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jinclema
Reviews
Togo (2019)
An outstanding tribute!
As someone who was a huge fan of the film "Balto" as a young child, I was thrilled when I heard about the impending release of this movie. For a long time I've wanted a live-action, historically accurate film about the events of the serum run, and this did not disappoint!
The plot of this movie mainly focuses on the life of Togo (hence the title) and his career as a sled dog, as well as his unparalleled devotion to his owner, Leonard Seppala, who doubted his abilities as a working dog during his earlier years. Togo received little recognition for the major role he played in saving Nome from the diphtheria epidemic, and this film spared no expense in showing us what sacrifices were made by both him and his musher to save the lives of others. On top of the strong emotions this movie makes you feel, it also delivers a bit of comedy which was unexpected, but very amusing!
I couldn't help but feel nostalgic from the various "Balto" references, which weren't surprising since this is the same story. I was very impressed with the nod to the original film when they recreated the scene where the sled team had slid down a steep mountain slope, stopping themselves just before falling over the edge of a cliff. Balto makes a few cameo appearances towards the end, but more so for the purpose of "de-throaning" him by pointing out that he, by a twist of fate, ended up taking the credit for saving Nome when it had been mainly Togo (and over 100 other dogs) who all played an important role. By the end of the film, I was nearly tearing up because of how touching the final scene was as a tribute to Togo's life, as well as the epilogue and photo before the end credits.
This movie made me laugh, it made me cry. It was the long-awaited re-telling of this remarkable story of the serum run we've needed for almost 100 years. Togo is finally recognized for the hero that he is. It is one of the best and bravest things that humans and animals have ever done!
The Lion King (2019)
Phenomenal animation!
I was stunned when I saw how realistic the animation is in this film, it's undoubtedly the first of its kind. There were times when I could swear that some of the animals were real. They really went all out with studying the animals and their movements and mannerisms. This film is truly a work of art. Some are complaining about lack of emotion or facial expressions, but I like that they took a more realistic route in this recreation. It pays an amazing tribute to the natural beauty of Africa and its wildlife as opposed to dumbing it down with cartoonish details.
That being said, the best scenes were 1) The opening scene, 2) the stampede, and 3) the lion and hyena battle. I almost immediately noticed that they recreated the opening scene from the original film exactly, frame by frame. This was a genius move that I hope everyone noticed, as it paid homage to the most iconic scene in the original, and the result was stunning. Both the stampede and the final battle were intense and kept you on the edge of your seat. The camera angles, the sound effects, and of course the animation were all superb. It's something that you just have to see for yourself. It can't accurately be described.
As for the negatives, there are few. Some seem to be upset about cutting "Be Prepared" from the film, but they had their reasons. For one, it was the least memorable song from the original. Obviously since Scar is the villain that was the whole point, but in this day and age when everyone is offended by everything, can't blame them for their decision. The voice actor for scar reportedly also didn't have the vocal ability to recreate the song, which brings up another point. Sometimes the dialogue fell a little flat in some scenes. Partly due to the script, but also due to inexperienced voice actors. In certain scenes such as Scar warning Mufasa about the stampede, or Simba and Nala meeting again as adults, I thought there could have been a lot more emotion.
All in all, it was a great film. I recommend it to everyone!
Free Rein (2017)
Good for all ages
Netflix recommended this series to me because I watch Heartland. I ignored it for a while because I figured it'd be some cutesy, childish TV series, but eventually decided to try it. It's actually pretty good! Currently I'm 28, and I used to watch The Saddle Club when it aired back in 2001 when I was 11. I think it appeals to a slightly more mature audience than TSC, and the child actors are better in comparison. Being an equestrian myself, I can't help but roll my eyes at the idea of a teenage girl with zero prior riding experience suddenly becoming the stable's best rider in a matter of months, but it's still all around a great series. The cast has great chemistry, the landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and I love the variety of beautiful horses they have. Definitely a good drama series.