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Reviews
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Go see it yourself - a worthy conclusion
I had seen A LOT of negative press, and went into the film with zero expectations. Actually, was just hoping it would not be another Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls.
Good news? It's not! It pays homage to the spirit of the original, to the previous films (if you are REALLY paying attention), and to who our favorite archeologist is NOW...older, wiser, sadder.
PLUS...the Phoebe Waller-Bridge character? Both my teen daughter and I really liked her character. She is complex, and actually reminded me a lot of Marion from the first film.
While the film is not perfect, those flaws do not outweigh the overall positive and nostalgic emotions the film elicits. I highly recommend viewing the film YOURSELF to make your own determination.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Fun, nostalgic, and with heart
Took my whole family. The original made hubs want to join the Navy (he ultimately did not), and son loves the original soundtrack. Everyone loved this one too. As others mentioned, the aerial sequences are amazing. But at the heart of this is a father/surrogate father - son story. No surprise it worked, with Kosinski at the helm (who did, successfully I thought, the underrated Tron: Legacy - also a father/son film). Very well scripted, and story moves along with pace. All the old folks in my peer group loved it, but so did my teens. Enjoy!
Big Shot (2021)
Good start
Watched it with my teenage daughter who plays basketball. Does it accurately represent teenage girls? After the first introductory scene where he meets the team (which seemed to include all possible stereotypical "teenager" comments), the pacing settles down and generally accurately reflects teenage concerns and emotions. My daughter watched the whole thing, which I took as a good sign. Also, it touches on (but doesn't dwell, thank goodness) how coaching girls' teams is perceived as a "step down" from coaching boys. Hoping this series works to dispel that myth, and looking forward to more episodes.
Kung Fu (2021)
Ignore the camera angle snobs, focus on themes
I watched the original Kung Fu on reruns when I was young. Boring beyond belief and completely unrelate-able. AND misleading...I thought David Carradine was actually Asian and white for YEARS and could never figure out why he never spoke Chinese. Ahem. This series I could connect with in many ways - family pressure, helping one's community, and a strong female seeking a role model and mentor. The casting is on point. I can't speak to the "wirework" and "camera angles" because that's the least of what I pay attention to. I empathize with Nicky, the lead, and to me, that is most important. Give this a shot.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Did not disappoint!
I was nervous going to see this because I had read the books and worried the movie would not live up to the books, and that all the positive reviews were just hype or fanfare. But I am pleased to say the movie did not disappoint. It struck just the right tone, was very similar to the book, and almost all the casting was on point (with the exception of Michael Teo...did not think the actor cast as him was right). The cinematography as others have said, is amazing. Can I jump on a plane to Singapore tomorrow? Can I eat the food there? Because it looked amazing! But I think the main thing is the film was a very modern take on family duties - and it did not hit you over the head with "Asian filial piety" themes over and over. It provided context, but also was on the receiving end of humor as well. I also loved (as others mentioned) the soundtrack. Just really well done film, very lush, and totally on point as a romantic comedy.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Perfect for all ages!
I had been hearing good reviews about this film, and that the 3D action was actually giving "Avatar" a run for its money, so I took the kids. All four. And they loved it...were riveted, even the four year old, who was also fascinated by the 3D spectacles. The scenery in the film was masterfully done, and you COULD feel the 3D essence. The story - not complicated - but an underdog story, and definitely a feel good story. Great ending. Very purposeful, I think. I thought it was the Disney guys (Sanders and DeBois) who did this because I recognized the names, but then thought...wow? Disney let them get away? Ha! Guess the joke's on Disney.