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Shark Tale (2004)
Shark Tale (2004)
2004 | Action, Animation, Comedy
Ghastly. I mean holy shit these fish are fucking UGLY. I was expecting some sort of ironic enjoyment or overlooked nuance a la something like š˜š˜°š˜°š˜„š˜§š˜Ŗš˜Øš˜©š˜µ!, but instead I just got an in-your-face assault of nauseating animation and the worst sound design DreamWorks has ever shat out - Angelina Jolie is barely even audible in this. I'm a firm believer that the most aesthetically horrible time period was the 2000s - specifically the mid-2000s - and this tried so hard to be 'in the now' when it was released that it feels like looking back at some sort of garish cave drawing that serves as a reminder for how much society has progressed since then. For instance, you know how you can go back to Finding Nemo and not be repelled because it doesn't open with a fucking "MTV Cribs" parody? I've never been a huge fan of Will Smith's shtick but here it grates worse than it ever has before or since - and with such an irredeemable, downright annoying character like this fugly little idiot to boot. In fact the only intrigue in any of these voice performances are from Jack Black and - er - *checks notes* Martin Scorsese. I can't honestly say it was laugh-free but I can still say it sucks hard.
  
Captain Underpants (2017)
Captain Underpants (2017)
2017 | Animation, Comedy
Based off the bestselling kidsā€™ book series by Dav Pilkey, Captain

Underpants tells the story of George Beard (Kevin Hart) and Harold Hutchins

(Thomas Middleditch), a couple of over imaginative elementary school kids

that spend their days trying to make the most out of the daily monotonous

chore that is school by secretly playing pranks to keep themselves and

their fellow schoolmates entertained. And, trying to make sure they donā€™t

get caught by the school principal, Mr. Krupp (Ed Helm). Outside of

school, they spend countless hours in their treehouse creating comic

books.

 

Their greatest creation is the underwear sporting, high flying,

overly friendly, and extremely unintelligent superhero Captain Underpants.

Mr. Kruppā€™s main purpose in life is to make everyone elseā€™s life

miserable. When he threatens to separate the boys, put them in different

classrooms, after being caught playing a prank. The boys decide to

hypnotize their principal into becoming the incredible Captain Underpants.

Ecstatic about seeing their comic book come to life, they suddenly realize

their plan backfires when Mr. Krupp in Capt Underpants persona hires

Professor Poopypants (Nick Kroll) to be the schoolā€™s new science teacher.

Heā€™s no ordinary school teacher. Professor Poopypants wants to rid the

world of laughter starting with kids the at George and Haroldā€™s school. Oh

NO!!!!

 

 

 

This film is everything you would expect it to be: outlandish, vibrant, and

full of potty humor. Just enough to keep parents entertained and the

kiddos completely engaged. From what I gather, not having read the books,

but my son has, it follows the storyline pretty closely to the first novel

in the 8 book series. I am not surprised if Dreamworks capitalizes on this

and releases a movie for each book.
  
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Rufus Wainwright recommended Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys in Music (curated)

 
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
1966 | Psychedelic

"For me, this is very much a hallmark of where I was able fit in musically in my career. When I started out I was in Montreal, but went to New York periodically and failed miserably with what I was trying to do. It was right at the time that Jeff Buckley was on the rise, and grunge, and that whole movement was incredibly heterosexual, incredibly nihilistic, incredibly guitar-based and very, very dark. I admired it, I'm not against that, but when I was dropped into that equation I was this gay piano-playing opera queen who wanted to be romantic and harken back to other more refined eras. What I was trying to do just didn't make any sense in New York. People would often try to categorise me and say I was cabaret or that I should be doing Broadway. It was very complicated and I never figured it out. Then I was signed to Dreamworks, by Lenny Waronker ā€“ whom I believe helped make Pet Sounds. I went to Los Angeles and suddenly realised that I was definitely more part of the Brian Wilson tradition. Whether it was him or Randy Newman or Van Dyke Parks or Harry Nilsson, there was a kind of spot that I could fit into. So I listened a lot to Pet Sounds. You can hear it somewhat on my new album, songs like the last track 'Alone Time', but all through my career there's been a real concentration on harmonies and interesting chord changes and a dreamlike quality. I was able to find my niche through that tradition, as opposed to the East Coast. I have a lot to thank Brian Wilson for, he allowed me to inhabit my world comfortably, as opposed to when I was in New York and I was a total anathema to what was happening there. I can't say that I listened to the album obsessively or that I'm obsessed with him and know all his work, but I definitely feel I am a Wilsonite."

Source
  
The Boss Baby (2017)
The Boss Baby (2017)
2017 | Animation, Comedy, Family
Tim (voiced by Tobey Maguire) is a very imaginative child. He is an only child. very loved by his Mom (voiced by Lisa Kudrow) and Dad (voiced by Jimmy Kimmel). They put him to bed with as many stories as he wants and even sing his special song. Tim lives a life of bliss as the apple of their eyes. His idyllic life falls apart overnight.

Mom and Dad no longer have time for Timā€™s bedtime rituals. No more books, story time and most of allā€¦no Timā€™s special song! At least, not for him. The Boss Baby (Voiced by Alec Baldwin) has taken over the house and everyoneā€™s lives. This baby is getting all of the attention. When it seems that Mom and Dad have a moment, they are asleep.

As Mom and Dad snooze, Tim discovers that the baby can talk. This is not an ordinary baby, his brother is The Boss Baby, a secret agent sent to infiltrate Puppy Co to find out how to stop the top secret project. At first Tim and Boss Baby are at odds.

They realize, in order to get what they want (Tim, to be an only child again and The Boss Baby wants the promotion to the top spot), they need to work together. The competitive nature of the sibling dynamic is hilarious and the development of their relationship as they learn to like each other has some sweet moments.

Dreamworks based this film on the 2010 childrenā€™s book from Marla Frazee of the same title. The adaptation fleshes out the story, introducing us to the family dynamic. We also learn that the Boss Baby is there to stop the nefarious Francis Francis (voiced by Steve Buscemi) and his evil plot. Boss Baby, with his baby crew and Tim, plan to save the day.

The Actors voice the characters so well, I was immersed in the story and characters. There were more than a few laughs and one snort laugh. It is an animated feature I would definitely recommend as a go see.
  
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
2019 | Animation
See it soar
#howtotrainyourdragon3 is a delightful, #passionate & #epic end to one of the best #animated trilogies of all time. This 3rd film sets itself apart from the others with its realistic portrayals of #love & by the sheer #heart & #dedication that's clearly gone into its making. Ill start with the themes explored here for a #kids animated #film are so well done that at times i felt not only #goosebumps & shivers going up my #body but my eyes were almost on the verge of tears too. Neglect, progression, sacrafice acceptance, belonging, #family bonds, learning & loyalty are explored here vastly but the biggest surprise comes from how the film depicts love & loss. Courtship is displayed here with such power/realism that my connection to the characters became stronger & #memories of my own #relationships came flooding back instantly bringing a #smile to my face. This film captures the thrill, the excitement, the #magic, the #nerves, the #butterflies of falling in love & meeting someone new so well that you simply can not help feel giddy, #happy & intoxicated by it all which is rare & something big blockbusters even fail to achieve these days. But with love always comes loss/betrayal too & as romantic love, family love & #friendship are handled extremely well so is the loss of love which hits like a punch to the gut & produces a huge dramatic effect ensuring you really do feel the lows as well as the highs each of these characters experience. Animation is glorious here with #dreamworks raising the bar to a #pixar quality flawless animation. Textures are photo realistic, lighting is blinding, action is beautifully staged & facial detail (especially for the main villain) is so good it gives the characters extra dimension & believability. Talking of the main #villain he is worth the price alone, never have i seen such a cold, calculating, methodical & merciless yet #charming & #smart bad guy in a #kids film before & #fmurrayabraham voice work goes beyond for him too. Score wise it shines providing both epic & sombre music adding great tension, atmosphere & heart. Such a well made, touching/moving tale full of heart, #soul & love. EPIC. #Odeon #howtotrainyourdragon #dragon
  
Trolls (2016)
Trolls (2016)
2016 | Animation, Family
The new film ā€˜Trollsā€™ by Dreamworks opens nationwide November 4.

Trolls is an animated kids movie starring the voices of Anna Kendrick as Poppy, heir to the Trolls, and her pessimistic best friend Branch, voiced by Justin Timberlake.

Trolls opens with a quick summary of the Trolls personalityā€“ they are always happy, love to hug, party and dance. This is immediately followed up by revealing the trolls biggest predicament: the Bergens.

The Bergens donā€™t feel anything at all and donā€™t enjoy doing anything, the only amount of happiness they feel comes from eating the trolls on a holiday they deemed ā€œTrollstisā€.

I actually enjoyed this concept although it is a bit dark for children. The film however, manages to stay away from having a dark tone throughout. Instead, itā€™s filled with cheesy musical numbers and has a very basic plot, I.e. trolls get kidnapped and need to be rescued.

The character depth is pretty slim and the only character development we really see is with Branch (Timberlake) who goes from being pessimistic and a downer to positive and happy by the very end.

Multiple times during the movie I found myself asking ā€œwhen is this going to end?ā€. There was maybe one moment throughout the entire movie that got a half chuckle out of me and that was absolutely it.

Despite such big names like Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Russell Brand, Zoey Deschanel and Gwen Stefani, the subtle adult jokes sprinkled throughout the movie were few and far betweenā€¦. Rather than most recent films targeted at kids, that have an underlying thread aimed at drawing in adults and making it worthwhile for the adults to attend, Trolls adult aimed content seemed to be at an absolute bare minimum.

Therefore, my conclusions are this: If youā€™re looking for a kids movie that also has substance that reaches adults, this film doesnā€™t make the list. This film is simply a kids movie in every way.

However, if you want to take your kid to a movie that lights up his face and brightens his day this movie is worth sitting through.

Iā€™d give this movie 2/5 stars as an adult, but the 8 year old boy gives it 5/5.
  
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
2012 | Action, Animation, Family
9
7.9 (40 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Remember what it was like when you were in elementary school and it snowed? Remember that feeling of anticipation waiting for your mom to say, ā€œNo school today kidsā€, and once she did you just knew you were going to have a blast? If not, you will when you see ā€œRise of the Guardiansā€, The newest animated movie from Dreamworks casts Jack Frost (Chris Pine), the Sand Man, Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), and the Boogie Man (Jude Law). The later four, except the Boogie Man, all fulfill their individual roles and come together as a group to protect children as the Guardians.

Cast out centuries ago; Pitch (Law) concocts a plan to bring fear back into childrenā€™s hearts by turning their dreams into nightmares. This fear will make him more powerful and, as the Guardianā€™s lose childrenā€™s belief, they become less powerful and are not as able to fight him off. Around the same time that Pitch was cast out, the Man in the Moon picks Jack to be the newest Guardian. Jack is literally left out in the cold for the next 300 years which he spends having fun, creating mischief, and causing snow days. However, he is also on a search for what he is meant to do in life, and why he is here. Something that people of all ages can understand. Through helping the Guardians he finds his purpose.

You know you are at a good show when you sit in an audience consisting mostly of children and hear nothing but the movie. This was a great movie for kids of all ages; I laughed through the whole thing! I loved Santa Claus and his Yetis. They added comic relief that any adult will enjoy. The voice casting was spot on, and each character is relatable in some way. The story of finding oneā€™s self will capture childrenā€™s attention and remind adults that they are always on that journey, but it is supposed to be fun. Both children and adults alike will be captivated by the dreams, wonder, memories, hope, and fun this movie provides.
  
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Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) created a post

May 28, 2019  
So took my nephews to the #cinema today for the first time ever to see #howtotrainyourdragon3. Possibly one of the most rewarding & #magical experiences ive ever had. Seeing both thier faces light up in awe, excitement & wonder as it started is a #memory ill never forget. Sitting next to #Hudson & watching him shuvel popcorn in automatically without even breaking eye conact with screen showed me just how immersed he had become in the film too. Once the #popcorn had gone we started having little conversations about what was going one & thats when i realised suprisingly just how much he was actually following the story & taking it all in. After a slight lul in the middle (where he had a little lie down on his dads lap) he was soon back up leaning forward on the edge of his seat with me cheering & clapping as #toothless revield a new hidden #power he had learnt. Coming towards the end of the film Hudson went through moments of sheer panic, #surprise, sadness until finally lighting up with pure joy shouting out after the final set piece "I REALLY REALLY LOVED THAT BIT" & "Toothless is my favorite" which was so unbelievably #cute. As the film came to a close he started to become sad as the realiseation we were about to leave finally set in he turned to his dad & said "please can we come again tomorrow?" & "wait can we stay its not over theres more still" pointing at the credits. I think the entire experience just made me realise how truly magical & important the escapisum of film really is & just how many #feelings & #emotions a good movie can spark in you as you get lost/absorbed into it. I think it also reminded me of my first experience too & how it paved a way for the #love & adiction i have to film now. Bottom line is simply can not wait to take them again it was so rewarding & i urge any parent worrying about taking thier #kids for the first time to just do it (yes there will be teething problems but the reward of seeing thier little faces light up is oh so worth worth it). #EPIC. #sundayfunday #children #funny #weekend #family #sunday #vue #odeon #popcorn #beautiful #daysout #howtotrainyourdragon #dreamworks #filmbuff #filmcritic #joy #
     
Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
2016 | Animation
9
7.4 (20 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The new Dreamworks Animation release Kung Fu Panda 3 has several big name actors voicing the characters. Among them are Jack Black as Po, Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Kate Hudson as Mei Mei, Bryan Cranston as Li, Dustin Hoffman as Shifu, Jackie Chan as Monkey,

Seth Rogan as Mantis and Lucy Liu as Viper.

Po discovers a long-lost relative who travels with him to a secret enclave of Panda relatives. Meanwhile, the trapped super-villain Kai escapes, and begins to defeat all the king-fu masters across the land.
Po must gather his new-found relatives and his long-time friends, and tries to train them to work together to defeat Kai.
What results is a heartwarming tale of friends & family working together to beat the odds, and of discovering that your strengths and abilities can be used in situations that might seem otherwise hopeless. It shows you that no matter what your capabilities are as an individual, working together can achieve great things.
The music throughout the film was engaging, and the graphics and animation were superb. This is one movie that is released in 3-D that is actually worth seeing in 3-D!
I had the 3 kids with me and they all loved it. The youngest, a girl, is 6, and her comment was ā€˜That movie was AWESOME!ā€™, and her favorite part was ā€˜all the cool fighting scenesā€™
The oldest, a 9 year old boy, said ā€˜it was a GREAT movie!ā€™, and his favorite part was when Po discovered his dad again.
The middle child, 7, a boy says ā€˜I thought it was so great that I wanted to cryā€™, and his favorite part was the baby pandas doing their tricks to help defeat Kai.
From an adult perspective I thought it was a great family film, with a message of acceptance and working together despite our differences in order to accomplish a common goal. I loved how Poā€™s adopted father and natural father worked together and got along and that they all ended up as ā€˜familyā€™, without sides being chosen. I felt that was a really great message in this day & age.
I would give this movie a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for any family looking for a fun activity to head out to on the weekend.
  
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
2019 | Animation
Visually stunning and exhilarating, great to be back in the world of Berk (0 more)
Kinda not as epic feeling in scope, in comparison to the previous 2 films, something felt missing just a bit. (0 more)
Flying On Fumes: Bittersweet End to Dragons - 7/10
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is the final installment in the trilogy of films based on the books by Cressidia Cowell. It was written and directed by Dean Deblois, produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal. With a returning cast starring Jay Burachel, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, and Craig Ferguson.


One year after (How To Train Your Dragon 2) Hiccup (Jay Burachel) and friends defended Berk from the threat of Drago Bludvist; the group is still rescuing dragons and relocating them back to their village. Now however the villagers are dealing with a problem of overcrowding and overpopulation of dragons. Hiccup begins the process of finding a new home for everyone to relocate to, the fabled "Hidden World" of the dragons. The conflict of the film enters when the Vikings whose dragons Hiccup has been freeing, seek the help of Grimmel the Grisly (F. Murray Abraham), a dragon hunter responsible for the eradication and near extermination of all Night Furies. And also Toothless being enamoured with the discovery of a female White Fury dragon.


This movie was really good and while watching I had fun seeing the whole group dynamic and how everyone interacted with each other. It felt awesome seeing them again and how they all grew up a little over the last year. When comparing this movie to the others in the series, it felt like it fell short especially for being the last movie in the trilogy. I guess it was hard to surpass how great the last film was. While visually stunning and exhilarating at times it failed to be as great as it could have and felt like something was missing in this conclusion to an epic series. The atmosphere of the movie felt like it never quite matched the tone that they were trying to set with the seriousness of the plot. It's like only the main character felt the weight of the world on his shoulders but it is a kids movie after all. Like I said certainly enjoyable, I give it a 7/10.