Movie Review Archives - Page 2 of 3

Disney’s Frozen Sings

March 26, 2014November 30, 2013 by Vincent Daly

Just in time for the 2013 Winter Holiday season, Walt Disney Animation Studio ushers in an enthralling musical fantasy comedy movie titled “Frozen”. Although not necessarily an instant classic, “Frozen” boldly takes the audience on an epic journey full of magic, whimsy, and snappy dialogue along with Broadway caliber show stopping tunes. Building on the success of “Tangled”, Walt Disney Animation Studio continues its resurgence as a distinctly creative force to be reckoned with in family entertainment.

Monsters University Review: LIke comfort food for the cinema

June 24, 2013 by Vincent Daly

Over the years, Pixar Studios has earned the trust of parents with their witty, visually compelling, and often poignant animated movies. They have become a stalwart ally for entertaining kids of all ages. Even Pixar Studios being acquired by Disney seemed to be an inspired choice. Yet with the trend towards producing sequels taking root at Pixar, one has to wonder whether the focus on creativity has been replaced by maximizing profitability. Nonetheless, the recently released “Monsters University”, much like comfort food, will delight and satisfy even the most cynical appetites.

Escape from Planet Earth

February 24, 2013 by Vincent Daly

The animated feature film “Escape from Planet Earth” produced by Rainmaker Entertainment and distributed in the United States by The Weinstein Company, can best be described as a slick formulaic comedy adventure movie aimed at pleasing the masses. Yet what lifts “Escape from Planet Earth” from the shallow depths of junk food like mediocrity is the tremendous heart of the actors’ performances.

Jack Frost Will Warm Your Heart

December 8, 2012 by Vincent Daly

Jack Frost has always been a minor player as far as beloved children’s mythical characters go. Arguably, if it were not for Nat King Cole’s version of “The Christmas Song” which contains the line “Jack Frost nipping at your nose”, Jack may well have drifted into complete obscurity. Enter DreamWorks animated feature film “Rise of the Guardians”, a movie which aims to propel Jack Frost from minor historical footnote to bona fide hero.

ParaNorman

August 23, 2012 by Vincent Daly

Parents thinking about taking young children to see “ParaNorman”, a 3D stop-motion animated adventure horror film produced by Laika, and distributed by Focus Features, might want to reconsider seeking out lighter fare currently playing in theaters such as “Ice Age”. Although beautiful to behold and well scripted, “ParaNorman” focuses on the topics of alienation, fear, and death. If your kids are ready to be exposed to entertainment similar in spirit to Joss Whedon’s “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, then “ParaNorman” delivers.

Ice Age: Continental Drift

July 17, 2012 by Vincent Daly

When you’re a parent of young children, going to the movies doesn’t necessarily include seeking out quality stories. On the contrary, the experience often entails going to see whatever age appropriate movie is playing on a given day. Such was the case when choosing to see the animated feature “Ice Age: Continental Drift”, the 4th installment of the ongoing adventures of Manny the Mammoth, Diego the Sabretooth Tiger, and Sid the Sloth. Surprisingly, a comically fiendish band of pirates breathes new life into the series offering up a pleasant diversion much like an ice cream sundae.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

June 13, 2012June 11, 2012 by Vincent Daly

Being the 3rd movie of the series, I had low expectations for the latest installment of “Madagascar”. Yet it was an unusually hot Saturday for June, and the kids were in dire need of a diversion. I opted to skip the 3D version and use the savings to buy an overpriced medium sized popcorn instead. After a seemingly infinite amount of movie trailers, the lights mercifully dimmed and “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” started. Ten minutes into the movie, the unexpected happened. I was actually enjoying it…a lot.

Movie Review: The Avengers

May 3, 2012May 2, 2012 by Vincent Daly

“The Avengers”, written and directed by Joss Whedon, kicks off what is shaping up to be the year of comic book hero movies. With The Amazing Spider-man and Batman (The Dark Knight Rises) slated for release in the next several months, the special effects artists will be showcasing a tour de force of visual wizardry. Make no mistake, story is important, but what really draws millions of moviegoers to the big screen are the eye-popping, ear exploding, thrill a minute action sequences. Having just attended a screening of “The Avengers” in 3D, I can confidently claim you will be witnessing one of the most entertaining visually compelling comic book movies ever made.

Despicable Me

November 22, 2010August 7, 2010 by Vincent Daly

Gru’s a determined, ambitious man driven by the desire to be recognized as the pinnacle of his profession. His line of work just happens to be that of super villain. In the Universal Studios animated film “Despicable Me”, under the guise of a comedy, we follow the journey of our unlikely hero on the road to becoming a single Dad. Read on for the review and the essentials you need to know about “Despicable Me”.