Movie Review: STAR WARS VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

Greetings, everyone!

Today I'm doing a STAR WARS review, so you know what that means... it means that it must be an event of some kind! You are pretty close with that guess, it is a birthday! Yesterday was (sorry it's a day late! I was travelling) Harrison Ford's birthday, and he plays the iconic Han Solo in the STAR WARS series! I have reviewed the originals, and the prequels, but now onto the sequels!

Even though A New Hope is my second favorite movie of all time, I only saw it for the first time in 2015! My mom had us catch up on all of them so we could see episode VII in theaters. We did and it was awesome.

As always, I have to remind you that if you haven't watched them, you need to see them in this order:
IV: A New Hope (1977), V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), I: The Phantom Menace (1999), II: Attack of the Clones (2002), III: Revenge of the Sith (2005), VII: The Force Awakens (2015), and VIII: The Last Jedi (2017).
Because otherwise, it won't be as good.

Sorry, I'm finally getting to it!

"So, who talks first? You talk first? I talk first?"

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.

STAR WARS VII: The Force Awakens (2015):

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."
A new threat is trying to rule the galaxy: the First Order. It is like the empire, complete with stormtroopers, a huge weapon, and a sith lord--the mysterious Kylo Ren. Luke Skywalker has vanished and the Rebels are looking for a map that could lead them to him. One little droid has it and is stuck on Jakku until he makes friends with a scavenger, Rey. With the help of Finn, a stormtrooper who is running away, they begin to bring BB-8 back to the Rebel base, but they are easily recognized. The First Order begins to use its weapon, will their next target extinguish the Rebellion?

'"What fight?"

"The only fight: against the Dark side."'

Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy.

Length: approx. 135 minutes.

Costumes: 8.

Script: 8, one or two bad words (thank you, Finn...not.)

'"Is that even possible?"

"I never ask that until after I've done it."'

Crew:

Directed by: J. J. Abrams.

Written by: Lawrence Kasdan, J. J. Abrams, Michael Arndt, & George Lucas

Starring:
Harrison Ford as Han Solo.
Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa.

Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker.
(Usually I list them in order of importance, but those three always have to be next to each other.)
Daisy Ridley as Rey.

Adam Driver as Kylo Ren.

John Boyega as Finn, FN2187. "Why does everyone want to go back to Jakku?"

Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron.

Lupita Nyong'o as Maz Kanata. "If you live long enough you see the same eyes in different people."
Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca.
Andy Serkis as Snoke.
Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux.
Anthony Daniels as C-3PO.
Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma.

Cinematography: 9, ah!!! They did such a good job! A lot people complain about light speed being weird, but it is like that in the originals, too.

Cinematography by: Dan Mindel.

Music: 10! The STAR WARS soundtrack is my favorite of all time, so I always give it 10.

Music by: John Williams.

Quotes: 10! Poe and Maz are the most quotable. "I assume you need something, desperately."
Notes: There is one stormtrooper who has a very small part who is played by Daniel Craig and his name is JB-007 (Get it? Daniel Craig plays James Bond whose code number is 007!)

Storyline: 8, there is violence, gross things, killing, and death.
"The garbage will do."

Good For: STAR WARS fans, sci-fi fans, people who have lost others, everyone!

Age Range: The official rating is PG-13 for all of the violence, and I get that, but I think that most kids over 10 would be okay with it.

Overall Score: 8.5!

Bonus thoughts:

Why do I love this so much?

"A good question for another time."

I just do. A lot of fans say that it is too close to the original movie, but that is one of the reasons it is great! They are weaving such an interesting story, showing how the Force connects things, I love it! I haven't watched this one as much as I have watched some of the others, but I squeal happily every time I do. Also, R2-D2 will always be my favorite droid, but BB-8 is so adorable!

Happy late birthday, Mr. Ford! What do all of you think? Do you like this one? Thank you so much for reading!

MovieCritic

Movie Review: For Me and My Gal (1942)

Hello, movie lovers!

Gene Kelly is one of my favorite old time actors, and today I am going to be reviewing the first movie that he was ever in! He and Judy Garland are playing two stage performers trying to make it to the "big stage". It is the movie For Me and My Gal (1942)! But don't get this confused with the 1932 movie Me and My Gal starring Spencer Tracy. These are two different films!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.

For Me and My Gal (1942):

Based on: a true story about vaudeville actors Harry Palmer and Jo Hayden.
Two acts get together, trying to make it to Palace Theatre, the top spot in New York. Through different circumstances they find themselves growing to love each other. War strikes and they have to fight being selfish and decide what is right and how to help in the great struggles. But is it too late?

Genre: Musical, Drama.

Length: approx. 104 minutes.

Costumes: 8.

Script: 10, no bad words!

Crew:

Directed by: Busby Berkeley.

Written by: Richard Sherman, Fred F. Finklehoffe, Sid Silvers, & Howard Emmett Rogers.

Starring:
Judy Garland as Jo Hayden.

Gene Kelly as Harry Palmer.

George Murphy as Jimmy K. Metcalf.

Martha Eggerth as Eve Minard.
Stephen McNally as Mr. Waring.
Ben Blue as Sid Simms.
Richard Quine as Danny Hayden.
Keenan Wynn as Eddie Milton.
Lucille Norman as Lily Duncan.

Cinematography: 9.

Cinematography by: William H. Daniels.

Music: 10, I love seeing Gene Kelly and Judy Garland sing together! They are so sweet. My favorite is probably "For Me and My Gal". Makes sense, right?

Music by: Roger Edens.

Quotes: 9. "You only live once, you know."

Notes: This movie was made during World War II, but it was actually set in World War I.

Storyline: 7, there is smoking, some drinking, death, and a little bit of war violence. It is really well done!

Good For: Musical fans.

Age Range: I have always loved musicals, so I think most kids would love this, too!

Overall Score: 8.5!

I have reviewed this for Pure Entertainment Preservation Society's Favorite Code Film Blogathon, which is part of #CleanMovieMonth85! It is two days late, because this summer has been super busy for me, but Tiffany said that it would be fine if I was a little late.

My thoughts:
When PEPS announced this blogathon, I immediately knew that I wanted to review this film. I first saw this last August and I loved it. I had recently learned about the Motion Picture Production Code (1934-1954), and I noticed some things in here that were handled really well, which probably wouldn't have been if it was made in any other time.
Gene Kelly is one of my favorite actors (he is in my favorite movie of all time, Singin' in the Rain [1952]), so I was really excited to see his first movie. He plays the character Harry Palmer so well. In this there are times when he is a con and you don't like him, but other times he is so sweet you can't help loving him. He fights in battles that we have all experienced: selfishness and fear. No one wants to go to war when their whole life is a head of them, but with Jo's help, Harry fights against his faults and tries to do good.
This movie was actually one of my favorites that I saw in 2018!

Thank you so much to the Brannans, who run PEPS, for hosting this! Check out all of the other entries HERE. Also check out their website to learn more about the Code!

Thanks for reading! Have you seen this?

MovieCritic

Movie Review: The Greatest Showman (2017)

Welcome, one and all!

Way back in December of 2017 I heard that a movie called The Greatest Showman was coming out. I didn't really care. I saw the trailer, and thought that it might be kind of fun.

In January of 2018 a blogger friend of mine told me that she had seen it in theaters and thought it was great. "You should see it and review it for your blog!" she wrote.

In February of 2018 I saw the song "This is Me" performed at the Oscars and thought that it was great, and only wished that I could see the movie.

June of 2018 I finally got our librarian to get a copy. Then I watched it. Then I was amazed.

Now, in July of 2019 I am finally reviewing it. Why? You know me, there has to be a special reason and it turns out the July 5th was P.T. Barnum's birthday! How appropriate, right?

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.

The Greatest Showman (2017):

Based on: The life of P. T. Barnum.
After growing up poor, and the company that he works for going bankrupt, Phineas T. Barnum has a brilliant idea. He wants to make a museum of people, and that idea turns into a show of a kind. He finds people who are different, who have talents, and he makes them the stars of his new "circus". When he gets distracted and different difficulties arise, the question is this: will the show still go on?

Genre: Musical, Romance, Biography.

Length: approx. 105 minutes.

Costumes: 8, there are some that are a little low, but there are so many that they did a great job on, it's amazing!

My favorite: They are all amazing, but since I love blue so much I love this one of Anne's:

Script: 7, there are a few swear words, mostly in just one song.

Crew:

Directed by: Michael Gracey.

Written by: Jenny Bicks, & Bill Condon.

Starring:
Hugh Jackman as P. T. Barnum.

Michelle Williams as Charity Hallett-Barnum.

Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle.

Zendaya as Anne Wheeler.
Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz.
Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind.
Sam Humphrey as Charles Stratton.
James Babson as Charles Stratton (singing and speaking voice).
Paul Sparks as James Gordon Bennett.

Daniel Everidge as The Lord of Leeds.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Radu Spinghel, Timothy Hughes, Luciano Acuna Jr., Danial Son, Yusaku Komori, Nick Jantz, Kenneth Chan, Martha Nichols, Jonathan Redavid, Shannon Holtzapffel, Jeremy Hudson, Taylor James, Caoife Coleman, Mishay Petronelli, Chelsea Caso, Khasan Brasilford, Alex Wong, Julius Rubio, Vincent-Oliver Noiseux, DeAnna Walters, Jessica Castro, Najla Gilam, & Christina Glur as Various Ensemble Dancers.

Austyn Johnson as Caroline Barnum.

Cameron Seely as Helen Barnum.
Ellis Rubin as Young P. T. Barnum.
Ziv Zaifman as Young P. T. Barnum (singing voice).

Skylar Dunn as Young Charity.
Eric Anderson as Mr. O'Malley.
Byron Jennings as Mr. Carlyle.
Betsy Aidem as Mrs. Carlyle.
Fredric Lehne as Benjamin Hallett.
Kathryn Meisle as Hannah Hallett.
Gayle Rankin as Queen Victoria.
Shuler Hensley as Lead Protester.
(Man, there are a lot of actors!)

Cinematography: 10! All the dancing is so incredible, I can't even imagine the work that they put into it. But it also has a weird way that the songs are filmed. I'm okay with it, but my mom and dad don't really like it.

Cinematography by: Seamus McGarvey.

Music: 10! I love the songs! "A Million Dreams" is probably my favorite, but I love "This Is Me" and "Never Enough". I'm actually listening to the soundtrack while I write this review. For some reason I didn't used to like "Rewrite the Stars" but now I do! I just love them all.

Music by: John Debney & Joseph Trapanese.

Quotes: 9. "You don't need everyone to love you, Phin. Only a few good people."

Storyline: 8, so there is a very sensitive topic in here, but they handled it wonderfully! There is also some drinking, and fighting, but I think that's it.

Good For: Musical lovers, people who feel like they are different and not loved, everyone!

Age Range: I really think that any one of any age would love the music and setting!

Overall Score: 8.5!

Bonus thoughts:

I think that all of us at sometime in our lives have felt that we are worthless, that we are weird, "freaks", that no one could ever love. This movie shows that the world can be harsh, but that doesn't mean that we aren't loved. It might not be 100% historically accurate, but it is just such a fun and lively film with such an uplifting message that I love it!
"Another critic might say that it was a celebration of humanity."

The photos that I have here really don't capture it, you need to watch it!

Have you seen this movie? What do you think? Thank you so much for reading!

MovieCritic

Movie Review: The Proud Rebel (1958)

Hello, everybody!

One of my favorite actresses is Olivia de Havilland, and today is a big day for her... she is turning 103!! She is so amazing. Because this I am reviewing one of her movies (obviously). I actually watched this movie for Alan Ladd, and was pleasantly surprised to find that she was in it!

"Come now, I'm not going to hurt thee."

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.

The Proud Rebel (1958):

Based on: the story Journal of Linnett Moore (featured in The Country Gentleman) -by James Edward Grant.
"Bitterness can become a bad habit."
John Chandler is roaming with his 10 year old son, David, looking for a doctor who can heal David, who has been mute ever since he saw his mother killed. In Illinois they find Dr. Enos Davis who knows a friend who might just be able to do the job, but he will need money. David's best friend in the world is his dog Lance. After a fight, John ends up in court. He gets the help of Linnett Moore, and works out a deal to work for her. But Harry Burleigh really wants Lance because he knows that there has never been a better sheep dog. Will he stop at nothing to get him? Will John be able to make enough money to help David?
"Is money the only way to pay for something?"

Genre: Western.

Length: approx. 103 minutes.

Costumes: 8. "A woman without a hat is only half blessed."
Script: 10, no bad words (I'm pretty sure)!
"He's got a mind of his own."

Crew:

Directed by: Michael Curtiz.

Written by: Joseph Petracca & Lillie Hayward.

Starring:
Alan Ladd as John Chandler.
Olivia de Havilland as Linnett Moore. "You're a strange woman, mam."

David Ladd as David Chandler.

Dean Jagger as Harry Burleigh.
Cecil Kellaway as Dr. Enos Davis.
James Westerfield as Birm Bates.
Henry Hull as Judge Morley.
Dean Stanton as Jeb Burleigh.
Thomas Pittman as Tom Burleigh.
Eli Mintz as Mr. Gorman.
King as Lance.

Cinematography: 8, this had some very cool shots!

Cinematography by: Ted D. McCord.

Music: 6, uh, I really don't remember it. I think that it moved the film along nicely, but I can't tell you what it was.

Music by: Jerome Moross.

Quotes: 9, "A lot of wars begin before shooting starts."

Storyline: 7, there is fighting, death, and one suggestive thing.

Good For: Western lovers, people who are suffering with loss, and people who are fans of the actors.

Age Range: David is 10, so I definitely think that anyone of that age would like it. Maybe even lower, it is a very sweet story.

Overall Score: 8!

Bonus thoughts:
I watched this thinking that it was going to be your typical western, but I was wrong! It is a very sweet story about the relationship between a man and his son. I greatly enjoyed it. The only thing is that the ending wasn't my favorite, it was okay, I just thought of a better one (in my opinion). Also, the title of this movie doesn't make a lot of sense. It is set after the Civil War, and John was a soldier then so does that have something to do with it? He also is very unwilling to accept help so that may be part of the "proud".

It was so cool to see Alan Ladd and his son David Ladd work together! They were great.


In honor of Olivia, Phyllis Loves Classic Movies and In The Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood are hosting a blogathon! This is their fourth year, and I have participated in 2017 and 2018. Make sure to check out all of the other entries HERE or HERE.

Miss De Havilland plays the role of Linnett wonderfully! She is so kind and loving, I can't picture anyone else!


(Sorry, the photos that I could find are not great.)


Thank you so much for reading! A big thank you Phyl and Crystal for hosting this!

Happy Birthday Olivia de Havilland!

MovieCritic