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RəX Regent (349 KP) rated Tangled (2010) in Movies
Mar 7, 2019
Not Shrek 5... Though I can understand the error...
Contains spoilers, click to show
Last night I went to see Shrek 5
No, I actually went to see a Disney digimation which was trying to cash in on the former franchise. But despite its look, this was Disney through and through. Lacking the wit of Pixar and the sharp zaniness of Dreamworks, this was part musical, part sweeping rom-com.
What has happened to this studio, when they lack the confidence to make their films, their way? If this had been hand drawn animation it would have been twice the film, but instead we're treated to a mongrel 3D digimation with the story and style of Disney, Dreamworks and Pixar, but done without any of the flare of any of them.
The 3D was effective but the whole concept is now becoming very, very boring and I would have preferred to have seen it in 2D to be honest. It was never the less enjoyable, it made me laugh and some of the character development was quite effective, such a the horse, Maximus, who was as far removed from Shrek's 'Donkey' as you could imagine, especially as he never utters a word! I recon that kids and pure Disney fans will lap this up, though it is no Lion King, it's certainly an entertaining animation.
What has happened to this studio, when they lack the confidence to make their films, their way? If this had been hand drawn animation it would have been twice the film, but instead we're treated to a mongrel 3D digimation with the story and style of Disney, Dreamworks and Pixar, but done without any of the flare of any of them.
The 3D was effective but the whole concept is now becoming very, very boring and I would have preferred to have seen it in 2D to be honest. It was never the less enjoyable, it made me laugh and some of the character development was quite effective, such a the horse, Maximus, who was as far removed from Shrek's 'Donkey' as you could imagine, especially as he never utters a word! I recon that kids and pure Disney fans will lap this up, though it is no Lion King, it's certainly an entertaining animation.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Megamind (2010) in Movies
Dec 5, 2018
Holds up well - very entertaining
When one thinks of Animation studios, the first 2 names that come to mind are, probably, PIXAR and DISNEY ANIMATION. Coming in 3rd on that list is probably DREAMWORKS with such hit franchises as SHREK, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and KUNG FU PANDA. But Dreamworks also made a few, fun "one-off" films (animation films that spawned no sequels), most notably OVER THE HEDGE, SHARK TALE and the animated film I'm reviewing today, MEGAMIND.
What? You don't remember MEGAMIND? Well, you should. Spooffing SuperHero films by focusing on the villain, Megamind stars some incredible voice talents - Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, David Cross and Johan Hill - and tells the cautionary tale of "be careful what you wish for, you just might get it."
Ferrell, of course, stars as the titular Megamind, a Super Villain who after years of failure, finally defeats SuperHero Megaman (Brad Pitt). He realizes that without his arch-nemesis, his life is empty and begins to search for meaning in his life. Along for the journey is a reporter (Tina Fey), her Cameraman (Jonah Hill) and Megamind's Minion (long before Despicable Me), David Cross.
Sounds like pretty standard stuff, huh? But in the hands of comedians like Ferrell, Fey, Cross and Hill it elevates itself to something more. The comic sensibilities make a little more sense to me when I realized that Ben Stiller and Justin Theroux were the Excecutive Producers - both very funny men. They, smartly, turned the Direction of this film over to Dreamworks Animation veteran Tom McGrath (REN & STIMPY, some of the MADAGASCAR films and THE BOSS BABY), he keeps the events of the film moving swiftly and simply, being really clear of the events and motivations of the players while not getting too clever and complex.
I caught this film on HBO, and am sure you can stream it elsewhere. If you're looking for a fun film for the whole family this Holiday Season - especially one without Princes & Princesses in it - check out MEGAMIND, it's a fun way to spend a few hours.
Letter Grade: A-
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
What? You don't remember MEGAMIND? Well, you should. Spooffing SuperHero films by focusing on the villain, Megamind stars some incredible voice talents - Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, David Cross and Johan Hill - and tells the cautionary tale of "be careful what you wish for, you just might get it."
Ferrell, of course, stars as the titular Megamind, a Super Villain who after years of failure, finally defeats SuperHero Megaman (Brad Pitt). He realizes that without his arch-nemesis, his life is empty and begins to search for meaning in his life. Along for the journey is a reporter (Tina Fey), her Cameraman (Jonah Hill) and Megamind's Minion (long before Despicable Me), David Cross.
Sounds like pretty standard stuff, huh? But in the hands of comedians like Ferrell, Fey, Cross and Hill it elevates itself to something more. The comic sensibilities make a little more sense to me when I realized that Ben Stiller and Justin Theroux were the Excecutive Producers - both very funny men. They, smartly, turned the Direction of this film over to Dreamworks Animation veteran Tom McGrath (REN & STIMPY, some of the MADAGASCAR films and THE BOSS BABY), he keeps the events of the film moving swiftly and simply, being really clear of the events and motivations of the players while not getting too clever and complex.
I caught this film on HBO, and am sure you can stream it elsewhere. If you're looking for a fun film for the whole family this Holiday Season - especially one without Princes & Princesses in it - check out MEGAMIND, it's a fun way to spend a few hours.
Letter Grade: A-
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Aladdin (1992) in Movies
Sep 15, 2017
Robin Williams is fantastic in Aladdin during the 1990's Disney Renaissance
This film just makes me melancholic now watching the sheer genius Robin Williams as the Genie. To improvise the character to such an extent just goes to show Williams' incredible talent.
The animation itself is the first time to feature a non-white Disney princess, hence it is important to show the significance of characters from BAME backgrounds. It's disappointing to hear that the movie version is going to be whitewashed.
It is funny, clever, and is part of the 'Disney Renaissance' - a hip new sensibility to animated features and which still stands up in the age of Pixar and DreamWorks thanks largely to RW.
The animation itself is the first time to feature a non-white Disney princess, hence it is important to show the significance of characters from BAME backgrounds. It's disappointing to hear that the movie version is going to be whitewashed.
It is funny, clever, and is part of the 'Disney Renaissance' - a hip new sensibility to animated features and which still stands up in the age of Pixar and DreamWorks thanks largely to RW.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Boss Baby (2017) in Movies
Jan 5, 2018
Alec Baldwin (1 more)
Good plot idea
Pretty average
I hadn’t been expecting much from The Boss Baby, and I’m afraid it pretty much lived up to my expectations.
I love Alec Baldwin voicing the baby, and I think the actual plot idea is fairly imaginative and a good take on families having a new baby. The animation was good although I wouldn’t expect any less from Dreamworks. It’s just a shame the rest of the film is a bit of a let down. It’s been made mostly for kids, so I found little to keep me amused (anything vaguely funny had already been shown in the trailer) and the storyline itself was fairly predictable. It’s one of the many watchable but instantly forgettable animated films.
I love Alec Baldwin voicing the baby, and I think the actual plot idea is fairly imaginative and a good take on families having a new baby. The animation was good although I wouldn’t expect any less from Dreamworks. It’s just a shame the rest of the film is a bit of a let down. It’s been made mostly for kids, so I found little to keep me amused (anything vaguely funny had already been shown in the trailer) and the storyline itself was fairly predictable. It’s one of the many watchable but instantly forgettable animated films.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Abominable (2019) in Movies
Oct 23, 2019 (Updated Oct 23, 2019)
The Abominable Yeki Snowman
This is such as great movie. Dreamworks does it again with its animation. It is visually beautiful.
The Plot: When teenage Yi (Chloe Bennet, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), name him “Everest” and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish (Eddie Izzard), a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) to help Everest get home.
It is a great movie and has a great message. If you havent seen it, than i would highly reccordmend it.
The Plot: When teenage Yi (Chloe Bennet, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), name him “Everest” and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish (Eddie Izzard), a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) to help Everest get home.
It is a great movie and has a great message. If you havent seen it, than i would highly reccordmend it.
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated The Road to El Dorado (2000) in Movies
Nov 18, 2019
The songs (4 more)
The Characters
The design
The message
No unnecessary sequel!
Catchy, heartfelt, and whimsical... suck it Disney!
Tulio and Muigel are a couple of con artists who need to make a hasty escape. Some shenanigans insue, and the pair find themselves far away from home, looking for the fabled city of gold, So Dorado.
They are mistaken for Aztec gods and must keep up their farce in order to leave with some gold, and their heads.
It comments on the way some cultures are explored by explorers and in its subtle way, teaches us to open out minds and eyes to the ways of others.
A beautiful tale of fun and friendship, the humour is great for kids, with some adult jokes in there to keep the parents entertained too.
One of DreamWorks great animated films, it is a must for all ages.
They are mistaken for Aztec gods and must keep up their farce in order to leave with some gold, and their heads.
It comments on the way some cultures are explored by explorers and in its subtle way, teaches us to open out minds and eyes to the ways of others.
A beautiful tale of fun and friendship, the humour is great for kids, with some adult jokes in there to keep the parents entertained too.
One of DreamWorks great animated films, it is a must for all ages.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Chicken Run (2000) in Movies
Jul 23, 2020
Chickens Can Run
I love the stop motion animation. It is perfect, its excellent and phenomenal. Chicken Run was Aardman Animations' first feature-length production, which would be executive produced by Jake Eberts. Nick Park and Peter Lord, who run Aardman, directed the film. The movie is a loose parody of the film The Great Escape.
The plot: Award-winning DreamWorks animation from the Aardman team, telling the story of a band of chickens doomed to a life of egg-laying on a Yorkshire chicken farm. When a flamboyant American rooster arrives on the scene, the hens hope he can teach them to fly to freedom. However, when a chicken-pie making machine is installed, their need becomes urgent and they must devise other means of escape.
Its a excellent film. It has humor, adventure, darkness and most of all chickens. Lots of them. A must see if you haven't already.
The plot: Award-winning DreamWorks animation from the Aardman team, telling the story of a band of chickens doomed to a life of egg-laying on a Yorkshire chicken farm. When a flamboyant American rooster arrives on the scene, the hens hope he can teach them to fly to freedom. However, when a chicken-pie making machine is installed, their need becomes urgent and they must devise other means of escape.
Its a excellent film. It has humor, adventure, darkness and most of all chickens. Lots of them. A must see if you haven't already.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Onward (2020) in Movies
Dec 19, 2020
I'll keep this one relatively short - Onward is fucking delightful. It's brimming with charm, it's emotionally exhausting, it's full of colour.
It feels different for Pixar. The opening scenes feel more like a Dreamworks effort, but it's not long before the studio's signature stamp is prominent. The narrative is imaginative, and emotionally draining. I'm a goddam grown man and I 100% was welling up on multiple occasions. I'm a big brother who has always hoped that my younger brother looks up to me, and I frequently feel that I don't always get it right, so this screenplay really got me. Right in the feels.
It also happens to have a damn fine voice cast just to seal the deal.
Onward is genuinely brilliant. Seeing Pixar's take on the realm of Tolkien-esque fantasy is wonderful, and it deserves to stand up with the studio's very best productions. Now excuse me whilst I go and cry into a pillow.
It feels different for Pixar. The opening scenes feel more like a Dreamworks effort, but it's not long before the studio's signature stamp is prominent. The narrative is imaginative, and emotionally draining. I'm a goddam grown man and I 100% was welling up on multiple occasions. I'm a big brother who has always hoped that my younger brother looks up to me, and I frequently feel that I don't always get it right, so this screenplay really got me. Right in the feels.
It also happens to have a damn fine voice cast just to seal the deal.
Onward is genuinely brilliant. Seeing Pixar's take on the realm of Tolkien-esque fantasy is wonderful, and it deserves to stand up with the studio's very best productions. Now excuse me whilst I go and cry into a pillow.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Watch out pixar
Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon was an example of setting your expectations low and coming out pleasantly surprised. The first film proved that the studio could create animated masterpieces and it left audiences across the globe hooked.
However, expectation has never been higher for its sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, but does it soar to the dizzying heights of its predecessor?
Thankfully the answer is a resounding yes. From beautiful animated dragons to breathtaking aerial-bound sequences, this sequel just about surpasses the original in every way.
Following on five years after events in the first film, Dragon 2 follows a 20-year-old Hiccup, voiced wonderfully by Jay Baruchel, and his sidekick Toothless in their home town of Berk as the residents come to terms with living peacefully alongside dragons.
Being Hiccup, he is naturally curious to learn about a legendary ‘dragon master’ who can enslave the beasts to form an army and sets out to persuade him to care for the animals like the villagers. This plot point is sidetracked from the outset however as we are introduced to Valka – Hiccup’s long lost mother, voiced by a rather miscast Cate Blanchett.
The bond between Hiccup and Toothless has grown massively in the five year break between films and this makes them even more enjoyable to watch. Yes, each of the villagers has their own dragon to look after, but it is the relationship between the two primary characters which we really care about the most.
Feline similarities in Toothless will not go unnoticed, his cat-like qualities give him an air of cuteness that you wouldn’t expect to come from such a menacing and ultimately deadly creature, and it is testament to Dreamworks that they have managed to craft such a personality for a character that never speaks.
The animation is also absolutely stunning, from the crystal waters of the sea around Berk to the people and dragons themselves, everything has been given an upgrade after the first film’s success and the battle scenes are beautiful in their simplicity – there’s no worrying about losing track of characters here.
However, it’s not all smoke and mirrors, the story has real meaning. Family values are explored, the way to treat animals is also looked at brieflyrs_634x1024-140205120546-634.cate-blanchett-bp.cm.2514 and ultimately, this is about one young man’s journey to maturity.
Unfortunately, the vocal performance of Cate Blanchett detracts somewhat from the overall magic. Her peculiar Scottish accent, which travels all over Europe by the time the end credits roll, is of particular annoyance and it’s a better film when she is not playing a central part. This is a shame as the realisation that Hiccup’s mother isn’t dead should be one of great consequence, but Blanchett’s strange acting hampers the scenes.
How to Train Your Dragon is to Dreamworks what WALL-E is to Pixar, each film is one of, if not the best animated feature from either studio and Dragon 2 follows that trend. It is the rare sequel that is superior to the first film – a la Spider-Man 2.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster too, and in some places very dark, possibly too much for children, but for teenagers and adults alike, there is something to enjoy here. From the engaging plot to the mesmerising soundtrack.
Overall, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a fine film, helped along the way by some incredible animation, amazingly deep characters and a meaningful story. Only a poor showing by Cate Blanchett stops it achieving perfection.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2014/07/16/watch-out-pixar-how-to-train-your-dragon-2-review/
However, expectation has never been higher for its sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, but does it soar to the dizzying heights of its predecessor?
Thankfully the answer is a resounding yes. From beautiful animated dragons to breathtaking aerial-bound sequences, this sequel just about surpasses the original in every way.
Following on five years after events in the first film, Dragon 2 follows a 20-year-old Hiccup, voiced wonderfully by Jay Baruchel, and his sidekick Toothless in their home town of Berk as the residents come to terms with living peacefully alongside dragons.
Being Hiccup, he is naturally curious to learn about a legendary ‘dragon master’ who can enslave the beasts to form an army and sets out to persuade him to care for the animals like the villagers. This plot point is sidetracked from the outset however as we are introduced to Valka – Hiccup’s long lost mother, voiced by a rather miscast Cate Blanchett.
The bond between Hiccup and Toothless has grown massively in the five year break between films and this makes them even more enjoyable to watch. Yes, each of the villagers has their own dragon to look after, but it is the relationship between the two primary characters which we really care about the most.
Feline similarities in Toothless will not go unnoticed, his cat-like qualities give him an air of cuteness that you wouldn’t expect to come from such a menacing and ultimately deadly creature, and it is testament to Dreamworks that they have managed to craft such a personality for a character that never speaks.
The animation is also absolutely stunning, from the crystal waters of the sea around Berk to the people and dragons themselves, everything has been given an upgrade after the first film’s success and the battle scenes are beautiful in their simplicity – there’s no worrying about losing track of characters here.
However, it’s not all smoke and mirrors, the story has real meaning. Family values are explored, the way to treat animals is also looked at brieflyrs_634x1024-140205120546-634.cate-blanchett-bp.cm.2514 and ultimately, this is about one young man’s journey to maturity.
Unfortunately, the vocal performance of Cate Blanchett detracts somewhat from the overall magic. Her peculiar Scottish accent, which travels all over Europe by the time the end credits roll, is of particular annoyance and it’s a better film when she is not playing a central part. This is a shame as the realisation that Hiccup’s mother isn’t dead should be one of great consequence, but Blanchett’s strange acting hampers the scenes.
How to Train Your Dragon is to Dreamworks what WALL-E is to Pixar, each film is one of, if not the best animated feature from either studio and Dragon 2 follows that trend. It is the rare sequel that is superior to the first film – a la Spider-Man 2.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster too, and in some places very dark, possibly too much for children, but for teenagers and adults alike, there is something to enjoy here. From the engaging plot to the mesmerising soundtrack.
Overall, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a fine film, helped along the way by some incredible animation, amazingly deep characters and a meaningful story. Only a poor showing by Cate Blanchett stops it achieving perfection.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2014/07/16/watch-out-pixar-how-to-train-your-dragon-2-review/
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) in Movies
Nov 11, 2019
A great conclusion!
I fell in love with this franchise when I saw the first film in the cinema. I had a pass at the time, so watched it three times that week.
The second instalment tugged my heartstrings, and I was nervous to see what the third would do. Would it suffer from classic third fizzle syndrome? Will it have a satisfying conclusion? Will I like it? No, yes, and YES!
They managed to capture all the essence of the original, but made it enough of an evolution to realy show progress. So much character development and to come up with an end that says "Yes, this story is done" but also that they live on and it is the start of new things.
As someone who started in her late (very late) teens, watching a young Hiccup finding his feet, to grow with him and Toothless has been magical. I now have my own baby, and can not wait to share these films with him.
This trilogy is, I feel, the best thing to come out of DreamWorks, and while neither sequel is quite as strong as the first, they stand up as sone of the best in cinema!.
The second instalment tugged my heartstrings, and I was nervous to see what the third would do. Would it suffer from classic third fizzle syndrome? Will it have a satisfying conclusion? Will I like it? No, yes, and YES!
They managed to capture all the essence of the original, but made it enough of an evolution to realy show progress. So much character development and to come up with an end that says "Yes, this story is done" but also that they live on and it is the start of new things.
As someone who started in her late (very late) teens, watching a young Hiccup finding his feet, to grow with him and Toothless has been magical. I now have my own baby, and can not wait to share these films with him.
This trilogy is, I feel, the best thing to come out of DreamWorks, and while neither sequel is quite as strong as the first, they stand up as sone of the best in cinema!.