"Incredibles 2" Review by Tim Hellman

'INCREDIBLES 2': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Pixar and Disney's long anticipated sequel to their 2004 animated superhero blockbuster 'THE INCREDIBLES'. The plot follows the Parr family once again, as they battle a new enemy, who wants to turn the public against all 'supers', while they also try to deal with normal family life as well. The film was once again written and directed by Brad Bird, and it features returning voice cast members including Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell and Samuel L. Jackson. Huck Milner, Catherine Keener, Bob Odenkirk, Sophia Bush and Bill Wise also join the cast this time. The movie has received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics (like it's predecessor), and it's also expected to be a huge hit at the Box Office once again as well. I enjoyed it, but definitely not as much as the original.

The Parr family is still acting as the superhero team known as 'The Incredibles' when the authorities become too concerned about the damage being done during their battles with supervillains, and the team is ordered to halt their actions. Then they're contacted by a superhero fan named Winston Deavor(Odenkirk), and invited to his house for a proposition, along with their friend Frozone (Jackson). There Winston and his sister Evelyn (Keener) offer Helen Parr (Hunter) a superhero job fighting crime, in order to win back the support of the public. Helen accepts the job offer, and Bob Parr stays home to watch the kids while she works. Helen has to battle a new supervillain in the process, and Hank finds parenting even harder than crime fighting, especially when he learns their baby Jack-Jack has even greater superhero powers than they all do.

The movie is really well made once again, and always beautiful to watch. The action scenes are mostly exciting too, and the humor is clever and witty (all once again). It's also great how progressive these films are, especially this time having the wife superhero be the one fighting crime, while the husband stays home to watch the kids. Of course he also finds parenting to be even harder than crime fighting too. That's all great about this movie, but it still didn't live up to my very high expectations of matching the original (or even coming close to it). It doesn't capture the same magic, and after the original film was so refreshing and somewhat groundbreaking at the time of it's release, there wasn't much this sequel could do to live up to it of course. It's still really well made though, and entertaining enough.

"Rouge One: A Star Wars Story" Review by Tim Hellman

'ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The tenth live-action film in the epic sci-fi franchise (counting two Ewok television movies); and the first standalone 'STAR WARS' film, in a new planned anthology series. The story is set shortly before the events of 'A NEW HOPE'; and it revolves around the Rebel Alliance's attempts to steal the design schematics for the Death Star. They recruit a criminal named Jyn Erso, to help them accomplish this mission. The movie was directed by Gareth Edwards (who also helmed the 2010 indie sci-fi hit 'MONSTERS', and the 2014 'GODZILLA' reboot); and it was written by Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy, John Knoll and Gary Whitta. It stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen, Forest Whitaker and the voice of James Earl Jones (once again reprising his iconic role of Darth Vader). The film has received mostly positive reviews from critics, and fans alike (including filmmaker Kevin Smith, and series creator George Lucas). I absolutely loved it!

The story revolves around a young woman named Jyn Erso (Jones); who is arrested by Imperial soldiers, but then rescued by a small team of Rebel forces. The Rebel Alliance has learned of an extremely powerful (and gigantic) weapon, being built by the Galactic Empire, called the Death Star. Jyn's father, Galen (Mikkelsen), helped design it, and the rebels want Jyn to help them find him. She assists a team, lead by Cassian Andor (Luna), on this important mission (that we all know leads to the events of 'A NEW HOPE').

This is the prequel that fans have been waiting for; the film that many had hoped 'THE PHANTOM MENACE' would be (or at least one of it's two sequels), but this actually delivers (where George Lucas previously failed)! I'll admit it's not as fun as any of the other 'STAR WARS' movies, but it is epic (and pretty emotionally dramatic). It's a slow-building character driven drama (with lots of great action as well). The performances are all good, and the dialogue is well written (much like last year's 'THE FORCE AWAKENS'); it also doesn't have any of the lame silly kids' humor, that Lucas's prequels were filled with. There's even some great nostalgic throwback scenes (but it's not nearly as heavy on them as 'THE FORCE AWAKENS' is). Going into the film, I knew pretty much how it would all play out (as anyone that knows the earlier 'STAR WARS' movies, by heart, should); but I still loved watching it all unfold! It's a 'STAR WARS' film, and it's also it's own beautiful sci-fi tale; I cried (like I often do at movies that really move me like this). It's another 'STAR WARS' masterpiece!

"Moana" Review by Tim Hellman

'MOANA': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Disney's 56th animated feature is this computer-animated fantasy film, starring the voice talent of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. The film tells the story of an ancient Polynesian tribe, that's suffering the damage of a horrible curse, when the Chieftain's teenage daughter sets out to end it. She seeks the help of a demigod named Maui, who also caused the curse. The film also features the voices of Auli'i Cravalho (a debut actress, who was cast at the age of just 14), Alan Tudyk, Jemaine Clement, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger and Rachel House. It was directed by Ron Clements, John Musker, Don Hall and Chris Williams (Clements and Musker previously co-directed other Disney animated hits, like 'THE LITTLE MERMAID', 'ALADDIN', 'HERCULES' and 'THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG', and Hall and Williams previously co-directed Disney's 'BIG HERO 6'). It was written by Jared Bush, Pamela Ribon and Aaron and Jordan Kandell; along with Clements, Musker, Hall and Williams. The film has been a huge hit at the Box Office, and it's also done impressively well with critics. I enjoyed it.

Moana (Johnson) is the daughter of the chief (Morrison) of a Polynesian tribe, on an island of fisherman. When the fish vanish, due to a curse caused by a demigod named Maui (Johnson), Moana sets out to stop it. She finds the arrogant demigod who caused the curse, and demands he help her. Maui reluctantly agrees and the two go an adventuresome journey together; with the mystical help of the ocean itself. The story is loosely based on Polynesian mythology.

The film is beautifully animated and quite colorful. The characters are all likable, and there's even some touching emotional depth (especially towards the end of the movie). Johnson is perfectly cast, and Cravalho does a pretty impressive job as well (for such a young debut actress). There's even a nice message about respecting all life in there, including animals (and not eating them). It's not as good as classic Disney animation, but it is a very well made and entertaining film.

"Finding Dory" Review by Tim Hellman

'FINDING DORY': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The sequel to the blockbuster Pixar hit 'FINDING NEMO'. It once again stars the voice talents of Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks. It was directed by Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane; and it was written by Stanton, Bob Peterson and Victoria Strouse (Stanton also co-directed and co-wrote the original movie). The story, this time, revolves around the amnesiac Dory, as she goes on a quest to find her parents. I don't think it's as good a film as the original; or nearly as great as the best of Pixar.

The film picks up shortly after the events of the original movie. Nemo (Hayden Rolence) is now safely, and happily, living with his father, Marlin (Brooks). Dory (DeGeneres) still lives with them as well, but she also still longs to reunite with her parents. After a sudden flashback, Dory decides to go on a quest to find them. Nemo and Marlin go with her.

I think it's a little odd for the filmmakers to have made a sequel, to 'FINDING NEMO', that has such a little amount of Nemo in it. He's also voiced by a different actor (due to the fact that the original actor matured so much). Dory is an interesting, and entertaining, character though; and DeGeneres is the biggest star, of the original movie, to market the film as your lead with. So I understand Disney's (and Pixar's) financial motives. Even with these doubts, I still had high hopes. I was sadly disappointed. It is still a visually stunning, and funny, film though. But the story (and adventure of it) didn't intrigue me that much. I also was expecting a lot more heart.

"Zootopia" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'ZOOTOPIA': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The 55th feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. This one revolves around a world of anthropomorphic animals; where a cop bunny teams with a con artist fox, to solve a missing animal case. It was directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, and co-directed by Jared Bush (the trio also co-wrote the movie, with 5 other writers). The film stars the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Octavia Spencer and Tommy Chong. It's received nearly unanimous rave reviews from critics, and I have to agree; it's one of the best films of the year (so far)!

Judy Hopps (Goodwin) had always dreamed of becoming the first rabbit police officer (since childhood). When her dreams finally come true, she's assigned to work at the Zootopia police department. Zootopia is a large metropolis; of all kinds of different mammals. Judy is (of course) initially met with a lot of skepticism (and prejudice). She tries to prove herself, by solving a missing otter case. She teams up with a clever con artist fox, named Nick Wilde (Bateman), in order to do so.

The film is beautifully animated, and full of colorful (likable) characters. It's both funny and surprisingly touching; but what's most beautiful about the movie, is it's insightful message about bigotry. You can never judge anyone by their appearance, or social background, and what better way to illustrate that message to kids; than with a world full of various types of animals. I love this movie, because of that message (it's one that means a lot to me), and I don't usually love Disney animated films. This one is pretty important.

"Star Wars: The Forces Awakens" Review by Tim Hellman

'STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The seventh installment in the immensely popular space opera film series; and the first chapter in over ten years. It takes place 30 years after the events of 'RETURN OF THE JEDI'; when the Galactic Empire has now become 'The First Order', and the rebel alliance has now become the 'Resistance'. The story deals with a First Order stormtrooper, named Finn, who's looking for redemption; after gaining possession of a map, to Luke Skywaler's whereabouts. The film was directed by J.J. Abrams; and it was written by Abrams, Michael Arndt and Lawrence Kasdan (who also co-wrote 'THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK' and 'RETURN OF THE JEDI'). Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker all reprise their roles, from the original trilogy; and they're joined by newcomers Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac. The series creator, George Lucas, returned as a creative consultant; and John Williams once again scored the music (as he did all six previous chapters, in the franchise). I think it's the most entertaining movie, I've seen, in 35 years!

We first learn that Luke Skywalker (Hamill) has gone missing; and due to his absence, the ruthless First Order has gained power, and control, over the galaxy. Princess Leia Organa (Fisher) is now a general, of the Resistance, and she believes finding Luke is humanity's only hope. She sends her best X-wing fighter pilot, named Poe Dameron (Isaac), to the desert planet of Jakku; in order to locate a map, which can lead to her brother's whereabouts. On his mission Poe meets a stormtrooper, looking for redemption, named Finn (Boyega). Finn joins Poe in his adventure; he also later teams up with a scavenger, named Rey (Ridley), and a veteran war hero, named Han Solo (Ford).

The film is definitely the best written, of the entire franchise; with clever, witty dialogue (for the first time, in the series). It also has the most humanity, and thoughtful drama (I cried multiple times). It's surreal seeing Han, Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, and other original cast members, on the big screen again (in a new movie); and I think it was justifiable asking Fisher and Hamill to lose weight, for their parts (it's necessary to the roles they're playing). The new characters are also extremely likable, and soon to be classic, as well. Ridley is a revelation, and I think she rivals Jennifer Lawrence; for one of the best performances of the year! Driver, Boyega and Isaac are all fantastic as well; and Ford is, once again, classic! The movie (without question) deserves several Oscar nominations; for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, acting and more. The approach Abrams takes, to the material, is exactly right (it's traditional, old fashioned filmmaking). The film is everything you could possibly expect (or want) from a 'STAR WARS' movie; it's funny, heartfelt, touching and action-packed. All of the best parts of the previous installments, with none of the cheese! It's at least the best in the series since 'THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK'!

"Inside Out" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'INSIDE OUT': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Pixar and Disney's new computer-animated fantasy film, about a young girl that's guided through the struggles of moving, and the frequent absence of her father, by her emotions; which are personified, with individual personalities of their own. The movie was directed by Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen and it was written by Docter, Carmen, Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley (Docter has co-written and directed other popular Pixar flicks, like 'UP' and 'MONSERS, INC.'; as well as co-wrote 'WALL-E' and 'TOY STORY' 1 & 2). It features the voice talents of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan. The concept for the film has been done many times before (most notably on the 90's TV sitcom 'HERMAN'S HEAD') but it's still a very imaginative and well made kids' film!

Riley (Dias) is a young girl, growing up in Minnesota, who has five voices inside her mind; guiding her every decision, and feeling. They're Joy (Poehler), Sadness (Smith), Fear (Hader), Anger (Black) and Disgust (Kaling). Joy is in charge of keeping Riley primarily happy, but she's constantly struggling with how to deal with Sadness. When Riley is forced to move to San Francisco, at age 11, and her father (MacLachlan) is constantly away at work, things become really challenging for Joy. Especially when Joy and Sadness are thrown out of the headquarters, inside Riley's mind, and have to make a journey back to it, in order to restore Riley's mental stability.

I grew up on 'HERMAN'S HEAD'; I used to watch it all the time when I was a kid, so when I first saw the trailer for this film, I wasn't very impressed. It seemed like a rip-off and it also just didn't look that good to me. So I had low expectation for the movie, until I heard all the rave reviews for it, from critics and audiences alike. After seeing the film, I can say it's not a blatant rip-off; and it does have plenty of fresh ideas and creativity of it's own. Although the premise isn't original, it does deal with it in a interesting and entertaining way; the whole world, inside Riley's mind (the film creates) is very fascinating. I do wonder though, if we all have people inside our heads, guiding us through life, do they all have people inside their heads too, guiding them, and so on? The humor is kind of childish but it does have a very positive message; about dealing with depression, and life struggles, that I think could be beneficial for every kid to see. It might not be one of the most original Pixar films, but it is one of it's best (in my opinion).

"Cinderella" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'CINDERELLA': Three Stars (Out of Five)

Disney's live-action remake of their classic 1950 animated kids' movie; which is a feature film telling of the beloved fairy tale, of the same name, by Charles Perrault. This new version was directed by Kenneth Branagh and written by Chris Weitz (who's also co-written and directed movies like'ABOUT A BOY'). It was made with a $95 million budget and also features actors like Lily James as Cinderella, Cate Blanchett as the Wicked Stepmother and Helena Bonham Carter as The Fairy Godmother. I think it's basically a well made film but it's also lacking any originality, whatsoever, and is kind of pointless.

After Ella (James) loses her mother (Hayley Atwell), to a tragic illness, her father (Ben Chaplin) decides to remarry. He marries the widow of a friend; that recently passed away. Her name is Lady Tremaine (Blanchett), and she has two daughters of her own; named Drisella (Sophie McShera) and Anastasia (Holliday Grainger). Although her new stepmother, and stepsisters, seem very unpleasant, and unkind, Ella still tries to remain happy and peaceful. Then her father passes away, on a business trip, and leaves the family without a source of income. Lady Tremaine fires all of the help and makes Ella take over all of the house work; while waiting on Lady Tremaine, and her daughters, hand and foot. The family also nicknames Ella 'Cinderella'. Cinderella is miserable, until she's paid a visit by her fairy godmother (Carter, who's never looked better).

I liked this story, a lot, when I was a kid; I also really enjoyed the Disney animated version of it. Watching it again, now, as an adult, in a live-action version, just seems like a waste of time. I found it entertaining, at first, but once the film got to about the midway point, I found myself to be very bored by it. I couldn't help but wonder what was the point of remaking it, in just a slightly different way, and watching it all again. I know the story by heart and this film has absolutely nothing new to offer it. It's well made, to a certain extent, but the jokes are pretty silly (even sillier than the cartoon version) and the acting is often overdone. For kids that haven't seen it before, it could be a fun time though.

"Into the Woods" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'INTO THE WOODS': Two and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Musical fantasy film based on the popular Broadway musical, of the same name, by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim. It was directed by Rob Marshall (who also directed the 2002 Academy Award winning musical 'CHICAGO') and written (for the screen) by Lapine. The film takes multiple classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales and combines them into one twisted story (with singing throughout). It stars Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Chris Pine, Christine Baranski, Lucy Punch, Tammy Blanchard, Tracey Ullman, Johnny Depp and many others. It's gotten mostly positive reviews from critics and is considered a likely Oscar nominee for Best Picture (and multiple other awards). I hated it!

The story revolves around a baker (James Corden) and his wife (Blunt). The two desperately want a child but can't have one; due to the curse a witch (Streep) placed on the baker's family, years ago. The only way the baker can get rid of his family's curse, is to collect four items for the witch; a white cow, a red cape, yellow hair and a gold slipper. So the baker and his wife set out to obtain the coveted objects and while doing so they cross paths with Cinderella (Kendrick), Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) and many other classic fairy tale characters. Things take a really dark turn.

I respect and enjoy musicals, when they're well made, but this is just painful to sit through. I don't mind that the writers took classic fairy tales and updated them, with a modern dark twist, but I still don't think it's very interesting or funny. The movie feels a lot like a 'one joke' 'SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE' sketch, stretched into an over long movie. The humor is really forced (and cheesy) and the characters do a lot of irrational, pointless things. The songs aren't very good and the third act is just plain boring. It is well acted and nicely filmed though (although it kind of feels like a network TV movie). I really didn't enjoy it much and I definitely don't think it deserves any rave reviews or prestigious award recognition.

"Big Hero 6" Review - Written by Jim Herling

More than just a movie in its own right, Big Hero 6 is something that has been anticipated since the very moment years ago that it was announced the House of Mouse had bought the House of Ideas: a Pixar/Marvel collaboration (never mind the fact that Marvel had nothing to do with making the actual movie, thus explaining the lack of tie-ins; it's still a Marvel property). As such, Big Hero 6, directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams and written by Jordan Roberts, Daniel Gerson, and Robert L. Baird (based on characters created by Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle, the Man of Action team, and with Paul Briggs and Joe Mateo acting as "heads of story," whatever that means) has two great legacies to live up to. So how does it go?

Astoundingly well, is the answer. Big Hero 6 is the story of San Fransokyo boy genius Hiro Hamada (voiced capably and earnestly by Ryan Potter) who lost his parents years ago and, shortly into the movie, losses his brother in a tragic accident. This spurs Hiro onto a quest for vengeance, in which he is joined by his brother's friends, geniuses in their own right from a special school who use their intellect to make themselves into superheroes: there's monster aficionado Fred (the always funny T.J. Miller); Wasabi, armed with sonic blades and voiced by the equally sharp Damon Wayans Jr; the sweet, gooey Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez); and lastly Jamie Chung as Go Go, who of course is a speedster. If the quest for vengeance this talented cast of fun characters is on makes you think this might be a dark movie, well, Hiro's special ability turns that all right around. 282

Baymax, voiced beautifully by Scott Adsit, is Hiro's special ability, and is the heart and soul of what is a slightly predictable superhero movie but, more than that, is a very touching family movie. Baymax is the project Hiro's brother Tadashi (Daniel Henney) was working on for his professor, Robert Callaghan (James Cromwell, as great as always). Designed to basically be a big, round, robotic EMT, Hiro finds a way to use armor and other upgrades to turn Baymax into a fighting robot warrior he can ride into battle. And it's that emotional journey, their friendship, that hold the movie together. It's as deep and touching as you'd expect from a Pixar movie, and as filled with action and the kinds of characters you'd expect to find in a Marvel movie, complete with an appearance by Stan "the Man" Lee, in what just might be his greatest cameo ever.

Big Hero 6 is a fun adventure for the whole family, and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how beautifully animated it is, and how flawless and amazing the 3D. I give it 4 stars out of 5, and couldn't recommend it any more highly.