Beauty and the Beast: A Tale As Old As Time

On Friday evening, I surprised my girlfriend with tickets to a movie that has been talked about for several years now and generated massive amounts of chatter, both online and offline.

I am of course talking about Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast', starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast. Under the direction of Bill Condon, with Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos writing the script, the end result was a film that is not a direct adaptation of the original 1991 Disney animated classic, nor an adaptation of the hit Broadway show, but its own story, wedded to the music and songs of both the animated original and the Broadway production.

This review is not intended to be chock-full of spoilers, rather, I will state as I have with other reviews, the primary motivations/reasons why this movie was an amazing release for Disney's live-action film line.

1. Casting: What a cast this was! Each actor and actress brought their character to life, giving them all more depth and background, fleshing out certain characters who were central to the story, but didn't have much in the way of their own story beyond what was seen on the screen or stage. Everyone who see's this film will be delighted by the cast, and I would not be surprised if certain leads get nominated/win Oscar's for their performances.

2. Music/Soundtrack: Many of the original songs composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman for the original animated movie were used, with Menken returning to score the movie along with Tim Rice. To all who grew up delighting in these songs, you will not be disappointed one bit, plus a few song surprises thrown in by Menken, so make sure to keep your ears open.

'Beauty and the Beast' is a wonderful romantic musical masterpiece from Disney, a fantastic and heart-warming story of love with songs that will continue to remain ingrained in the hearts and minds of all who have a passion for Disney musicals. I am giving 'Beauty and the Beast' a high approval rating, and will tell everyone who has not already seen it, to go see it right away! It will charm you, make you laugh, make you cry, make you cheer for the true love that blossoms between Belle and Beast and you will see first hand a tale as old as time come to life before your very eyes once more on the silver screen.

Logan: A Film Farewell to one heck of an X-Man

How does one say goodbye to a role and character who for the last 17 years has been a mainstay of the superhero film genre? This is a question many people will have been asking this past weekend, and those who have not seen Hugh Jackman's final performance as James "Logan" Howlett aka Wolverine, one of the most famous and well known members of the X-Men team and one of the main selling faces of the overall X-Men film franchise (this includes his spinoff films, of which 'Logan' is the third and final installment).

Last night I saw 'Logan' with my girlfriend, my brother and a group of our friends. And I will say this right now, be prepared (if you've not seen 'Logan' yet), to have your heart yanked out as you watch Hugh Jackman put on Logan's grit, grim determination, violent tendencies and innate desire to help out/save the world one last time.

I do not intend to give anything away in the way of plot, characters etc. As a nerd and fan of superhero films, I will not be like other blogs/reviewers out there who feel the need to spoil a film for fans who have not seen it yet. I will however talk about Jackman's performance, his last bow as Logan.

Hugh Jackman has always played the character with a certain brashness, because he is in many respects, an animal. Gruff (but with heart), violent, not giving a care about other people (until pulled in to another save the world scenario with the X-Men), and certainly the kind of guy who would sooner punch you then try to talk things out in a situation, this time, Jackman is playing a literally older Logan, a Logan worn down by not just age, but also by the state of the world, and a desire to be left alone, and not get involved in the problems of other people. This is not the Wolverine of old, this is a Wolverine who is ready to die, and would welcome death like a friend.

It's hard to believe, that after 17 years, Hugh Jackman is retired from a role that he has taken and made into his own, and brought the character of Wolverine to life in ways that no other actor could.

Seeing him up there on the screen, being Logan, in all of the characters gritty, hard as nails glory one last time was fantastic! There will quite literally never be another actor to take up that role (and hopefully studios will never try to recast), because how could anyone ever come close to the level of performance and character development that Jackman has put into the character these past 17 years.

In closing, I give 'Logan' the highest of marks for its characters, story, scenery, action and above all else, for allowing Hugh Jackman to hang up the claws in a way that did Wolverine justice, and gave for what I hope many (myself included) consider/will consider, to be a fitting finale to the Wolverine movie story. 

The Lego Batman Movie: The Dark Knight Has Fun

Yesterday evening I sat down with my girlfriend and two of our friends to take in the 'The Lego Batman Movie', and it was absolutely hilarious! This movie does everything so right, taking the entirety of the Batman franchise, putting it together with the outlandish humor that was a part of 'The Lego Movie', mix in a stellar voice cast and the end result is non-stop laughs!

'The Lego Batman Movie' is chock full of references to everything Batman, from the vast history of the character in the comics, to his many years of being both a presence in TV and movies, and there are plenty of other nerdy Easter Eggs thrown in as well (no spoilers, everyone who has not seen this movie will need to see it to pick out the Easter Eggs themselves).

Will Arnett returns once more as the whining, outrageous voice of this iteration of the Dark Knight, bringing a lot more depth to the character within the confines of the Lego Universe. Michael Cera joins as the other half of the Dynamic Duo, a plucky and overly eager to please/be loved Dick Grayson/Robin who is very fond of gasping in excitement at things and has insane energy (even for a Lego figure).

Added into the mix is Ralph Fiennes as Alfred Pennyworth, still the stoic and wisdom dispensing butler that he is in the comic books and every other media that he's appeared in thus far. With one major difference, this version of Batman's loyal butler isn't above being more involved in keeping "Master Bruce" from going down a lonely road of sadness and despair. With Rosario Dawson as the voice of Barbara Gordon (newly minted Commissioner of Gotham City Police), fans are given a character who is very passionate about making a difference in Gotham, and in pursuing that goal, discovers along the way what happens when you team with Batman to save the day (pure awesome that is what happens).

Stepping into the purple suit and madness of The Joker is none other then Zach Galifianakis, and while I admit I was skeptical (I am spoiled growing up with Mark Hamill as the voice of the Joker and I am not sorry for that), he brought his own brand of mayhem to the Clown Prince of Crime, and he did a bang up job of it too.

Whether you see it with your loved one, your kids, family or friends, 'The Lego Batman Movie' provides endless laughs for audiences, both fans and non-fans of Batman and his entire everything. It's a must see, feel good, fun-loving movie that will make you wanting to watch it again and again and again. 

Dirty Dancing: Finding Love Through Dance

Two days ago, I had the great pleasure of seeing the 1987 classic 'Dirty Dancing' on the big screen with my girlfriend for what is currently the movie's 30th anniversary. Up until Sunday night, I'd never seen this movie before, oh I certainly knew about it, its place in the romantic movie genre, the classic line "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" etc. but seeing the movie on the big screen with my sweetheart, was a whole different experience entirely.

Three things stand out most with this movie, the story/casting, and of course the music and dancing.

'Dirty Dancing' has an iconic story, one of love and defying the standards of the setting, all in the name of being true to one's self and not being held back from making choices that are right for yourself, all while coming together through the power of dance. And in bringing that story to life, audiences have the amazing and wonderful casting of Jennifer Grey as Frances "Baby" Houseman and Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle. The pair of them have amazing on-screen chemistry, they just fit so well together, and as their characters progress throughout the movie, fall in love and affirm that love (all while dancing their hearts out) and then the movie ends, you can't help but wonder "where do they go from there?".

Music, ah what music this movie has! With the films setting of 1963, there's much music from that time that makes up the film soundtrack, including songs from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Ronettes, Bruce Channel and so many others. Its a soundtrack that once you hear it, you can't get it out of your head, because you won't want to get it out of your head!

As for the dancing, holy wow what dancing! It's vibrant and daring and alive and close and there is such raw energy watching all of the cast dance, and even ten times that when one watches Grey and Swayze dance together, that one just can't help but be entranced by it all, by the power of their dancing.

'Dirty Dancing', what more can be said about this movie that hasn't already been said over the years? It's a beautiful story, with a cast that packs a wallop right in the heart, coupled together with music and dances that are well known to this day and will continue to be well known as the years go by. This is a movie that I will always love and cherish now, because I got to see it on the big screen for the first time with my girlfriend, the love of my life. 

Singin' In The Rain: A Timeless Classic

In the annals of history, people will always try to argue what was the best film of a particular year, at a particular point in time. But with a film like Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen's Singin' In The Rain, there is no contest, quite simply none. Yesterday I had the joy of seeing it on the big screen with my girlfriend, as the first of Turner Classic Movies and Fathom Events Big Screen Classics for 2017.

Gene Kelly, a name that will never be forgotten, even 100 years from now. He was the quintessential song and dance man, attacking each role he'd taken on over the years and making it his own. His voice and the songs he sung are legend, and in Singin' in the Rain, songs like Moses Supposes, Broadway Melody, Good Mornin', and of course the titular song of the film, are in my opinion, staples of his overall career in movies. There will quite literally never be another actor like Gene Kelly, his shoes are just too big to fill, and I doubt that anyone will ever attempt to fill them.

Debbie Reynolds, for whom the screening is dedicated, once again does a fabulous job as Kathy Selden, singing and dancing her way into hearts again, and showing Gene Kelly's character of Don Lockwood, that being an actor is so much more then just ham-acting, and that being a person is so much more too. When she and Gene sing together, their voices match so beautifully and their dancing

Donald O'Connor, well there's not much to be said about dear Donald. He makes us laugh, he helps push Gene and Debbie's characters together, he keeps Gene's spirits up and does what he does best, show us all what a little laughter, a little joy and a little merriment can do to brighten a person's day.

Gene Kelly movies are always must see's, if its a picture he is in tis' worth one's time to watch it. Singin' In The Rain is worth it because this lavish classic Hollywood musical extravaganza is a film that is timeless, 100% timeless, and it should be seen and enjoyed by all. Like the poster says, "What a glorious feeling". 

Rogue One: Filling A Gap in Star Wars History

Star Wars is a major cornerstone of pop culture and pop culture fandom. The movie market may be dominated by superhero films, but one of the most enduring and beloved film franchises (and its other various offshoots), is George Lucas's epic space opera brainchild.

Since first hitting movie theaters in 1977, Star Wars has become a international phenomena, spawning offshoots in books, comic books, animation, video games, and merchandising galore. With J.J. Abrams telling the next chapters of the Star Wars story with Episodes VII, VIII and IX, Gareth Edwards (director of the 2014 Godzilla reboot) steps up to the plate by helming this, the first movie of the Star Wars Anthology Films (movies that according to Rogue One producer Kathleen Kennedy "exist within that vast universe that he (George Lucas) created").

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, tells a story that had never been actually told before, the story of how the Rebel Alliance obtained the plans to the Death Star, setting in motion the events of A New Hope.

The cast of Rogue One is chock full of characters for Star Wars fans and movie goers to love and cheer on. Whether its Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso, fighting alongside the Rebellion to start ending the Empire's hold of terror over the galaxy, or Diego Luna as Rebellion Intelligence Officer Cassian Andor, Donnie Yen as Chirrut Imwe, a blind Force-sensitive warrior, Alan Tudyk as the sarcastic reprogrammed Imperial droid K-2SO, or any of the other numerous new characters that are introduced throughout the movie, there are characters for everyone to love and latch on to.

And for people who have been Star Wars fans their entire lives, there are many cameos by well known characters, including the return of James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader!

As far as stand-alone movies that are a part of a bigger whole go, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a bold and brilliant first step in further expanding the overall Star Wars universe. It tells a story that fans young and old have not seen before, and fills in gaps that were never fully explained or extrapolated on in previous spin-off media. Tis' a grand addition to the Star Wars legacy, and a movie that should be seen by all.

La La Land Review: A Love Letter Film to Classic Hollywood

Hey there ho there readers, a new year is upon us! That means new movies, new TV shows, new books, new music, new everything! So I thought I'd kick 2017 off with a review of a film I saw with my girlfriend, and will most definitely be watching with her again and again and again.

Los Angeles is a city of life, a city of constant activity, a city where people are constantly trying to pursue their dreams and make them a reality, while bumping into other dreamers along the way.

That is the setting and basic plot for this marvelous musical film, the city of dreams, and the central characters are two dreamers who meet and fall in love while working to become what they most want in the world.

For this review, I want to focus on two key things that make this movie what it is, a throwback love letter to the musical genre films of classic Hollywood (think Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Betty Hutton, Shirley Temple etc.).

Key Thing #1: The music/songs, oh what music and songs this movie has! Songs that are fast paced and full of life, songs of romance and love, songs of dreams and dreamers, music (mainly jazz and orchestral), that lifts your spirits up and just makes you soar way up high. This soundtrack is one that must be listened to over and over again, until you can hear even just one note from a song from it and know exactly what song it is and what scene its from.

Key Thing #2: Cast. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are wonderful together on screen! Their characters have such a beautiful chemistry, that where their love and lives go direction wise will have you rooting for them every step of the way. Both of their characters have these amazing dreams of what they want to do with their life and their gifts, and watching them pursue those dreams while is beautiful.

Its no wonder La La Land won 7 Golden Globes including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Motion Picture for Musical/Comedy. best Original Score etc. It won all those categories, because it nailed each one perfectly!

La La Land is as I said before, a throwback love letter to the musical film genre of classic Hollywood, making it a real treasure to see again and again and for people who have never seen musical films before, its a wonderful introduction to the genre and will have them craving to see other films like it. It will make you laugh, cry, smile, and tug on your heart strings. In short, it is absolutely a must-see film!