Ralph Breaks the Internet

For his eight birthday party, my grandson chose the movie Ralph Breaks the Internet to share with the family. I liked Wreck it Ralph and remembered enough about the characters to follow the set up. The characters are still cute and charming. The quest part of the story takes Ralph and Vanelope to the internet. I loved the way the internet was depicted, creative and giggle inducing for me. The other bright spot was a story line with the Disney Princesses. So funny. The kids said that they preferred the first movie, but I preferred this one. Lots of fun.

Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindewald

Visiting my family for Thanksgiving, we chose Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindewald as our post-holiday movie. I was a bit lost in the first Fantastic Beasts film, so I read the Wikipedia entries on both films. At breakfast my grandsons were a fountain of details and refreshers on the world and I felt prepared. As we watched the movie I felt so grateful for that conversation. After the film the chat around details and backgrounds was lively and detailed. It was delightful. The movie was OK. Not much plot, but all kinds of asides to the wizarding world which are more in the books than the films. I still enjoyed it, but more-so the conversation. Thanks to my family for enhancing my movie experience.

Despicable Me 3

When asked if I would like to take my grandsons to see Despicable Me 3 I jumped at the chance. The series of Despicable films have amused me in the past. The villains are ridiculous but I like the kids, and the Minions crack me up. I was so happy to see this with the boys because we laughed a lot and their critical eye in their recaps are just as entertaining as the movie. The Minions really steal the show in this one. So funny.

Moana

It's always fun to see a movie with a large group of people. When my grandson chose Moana as the movie we were to see for his birthday I knew we were in for quite a ride. 21 adults and children were in our group, and we took up 3 rows in the theater. The short film Inner Workings set the tone for the theme of "follow your heart". Moana is the age-old story of a headstrong young girl who wants more than the protected world her parents insist on. She feels a destiny to help her people and sets off on a quest. In the exotic land of island culture we follow our optimistic hero. There is action, there is folklore, there is humor, there is heart and boy oh boy is there music! Lin Manuel Miranda weaves wonderful songs throughout the film in his own magical style. Moana is appealing and the young actress, Auli'i Cravalho, who plays her has a gorgeous voice. Everyone in our group loved this film and the packed theater applauded at the end. I look forward to seeing it again.

The Good Dinosaur

For his 5th birthday, my grandson chose The Good Dinosaur as his movie of choice. We packed up 20 adults and kids and invaded the local AMC the day after Thanksgiving. We were treated to a visually delightful film with a "get me home" story that was predictable but sweet. A lot of the characters were fun. I wish we had seen more of Beast who carried his neurosis and Deborah close. In the end I liked the characters and the message. Well done.

Hotel Transylvania 2

Staying with my grandsons recently, we wanted to see a movie. The boys had really enjoyed Hotel Transylvania so we decided on seeing Hotel Transylvania 2. What an entertaining film! The monsters are endearing, there were many laugh out loud moments and the theme of family is strong. Everyone in the theater seemed to enjoy this film. When I got home I rented Hotel Transylvania and was just as charmed, though I think the sequel was a little better. As Eli said, "the characters had more to do." Seven years old and solid film analyst. Nice job. 

The Iron Giant on the Big Screen

When I attended a panel with Brad Bird at Tribeca Film Festival in April, he announced that a special edition of The Iron Giant would be released in theaters in the fall. All I could think was that I wanted to take my grandsons who love the film as much as I do. 200 miles and busy schedules had me thinking that would never happen. Then Eli's birthday party got scheduled for the 3rd and The Iron Giant was playing on the 4th. Tickets were bought, I was one happy grandma. Seeing this for the first time on the big screen was pretty awesome and the kids were wide-eyed. It had been a while since we had seen the film, maybe a year or so. Even though it was familiar, it felt fresh as well. There was trivia before the film, extra scenes and a peek at a new documentary after the credits. As we walked out of the theater Miles delivered the ultimate compliment, "I want to watch that again, right now!" It was a great time at the movies with my favorite cinephiles.

The Lego Movie

Visiting my family this weekend, my daughter proposed that we take my 3 and 5 year old grandsons to see The Lego Movie. Having read positive reviews, I was all in. We arrived during the previews and sat second row. The film was sold out. It was fun to be so close, everything was huge. The plot was clever and the popular characters received cheers in the theater. There is a great reveal that enhances the plot. I really liked this film and so did the the kids. "Everything is Awesome..." Fun film!