.
• It takes forever to be rewarded with scenes that include both Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling.
• You kind of have to watch both films more than once to really understand it.  I readily admit I don't get it all.

Tips for parents: 

• Kids may be confused with what’s happening and get bored.  Watching the movie requires a certain amount of patience.
• Violence.
• Some gory, bloody scenes.
• Full female nudity.
• Prostitute action.
• Some profanity.

Never saw the original Blade Runner?   Click here to get a super cheap Blade Runner DVD!

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

John Wick Chapter 2 kicks you know what

Movie Title:    John Wick Chapter 2

Grade:  A-

Rating: R, 122 minutes of non-stop action and violence

In a Nutshell:  Revenge.  Huge body count.  Cool guns. Lots of violence.  Welcome back John Wick.

If you liked the first one, you'll love the sequel.  You can tell it's directed by a stuntman, Chad Stahelski. It's a master class in hand-to-hand combat. A movie critic from the Quad City Times described the stylish, slick film as a “ballet of violence.”  Well said.

Uplifting theme: 

• Persistence, tenacity
• Honor

Things I liked:

• Cool intro scene with motorcycle image on the façade of the building.
• Rome!  I absolutely love Italy.
• At times, there are subtitles, but I have to say they’re very stylish ones.
• Common does a great job as Cassian.
• The legend says John Wick killed 3 guys with a pencil.  You finally get to see that skill play out in this sequel.
• The film actually ties up loose ends from the first movie.
• Fans will be happy to see a cliff-hanger that assures another installment in this franchise.
• The trailer doesn’t reveal much of the story.  Thank you.
• Keanu Reeves does 95% of his own stuntman.  Check out some of the many impressive Keanu Reeves videos on YouTube that show how he trained for both John Wick movies.
• You get to learn more about the criminal “organization” and its underground world.  I thought the telephone operators with all the tattoos were hilarious. 

Things I didn’t like:

• Some of the scenes take place in dark catacombs, so this film will be hard to watch on a computer screen when it comes out on DVD.
• It’s ridiculous how many fight scenes there are in large crowds, yet the people around hardly bat an eye, let alone move out of the way or scream.
• John Wick has an excellent aim, yet so many of the other professionals keep missing their shots.

Interesting lines:

• “I’m not that guy anymore.” – John (Keanu Reeves)

“You’re always that guy, John.” – Santino D’Antonio

• “Rules.” – John

“Rules.  Without them, we’re like the animals.” – Winston (Ian McShane)

• “So, you have a choice.  You want a war or do you just want to give me a gun?” – John
• “Remember, you owe me.” – Bowery King

“You don’t want me owing you.” - John

 Funny lines:

• “Does he have a name, Sir?” – Charon (Lance Reddick) asking about John's dog.

“No.” – John

• “Never one to waste words.” – Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio)
• “I’d like a tasting.” – John (as he tests out various weapons)
• “And the lining?” – tailor

“Tactical.” – John

• “I’ll make it quick.” – Cassian

“I’d appreciate that.  I’ll try to do the same.” – John

• “7 million!  It’s Christmas!  We going to Applebee’s after this.” – Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne)  It was fun seeing Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne in some scenes together again after the Matrix 

Tips for parents: 

• This is very, very violent, as expected.
• Lots of blood and head shots.
• F-bombs and other profanity.

  

@trinaboice 

Independence Day: Resurgence gives fan service after 20 years

Movie Title:     Independence Day Resurgence

Grade:  B-

Rating:  PG-13, 119 minutes

In a Nutshell:    I absolutely loved the 1996 original Independence Day, so I was really excited to see this sequel that we all waited 20 years for.  Was it worth the wait?  Well, yes and no.  It has even bigger aliens, bigger destruction, and bigger action, yet doesn’t quite have the same charm as the first. 

Director Roland Emmerich knows how to pack the screen with action for a fun summer popcorn flick.  Just don't think too hard about the plot.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Have a little faith.” – Julius Levinson (Judd Hirsch)
• If we stand as one, we can do anything.
• “You can thank me later!” – Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth)

“I’ll thank you now!” – Dylan Hiller (Jessie T. Usher)

Things I liked:

• Who doesn’t adore Jeff Goldblum?  He carries the movie and seems to be having a good time being back in this story.  Wouldn’t it be fun to see him in the next Jurassic Park movie with Chris Pratt?
• Quite a few other cast members from the original movie joined this sequel: Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Brent Spiner, and Vivica Fox.
• You get to see the aliens up close.   
• See it in 3D if you can.  The opening universe scene is pretty cool.
• Area 51 in Nevada gets a lot of action in this film.  I live in Las Vegas, so one of these days I’ll have to take a drive out there.  I know, I know…you don’t get very far when the officials see you getting near. 
• There are lots of cool space ships and high tech gadgets that the humans have developed since acquiring alien technology from the last movie.
• Deobia Oparei is massive!  And pretty funny.

Things I didn’t like:

• It would have been fun to see Will Smith in this sequel.  He declined the offer, but they show a couple of pictures on walls to acknowledge his character’s accomplishments in the first movie as fan service.
• Mae Whitman played President Whitmore’s little girl in the 1996 movie, so why wasn’t she cast in the sequel as the grown-up daughter?  She’s a fantastic actress and was hilarious in "The Duff."  Sure, Maika Monroe is super cute, but still…
• There are often too many things happening on the screen at once.
• There are too many side characters that we just don’t have time to care about.
• What was supposed to be the big patriotic speech in this movie, fell flat and is completely unmemorable, as opposed to Bill Pullman’s awesome moment in the first movie when he said:

“We will not go quietly into the night.  We will not vanish without a fight!  We’re going to live on.  We’re going to survive.  Today we celebrate our….Independence Day!

• Jessie Usher plays Will Smith’s character’s son from the first movie.  While Will Smith had incredible charisma and added cool energy to the film, Jessie is surprisingly bland.
• Most females are in love with Liam Hemsworth (or his hunky brother), but he kind of plays the same character in every movie he’s in, right?
• Overall, it's pretty messy, both the film and the destruction.

Funny lines:

•  “Shouldn’t we be nervous?” – Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth)

“Um, yeah!” – David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum)

• “It speaks!  In English!” –  Dr. Brakis Okun (Brent Spiner)
• “This thing is way cooler than a machete!  (He accidentally fires the alien gun.)  Sorry!  My bad! – Floyd Rosenberg (Nicolas Wright)
• “You don’t want to fly?” – Dylan Hiller (Jessie T. Usher)

“No, I want to shoot!” – Jake Morrison (Liam Hemsworth)

• “There’s a tall, dangly man over there!” – Daisy (McKenna Grace)

“Tall, dangly man?  That’s my David!” – Julius Levinson (Judd Hirsch)

• “You’re grounded until further notice.” – Commander Jiang (Chin Han)

“Can I still watch TV?” – Jake Morrison

• “I was wondering if you’d like to get a drink or fall in love?” – Charlie (Travis Tope)
• “That is definitely bigger than the last one.” – David Levinson
• “Charlie, where are you?” – Jake

“Flying through your worst nightmare.” – Charlie

• “What goes up must come down.” – David
• “Pee your pants?” – Jake

“Uh, yeah!” – David

“Yeah, me too.” – Jake

Interesting lines:

•  “Why are they screaming?” – Patricia Whitmore (Maika Monroe)

“They’re not screaming.  They’re celebrating.” – Dr. Brakish Okun (Brent Spiner)

Inspiring lines:

• “I had 20 years to get us ready and we didn’t have a chance.” – David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum)

“We didn’t then either.” – Thomas Whitmore (Bill Pullman)

• “What we do in the next 12 minutes will either define humanity or finish us.” – General Adams (William Fichtner)
• “I’m not saving the world.  I’m saving you.” – Thomas Whitmore
• “We have to remind them that Earth is not for the taking.” – Dylan Hiller (Jessie Usher)
• “It’s the 4^th of July.  Let’s show them some fireworks.” – Dylan Hiller

Tips for parents:   

•  Profanity.
• There is a massive amount of devastation on Earth, yet you don’t feel invested in any of it, except for one character.  (No spoiler.)
• The aliens might scare young children.
• A couple of inappropriate jokes.

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.

Zoolander 2 has more cameos than humor

Movie Title:      Zoolander No.2

Grade:   C+

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes

In a Nutshell:    Blue steel is back!  If you loved the first Zoolander movie, like I did, you’ll generally get a kick out of this sequel.  If you didn’t enjoy it, then you’ll want to pass on this one, because it’s more of the same goofy nonsense.

Filled with TONS of celebrity cameos and a very thin plot, this ridiculous satire of the fashion industry and pop culture features Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Penelope Cruz, Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen.

Uplifting theme: 

• “How can you expect to love 11 people when you don’t even love yourself?” – Kiefer Sutherland (playing himself)
• What’s inside you is more important than what’s outside.
• Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Things I liked:

• The film includes special appearances of some of the icons in the fashion industry: Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, Valentino, Alexander Wang, Anna Wintour, and Mark Jacobs.
• Benedict Cumberbatch!
• You get a little history lesson in the beginning to fill you in on what has happened since the first Zoolander movie came out.  Has it really been 15 years?
• Other celebrity cameos include: Billy Zane, Ariana Grande, Kiefer Sutherland, Willie Nelson, Katie Perry, Sting, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Susan Boyle, Madonna, Usher, Lenny Kravitz, John Malkovich, M.C. Hammer, Olivia Munn, and many more.  Susan Sarandon appears and quotes a line she said in the movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show .
• #oops!
• Penelope Cruz works for Interpol in the Fashion Division.  Ha ha
• There isn’t a surprise at the end of the credits, but you can watch Mugatu dance as they roll.
• I liked what they did with Fred Armisen’s character.
• The beginning of the movie with Justin Bieber was pretty funny.
• A lot of the movie is filmed in Rome!  I love Rome!  Here are some pictures I took there during my last visit there a couple of years ago.

Things I didn’t like:

• Kristen Wiig’s character is so repulsive and hard to understand that there is very little humor on the screen when she appears.  I do, however, think it’s funny that she “floats”, rather than walks.
• Some of the fashion gags get a little tired.
• I actually laughed out loud several times, but most of the humor is really, really, ridiculously stupid and you can see them coming a mile away.
• For a movie to have a sequel, it has to have a good reason to exist.  Other than a money grab, there just isn't much there.  Huge Zoolander fans will probably be disappointed by that.

Funny lines:

• “I miss not knowing things with you.” – Derek
•  “Prison changed me.  I’m bad to the core now!” - Mugatu
• “Don’t drink the water or you’ll die.” – VIP
• Farm-to-table Wi-Fi….ha ha
• “All is all just married hermself.  Mono-marriage is legal in Rome now.” – VIP
• “We were a joke out there…a total laughing stick.” – Derek
• “Please accept my apologies, Derek.” – Valentina Valencia

“None taken.” – Derek

• “You’re the most narcissistic person I’ve ever met.” – Derek Junior

“But that’s not how I see myself.” – Derek

• “I’m not fat.” – Derek Junior

“He’s Plus Size!” - Derek

Tips for parents:   

• 1 F-bomb, although you get to hear Justin Bieber say “Oh fudge!”  Penelope Cruz swears in Spanish.
• Like the orgy scene in the first Zoolander movie, there is another one with Hansel.  
• Penelope Cruz is practically falling out of her bathing suit and blouses in every scene.  Zoolander grabs her chest in one scene and has an “aroused” profile in another.
• Mugatu and Todd have another odd sexual facial exchange like in the first film.
• Most of the characters are extremely shallow.  Talk to your kids about self-esteem and the importance of not judging people by their appearance alone.