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Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)
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Any time there's a sequel audiences are divided.
Die-hard fans of the original will say anything but something critical about the film, casual fans will approach with apprehension, and anyone who doesn't fall into those two categories will trash it because something that started out small, as a cult like sleeper hit, is now popular and in the mainstream. So this is the battle facing everyone involved with Pitch Perfect 2, and thankfully it's a battle the cast and crew come out of as close to the top as possible.
It's impossible to make a perfect movie, even more impossible to make a perfect sequel. Any fault found in Pitch Perfect comes at the expense of trying to both honor the original film and outdo it. After a hilarious and effective opening scene, the film loses its momentum as it sets up new story and realizes how high its own stakes are.
Fortunately, the lagging doesn't last too long after the Bella's endure a mishap setting them back into their underdog status. As underdogs, this is when the characters shine, and a real positive to this movie is showing characters that are not just what they appear to be on the surface. Unusually for a sequel, Pitch Perfect 2 allows characters to grow and begins pushing them in different directions.
A key argument among fans seems to be the change in Beca's character. She is not as surly and sarcastic as she is in the first film, likely because the changes her character faces do not permit her to rely on what she has used to deal with her life before.
Like in the first, the film works best when all the Bellas come together. It's good to see a film full of multifaceted characters who fight, argue, deal with uncertainty, but ultimately support each other and find some success. Hailee Steinfeld is a pleasant surprise as the new legacy joining the Bellas, giving the film a breath of fresh air and letting the other characters grow up a little.
Surprisingly, giving all the press that surrounded the music chosen for the film, no song is a particular standout, aside from maybe "Flashlight". Some of the songs chosen have already been redone in television and movies recently, so it's a wonder why those songs were picked to feature in a movie about a group trying to find a competitive edge. Still, the songs lend themselves to inspired numbers in the movie, ending with a finale performance that is worth the movie ticket price alone.
Pitch Perfect 2 does not manage to escape some of the bloated-ness of stuffing a lot of material into a sequel to top the original (as well as obligatory product placement), but more than makes up with it from earnest performances from the entire cast. While the film skewers almost everyone with its humor, warm direction save it from being cruel, and no one in the film performs from a standpoint that they were contractually obligated to. Aca-applause to everyone involved.
Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return (2013)
From someone that actually saw the movie
First off, this isn't "Frozen", nor will any other movie ever be, or should any animated movie be judged against it. This movie needs to be viewed for what it is, and what it is, is pretty darn good.
Let me say I do have a little bias because I love the world and story of "The Wizard of Oz", and I am a fan of Lea Michele. That being said, this was a pleasant surprise of a movie the trailer and critics don't give it credit for.
Yes, the animation is not on the cutting edge, but remember this movie comes from an independent studio from a budget of half of what the other movies this has been compared to had at its disposal. And what they've managed to come up with is an enjoyable film.
There's a nostalgic charm to the whole thing. Dorothy is brave, spirited, and fun. She's not a secret sexpot or being cutesy dumb like many female protagonists are these days. Wiser and Marshall Mallow are two fun new characters, and the Jester is an interesting while not necessarily scary villain.
The filmmakers have taken steps to respect the world of Oz and hid a few darling nods to the 1939 classic. (Spoiler alert: one of my favorite moments was when the Wicked Witch of the West made an appearance.) Some of the animated sequences are truly inspired, such as the beginning credits with the tornado sequence, Dorothy's rainbow trip to Oz, the firefly sequence, and the Jester's back story.
None of the songs slowed down the action and advanced the story. Hugh Dancy had a surprisingly smooth and pleasant singing voice, and "When the World" sung twice by Lea Michele is a highlight of the film.
There were only a few shortcomings of the movie, one of which was the end. It seemed very abrupt, with Glinda and friends basically saying thanks and goodbye and quickly sending Dorothy on her way. Bernadette Peters' voice wasn't really a good fit to the design of Glinda as well.
In conclusion, "Legends of Oz" was a pleasant surprise. Oz fans will definitely enjoy it, and anyone who likes animated films will too if they give it a chance.
Lizzie McGuire (2001)
What Disney Channel should be
Any comments about this show being terrible are completely unfounded. This, along with "Phil of the Future" is the embodiment of what Disney Channel should be.
Each episode is funny and doesn't talk down to kids. It invites you to share in a life lesson but is not forced down your throat. Funny and relatable, it appeals to both kids, teens, and adults.
With Hannah Montana and High School Musical, Disney Channel has scraped the bottom of the barrel. Few adults or people over the age of 12 can stomach the garbage. Sure, Disney is rolling in money now, but if they want a future they should rethink their programming choices, and use "Lizzie" as an example.
School for Scoundrels (2006)
Funny and sweet although not perfect
Jon Heder is Roger, who signs up to take a class for losers taught by Billy Bob Thorton in this genuinely funny and charming screwball comedy.
The story is simple enough and follows the same old formula but still engaging and offers some genuinely funny and smart moments. Jon Heder is good at playing the likable loser who still wears pajamas to bed and gets tongue tied around girls while Billy Bon Thorton fits perfectly in the cynical "mean guy" role. Supporting roles from Jacinda Barret, Micheal Clarke Duncan and Sarah Silverman as well as the sweet and innocent nature of Jon Heder's character keep the movie from getting too bland. I would have liked to see a bit more of an ending to wrap things up.
Overall this movie was funny and enjoyable and worth renting if you missed it in theaters or are looking for a decent comedy.
Love Wrecked (2005)
Loved it!
This was a great movie. Of course, there are things wrong with it, but it is very enjoyable and stands up among the wasteland of teen comedies. A talented cast with some funny moments and a sweet storyline keep this movie from becoming just another teen waste.
The story is simple. Jenny loves a rock star and is delighted when she is shipwrecked with him on an island, only to find out they are steps away from the resort she was working at.
Amanda Bynes never misses a comic beat, although here she doesn't have enough to do. She manages to retain and sense of reality in the bizarre plot her character finds herself. Jonathan Bennet is sweet and welcome as Jenny's best friend Ryan who also has deeper feelings for her. I found myself rooting for them to get together at the end. The moment where Ryan rescues Jenny from a storm is one of the best in the movie. The role of Alexis is stereotypical and one dimensional. The jokes are actually clever instead of using lame and inappropriate sex jokes. Jenny wants to find romance from someone who really loves her instead of just to date someone for sex like in many teen comedies.
There are some weak moments, mainly due to the supporting cast. Lance Bass is annoying and unnecessary. Joey Kern's Milo is annoying as well. Kathy Griffin is underused. Despite these shortcomings, the movie is enjoyable thanks to good performances from Amanda Bynes and Jonathan Bennet.
Overall, this is a funny and sweet movie. I would recommend it to any Amanda Bynes fan or anyone looking for a sweet and wholesome teen comedy.
Material Girls (2006)
Not horrible, but not great
Reviewer Bias: Loves Hilary Duff "Material Girls" is not horrible, but not great either. It is not anywhere near the worst film, but it will not be pining for an Oscar either. Viewers need to understand this movie isn't trying to be a deeply moving, sweeping, comedy epic. It is just a light film trying to entertain and get a few laughs, and does so successfully.
Ava and Tanzie Marchetta are empty headed but nevertheless celebrated socialites, and the head of the Marchetta cosmetic company. Their world is torn out from under their feet when a scandal erupts, leaving them with nothing.
Hilary and Haylie deliver comical, over the top performances as Ava and Tanzie. The fun they had creating these characters and taking them over the top is evident on screen. Angelica Houstan delivers a solidly delicious performance as Fabiella. The emotion of the movie comes in large part from Inez, the house keeper as the girls realize she truly cares about them and wants them to succeed.
Much of the humor of the film comes from idiotic sincerity of Ava and Tanzie as they try to adjust to a "normal" way of life, such as when Tanzie gripes about not getting unemployment money and argues that she should get more, having never been employed. Hilary's line about what happens on public buses is one of the funniest in the whole movie and Haylie shows a different side in the more dramatic moments in the movie. Director Martha Coolidge adds a style and flair to the picture that otherwise could have been a disaster.
This movie could have been better if it showed more of the girls' change of heart at the end of the movie. There should have also been more of a sense of panic as the scandal goes down. More time should have been spent showing the change of the girls at the end instead of finding clues in the middle.
This movie isn't great, but it is entertaining and humorous and worth a rental.
The Perfect Man (2005)
Good effort from Hilary
Hilary Duff once again steps into her comfortable role as the good girl next door, this time as Heather Locklear's daughter. Tired of her mom having a breakdown and moving every time she gets dumped by another third rate guy. To prevent going on another "adventure", and to save her mother's self esteem, Holly concocts a plot for the imaginary perfect man for her mother.
The film is charming. Although it's no Oscar contender, this film exists to entertain and make audiences laugh. There are some cheesy moments and lines, but it doesn't hurt the film. Hilary Duff has improved her acting even more since 2004's "Raise Your Voice" and Heather Locklear adds a certain flair to the story not always seen in a Hilary Duff movie. The sub romantic plot between Holly and Ben is sweet, and you get some scenic views of New York, all of which helps to make a pleasurable movie that should've been a hit but instead got swallowed up by blockbusters at the box office.