Lightyear

An intergalactic journey just isn’t the same without your best friend.

What is supposed to be the film that made Andy from the world of Toy Story fall in love with Buzz Lightyear doesn’t quite meet expectation as this lack lustre Disney film leaves a lot to be desired.

Now, I’m as big of a fan of Chris Evans as the next person, but there is something quite frankly just odd about not hearing the voice of Tim Allen come out of Buzz Lightyear, and even Chris Evans, with his docile tones, can’t convince me otherwise.

With a film that is supposed to be the basis for one of Pixar’s biggest franchises, Lightyear is a flimsy attempt at the Disney joy that is sparked in the ever-so-loved Toy Story series.

Probably the most frustrating thing about this whole attempt at film making is the fact that every plot hole seems to resolve itself by implementing the use of mechanical emotional support cat. Need a screwdriver? Use the cat. Need a say-the-day solution? Use the cat. Need a laser beam? Use the cat. Whilst this starts off as amusing, it soon becomes annoying and a little lazy in terms of storytelling.

The only thing that can be said for this film is the animation is at least passable and the cast are somewhat trying to make the best of a bad situation.

But if I’m completely honest, I would not waste your money seeing this at the cinema and instead wait until it inevitably gets released on Disney+ in the upcoming weeks.

The Grinch

He’s green, he’s hairy and he’s in a bad mood; he’s The Grinch.

This revamped version of a classic Christmas tale, let’s the animation do the talking, as CGI takes the responsibility of creating the magically splendid winter wonderland that is the Whoville The Grinch knows and hates.

Benedict Cumberbatch swipes the infamous green bodysuit from under Jim Carey’s (2000) feet as he takes on The Grinch’s persona, voicing the character with an intense concoction of sarcastic skepticism with a dash of Grooge-ish hate.

The Grinch, as always, is accompanied by his loyal dog, Max, who provides many a comedic scene throughout the film, as well as creating multiple heart-melting moments using those all-powerful puppy eyes, which somehow look even more menacing through the art of animation.

Christmas cheer may be The Grinch’s worst fear, but this reimagination of a Dr. Seuss’ classic is bound to make even the grumpiest of hearts grow three times in size.

Incredibles 2

The most incredible family are back.

It’s been over ten years since they were first introduced to the animation world, but now the infamous superhero family is back, and this time even the youngest family member is ready for a fight.

With all the characters now somewhat older, and maybe even a little wiser, the premise of this plot is beautifully executed to show the development of this lovable family as they save the world using their superhero capabilities.

Though the wait has been a long one, this film blows any expectation out of the water as it goes above and beyond to provide an action-packed plot fueled by high powered antics and great storytelling.

Disney and Pixar collaborations may not occur very often, but when they do, this film stands as a testament to just what a success they can be, both in terms of audience impact and innovative film-making.

Ready Player One

When reality gets you down, there’s only one thing to do; enter into virtual reality.

In a world tarnished by technological advancement and chaotic gains, Wade Wilson finds himself the unlikely hero as he enters into a virtual reality adventure at the heart of the OASIS to save civilization and put a stop to the vast inequalities at play.

The artistic vision for this film is wonderfully striking, with video game artistry at the core of this production, creating both nostalgia and wonder for all those watching. In addition to the magnitude of colourful awe, director, Stephen Spielberg, has ensured that the CGI throughout the film, of which there is a lot, complements, rather than takes away from the story.

With many of the young actors starring in this Spielberg spectacular unbeknown to the audience, the actors are able to achieve a level of charismatic talent that is refreshingly new, with the added bonus of having little to compare it to but their presence on screen, due to their unfamiliarity.

Despite the acting and cinematography excelling throughout, it is the story that lets the vibrancy of this film down, with much of plot getting lost in translation due to the overlong running time, that leaves the audience feeling more exhausted than entranced.

Isle of Dogs

A political dog escapade like no other.

With all canines being banished to the isle of dogs for fear of global contamination, one 12-year-old boy decides to rally his doggy allies and embark on his very own political rebellion.

Wes Anderson puts his usual stamp of quirkiness on the production of this film, which brings together the real political landscapes of our world with a sense of comedic adventure which keeps the audience both informed as well as entertained throughout.

With a stop-action production such as this one, there is always a worry that the scenes will lack the seamlessness that we have become so attuned to in modern-day cinema. However, instead of creating a lack of continuity, the scenes encapsulate Anderson’s unique cinematic landscapes, igniting a level of curiosity that is anything but ordinary.

Watch the trailer here.

 

 

Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit returns with a hop, skip and a jump into a new carrot-fueled adventure.

Peter and his family burrow into a new challenge as they attempt to infiltrate Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden. However, what begins as a feud, soon escalates into a full-on battle between man and rabbit.

James Cordon heads up the rabbit frontier as the voice of Peter Rabbit, with his London barter adding an unexpected comedic factor to this well known mischevious character.

With Margot Robbie narrating this live-action quest and Domhnall Gleeson (Mr. McGregor)  acting alongside Rose Bryne (Bea) as lovestruck neighbours, the cast of this film is astoundingly talented, which does nothing but add to the magic of this old tale.

Will Gluck has managed to direct a fantasy into a reality by bringing together phenomenal cinematic technology, alongside equally gifted actors to make a film that will remain a family favourite for years to come.

Watch the trailer here.

Coco

Death is but the next great adventure; in a world full of life, the perils of death never seem too far away.

Music is a bit of sore subject in Miguel’s family, which wouldn’t be a problem if he didn’t want to be a musician, but he does, and so it is.

In an act of rebellion, Miguel strikes at the core of his family’s morals and runs away in an attempt to enter a music competition on the day of the dead; unfortunately all does not go to plan and Miguel finds himself in the land of the dead amongst his ancestors with a lot of explaining to do.

Death is not a subject that many animators could tackle, but this Disney Pixar collaboration does so with so beautifully crafted precision that one almost forgets that death is at the heart of this majestically orchestrated animation.

From endearing characters to unapologetic honesty, the film breaches the gap between fantasy and reality with such effortless ease, you don’t even remember it happening.

This film is as important to the younger generation, as it is to the old, with the act of remembrance striking at the core of one’s very being.

No one wants to be forgotten, and this animated wonderland reinforces the importance of why.

Paddington 2

Funny, furry and full of life; what’s not to love about this marmalade-loving bear?

After being adopted by the Brown family, Paddington has found his niche in the neighborhood, however, things soon take a turn for the worst when a disgraced actor moves in across the street.

With the likes of Hugh Grant (Phoenix Buchanan) joining the already talented cast, the live-action scenes blend perfectly with the animated bear, with each interaction between the two worlds coming together in seamless orchestration.

Despite the new faces in this sequel, our favorite bear keeps his cheeky charm and lovable nature, inviting in audiences young and old as he celebrates his 60th birthday in print.

The Emoji Movie

With Sir Patrick Stewart as a poop emoji and James Corden as a Hi-5 emoji, what could possibly go wrong?

The answer; Everything.

The very premise of this film was a ridiculous idea to begin with, but that didn’t stop Sony Pictures from making a heavy investment in it.

Despite the quite honestly bafflingly talented cast that have joined forces to voice this movie, the plot remains embarrassingly lack-lustre.

If it wasn’t for James Corden’s comforting British sarcasm that provides comic relief at all the right moments, this film would be a complete right-off.

Though the younger audiences will be falling over each other to reach this cinematic defeat, parents will find the experience headache ridden, but at least it might give them an opportunity for a nap.

Cars 3

Despite his age seemingly getting the better of him, Lightning McQueen refuses to let his racing career end in defeat.

With newer and more technologically savvy cars to race against, McQueen, along with the help of his trainer, Cruz, must learn how to outwit the competition with good old fashioned hard-work and commitment.

Though this is now the third film of the Cars series, Disney have managed to keep this film just as entertaining and engaging as the first, through a combination of new characters and an aging story that continues to intrigue.

Lightning McQueen may have had a digital makeover in the Pixar animation studios, but his character has stayed just as loveable as ever, making boys and girls fall in love with his eccentric antics all over again.