Review: "Andor" (Season 1, Disney+)

 

Overall Thoughts: Unique, grittier take on galaxy far, far away is slow and tackles too much at times, but is a nice change of pace.

It's interesting to note that many Star Wars fans found Rogue One (a movie that had a ton of reshoots) to be the best movie out of the Disney era for the galaxy far, far away. In that case, it makes sense why Andor had some interesting hype surrounding it. And at the same time, Lucasfilm was having better success in the Disney+ market for their projects.

Now, after watching all of Season 1, I can definitely say Rogue One might not be a random outlier that just (by chance) worked. Something interesting is really working well in this corner of the Empire vs. Rebels universe. And, need I say, it's all executed with very little to no presence of Jedi's, wookies, Yoda's or anything in between. That's pretty impressive if you ask me.

It sounds like Tony Gilroy deserves a lot of credit here. From helming most of the re-shoots for Rogue One to creating this show, he seemed to get that Star Wars needed to step away from its' franchise "safety net" to make something creative. How about a Star Wars version of Shawshank Redemption? How about almost no aerial battles (save one at the end)? Yes, please!

Andor does start off slow, and introduces too many characters to the proceedings. However, I can give Gilroy and his directorial team credit for giving each character a valuable role in the proceedings here. Standing out the most here are Stellan Skarsgard as Luthen and Andy Serkis as prison group head Kino Loy. Both characters possess personality and gravitas and steal every scene they are in. Skarsgard in particular shines in a dual act that really shines. Meanwhile, Genevieve O'Reilly and Forrest Whitaker return to the roles of Mon Mothma and Saw Gerrera from Rogue One and other shows/movies, in fairly solid impressions. Mon's character is given the biggest upgrade in screentime, and is given her own sideplot that is fairly decent, but not the most engaging. Finally, Fiona Shaw has heart and soul as Cassian's mom, Maarva.

As for Cassian himself, Diego Luna is engaging once again here. He's not a commanding screen presence per se, but he especially shines in more serious moments when he shows his struggle with closing off his emotions. As for his partner robot (K-2SO) from Rogue One, he appears, but that's as far as I will go without spoiling anything. I think he will likely have a bigger role in Season 2.

Starting around episode 6, the series picks up the pace, with an entertaining heist episode. Then, it goes full Shawshank Redemption with a terrific prison stretch of episodes, and a great prison break episode that also builds character at the same time. The last couple of episodes lose a little steam, but remain at a fairly solid boil as the ending conflict and resolutions successfully kept me engaged. There's also a bit of a cliffhanger that does its' job in making you curious as to what will happen in Season 2 (which has been confirmed).

As for other elements, the series does flirt with being edgier and more mature for a Star Wars production early on, which weren't exactly needed. However, it is understandable that they may have been going for a more mature audience here (NOTE: this is not for young children). B2EMO is a really great addition to the series of droids and robots that have been created for the franchise, with a kind heart and genuine persona. Dave Chapman does a wonderful job voicing the character.

The production design and special effects are all top notch. Overall, this felt more like a genuine show shot on sets and location instead of primarily using a green screen. The low amount of CGI and computer generated characters also really creates an environment that feels more akin to the 70's/80's original trilogy than the prequels or recent sequels. I also appreciate Nicholas Britell for going in a unique direction with the score. There's very little nods to John Williams' original pieces, and the opening theme actually changes and becomes more interesting each time. It doesn't necessarily stand out like Williams' score does, but I don't feel like that's a bad thing either.

In the end, Andor didn't necessarily need to be 12 episodes long. It also didn't need so many characters. However, for its' old-school style action, daring story and character decisions, and some really great suspense and action, it's definitely an effective and unique series for Star Wars and Disney+.

(Alongside the other Disney+ Lucasfilm shows, I enjoyed it about the same as Obi-Wan Knobi, but a little short of the best episodes from Mandalorian's second season. Much better than Boba Fett and Bad Batch's first season)

Grade: B+

Movie Review: "My Father's Dragon"

 

Overall Thoughts: Kids' fantasy isn't original enough to stand out, but it is very sweet, humble, and well-animated.

Based on a 1948 children's book, My Father's Dragon is a kind-hearted story about the value of friendship, hard work, and being honest about your fears. Considering the simplicity of the story, hand-drawn animation is perhaps the best way to retell this story. And, with stellar projects such as Wolfwalkers, Cartoon Saloon proves to be more than up for the challenge.

The one inescapable concept that keeps My Father's Dragon from reaching the stratosphere of classic animated films is that it's not original or creative enough to really stand out. We've seen the "boy and his new interesting friend" story several times already. And, the themes, while very positive, have been explored in multiple kids movies in better, more creative ways. I can acknowledge some of that is a timing issue, as maybe this would have hit better if it had been released earlier than, say, 2009.

That is a little unfortunate, because the movie is colorful and engaging in its own right. Hand-drawn animation is always a treat, and the characters are all inviting and fun. Boris (voiced well by Gaten Matarazzo) is a sympathetic, fairly well-developed character, but his design and overall execution borrows a little too much from Elliot from Pete's Dragon, Sisu from Raya and the Last Dragon, and others.

The voicework is good across the board. Jacob Tremblay gives the emotion and energy needed for Elmer, while Goshifteh Farahani provides warmth and kindness to his mother. Rita Moreno gets a few moments as Ms. McLaren, a grouchy landlord with hints of a heart of gold. The animals have some starpower in their voices, including Ian McShane as a somewhat mysterious gorilla named Saiwa. Out of all the characters, his had surprisingly more to it than I expected. Whoopi Goldberg, Dianne Wiest, Chris O'Dowd, Leighton Meester, Judy Greer and Alan Cumming all do a terrific job in smaller roles. Some ham it up, and some don't.

The pacing is a little slow at times, but it all adds up to a solid third act where friendships are tested and characters are revealed to be a little bit more than they seem. This helps add a little bit of gravitas to the predictable kids' story formula. The music score by Jeff and Mychael Danna accentuates the gentle, humble and colorful themes.

Ultimately, My Father's Dragon is a safe and colorful film for kids to watch at home. It makes for a fine, family-friendly movie on Netflix. It isn't nearly as complex, original, or risky as Cartoon Saloon's other features, but it's simple charms will do.

Grade: B

Is this movie family-friendly? My Father's Dragon is rated PG for "some peril". There are a handful of moments where characters are in some kind of danger. An island is nearly flooded in a few scenes. One character is tied and seemingly asked to stay tied to help keep an island from sinking. Some slapstick moments. A few characters try to eat Elmer and Boris. One use of "oh my g**!" out of shock. One character runs away from home. A couple of emotional moments. Overall, this movie is a fine choice for ages 6 and up.

Movie Review: "Devotion"

 

Overall Thoughts: Inspiring true story is a little drawn out, but well-written and well-acted.

I love true stories that go "under the radar" in terms of buzz, but wind up being "hidden gems" per se. Hidden Figures was the best example of this. It was a terrific true story that earned rave reviews, had low expectations from analysts and audiences, and yet blew everyone out of the water. For me, Devotion isn't an instant classic on that same level, but it comes close at times.

The character dynamics are quite strong. Jesse Brown's story of overcoming racism to carve his own path as a fighter pilot is nothing short of inspiring. And, his devotion to his family is just as touching. His character is given gritty, sensitive, and heartfelt moments. Jonathan Majors gives a terrific lead performance here, capturing the humble, kind-hearted, yet tough as nails persona of Jesse.

Equally as compelling is Jesse's comrade Tom Hudner. His character development shows him learning to step up and be a better teammate. However, I was impressed with the direction the writing team went with him. Tom quickly becomes the trustworthy, loyal friend we all would want to have, and always treats Jesse as an equal in every situation. This role also allowed Glen Powell (fresh off Top Gun: Maverick) to be a more sympathetic, kind-hearted character, and he successfully holds his own.

Those unfamiliar with the true story coming in will find Devotion does not end in the way you might expect. That leads to a climax and ending that succeeds in pulling your heartstrings, while making the revelation of the film's true events in the end credits even more intriguing. The action scenes are all well-shot, with smooth cinematography in the jet pilot sequences.

On the downside, the pacing is a little bit of a problem. It especially moves slow during its' first half, and lacks in terms of overall action. There's a few character-driven moments, but some other drawn-out moments don't quite help move the story forward. The film didn't need to be close to 2 and a half hours long. It really starts cooking, however, when Jesse meets legendary screen actress Elizabeth Taylor (Serinda Swan portrays her terrifically), and the gang.

I also found a few of the side characters to be stereotypical in terms of persona (though, that might not be as surprising as it sounds with the movie taking place in 1950). Joe Jonas, in particular, comes across a little one-note as a "ladies' man". That's more of a complaint on how the writers approached the character, however, instead of the former teen star's acting. On the other hand, Christina Jackson does a nice job as Jesse's wife, Daisy.

However, the lead characters' development, action sequences, emotional plot elements and a couple of solid twists (all accompanied by a solid score by Chanda Dancy) make Devotion a very solid movie.

Grade: B+

Is this movie family friendly? Devotion is rated PG-13 for "some strong language, some war action/violence, and smoking." The rating description absolutely fits. As far as language goes, the film has four uses of the s-word and n-word, as well as "a**/a**hole", "h***", "d***" and "whore". Jesse tells himself every cruel/mean derogatory and racist word spoken to him (he writes all of this down in a notebook). A couple of battlefield scenes result in several casualties. One plane and pilot crashes into the rear end of a ship (we hear the impact and see the after-effects). Two more planes crash, leading to one pilot's legs being trapped in the cockpit. Planes explode in dogfights. Bombs and explosives are dropped from the sky. Pilots drink and smoke cigarettes (though Jesse does not drink). Characters flirt with girls, and there's a comment from a sargeant that pilots are not in the job to fly and have sex at the same time. Some characters treat Jesse disrespectfully. In the end, this is more appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Movie Review: "Spirited" (AppleTV+)

Overall Thoughts: Creative and modern Christmas Carol adaptation is a little crass and jarring at times, but undeniably sweet and fun.

For a streaming project, Spirited is another project I feel could have easily been a big-screen movie. I have to say, streaming services are really starting to amp up their game with their content. To get Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds to do a movie like this for AppleTV+ is a huge, huge win for the creators' part.

As a Christmas movie, Spirited is mostly very successful. It's a story we all know (A Christmas Carol), but its shown from a different perspective here. In some ways, its a sequel to the classic Charles Dickens story. In others, its a complete re-imagining. Those are both good things. Because I was concerned that Spirited would feel too much like a retread to really work.

And, thankfully, it doesn't. That being said, considering its stars, it does tread edgier waters that it didn't necessarily need to go into. I didn't think hearing about the Ghost of Christmas Past having an affair with her client was necessary here. And a long musical number about swearing (in British 1890's) seemed more to insert Ryan Reynolds' sense of humor rather than advance the story in a meaningful way.

However, the film never quite loses its heart either, which develops its two leads and gives them a strong sense of redemption. It's a great surprise when we find out that Reynolds' character isn't the only one that needs to be redeemed. And, the amount of diversions the script takes us to help solidify both characters' growth is all mostly welcome and entertaining.

I'm also pleasantly surprised to say that (save for a couple of numbers), Spirited works very well as a musical. And that's without a doubt due to the always fairly reliable Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, The Greatest Showman). Their slightly pop-driven sound works well here, and it leads to some really solid numbers. "Do a Little Good" is a great closer, while "Unredeemable" successfully pulls at the heartstrings. 

"The View from Here" works as a solid love song, while Reynolds' opening song "Bringing Back Christmas", helps establish his character nicely too. The only ones that don't quite work are the opening number (too over the top) and of course, "Good Afternoon" (which is a little much and takes too much time away from the story).

The cast proves more than able to take on their roles. Reynolds brings his signature sass and charisma to Clint, while Ferrell brings a heart of gold and humble spirit to a Ghost of Christmas Present with quite a backstory. Octavia Spencer plays a supporting role and brings kindness and a warm spirit to her character. I'm also pleased that all three impressed me with their singing ability (even though they might have a little auto-tune in there). I'll also admit that it was nice to see Broadway star Patrick Page as Marley, a really good casting choice. 

The story also is fairly unpredictable, which kept me in suspense. And just when you might think it's over, it threw a couple of other major curveballs that worked wonders from an emotional standpoint. Yes, maybe it feels like it has a little much going on in its final act (no spoilers), but I thought it mostly worked well. There is a twist with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come that I thought was taken a little too far, but this was graciously brief.

For me, I found this as entertaining and fun as Reynolds' last major hit, Free Guy. But, ultimately, Spirited gets bonus points for fairly successfully updating A Christmas Carol for modern audiences. And while it's hurt a bit by some edginess and a few jarring choices, it's a worthy watch for the Christmas season. 

Grade: B

Is this movie family-friendly? Spirited is rated PG-13 for "some language and suggestive material". There's quite a bit of salty language here, including a half-dozen uses of the s-word, one crude hand gesture, and some uses of "a**", "h***", "d***", "oh my g**, "b****rd", "d**k", and one or two each of "b**ch", "bloody" and "J***s". Other than that, there are a few mild sexual jokes in the mix, including a "humpy start", "clearing your browser before you die", and an allusion to a sexual encounter involving Clint and the Ghost of Christmas Past. Someone is told to have committed suicide by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Some slapstick violence. Clint is absolutely a jerk, and acts selfish and deceitful almost the whole film. A character is shown drunk. A man wears makeup to a Christmas party. Overall, this is not appropriate for younger kids. But, for ages 13 or 14 and up with some pre-movie discussions, some families may find this movie a fun time.

Movie Review: "Enola Holmes 2" (Netflix)

 

Overall Thoughts: A little drawn-out, but overall just as fun and unpredictable as its' predecessor.

A couple of years ago, the pandemic brought out one of today's brightest young stars, Millie Bobby Brown. Ok, ok, we all know she got her start in Stranger Things. But, on second thought, her career really took off with Enola Holmes. A twist on the Sherlock Holmes story about his headstrong, stubborn, yet notoriously brilliant sister. And, if there's a sequel, you know you've got a hit franchise on your hands, right?

It seems like Netflix is really starting to hit the sweet spot here for four-quadrant filmmaking. Because Enola Holmes 2, overall, is another solid winner. Similar to its' predecessor, it's a blast from the past with a hint of modern flair in its' mystery-solving. And, yes, there's even some neat nods to the original Sherlock Holmes stories as well, which I will not spoil.

Brown is engaging once again as Enola. Sure, her breaking the fourth wall, self-narration tendencies aren't anything we haven't seen before (cough She-Hulk and Deadpool, cough cough). But, it does do a nice job connecting the events of the story in creative, engaging ways. Brown commands the screen, while also showcasing a soft, sympathetic side to her character at times as well.

The rest of the cast does a nice job as well. Henry Cavill (fresh off a couple of other major appearances) is a really solid Sherlock. Louis Partridge works as a great foil and perfect "opposite attract" for Enola as Tewkesberry, and Helena Bonham Carter is appropriately mysterious and interesting as Enola's mom, Eudoria. She's not as prevalent in the film as the first one, but I found that to be for the better here. She was a little "lecture-y" in the first film, but it was cool to see more of her tricks.

The setting, production design and costumes are all top-rate, all nicely reflecting the timeframe. Daniel Pemberton's music score escalates the exciting themes to new heights. There are a few crazy, but well-choreographed action scenes.

On the downside, the film does drag a little bit in its second half. It takes a little bit of time for the characters to make it to the final resolution, which does carry a fairly solid payoff (with some surprising and engaging historical context thrown in). The script carries a couple of surprises late in the game that help make up for the pacing issues.

In the end, Enola Holmes 2 is quite good, just about as good as its predecessor. And while it's exploits may be a little violent for younger kids, there's enough fun to be had here to make it worthwhile for older kids and families to watch together. And they might just learn something too. For those looking for escapist entertainment, it mostly delivers too.

Grade: B+

Is this movie family friendly? Enola Holmes 2 is rated PG-13 for "some violence and bloody images". There are a few scenes of intense action. A few explosions occur causing some property damage and casualties. Dead bodies (with a little blood on them) are found in a bed and in a chair. People are left bleeding from their mouths after one scene. Some manhandling here and there. Some perilous moments, threats, and falls leading to injuries. Someone is shot in the shoulder. Some cleavage-baring outfits. One weird, brief moment shows a young boy pleased with wearing a dress. Brief mild language includes "H***", "bloody" and "good g**". Some lying and deception. We see Sherlock drunk in one scene. Overall, this is a light PG-13 film and I would say ages 10 or 11 and up would be fine.

Review: "The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power" (Season 1, Amazon Prime)

Overall Thoughts: Over-the-top and slow-paced elements aside, spin-off is well-produced and fairly cinematic.

How do you revive a classic franchise? It seems like every studio is trying to find a brand to revive, especially since Disney somewhat successfully started the trend with The Mandalorian for Star Wars. For Amazon Prime, they were able to find a way to secure the rights to J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings series. And their effort made headlines for spending nearly a half-billion on the first season.

Well, the effort certainly seems to have paid off. As Rings of Power does manage to succeed at feeling cinematic. It's visual presentation is nothing short of fantastic. Visual effects are just as impressive if not more advanced than the Peter Jackson films. The costumes, make-up and production design are all impressive. And there's a few inventive (I say that by also saying it takes creative liberties) moments here and there.

As for the actors, they are fine but most of them don't really elevate their performances to anything memorable. Out of all of them, Owain Arthur stands out as the dwarf prince Durin. He does a great job portraying a tough character with a tender heart. Sophia Nomvete is also a solid screen presence as Durin's wife Disa. Robert Aramayo and Morfydd Clark are serviceable but unspectacular as Elrond and Galadriel.

There's definitely a lot of characters to keep up with here, and that leads to a pretty slow-paced series for most of the ride. Episodes 4-6 in particular feel a little like a slog to get through. There are four stories in play here. Out of all of them, a love story between Arondir and Bronwyn and their encounters with orcs turns out to be the least interesting. I found myself waiting for the next segment to come. The Harfoots and the giant storyline is charming and fun, while Durin and Elrond's sideplot is well-written and has strong character development.

Thankfully, the storyline becomes more coherent and less busy as we head into the final 2 episodes to go. This allows things to wrap in a more solidly-paced and engaging fashion. The last episode in particular succeeds in pulling off a "whodunit" storyline with a few successful twists. I was left excited for what was to come next (a second season is in the works).

Being Lord of the Rings, there's a lot of war here of course. And a few of these scenes go a little over the top, with a few gratuitous moments that weren't necessarily needed. That being said, the cinematography and stuntwork in these scenes are well-executed. Maybe less of the "shock factor" would have helped here. Meanwhile, the theme music (by returning composer Howard Shore) is memorable and nicely gives a wink to the movies.

In the end, Rings of Power gets off to a pretty solid start. It especially ends on an exciting note, with a few surprises. It's slow at times, and might not need so many characters to keep up with. However, as a streaming show, it might be the most cinematic and epic one I've seen yet. A cool spin-off that feels very much akin to Jackson's movies.

Grade: B

Review: "She-Hulk" (Disney+)

 

Overall Thoughts: Light, humorous MCU story is daring at times, a bit too edgy at times, but overall a decent return to Phase 1 form.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law might sound outlandish for those not familiar with the comics, but it's actually a decent concept. A lawyer wishing not to become a superhero getting her cousin's superpowers. And breaks the fourth wall. And, solves some pretty cool cases. And, also, gets to Hulk around at times too. The result is a show that's funny, perhaps a bit too edgy in places, a little weird in places.

That being said, I feel like She-Hulk is close to the same vibes that the first two Iron Man movies and the first Hulk movie brought. There's an off-kilter sense of humor and fun here, as well as a sense of simplicity in its storytelling that avoids being convoluted. Yes, it's connected to the MCU (whether Jen Walters likes it or not). Yes, there's cameos and special appearances in some episodes. But, thankfully, these moments don't spoil Jen's growth as a character (she would not allow it, trust me!).

As Jen, Tatiana Maslany brings a self-aware, sometimes snarky, yet also sympathetic persona as Walters. She also does a nice job with the superhero side of things as well. I hope we see more of her in the MCU going forward. As for supporting roles, Ginger Gonzaga is OK (if not exactly inspired) as Jen's best friend Nikki. Jameela Jamil's villain does a little better as a foil for Jen's character. Mark Linn-Baker and Tess Malis Kincaid are solid as Jen's parents. Appearing in a handful of episodes, it's nice to see Mark Ruffalo again get to be a mentor of sorts here. Yet, his role is limited enough to not overshadow Jen. I will not spoil other appearances.

The visual effects here are solid for a TV show (not without a few hiccups here and there, however), with Jen's transformation an overall success. The music score is solid as well, including a solid end credits suite by Amie Doherty.

As far as story and pacing go, the episodes that do not quite click are episodes 5 and 8. Those go in directions that seem a little too off-kilter for Marvel and the series in general. Both episodes feel like unnecessarily episodic detours as well, without really advancing the series' story too much. Only the final few minutes of the eighth episode set up a finale. And thankfully, Episode 9 wraps everything up in a surprising, very interesting way (I will not spoil it, but it had me pretty surprised).

The episodes run at about 35 minutes apiece. On the positive side, this keeps the overall pacing fairly quick. On the downside, some plotlines feel a little too TV like and not cinematic in a few places. That being said, especially in the final episode, it's clear that the writers were not aiming for a real cinematic event here. So, I guess it all evens out in a messy way that's both a positive and a detract.

In the end, She-Hulk is a bit of a refreshing change of pace for Marvel. The legal comedy bit is entertaining, and Maslany is a winner as Jen. There's also enough MCU connections (and surprise appearances) to keep everyone excited. While its' a little too adult for young superhero fans, for older teenagers and up, its' a fun diversion. Not a classic on the level of WandaVision or Loki, but definitely middle of the pack for Disney+ shows so far.

Grade: B

Movie Review: "The Woman King"

Overall Thoughts: Historically-inspired drama is dramatically and emotionally effective, despite inaccuracies.

Historical dramas can go one of two ways. One, it can be faithful to real events and honor its' material without getting too carried away with Hollywood cheese. Or second, it can take serious creative freedom, attempt to revise or rewrite true events to fit a big screen budget, and upset purists. And prior to its' release, The Woman King was receiving praise from those who felt it went the first way, and severe criticism from those who thought it went the second route.

As for me, I think it's a little bit of both. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Are the events behind The Woman King upgraded to fit a Hollywood budget? Yes. Is it an example of "revisionist history"? In one very noticeable way, yes. But, at the same time, does it present a sense of authenticity to its time, setting and figures depicted? Yes.

And speaking of authenticity, the film feels epic in its scope while feeling authentic at the same time. The kingdom of Dahomey is inviting while inciting a sense of danger as well. There is a refreshing lack of CGI animals or splashy effects. The set design feels like there was a lot of serious time and thought given to ensure it represented the culture it depicted. And aside from a few flashy costumes in the palace, the overall designs are fairly inspired.

Viola Davis gives a fantastic co-lead performance as General Nanisca. She starts out as a bit of an unlikable grouch of sorts, but later shows herself to be someone conflicted with what she wants out of life, while also yearning for a sense of love and appreciation. That's the kind of character growth and development you want to see out of a major lead in an action epic like this. Meanwhile, Thuso Mbedu is just as emotionally effective as new recruit Nawi.

Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel) co-stars as co-general Izogie, and steals a handful of the scenes she's in. She comes across as that tough boss who has a soft side, while nailing a few humorous moments as well. Jordan Bolger does a wonderful job as a sympathetic European visitor. Finally, John Boyega proves to be a solid choice for King Ghezo. He brings a conflicted, yet diplomatic and caring perspective to his character.

Some of the story beats here are predictable. However, the emotional execution behind a few of these are very well-done. At the same time, there's also a couple of solid surprises around the halfway mark. The pacing overall is a bit too slow and unsettled to start out, but it manages to pick up steam as we head into the second half.

Meanwhile, the action scenes are both impressive and exciting. Sometimes it's a little too visceral, but they are well-shot and edited. The stuntwork is impressive as well. Terence Blanchard's music score provides a solid combination of tribal authenticity with superb action setpieces in the score.

As far as its "revisionist" controversy goes, I feel like The Woman King attempts to correct the Dahomey tribes' original sin about sending some of their own people into the slave trade. Is that different from what probably happened? Sure. Does it change real-life figures that were nefarious in real life? Maybe. But, is giving the chance to correct actions necessarily controversial? In my opinion, no. Yes, history is history and creative license should be taken seriously. Yet, attempting to learn from what happened instead of erasing it is the right perspective to have. The filmmakers do not shy away from what really happened, and address it in ways that are thoughtful and tasteful.

So, while the final result takes a lion's share of license, there's still enough epic action, appealing aesthetics, and great, memorable character development here to make for a very good movie.

Grade: B+

Is the movie family-friendly? The Woman King is rated PG-13 for "sequences of strong violence, some disturbing material, thematic content, brief language, and partial nudity." This movie is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 13. There are some somewhat graphic kills (the bloodiest elements just out of the camera's view), stabbings, impalings, and other severe injuries. A baby's skin is cut open in one scene. A few flashback scenes showcase one character being raped (without any real nudity shown, we see her feet tied to the wall and her expressions). Implied sexual intimacy is hinted at in one other moment. A man exiting a lake after bathing is seen nude from the front at one point (with his hands covering his genitals). Slave candidates are caressed (including female breasts). Heads are shown rolling out of a basket. Some discussion about rape and the slave trade. Seeds are used to predict futures and give visions. In the end, parents of teens ages 13 or 14 are recommended to watch the movie first before making a decision for their family. Also, a pre-movie discussion about the historical truth that inspired the film would probably be a good idea as well.

Movie Review: "Catherine Called Birdy"

 

Overall Thoughts: As off-putting and oddly charming as the book was.

I gotta hand it to Lena Dunham. It's not easy to write, direct and produce a movie like this. Catherine Called Birdy was a story I remembered from middle school. I remember it being an adaptation of medieval times. At the same time, it was a personal piece that had a lot to say about social roles during that era. A lot of it went over my head as a kid, but those themes became even more clear in the movie.

One thing I remembered very much about the book is that it often carried some off-putting, out-of-left field moments. Catherine was called a "b***ard" several times, which I guess counted as a shock factor considering the time period. And while the movie does not have that same off-color moments, there are still some moments here that capture that same feeling from time to time.

Bella Ramsey captures Catherine very well, with a determined, headstrong persona that also shows convincing growth and maturity as the film continues. Andrew Scott also does a nice job showing convincing growth as Birdy's father, Lord Rollo. He goes from incredibly unlikable to someone willing to stand up for his daughter. He pulls off quite a terrific balancing act. The entire cast is pretty game, with Mimi M. Khayisa a standout as Lady Berenice Sidebottom. She really captures the fun, kind-hearted and understanding aspects of her character. 

The pacing is overall very solid. The narration involving Birdy writing her own book helping keep things from getting too confusing. That being said, sometimes there's too many characters to keep up with. The production design and values are all solid, and remain refreshingly yesteryear without calling too much attention to itself.

On the downside, the story does lean a little bit too much into postmodern ideas a handful of times. Sometimes it gets a little carried away with including more current issues and topics. Meanwhile, the opening stretch is a little awkward, with some cringy moments and introductions here and there.

However, after the first 30 minutes, Catherine starts to slowly find its' footing, as it heads towards a surprisingly emotionally satisfying ending. Characters see convincing growth and maturity. The resolution is a positive one, even if it might not exactly reflect the time it's set in. And, there's even an engaging final conflict in the midst of all of it as well.

So, in the end, while it's an uneven experience from an entertainment perspective and it is slowed a bit by some out-of-place elements, Catherine Called Birdy is overall a decent watch for it's solid storytelling choices, strong cast, refreshing throwback vibes, and a fairly surprising ending that makes it worth the whole endeavor.

Grade: B

Is this movie family friendly? Catherine Called Birdy is rated PG-13 for "some suggestive material and thematic elements". There's talk and implied moments of a teenage girl's first period, sex, and "fornication". Birdy is seen caressing a near-naked statue of Jesus hanging on the cross at a monastery (she is rebuked for this). She also breaks in on her parents having an intimate moment (we don't see anything except them collecting themselves). Some drunknenness and male characters acting a little on the insane side. Some rebellious behavior and lying. A few uses each of "a**", "d***" and a couple s-words join a few of "oh my g**". A few characters are stern enough to not listen to others ideas as well, and treat females very subserviently (a sad custom to that era, unfortunately, however). In the end, I'm going to say this is an OK choice for ages 13 and older. Parents are encouraged to watch it first before making a decision on if their children are ready to watch.

Movie Review: "Lifemark"

 

Overall Thoughts: Moving, effective true story is another big winner for the Kendricks.

I've always been a fan of the Kendrick Brothers' work, and I was eagerly anticipating their next project. War Room remains my favorite film of theirs, while their last film, Overcomer, was solid if unspectacular. While Lifemark seemed to fall even further under the radar thanks to its' distribution controversy, it also appeared to be an ambitious new project for the filmmakers....that is, it's based on a true story.

And it's a very good true story at that. Based on the documentary I Lived on Parker Avenue, the story is a potent one. An 18-year old young man reconnects with his birth mom, and goes on a journey with his family and best friend to go meet her and his birth father. The film goes back and forth from David's perspective, to his birth mom's perspective, to flashbacks for both his birth parents and adoptive parents.

You might think this may make for a confusing movie. But it's all narratively-weaved well, and it all connects in a way that keeps the story fairly easy to follow while keeping things a little unpredictable as well. The writing is strong and focuses equally on character alongside spiritual themes. As David, Raphael Ruggero earnestly and sincerely depicts a teen facing his own insecurities and feelings about his adoption and his questions about why.

Meanwhile, Justin Sterner nails the comedic relief as David's best friend Nate. Dawn Long and Marisa Hampton are both emotionally-convincing as Melissa, David's birth mom. Kirk Cameron and Alex Kendrick are both solid in their supporting roles as well, giving tidbits of wisdom along the way.

The production values are all high-value, from the sharp cinematography, to the strong editing and subtle but effective music score. The end credits also feature an interesting approach to showing the characters' real-life counterparts. In this approach, pictures in a photo album showcase the actor and the person they are portraying.

The movie also gets points for depicting its issues honestly without being preachy or condemning. The filmmakers had a goal of "leading with love", and I felt like they accomplished their mission. And, at the same time, the film is not afraid of showing its' more controversial aspects of the story. For example, Melissa's near-abortion is shown, with her story's emotional rawness intact.

On the downside, the film's pacing is a little slow at times. And also, I will admit I was a little put off (at first) by the idea of David's friend filming the entire experience, including his reunion. That being said, I was unaware of the documentary the film was based on. When I found out that it was based on events that were really filmed, it became less of an issue after that.

Ultimately, Lifemark is the Kendricks at just about their best. It carries the soul-stirring, light-hearted and spiritually challenging aspects of War Room, while having an ending that's more complex and emotional than any of their prior films. While none of the characters in Lifemark are as instantly memorable as Mrs. Clara from that prior film, that's not exactly a bad thing either.

And that's because the story and message of the film are resonant, genuine, risky and authentic in their execution. All of this leads Lifemark to being one of the year's best films so far.

Grade: A-

Is this movie family-friendly? Lifemark is rated PG-13 for "some thematic material". Earning the film its rating is its scene in the abortion clinic. A doctor nearly tries to perform an abortion (its stopped at the last second). A few emotional discussions regarding what to do with a child when you can't support it. David is injured in a wrestling match and we see him in the hospital. Some flirting. Teens jump off a cliff. In the end, depending on parents' thinking about their children and the concept of abortion as well as kids' overall maturity, I would say ages 9 or 10 on up is OK.

Movie Review: "Lightyear"

 

Overall Thoughts: Interesting concept starts very strong, but doesn't quite stick the landing.

When Disney and Pixar initially announced Lightyear back at their Disney Investor Day in 2020, I was intrigued by the idea. A spin-off origin story for its' popular Buzz Lightyear character. That being said, the marketing left a little bit to be desired. As it seemed like it was not trying to be anything genuinely original. Unfortunate controversies did not help it either.

The first half of Lightyear is almost The Incredibles in terms of how entertaining, fun and moving it is. The story moves at a good clip, and there's a few emotional tugs at the heartstrings that are earned. The action scenes have a solid level of excitement to them, and the characters are given enough development to make you care about what's going on.

The best character creation for this Pixar movie, a robot cat named Sox. Voiced terrifically by Pixar director and actor Peter Sohn (who is taking the helm for the studio's next movie, Elemental), Sox is absolutely the "Disney merchandise" character of the film. However, he's also funny, adorable and has several memorable moments. He also has a few surprises to share that earn their gasps or laughs, and a few heartfelt moments as well.

The supporting cast, led by Keke Palmer and Taika Watiti, are fine. Uzo Aduba does a solid job with her character as Buzz's best friend, Alisha. And as for Buzz himself, Chris Evans proves to mostly be up to the task. While not a versatile character here, Buzz here isn't exactly given the same cartoony presence that Tim Allen had for the character in the Toy Story movies.

That being said, a revealing twist about two-thirds of the way through the movie unfortunately throws things off. Does it somewhat nod to the Toy Story movies? Yes. But, the way it's executed does not live up to the hype or excitement that came before it. And, it leads to an ending that seems less interesting. It also has a bit of a convoluted explanation to it as well which does not help things either.

However, the animation is definitely Pixar in its' comfort zone. The work is nicely done, with the right amount of nods to what came before. And, the characters all work well in this universe as well with their animation styles. Michael Giacchino proves again that he can really nail a throwback vibe with his 80's sci-fi inspired score.

In the end, Lightyear is not as bad as I feared it would be. It's first half really does a great job setting up the stakes while not having too many roadbumps. However, it is sad to report that the film's last third really could have used a rewrite. It lacks the emotional sincerity, action, ambition and mystery of the remainder of the film.

So, yes, this is a film you could stream on a lazy afternoon. But it falls short of being the must-see entertainment that Pixar films usually are.

Grade: B-

Is this movie family friendly? Lightyear is rated PG for "action/peril". There are some intense moments of action involving guns and weapons, and some Star Wars-level action scenes. Shootouts and robot impalings/discombobulations are seen. No bloodshed, however. A couple of bathroom jokes (pulling someone's finger, for example). On another note, some families may be turned off by the discussion and inclusion of a same-gender couple in a few scenes involving one of the major characters, as well as a kiss between those characters at one moment. In the end, this is a movie that parents will widely have different opinions about, so I will leave the decision to them.

Review: "Secret Headquarters"

 

Overall Thoughts: As uninspired, inoffensive and meh as its title.

What do you expect out of a movie called Secret Headquarters? Not much. Jerry Bruckheimer and his crew attempted to create the next Spy Kids franchise here, and made the kids a little bit older. Will Ferrell as a superhero? Will that help parents tune in? With how popular superhero movies are these days (though they seem to have hit their peak), could this serve as a good gateway into the genre for older kids?

The answer to all of this is maybe. Because, Secret Headquarters may be watchable, but it's not a movie I don't think kids will be begging to watch multiple times. And it's not clever or written well enough to really make it worthwhile for adults. The actors are fine (well, all except one), and the visual effects are decent, but none of it comes together in an especially memorable package. If this movie would have come out maybe in the mid-2000's, it probably would have made a bigger splash.

What did I like about this movie? First, there's definitely a genuine father-son reconciliation story here. While it's not given the best emotional depth, there's still at least a couple of pretty decent moments here between Ferrell and Walker Scobell's Charlie. Second, I'm fine with the film not taking itself too seriously. While that has been the case with quite a few superhero movies, it keeps it from descending into too cheesy territory.

Ferrell is a solid out-of-the-box choice for the main superhero character. His humble, winsome personality creates a more sincere, "there's more to him than you think" execution to his character. His superhero backstory also works pretty well. Meanwhile, Michael Pena is given the villain role. And he hams it up, too much. It's to the point where he tries too hard to be funny, and it comes across a little bit annoying in places.

The preteen/early teen cast is fine. Scobell brings enough heart and emotion to make his character sympathetic. Meanwhile, the other characters don't quite fall into "kid gang" stereotypes (except for Charlie's best friend, affectionately known as "Burger"). There's also no "politically correct" elements here either. That being said, I didn't seem to appreciate this cast of kids being a little profane and slightly off-color at times. That could put some parents on alarm here.

On the real downside, the overall story lacks much-needed world-building. Spy Kids took the mission to other countries and made it a swooping James Bond story for kids. This one takes place 85% of the time in an underground lair, and the other 10% at the kids' middle school. And, unlike Sky High, which had a lot of interesting touches, this one is as bland and uninteresting as it comes.

Also, the script is relatively unfunny and stays predictable without taking any real risks. The "play it safe" approach might be enough for kids watching, but keeps it from becoming memorable at the same time. The Spy Kids movies were novelties and had elements that were surprising as well. This does not have any of that.

In the end, it was wise for Paramount to send this to streaming. Because this movie never quite rises to the challenge as must-see entertainment. It's too generic, too safe and too "tryhard" at times to really make it something worth your time. Kids will probably find it fun, and it has a few positive things working in its' favor. But, you could do better than this as well.

Grade: C-

Is this movie family-friendly? Secret Headquarters is rated PG for "violence, action, language and some rude humor." There's some explosions, people getting ransacked and thrown about, and some superpowered action violence here and there. A few mild gashes are seen, but other than that (and a few people sucked through a portal), there's almost no body count here (except for one henchman shot off-screen). A few moments of flirtatious, "she's hot" like behavior. Some language includes five uses of "h***" (all from children), one each of "d***", "crap" and "p***", one near s-word, and a handful of uses of "oh my g**". A few bathroom jokes include a villain farting, a comment asking about how superheroes go to the restroom and some burping. Kids make some irresponsible choices such as speeding past police in a superpowered car. In the end, this is OK for ages 9 and up depending on families' overall tolerance of content.

Movie Review: "Luck"

Overall Thoughts: Great idea and has great moments, but overall falls just short of being a great movie.

I had pretty high hopes for Luck. Skydance Animation was hyping itself up as a new flashy competitor in the animation arena. Also, the studio had former Disney/Pixar head John Lasseter spearheading the division. A great voice cast and solid trailers added further promise. Could this be the next modern animated classic?

And the final film is good, but not quite a classic. The problem, thankfully, however, isn't in the concept itself. Luck brings a refreshingly original story with well-developed characters. The problem here is in how the final story is constructed here. The film spends too little time in one area to convince the main character of a change of mind. The second act goes on for too long. The third act is rushed. And this causes the overall pacing to suffer as well. Luck ends up being 110 minutes long, and could have been at least 10 minutes shorter.

That being said, the film gets a lot right. It's heart is in the right place. And, in a handful of scenes, Lasseter's gift of pulling on the heartstrings with the story beats is evident. A very well-written scene between Sam and Bob at the beginning of the third act hearkens back to early 2000's Pixar. And, the resolution is both sweet and a little unexpected at the same time (even if its rushed).

The voice acting is strong across the board. Eva Noblezada (Yellow Rose) brings energy and a selfless, kind spirit to lead character Sam. Simon Pegg brings a multi-faceted approach to Bob that really works. Jane Fonda and Whoopi Goldberg give memorable turns in their roles. And John Ratzenberger is a familiar warm presence here in a minor role that could have been expanded in the third act.

The animation is terrific as well, with colorful characters and backgrounds. There's a couple of standout scenes that have some creative, clockwork-like creations in the Land of Luck. It felt like a modern theme park land on steroids, and it was a joy to see. You can tell that effort was put in here, and it works (Luck reportedly cost $140 million to make, on the level of an original Disney Animation project).

Luck isn't laugh out loud funny, but it's not meant to be a comedy per se either. It's meant to be a cute, family-friendly adventure with a heart on its' sleeve. And I did not mind that at all. I also appreciated that the filmmakers didn't want to push an adult edge on this one, and made a rare G-rated movie for everyone to enjoy. There are a couple of throwaway moments, including a somewhat unnecessary dance moment with a group of bunnies.

Ultimately, some pacing and plot construction problems do weigh down Luck and keep it from being a special film. But, some of that is made up from a terrific concept, some genuine heart, a few surprises, and some great animation, and I found it to be better than the other animated efforts this summer has had to offer. It's not going to be an awards contender, but its' a solid start for this promising new studio.

Grade: B

Is this movie family-friendly? Luck is bestowed a lucky and rare G rating. And it earns it. There's very little here to worry about. A little bit of dog poop talk (but only in terms of bad luck). Sam is accident-prone, but she never gets badly hurt from her hijinks. A few light perilous falls. The film does focus a bit on the topic of foster children, and their disappointment from not finding a "forever family". This could be upsetting for some younger children. Some lying. However, overall, the film is the cleanest I've seen animated fare these days. I think it's fine for ages 5 and up.

Review: "Ms. Marvel" (Disney+)

Overall Thoughts: Unique, lower-scale story is a refreshing throwback to Phase 1.

NOTE: Being a TV show, I will do my best to avoid spoilers!

In Marvel's latest series, 16-year old Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) is planning to attend AvengerCon, against her parents' wishes. After pulling off an elaborate plan to sneak out of the house, she finds out she has powers. Of course, that entire plan goes to waste as Kamala's powers cause near destruction at the convention. But, why does she have powers? And, are there others who may take notice and hunt her down?

First, Vellani does a wonderful job with the lead character here. She brings much spunk and enthusiasm to this role. She might be the first "fanatic" character I've seen in the MCU get superpowers (unless you count Tom Holland's Spider-Man). In the more serious and dramatic moments, Vellani shines too with a subtle empathy. Matt Lintz and Yasmeen Fletcher are solid as Kamala's friends, while Zenobia Shroff is a solid addition as Kamala's mother.

The show does not rely on big name talent, which I found refreshing. After the first episode, there's also refreshingly little callbacks to the MCU. I thought that was a great approach to ensure Kamala was given her own story. Finally, I thought that the film's authentic depiction of Kamala's religious background was respectful and thoughtful, without treating it in a mocking or condemning fashion.

The series really picks up on emotional gravitas in the final two episodes. A couple of twists really do a nice job engaging emotionally. I do feel like the series' main arc comes to a close with Episode 5. Maybe a couple of the events from the last episode could have meshed into the fifth episode, but I didn't mind it too much.

The series has two antagonists, though the main one focused on comes into play in the third episode. Maybe the second one wasn't necessary, but it was more of a SHIELD/SWORD style villain trying to figure out the root of her powers. The secondary antagonist plays a bigger role in the final episode, but we don't get to know them enough to really understand what they are planning on doing.

As far as visual effects go, Ms. Marvel is refreshingly low-key. There's some comic book art-style effects early on and some superpowered moments, but it's not nearly as ambitious or extensive as Loki or WandaVision. The places where the visual effects are placed are organic and work well. The action scenes are solid too.

In the end, despite a few hiccups (including maybe one too many villains), Ms. Marvel is still a unique, interesting and overall refreshing throwback of a superhero movie. More often than not, it feels like the kind of story that would fit in the introductory Phase 1 slate, rather than the more ambitious, crossover, more convoluted storylines of Phase 4. And that is a good thing.

Grade: B+

Movie Review: "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On"

Overall Thoughts: Unique family film is quirky but sweet.

Based on a popular series of YouTube videos, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On flew under the radar, until it legitimately picked up some surprising critical acclaim. Could we be seeing a rare family film be a major Oscar contender next year? Maybe. Just maybe.

I would definitely be happy if a movie like this received major Oscar consideration. Because the concept of Marcel the Shell here is original, unique and really stands out in Hollywood these days (which are mostly driven by remakes and retreads). Director Dean Fleischer-Camp takes the mockumentary approach here, while putting together a sweet story about dealing with change, loss, and finding community.

As Marcel, Jenny Slate has definitely found the character that will define her career. She channels innocence, a little bit of winking adult wit, and a kind, considerate soul. It's a wonderful voice performance. Meanwhile, Fleischer-Camp acts as the filmmaker of Marcel's adventures, and is given a little bit of development himself. He complements the film well without stealing the show away from the our lead mollusk.

The animation work here (along with some strong cinematography choices) on Marcel and the other characters is wonderful. Part Rankin-Bass nostalgia in its' approach, and part Smurfs and Alvin and the Chipmunks in terms of character perspective; it's a style that feels like something that hasn't been accomplished before. Now, of course, the original videos showed this a little bit. But, at the same time, Fleischer-Camp didn't have a movie budget to ratchet everything up to an 11.

The film's central story does take a little bit to get going, and it does take a little too long to introduce its' world and characters. The opening 30 minutes also get a little sidetracked by some out-of-left field jokes. This throws the pace off in the first half hour. However, by the time we get to the characters' interview with 60 Minutes' Leslie Stahl, it really gets cooking. I also thought the film's ending really did a nice job in its' narrative choice to show the plot's overall resolution.

Ultimately, Marcel might have its quirky, wonky moments, but it's still an overall kind-hearted and fairly moving film families can definitely watch together.

Grade: B+

Is this film family-friendly? Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is rated PG for "some suggestive material and thematic elements". There are a few off-color jokes. For example, a bee flying into a window is said to have had "too much nectar" in an allusion to drunkenness. Curly hairs in the shower are considered "hardy hairs". A brief drug joke mentions "when the kush hits hard" when searching a meme on the internet (Marcel asks what it is but doesn't understand). Other than that, Marcel throws up in the car a few times. We hear Dean was in a recent divorce. We don't see it, but we hear one character fell off the dryer (we see a crack in the character's shell). One character dies. We hear about 10 uses of "oh my g**", and a possible s-word by Dean (it may have been censored by a loud computer type). In the end, I think this is appropriate for ages 7 and up, depending on how each family views the content.

Movie Review: "Zombies 3"

 

Overall Thoughts: Franchise finale ups the ante, but falls short of the original's heart.

Every recent generation has a Disney Channel franchise to love. For this current generation, the Zombies films have appealed thanks to it's music (of course), more kid-friendly twist on zombie genre films, and messages on diversity and inclusion. So, what happens when your franchise finale becomes a Disney+ exclusive, and not premiering on the channel where the first 2 landed?

Maybe it has to do with the budget, because it's clear that more effort was given in visual effects and presentation. The visual effects here are pretty strong for a franchise that started on television and may have been constrained by a TV-level budget. The spaceship is a solid creation, and there's a few nifty visual cues and touches that reminded me a little bit of Steven Spielberg's work on E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

The characters also have higher stakes, which makes them even more interesting this time around as well. Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly haven't lost a step here, and they are joined by some solid new castmembers as well. Terry Hu, Matt Cornett (EJ from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) and Kyra Tantao fit in well with the film's high school comedy feel. That being said, the cast of characters is growing and starting to feel like a little much to keep up with. The filmmakers do try their best to switch between characters in a way that keeps us interesting.

This one also feels like a respectable conclusion to a three-film storyline that centered around Addison's yearning to find where she belongs. That being said, I did feel like the resolution was pretty rushed on this one. Instead of giving Addison a slow, more believable realization, the film pretty much does not pay much mind to it until close to the end of the second act. Then it rushes through the emotional stakes without really giving us much time to process. The only part of this that manages to work as well as it does is a reprise of the original film's song, "Someday".

The soundtrack, overall, isn't quite as memorable as the first two films either. The opening number, "Alien Invasion", works pretty well from a thematic point of view. And, I could see it being an opening Broadway number. But it does not work from a melodic point of view, and it's not the earworm that "Flesh and Bone" was. Other than the "Someday" cover, most of the other songs are serviceable, but do not seem like tunes kids will be singing for months.

Ultimately, I think that the first Zombies did the best job of developing its characters, present emotional stakes and deliver solid messages in a way that didn't feel forced or preachy. With each successive film, there has been more pressure to check these boxes, but the overall heart and soul has gotten a little lost in the process. It doesn't help that the resolution felt rushed here.

In the end, for its' target audience, Zombies 3 will certainly work as a serviceable, sometimes emotionally affecting finale. For me, it (along with Descendants) seems to be a franchise where the original film seemed to connect and work the best.

Grade: C+

Is this film family-friendly? Zombies 3 is rated TV-G. There are a few lightly intense scenes involving pummeling, electrocution and characters energy getting zapped. A few romantic moments, and a hinted same-gender attraction towards the end are also present. Zed and Addison kiss a few times. Some property damage. A few characters lie and deceive. In the end, I'm not sure if the film should have been rated G due to its' moments of peril and a few questionable choices. Families of very young kids should view the movie first. But, ages 8 or 9 and up may be OK with pre-movie discussions.

Movie Review: "Minions: The Rise of Gru"

 

Overall Thoughts: Solid improvement of a sequel is a true Despicable Me prequel.

I have to admit, the first Minions has not been a favorite, nor has it aged very well. Despite Sandra Bullock admirably trying very hard to bring Steve Carell's excellent comedic chops (with OK results), the characters didn't exactly bring a story that suitably filled a 90-minute movie. The Minions are fun characters, but they worked better as comic relief sidekicks to the sweet, character-driven and family-centric Despicable Me films.

Which makes me a little pleasantly surprised to say that Minions: The Rise of Gru works better than its' predecessor. And part of the reason why this one works better is because, thankfully, Gru is back in the mix. His story arc as a preteen villain looking for a mentor is a pretty solid one. And placing the Minions as heroes of this tale and giving them a storyline of equal importance here makes for a much better movie.

Another reason why Rise of Gru raises the bar here is in its' terrific casting. Alan Arkin is an inspired choice as an aging villain looking to show he's still got what it takes. Taraji P. Henson brings sass and fun to the take-no-prisoners Belle Bottom. Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) also shows to be having a lot of fun in her role as the Minions' kung fu teacher, Master Chow. Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Jean Claude-van-Damme, and Danny Trejo are also very much up for their roles (sometimes parodied from their names or prior roles), though they aren't given as much to do from a voice acting perspective.

Of course, Carell continues to do a wonderful job as Gru 12 years into the franchise, and playing a much younger version of him. Russell Brand, Julie Andrews and Steve Coogan all appear as younger versions of their characters as well.

There's also a solid 70's infused soundtrack here as well, including a fun original end credits song by the legendary Diana Ross ("Turn Up the Sunshine"). In fact, I would not be surprised if the song gets some awards season love. The animation is fun, vibrant, and carries some of the most outrageous art and style choices I've seen in awhile. The editing is sharp, and there's some clever references to James Bond and other franchises along the way. The pacing is quick and works with the 88 minute runtime. And, thankfully, it does pause for a little development and reflection for at least a couple of its' human characters. Maybe a little bit more of that would have been nice. 

On the downside, longtime franchise composer Heitor Pereira does get a little too carried away with references to the Despicable Me movies instrumental cues. Meanwhile, the beginning leans a little too generic, with an action scene involving too obvious nods to Tomb Raider. And, some of the gags don't land either.

In the end, however, Rise of Gru works more up to what I would expect from a prequel. For the franchise as a whole, it's not the strongest or most heartwarming entry, but it delivers just about everything else you would expect - escapist family entertainment at its zaniest.

Grade: B

Is this movie family friendly? Minions: The Rise of Gru is rated PG for "some action/violence and rude humor". That's an accurate rating. There's a lot of cartoonish violence and perilous situations here. Characters are hurt from time to time. One is burned. One is nearly stretched by being tied on moving clock hands. Of course, the Minions get bopped from time to time, but are relatively unharmed. Characters are crushed, cause some minor destruction here and there, etc. Cars crash. We see a Jaws poster and hear its' music. Other than that, there's a couple of moments of Minion rear nudity. A fart "grenade" is used in a theater. A minor explosion has a Minion blowing "smoke rings" as a reference to a 70's stereotype/trend. Minions cross-dress to disguise themselves, and we see tennis balls fall out meant to pose for women's figures. Song lyrics sometimes are a tad suggestive. Gru and the Minions do some "despicable" deeds (nothing too offensive, but nothing kids should be repeating). In the end, this is an OK choice for ages 7 and up, though some pre or post-movie conversations probably would be a good idea.