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MoViews: Mean Girls (2024)

It's a cautionary tale of fear and lust and pride, based on actual events where people died.

OK, no one died. But the Mean Girls Broadway Musical adaptation to film is one that is definitely worth catching on the big screen.

Tina Fey scored a great hit with this adaptation. I must confess I haven't seen the stage version, but before the movie was released, I had a few songs from the soundtrack on my favorites playlist.

I think one of the biggest successes is the casting. Cravalho (of Moana fame) does a fantastic job as Janice - whose songs were those mentioned above on my favorites playlist - and even those smaller roles are filled with people who understand how to deliver comedy in reactions and one-liners.

The ties to the original movie from 2004 are also well placed, and the surprises (including a fourth-wall break closer to the end as a wink to the fans) are filled with nostalgia.

Mi Opinión - If you are a fan of the original, Don't Miss It (3 out of 3). Otherwise, Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #moviews #movie review #mean girls 2024 #mean girls the musical #mean girls

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StreamViews: Saltburn (2023)

StreamViews: Saltburn (2023)

Well, there's not much I can say about this unsettling film without spoiling it. So here's this:

1. Go watch the trailer.

2. Any expectations you get from the trailer, you're wrong.

3. Go watch the movie. (2 out of 3)

Saltburn is currently streaming on Prime.

He Dicho.

#senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #moviews #movie review #saltburn #saltburn 2023

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MoViews: Wonka (2023)

Happy New Year! I know I'm a bit late for this - but better late than never!

Wonka was a joy to watch. This is a prequel of the original movie from 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The story is well written, and Chalamet does a good job in portraying a younger version of the Wonka personality created by Gene Wilder without the sour edge that came from years of battling those wanting to steal his ideas. It preserves the contrasts between the grey dull real world and the colorful whimsical environment Wonka creates.

There are great songs, including a beautiful throw-back to the Pure Imagination theme from the original.

There are also great villains, and plenty of ingenious ways to show Wonka's mysterious magical abilities. AND - it also serves as an origins story for the Oompa Loompas, in the grumpy representation of Hugh Grant.

All in all, a good time at the movies.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3)

He Dicho.

#moviews #movie review #senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #wonka 2023 #wonka #wonka movie

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MoViews: Wish (2024)

Disney fans will find this movie delightful. Being part of the 100 celebration, its ties with the original feature-length animated feature Snow White are pretty obvious. There are also several nods to other classic films, so pay attention as you watch.

We also finally get a real Disney Villain! In the classic tradition of his predecessors, King Magnifico has a lab in a secret dungeon-like room - making his royal evil lineage proud. The Evil Queen and Maleficent, two of my three favorite villains, have also nods in the movie.

The story is heartfelt, well told, with good music to go along with it. And it speaks to everyone's wishes - or their heart's desires - and how to make them happen. However, most of the time I found myself distracted by the beauty of Rosas - the world in which the story takes place. The style in which it's created - water-colory castles and forests, is breathtaking in the same way that Sleeping Beauty's and Frozen 2's backgrounds were.

As a bonus, if you stay through the credits you'll get two treats - one during, and one after. So make sure you do.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #moviews #movie review #Disney Wish #wish movie #wish

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MoViews: The Marvels (2023)

SPOILER FREE REVIEW.

As always, I go see these movies without any expectations. I have watched all of the movies involving Captain Marvel, and I have also watched both the Wandavision and Ms. Marvel series on Disney+.

This is a REALLY good time at the movies. It is entertaining, funny, and everything that a Superhero movie has to be. There is some drama, some tension, some exploration of feelings - and honestly you don't even realize there is not a single leading man in it at all.

The blend of all the media that gets us to this place is done extremely well, combining the awkward teenage situations Kamala brings with the grown-up seriousness and complications that Carol Danvers has with the adult Monica.

It clearly shows the power of people overcoming their preconceptions and misconceptions and learning to work together when the situation calls for it.

For those of you Broadway fans, there is a scene that you'll thoroughly enjoy. Additionally, stay for the mid-credits scene - it'll be worth it.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (4 out of 4).

He Dicho.

#moviews #movie review #senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #The Marvels #mcu #ms. marvel #wandavision

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MoViews: A Haunting in Venice (2023)

Mr. Branagh is definitely taking some big liberties with saying 'based on'. The story that plays out on this film is nowhere near the original Hallowe'en Party from Agatha Christie. There are a few nods here and there, like the reference to the bobbing for apples and the names of some characters - including the appearance of Poirot's friend the writer Ariadne Oliver. 'Inspired by...' would be a much more adequate description.

Having said that, credit must go fully to Michael Green - the writer of the adaptation of the story into the big screen. Without it being anything similar to the original book, he still managed to come up with a Christie-like mystery that plays well on screen. The addition of the contemporary pop culture references to appeal more to the American audiences is obvious, as I don't recall Christie being too pop-culture-savvy in her original works - and I am still slightly annoyed at the continuous referencing of Poirot's Branagh-created lost love. But I digress.

Again - taking a LOT of liberties (far too many to mention in this review and not necessary for the end result), the movie is just as delightful as the other two adaptations have been. The casting is marvelous - especially those of the younger characters. Tina Fey is pretty perfect as the adequate Ariadne Oliver to go against Branagh's Poirot, and they all play well with each other.

Christie fans (and possibly thriller mystery ones as well) will have no issue deciphering the puzzle presented in front of them - possibly even too early for our own good - with the exception of the final twist, which is refreshing to see.

Just as the previous two, the cinematography is flawless, and the design of the confined spaces is a stark contrast to the vast views of the Nile - yet effective in focusing the attention on the story and the dynamic of the characters at hand.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3). He Dicho.

#sensei toadstool #senseitoadstool #moviews #movie review #A Haunting in Venice

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MoViews: The Haunted Mansion (2023)

First of all, I am a HUGE fan of the Haunted Mansion - it's my favorite attraction in the Magic Kingdom. However, I'm always cautiously optimistic of any movies created from the rides - as the first iteration of this movie (starring Eddie Murphy) was, for me at least, slightly disappointing - as it was very heavy on the comedy and not strong enough in the spooky.

This iteration, however, was a delightful surprise. It is said (if my memory serves) that, when Walt Disney commissioned the Haunted Mansion, Imagineers made it scary - and he disliked it. He wanted something spooky but silly, hence the Grim Grinning Ghosts who come out to socialize were born.

This story, in my humble opinion, has the right mix of scary, spooky, silly and serious - all in perfect balance. Also, the incredible amounts of nods that exist to the attraction make this extremely satisfying for a Haunted Mansion fan.

The performances were very good, and perfectly aligned with the shape of each character that fit the puzzle in this tale. The story in the beginning can easily be turned into one of those contemporary gothic horror movies with hundreds of jumps and scares without the gore - and if you remove the silliness and the comedy from the script, it can surely become a seriously scary movie.

There is an underlying deep addressing of the topic of grief - which makes the movie also surprisingly emotional in a good way.

It is also an 'Origin Story' of sorts - which is chock-full-of Easter Eggs (I won't spoil all of them, but pay close attention to the lit pumpkins at the very end of the film if you want to catch a glimpse of the spooky wall paper design on the Mansion carved on a pumpkin). Fans will also identify the Hat-box Ghost, as it is one of the most popular stories of the actual creation of the house: As the special effects for the attraction were being developed, there was a particular ghost in the attic that needed an effect in which his head would disappear from the top of his body and appear inside of the hat box he was carrying. In the late 1960's, the available technology would not allow for the effect to look believable, so it was scrapped after Cast Member previews. In 2015, the Hatbox Ghost was added to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, now that the technology had finally caught up to create a more convincing version of the effect, back in the attic.

In my view, this was most definitely a success - with plenty of LOL moments, a carefully crafted story, and enough emotional moments to make it worth your while.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#moviews #movie review #senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #The Haunted Mansion 2023 #The Haunted Mansion

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MoViews: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

My first contact with Indiana Jones was in an outing during a camping trip to Arrowhead Camp in Canada, with kids my age.

I was captured by the storytelling, amazed by the spirits flowing out of the Ark of the Covenant, jumped a few times at the skeletons and the booby traps, and disgusted by the melting faces of the bad guys. All in all, a very successful and exciting outing for a 12 year old.

And here we are, 40-plus years later, watching what I believe will be the wrap-up of a wonderful, exciting and imaginative saga 5-films long. I do believe that in order to enjoy these movies, audiences need to understand the formula: a balanced combination of reality and fiction in an adventure setting with supernatural involvement.

Indiana Jones himself is, in a very wholesome way, a representation of virtue. Yes, he steals archeological finds - but ALWAYS for a museum, for the enhancement of the understanding of history, always doing his best for the human kind to understand where we come from, where we've been, and what happens when we ignore history. Indy's moral compass, unlike his aging body and slowing reflexes, is unwavering.

Without spoiling much of the new story, the same aspects that have always been present in Indy's tales remain. A desired artifact, bad people after it, and consequences that only he understands.

People that we've loved along the way are present, and so are new faces (including an underage smart and talented companion akin to the one in The Temple of Doom) - along with some musical notes that will be very familiar to fans of the series.

Even though some of the scenes feel intentionally extended for the benefit of a longer movie (like the chase and action scenes), we are treated to a phenomenal ending sequence that is most definitely worth the wait - all leading to an emotional conclusion.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#moviews #movie review #Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny #Indiana Jones #sensei toadstool #senseitoadstool

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MoViews: Elemental (2023)

This movie is absolutely beautiful. It's visually beautiful, it's auditorily beautiful, and it has a beautiful story to tell. The story, in my opinion, is what makes this a masterful film. There are many, many layers on this tale that add rich emotion to its seemingly simple and familiar plot.

At first I was immediately put off by the main water character - Wade Ripple. But talk about character development. One of the multiple layers I talk about is the path that the storytellers take to take us on the journey of why Wade is the way he is.

Also, at first, I quickly grew to care for Ember and her family, but the same character development occurs with her as we learn that the superficial Ember is not what she seems.

I also believe this story is too deep to keep younger audiences interested. The two toddlers in our row lost interest about 10 minutes into it and never regained it.

The layers I wrote about above touch subjects such as immigration, discrimination, family matters, cultural differences, how compromise in relationships is much more important than sacrifice, and self-growth. But the story is mostly centered in how complicated relationships can be - the relationships that we have with those around us, and the sometimes most difficult of all: the relationship with ourselves.

Mi opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #moviews #movie review #movie reviews #elemental 2023 #elemental pixar #Elemental

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MoViews: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Wow. Speechless. Except for the next few bullets:

1. SOOOOOOOOOO MANY SPIDER-PEOPLE!!!!!

2. Every comic, TV show and movie that was made before was solely made for this one to happen

3. A very creative way to break the fourth wall

Anything else I could say may be construed as a spoiler.

Mi Opinión: Muli-Viewings in the Theater (4 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#MoViews #Movie Review #Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse #Spider-Man #Miles Morales #senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool

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MoViews: The Little Mermaid (2023)

Following the continued 'turn to live action' streak that has plagued Disney for the last few years comes this favorite from the late 80's, considered at its time the rebirth of the animation studios.

I must confess it's a VERY well executed film. The adaptation is a good mix of both new material and an ode to the original. Bailey's voice is beautiful, and very appropriate for Ariel. She nails the big numbers with ease. A few of the adjustments I enjoyed include the addition of Eric's mother and the changing of Ariel's sisters to represent the seas around the world. One of the new songs for Ariel, when she arrives at the palace to describe how she feels with legs, was an excellent move - as the song is funny and heartfelt at the same time.

I actually thought I was going to be annoyed at Awkwafina's Scuttle - but she did a good job with the character. Her and Diggs' Sebastian interacted very well on screen (including the new scuttlebutt rap addition), giving us some LOL moments - including the remarkably executed "Kiss the Girl". All of the visuals were very well done, being my favorite the "Under the Sea" number with its vibrant colors and updated musical arrangements. Even the odd-looking Flounder of the trailers eventually feels adequate.

Although filled with positives, there were a few opportunities (in my opinion). Bardem as Triton felt more cold and aloof than I expected. Also, although she did a good job portraying Ursula, McCarthy's voice felt forced at times to try to match the incomparable Pat Carroll. Her magic was also slightly modified, which gives us a 'headscratcher' moment when trying to make sense of the overall purpose of what she does. Leaving that aside, the special effects surrounding her are masterfully executed, including the ending scene when she becomes the giant to battle Eric and Ariel.

All in all, one of the better live action transformations from Disney.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#moviews #movie review #senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #little mermaid 2023 #the little mermaid

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MoViews: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

WARNING: MILD SPOILERS AHEAD

Honestly, there's not much to say about the film. It's a great closing for the trilogy. The villain is extremely well written and portrayed flawlessly by Iwuji.

I must say though - it will be a VERY hard movie to watch for animal lovers. There are many scenes painful to watch. And just to put this in context, this is really Rocket's back-story - the one he's never wanted to talk about before.

The movie is well made effects-wise, and it has the same creative and fun banter we're used to. However, this one has - in my opinion - a deeper heart than the others. Maybe because it's the closing of the trilogy. The soundtrack is good, with its usual eclectic mix of music.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#moviews #movie review #senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 #gotg vol 3 #gotgv3

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MoViews - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

So, first of all let me clarify something: I was a fan of the original animated series, which in turn were based on the Role-Playing Game of the same name. I've never been able to get into RPGs of this type because of the creative parts that come with it - it becomes a high-pressure environment for me. I very much prefer games with set rules and clear guidelines that I can follow and stick to.

Having said that, I was quite entertained by this movie. The story is engaging, the characters are well developed, and the special effects are great. The music is very on point, and some of the cinematography is quite impressive.

In all that, there were a couple of items that I pinpoint on the movie that impede me from giving it full high marks:

1. I think, for me, it suffered from the same hinderance that Love and Thunder did. The humorous parts go a bit too far for my taste, and for its own good.

2. As much as I enjoy Michelle Rodriguez's performances, I think Holga lacked a bit more soul. The action/tough parts were right on point, but when it came to get across the more loving and invested part of the character it came across as dry and void of emotion.

My absolute favorite character of them all was Doric, as she was played with the perfect mix of passion and skepticism that brought the right balance that I was looking for in the movie of seriousness and silliness.

I also loved the nods made to us followers of the animated series, well placed and discreet enough not to interfere with the story and yet make them visible.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#movie review #senseitoadstool #moviews #dungeons and dragons: honor among thieves #dungeons and dragons honor among thieves #dungeons and dragons movie

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MoViews: Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

I enjoyed the first iteration of the series simply because the "DC Cinematic Universe" has been in permanent chaos for a while, and this one seemed to not only align with what was there, but also laugh at itself.

The second iteration is not much different, embracing the chaos and laughing at itself. It seems slightly sillier than the first one, and even though the special effects are very similar to the things we've seen in the MCU (Dr. Strange's influence in the special effects realm is quite obvious), the story actually holds up rather nicely. They do a good job patching up the potential plot holes that could arise, and the ties with Greek Mythology feed my geekiness.

It's, all in all, a good time at the movies.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#MoViews #Movie Reviews #Shazam! Fury of the Gods #senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool #shazam

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MoViews - Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

SPOILER FREE REVIEW.

I honestly enjoyed this movie. When it started, I was a bit hesitant about the story, since it was EXTREMELY heavy on the special effects arena, and we all know how much I love a movie with a million special effects and zero story (jk). But after spending what felt like a lot of time on the special effects (a.k.a. Quantum) realm, the story eventually improved.

It is also very obviously setting up the stage for bigger things to come. I must also note that in some points it felt like it drew inspiration from previously released movies, like Strange World, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and Star Wars.

The comedic pieces are still very much present, coming second (in ridiculousness factor) only to Thor: Love and Thunder. The performances are good - with a first rate delivery from Majors embodying the new villain of the series.

If you want context, besides the obvious choices of the previous Ant-Man movies, make sure you watch Loki on Disney+. That will definitely be helpful in understanding what's going on.

Oh - and there are two scenes to wait for, one mid-credit and one post-credit.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#MoViews #Movie Review #Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania #quantumania #sensei toadstool #senseitoadstool

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StreamViews: Wednesday (2022-Netflix)

Well, this show not only met but exceeded every expectation I had. Although Tim Burton has directing credit for only 4 of the episodes in Season 1, his influence can be felt throughout. With the masterful scoring of Danny Elfman and an absolutely amazing rendition of Paint It Black on the Cello, it's definitely a bingeable series.

The casting is pretty on point, and Ortega fulfills the character of Wednesday with deadly accuracy. The writers, I believe, not only stuck to the spirit of the original characters created by Charles Addams, but give nods to the original black and white series from the 60's and even cast Christina Ricci, who played Wednesday in the 90's films, in one of the main roles of the series. The double snaps and the reference to Girl Scouts are my personal favorites.

I won't say much more, because this is one you definitely want to watch for yourself.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

#StreamViews #series review #Wednesday #Wednesday netflix #Wednesday addams #senseitoadstool #sensei toadstool

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MoViews: Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

In closing this year of going back to 'normal', I'm wrapping another wonderful year of MoViews thanks to you - my friends and readers who encourage me to continue writing my reviews.

The much awaited sequel to Avatar from James Cameron doesn't disappoint. Although the main story is pretty much a carbon copy of the first one, the visuals are absolutely stunning. The running length of 3 hours and 15 minutes could definitely be shorter - but we all know how Cameron enjoys his epic shots both the battle sequences and the serene panoramic views. The Way of Water succeeds in the difficulty of animating water and everything that lives within, giving us a first-class visual spectacle.

The upgrade to the story is our main character, Jake Sully, now having a family to protect when those who threaten the peaceful balance of life found in Pandora return to exploit it. In an effort to escape his hunters, they seek asylum with one of the water tribes (hence the name of this movie), having to learn the ways of those who are naturally adapted to living in water in order to survive and carry their own weight.

Although the story has some heavy plot holes and opens some questions that it doesn't answer, the performances and visuals are enough to forgive some of those mishaps - especially knowing there's another movie coming up in 2024. The main theme and subliminal message of the first iteration of Avatar remains too - the call to respect the environment and do our best to maintain it for our own survival as we depend on our environment to live, along with the added family strength messages that the sequel brings.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho, for the last time in 2022. See you in 2023!!!

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