Movie Review: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)

Hello, everyone!

Each day we are getting closer to autumn, and fall is the perfect time to watch movies! For me, that usually means watching some of my old favorites. Today I will be reviewing one of my older sister's and my favorite movies when we were younger, which we always just called "The horse movie".

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

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002):

Also known as Spirit.

"The story that I want to tell you, you cannot find in a book."
Through the thoughts of the mustang "Spirit", we follow his story of leading his herd, being captured, finding love, and watching his freedom disappear. People are taking over the land with their big steel machines, but are all humans truly bad, or can some be friends?

Genre: Adventure, Animated, Family.

Length: approx. 83 minutes.
Costumes: 7, it is animated, and there aren't a lot of people, but there is someone who isn't wearing a shirt.

Script: 10, there aren't any bad words, but for that matter there aren't really any words. We get to hear Spirit's thoughts, and the people say a few things, but mostly we just figure things out visually.

Crew:

Directed by: Kelly Asbury & Lorna Cook.

Written by: John Fusco.

Starring the voices of:
Matt Damon as Spirit. "...as wild and reckless as the wind over the land."

Daniel Studi as Little Creek.

James Cromwell as The Colonel (who's character is somewhat inspired by George A. Custer).

Those are pretty much the only voices. Every once in awhile a different character will laugh or say something short like, "Easy, now".

Animation: 10! It is beautiful! I love it. There is so much work that went into it and it paid off. Some parts are based off of Glacier, Teton, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks.

Music: 9! Eeep! Another thing that I love about this! The sound track, and the songs that play are both great. When I'm having a hard time with something I'll sing to myself, "I won't give up, no I won't give in, you can't break me, I'm free!"

Music by: Hans Zimmer (score) & Bryan Adams (songs).

Quotes: 8, and I'm giving it this score because as I said, it doesn't have a lot. But, it certainly doesn't need it!
"My heart galloped through the skies that night."

Storyline: 8, there is some smoking, and abuse of animals, but that's it!

Good For: Any horse lover!

Age Range: As I said, my sister and I loved this when we were little. Any age could watch it and enjoy it!

Overall Score: 9!

Bonus thoughts:

This is a super sweet story, and it is a fun way to spend an hour and a half! I think that we can all relate to feeling trapped, but it shows that we can pull through.


Thanks for reading! Have any of you seen this movie?

MovieCritic

#AMonthWithoutTheCode65!: Wrap-up

Hello, everyone!

During July this year Pure Entertainment Preservation Society (PEPS) hosted #CleanMovieMonth85! where the goal was to only watch Code films.
So, during August, they hosted #AMonthWithoutTheCode65! where the goal was to watch only Non-Code films to compare to the movies we saw last month, and to think of how they would be different in the Code years! I am happy to say that I did it! I didn't watch any Code movies, but it was hard!

Here are my thoughts on each of the movies I saw to see if they could have been made between 1934-1954. I'm only counting movies that I saw all the way through because I have a bad habit of just watching parts of movies.
Movies watched: 10
If it has an asterisk next to it, then I was rewatching it:

The Fix It Boys (2017)

My sister and I watched this with two boys that we were babysitting. The acting and cinematography was really cringe worthy, but it was such a sweet story!
In Code?: Yes, I would definitely say so.

Descendants 3 (2019)

My sisters and I saw the premiere of the first movie, and since have seen the second one and both are two of my favorites. I was really looking forward to this... but was disappointed. It wasn't as fun as the others, the songs all sounded the same, the costumes were weird, everyone needed a haircut, and the plot was crazy. I am happy for you if you liked it, though. Carlos was my favorite so it was bittersweet.
In Code?: Um, I'm not sure what the Code says about magic. It would need a little "tweaking", but it is fine.

Back to the Future Part 2 (1989)

My little sister and I had so much fun watching this! I won't say too much because I hope to write a review soon.
In Code?: It shows how being greedy can really corrupt you and the world. There are bad things, but there are also consequences, which I think is really important to show. It would have been interesting to see how the self-regulators of the Code would have done it!

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)*

My heart! This movie is so nostalgic!
In Code?: There is a lot of violence, scary images, and war scenes.

The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)

My older sister and I had a lot of fun watching this because we are really big Jane Austen fans, but I'm not sure I'd rewatch it ever. Grigg was the best (though I am annoyed with one part with him that they threw in for no reason)! For some weird reason I couldn't find any posters with him, so I have to include another picture here because it's only fair.

In Code?: There was talk of divorce and different affairs, and some really suggestive things (sometimes more than suggestive. Grrr.) And... other stuff. Can you tell that I'm frustrated!?

Gosford Park (2001)

I want you all to know that I know how Julian Fellows thinks. I got the mystery correct!! It was fun to see all of the actors, but won't be rewatching this.
In Code?: Definitely not. I wish that I could watch a mystery without all of the "bleh" stuff that usually goes with it. Can't all of the directors stop doing this??

The Monuments Men (2014)*

Such an interesting story, and great cast!
In Code?: It is a war movie, so a lot of violence.

Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde (2003)

These movies are cheesy and weird, but also kind of fun to watch if you're not doing anything else. There is way too much pink and not enough blue.
In Code?: There is a lot of crude humor, and suggestive things. There were other bits that I really don't think were necessary.

Black Panther (2018)

I had been wanting to see this for such a long time!! I thought that a few things were a little predictable, but it was fun. The technology is so cool, and I loved Stan Lee's cameo!
In Code?: Another movie were there is a lot of fighting and violence.

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)*

Tintin! This movie is so great! The mystery is so awesome. It was so much fun to rewatch.
In Code?: There is a surprising amount of violence for a kids movie, but other then that it is okay.


And I saw part of The Lion in Winter (1969), but I gave up because it was so bad. It should have been made in Code!


Also, on September 23rd-25th, PEPS is hosting a Phantom of the Opera Blogathon! To all of you "phans", they would love it if you participated!

Thank you to Tiffany and Rebekah Brannan for hosting this!

Thanks for reading! Have you seen any of these movies? What do you think of them?

MovieCritic

Book Series Review: My Time in Amar, Books 1 & 2 - by Nicki Chapelway

Hello, everyone!

I have had the pleasure of recently reading the first two books in Nicki Chapelway's My Time in Amar series! Book 2 just released yesterday, actually! Though this is a book and movie review blog, I tend to focus on films more (With a title like Movies Meet Their Match, you probably guessed that), so I am super excited to be reviewing these for you today!

Note: I was give free copies of these books for my honest opinion, so that is what you'll be getting.

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

Book 1:

A Week of Werewolves, Faeries, and Fancy Dresses - by Nicki Chapelway:

Chelsea is perfectly fine with her life, except that she keeps getting sucked through a portal into the land of Amar, then after a bit she gets home again. After learning that her twin brother, and two friends have had the thing happen to them, they all are dropped in Amar where a spell is put on them until they complete their fathers's quest. The problem is that they don't know what the quest is! With help from Chelsea and Clint's uncle, they head to Hale Hall to find some answers, and encounter beings that are amazing, but are they dangerous, and possibly out to get them?
'Clint decides to go for the eloquent approach. "Excuse me but, what the freak are you talking about, buddy?"'
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult.

Characters: 8, these characters were so awesome! I was loving them from the beginning.

My favorites:
Clint: he and I are kindred spirits. We have so many things in common! He's my favorite.
Phillip: I wasn't sure about him at first, but he is so sweet and caring. (This is the only place were Clint and I differ, because Clint doesn't like him).
Easton: 'I guess the responsibility lands on my shoulders then.' He has so much endurance, it is crazy! Also, his favorite color is blue which shows that he has great taste because blue is the best color ever.
Chelsea: Once again, we both think a lot alike. I loved how she one time thought 'Well, that's inconvenient.' right before passing out.
Margareta: She is hilarious! (I thought that it was cool that her name, Margareta Hale, is really close to the main character of North & South - by Elizabeth Gaskell, Margaret Hale!)
Wilhelm: Not really sure about him yet, but I am very impressed with his skills.
I know that you are all wondering, "Where's Bobby?" Well, I feel like she had the least amount of time so I don't feel like I know her. Maybe in the next books!

Words: 8, there are no bad words, which I loved! I love reading things in first person, present tense (it is my favorite!!), so I was really happy about that! The only thing is that there are some bits that dragged a little that I thought could be cut.
'He glowers at me with his lips pressed together in displeasure. “You should watch your language when in the presence of a lady.”'

Quotes: 10! 'I shake that thought out of my head the second it appears. Nope. Time for a new theory.' (This is pretty much my thought process.)

Storyline: 8, there are descriptions of blood, death, people going through a lot of pain (but it is actually pretty tame), and there are comments about kissing. The plot is so creative!

Good For: Fantasy lovers, adventure lovers.

Age Range: The four main characters are 15, and it is YA, but I think that many ages would enjoy it!

Overall Score: 8.5!

Bonus thoughts:

'I snort which causes the pain in my side to flair. Note to self: don't snort if you are experiencing abominable abdominal pain.'
This book was awesome! It is so funny! I had a really bad cough while reading this so every few pages I would burst out laughing which would turn into violent coughing. My sisters got really annoyed, but hey, laughter is the best medicine, right? I really loved it. Great job, Nicki!



Book 2:
A Time of Trepidation, Pirates, and Lost Princesses - by Nicki Chapelway:

'"Bad stuff happens to all of us okay?" Bobby says. "This is not a contest to see who has had the worst stuff happen to them."'
The adventure has just begun. And were it started as four companions, that number has now grown to nine! Chelsea, Clint, Bobby, and Easton are grateful to find friends in this world of Amar, but they still really want to go home. Their only clue is to go to the Bextain Sea, where they are supposed to find an amulet and a lost princess. Things only get more complicated when they get caught up with pirates! They also are learning that while their powers may be amazing and helpful, they can also hurt them. Will they find what they are looking for, or will they find this quest to be hopeless?
"Do yourself a favor, lad. Stay alive. I can tell that you have a bright future ahead of you."
Genre: Fantasy, YA.

Characters: 9! I loved getting to read more about them, and all of the new characters!

My favorites:
Clint: As I said before, he is the best! My only complaint is that I need more of him!
Fiona: I am really interested in her character, so I can't wait to read what happens! I loved the message that goes with her: 'I am who I am. And I'm done apologizing for it.'
Easton: 'always having to be dumb and selfless all the time.' He is one of the most amazing, selfless characters of all time. You can't not love him! I can't stand it when he touches his hair all. the. time. But that's a personal pet peeve of mine.
Jim: Another hilarious character! The book would not be the same without him. "What can I say? I'm an amazingly generous individual."
Bobby: I think that I'm starting to understand her more. I loved where to begin her thoughts in just said 'I want a sandwich'. That is so totally me! And this bit, too: 'Of course she would approve. It is very swashbuckling. And Bobby approves of swashbuckling.'
Chelsea: She is kind of the main character, so you have to like her, but I was frustrated with how indecisive she is! Just make up your mind already! 'If my conscience is starting to sound like Clint then I know that I'm in truly dark times.'
Atrium: I liked him, but another character who wouldn't make up his mind! But, I can understand all of what he did.

Words: 8, same as what I said for the first one.
"Not unless our goal is actually to die. Then that plan will work out really well."

Quotes: 10, '"I am going to miss you, my strange little friend. I sure hope you don't die." He flashes me a grin. "That would decrease our chances of seeing each other again."'

Storyline: 7, there is drinking, violence, suggestive things, and kissing. It is YA, but so many times I just felt like yelling at people, "You are so young! Don't worry about that!" I agree with this sentiment, though:
'We are a tragedy in the making. Someone needs to intervene here and make certain that everyone loves who they are supposed to or else there will be nothing left except for a good many broken hearts.'

Good For: People who are trying to find themselves, people who are struggling with difficult tasks.

Age Range: It is really clean, and the story is interesting for all ages, but I don't think anyone under 14 would be interested in the romance.

Overall Score: 8.5!

Bonus thoughts:
Once again, this book is hilarious! It is so much fun, I definitely recommend it. I couldn't put it down!


Thank you so much to Nicki for giving me the opportunity to review these, and congrats on publishing Book 2 yesterday!

Thanks for reading!

MovieCritic

Movie Review: What About Bob? (1991)

"Good morning, Gill. I said, good morning, Gill!"
(More like "Good evening, everyone. I said, good evening, everyone!)

Okay, I am finally going to do it. I have had this review in my drafts for such a long time, and now it is finally going to see the light of day! I hope you all enjoy!

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

What About Bob? (1991):

"Why don't I start?"
Bob is a really friendly person, but to put it simply, he has problems. It seems like no psychiatrists can help him, until he finds Dr. Leo Marvin. Bob starts to feel a sense of peace, but Dr. Leo leaves for his summer vacation. After a lot of effort, Bob figures out where he went, and steps outside of his comfort zone to go there. Dr. Leo is frustrated that Bob lied to him, and now won't go away! Will Bob stop being afraid, or will Dr. Leo's vacation be "ruined"?
"You won't go away!"

Genre: Comedy.

Length: approx. 99 minutes.

Costumes: 7, I mean, there is nothing great, but nothing bad. There is one time when someone isn't wearing a lot.

Script: 5, there is swearing. Bob has a theory that "If I fake it I don't have it.", so sometimes he fakes having tourette's syndrome by screaming curses.
"It's so right that you and I have come together."

Crew:

Directed by: Frank Oz.

Written by: Tom Schulman, Alvin Sargent, & Laura Ziskin.

Starring:

Bill Murray as Bob Wiley. "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful..."

Richard Dreyfuss as Dr. Leo Marvin.

Julie Hagerty as Fay Marvin.
Charlie Korsmo as Sigmund "Siggy" Marvin.

Kathryn Erbe as Anna Marvin.

Fran Brill as Lily Marvin.
Tom Aldredge as Mr. Guttman.
Susan Willis as Mrs. Guttman.
Roger Bowen as Phil.
Doris Belack as Dr. Catherine Tomsky.

Cinematography: 7, once again, nothing amazing.

Cinematography by: Michael Ballhaus.

Music: 6, pretty forgettable, because I can't remember it right now!

Music by: Miles Goodman.

Quotes: 10! My family and I quote this all the time!
"Baby steps. Baby steps out of the office."

Notes: there is a reference to Singin' in the Rain (1952), which I appreciate because it is my favorite movie! There is also one for The Brady Bunch.

Storyline: 7, there is someone acting in violent ways to another person, it talks about trying to kill someone, talk of suicide, gross things, there is a mention of divorce, and a few suggestive things.
"You're saying I'm all tied up inside."

Good For: People who have many phobias, anyone who likes comedy.

Age Range: I think I first saw this when I was about 12, but I think anyone over 10 would find it funny. For someone younger, they might like it, but they might not get it.

Overall Score: 7.

Bonus thoughts:

This is not my favorite movie but it is really funny, and will always make me laugh. Bob is scared of everything, and we can all relate to being scared of different things. What we learn with this movie is that there is always something worse. But don't be scared of that! Live your life and don't be afraid to swim because you might drown, just learn to do it the proper way. Don't do everything based on "what ifs".Just try not to get other people angry at you, okay?


There you go! As I said, I have had this draft for months, and today is finally the day it is published!

Thanks for reading! Have you seen this movie?

MovieCritic