Change Your Image
ebonflow-85471
Reviews
Heartbreak High (2022)
Even better than the original
Reliving my youth through this reboot of a much loved 1990s classic television show.
I was hesitant at first because there's been so many reboots of old shows and not all of them live up to the originals.
But Heartbreak High absolutely does.
It's well written, perfectly cast, beautifully executed.
It's funny but also tender and occasionally dark, it touches on some tricky subjects but does so with care and authenticity.
It's very over the top but in the best way possible, Angus Sampson performed so well making an utterly despicable and easy to hate character, the rest are mostly flawed and human individuals that you can love and hate simultaneously.
Wish (2023)
Decent
This isn't up there with the best of them, it was good though.
The characters were likeable and relatable, except of course the villain, but villains aren't generally meant to be likeable.
The music was okay, but lacked the magic of some of the hits of recent Disney classics like Frozen, Moana and Encanto. I don't think I'll be getting requests from my daughter to play these on repeat, this is a relief though.
Perhaps a tad formulaic but nonetheless an enjoyable film overall.
Can't really understand why people are giving this one star ratings, I think these people are overreacting or something. They're probably the same people who constantly complain about the added diversity and inclusiveness of modern Disney cinema.
Matilda: The Musical (2022)
This is NOT a remake
First and foremost people need to get through their thick skulls that this isn't a remake of the 1996 film, which was a good one of course but shouldn't be the go to for judging this one. Put your nostalgia aside.
The two films are separate and completely different adaptations of the same book, albeit with the latter being adapted from a stage adaptation.
I feel this one is truer to the original story, and I like it more.
It was thoroughly enjoyable and fun.
The music was great, thanks to Tim Minchin, The Revolting Children was a highlight, I particularly loved the symbolism of the red beret (revolution).
The casting was perfect, especially Matilda and Miss Honey. Emma Thompson was great, my one criticism would be that they needed to make her objectively "ugly" to aid in the portrayal of the villain.
My 6 year old also really enjoyed it.
The Handmaid's Tale: Ballet (2022)
Serena is diabolical
This is one of the best episodes from the whole series, in my honest opinion.
Featuring utterly brilliant story telling, acting and cinematography, this episode really packed a gut punch and, particularly in the final ballet / funeral scene said so much without any of the characters uttering any words whatsoever.
The raw emotion and hatred perfectly portrayed by both Elisabeth Moss and Yvonne Strahovski was nothing short of amazing, their eyes were like daggers.
The strained dynamic between Janine and Ester is something else too.
Can absolutely not wait to see where this goes but it's sure to be heavy.
The Princess (2022)
Brave meets Kill Bill
Initially it felt like an adult version of Disney Pixar's Brave but then it got a whole lot more violent.
Not a huge amount of story but enjoyable nonetheless.
Bluey: Turtleboy (2022)
A+ for representation
Representation matters.
Kudos to Bluey for including an AUSLAN interpreted version of this most amazing episode, taking what was already known as one of the best kids shows ever to a whole other level of brilliance.
Encanto (2021)
One of Disney's best yet
A lovely, colourful, musical and emotive tale of family struggles and overcoming them.
Plenty of laughs, a few suspenseful moments and even the odd tear.
We saw it at the cinemas and have already streamed it twice in as many days.
A solid new favourite, up there with Moana and Frozen.
Work in Progress (2019)
Brilliant second season
First season was quite good albeit slow at times,
but season two is where it really starts to shine, the last two episodes really were brilliant.
This isn't your laugh out loud slapstick kinda comedy, it's intellectual, emotional and real.
The portrayal of the struggles of mental illness are so touching and emotive.
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Enjoyed by the whole family
My husband and I took our 4 1/2 year old daughter to see this and all three of us enjoyed it.
It has a great plot, likeable characters, beautiful animation and a wonderful message about the importance of trust.
No princess who needs rescuing by a prince or some lame love story like all the old Disney "classics" that everyone seems to be yearning for, because seriously why do kids need that kind of story? It's up there with Moana and Brave.
It was perhaps a tad too long for our daughter because she did start getting restless towards the last 10 minutes or so and was climbing over the cinema chairs, she very much enjoyed it though and we will likely watch it many more times when it's streaming on Disney+ without the extra premium charge.
Warning for parents: some younger kids might find some scenes a bit intense or scary, our daughter wasn't phased by this however.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)
Surprisingly enjoyable
My 3.5 y/o has been watching Dora cartoons a lot lately and they really get on my nerves, so I thought I'd see if she'd enjoy the movie because I figured it at least couldn't be as repetitive and annoying as the show, not only did it not drive me nuts I actually found it to be quite enjoyable and pretty funny.
Black Mirror: Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too (2019)
The ending rocks!
I actually really enjoyed this episode.
Especially the final scene - Miley does NIN, didn't see that coming!
It was a nice change to have a bit of lightheartedness and humour amongst the dark themes that Black Mirror is renowned for.