Strange World (2022)

This movie is perhaps one of the worst Disney films I have ever seen. Despite the stunning animation that comes from it, this film is muddled with a boring plot and little humor to sustain it. On top of that, is the woke agenda that it subtly promotes in the name of the LGBT community. 

Overall, this film is skippable and if the movie was worth my praise it would get a longer more positive reception from me. You are better off watching some of the studios' better entries with the likes of Big Hero 6 or Frozen. 

Poster courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Rate: F

Directors: Don Hall and Qui Nguyen

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union 
Lucy Liu

MPAA Rating: PG (Some Thematic Elements|Action/Peril)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 42 Minutes

Cruella (2021)

One of the most iconic Disney villains gets the big-screen treatment in this highly anticipated origin film. The film is the second live-action film based off of one of Disney's most villainous foes. 2014's Maleficient starring Angelina Jolie played the iconic "Sleeping Beauty" villain ever so fierce. Now it's Emma Stone's role of the infamous Cruella De Vil. The cool thing about this film is that it gives viewers an origin into how our favorite Disney baddies turned evil. This new film is honestly my favorite live-action Disney film to date. This film is stylish, sexy, and fierce, it's entertaining from start to finish. 

I can't think of anyone who would be better than Emma Stone in this role. She is a tour de force and is electric and sassy. Her performance is amazing and her portrayal of the title role. Her chemistry opposite Emma Thompson is also fantastic and exciting throughout the entire film. 

Thompsons supporting role as the main rival to the character is very similar to that of Meryl Streeps' "The Devil Wears Prada" character in which she plays a bossy fashion designer. Her role is just as exciting and devilish as the title character is.

Director Craig Gillespie brings the classic iconic villain to life in a spectacular way. The ambiance of the film is delightfully dreary and the overall appeal of the time period of the film 1970's England is stunning because it fits into the personality of the character and the story altogether. This film is unique in every sense of the word. 

To complement such a devilishly entertaining film, a score by Nicholas Britell makes this film as charming as it can be. It's sophisticated enough for the film to give off the punk like attitude it gives off. In addition to the score, a mix of iconic songs from the 70's and 80's make this film even more entertaining. 

It is the best live-action "Disney" film to date. With so much to offer with its fantastic cast, stunning costumes, action packed fun and the delightfully crafted score, this film demands to be seen. It's the most unique of any live-action film from the studio to date. It's an irresistable ride and it can't be missed. 

Poster courtesy of Disney+

Rate: A

Director: Craig Gillespie 

Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Paul Walter-Hauser, Joel Fry and Mark Strong

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for Thematic elements and some violence) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 16 Minutes 

Soul (2020)

The irresistibility of "Pixar" films is their charm and uniqueness. Audiences fawn over their films because of their ability to connect to audiences and leave an impact on them. The studios' recent hits like "Onward" and "Inside Out" are some of the studios' other features that have had an emotional intensity to them which made them a mature in nature film as well. This new film is another emotional film with stunning animation. 

It keeps getting more and more adult every time a new film from "Pixar" comes out and I don't see that changing any time soon because the studio has found a way to make films more grown-up than in years past. 

Starring in the film is Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. Foxx stars as the lead protagonist, a band teacher who dreams of being a famous jazz musician. His performance in the film is entertaining, joyous, and exuberant in nature. It also comes across as comedic at times which is a plus. Tina Fey's character and performance are just as likable as her costar and it is just as comedic. 

Like with every film "Pixar" has made, the animation is dazzling and spectacular. This film remains within the range of dazzling animation and is as big of a spectacle as you would imagine a film from the studio to be. Director Pete Docter once again showing off his talent in this next "Pixar" film. The film shines everywhere. From the magical animation, the deep thought-provoking premise, and the music, this film is one of the other films in the mature-grown-up category of films from the studio. 

Scoring the magnificent film is  Trent Reznor, Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross. The trio of music makers creates a score that is jazzy and rhythm and blues. It also at times is electric and upbeat. The score is a perfect element to blend with the ambiance of the film altogether. 

Despite the unique and magic qualities of the film, I had noticed a few things I thought were offputting. These things include the character designs that I thought were wacky and unlike other films from the studio in the past. I also thought that the story, no matter the uniqueness of it is, I think it was a bit all over the place. It went everywhere without any idea to make sense of the film overall, which may throw viewers off a bit. 

One of the best things about animated films is their ability to enchant audiences with dazzling imagery and an interesting story. "Pixar" is no exception to this standard. With each and every film they make the animation and stories are all stellar beyond expectations. This film may fall a bit short of films before it, but it still is another solid animated feature from "Pixar". 

Poster courtesy of Disney-Pixar

Rate: B 

Director: Pete Docter 

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Daveed Diggs, June Squibb, and Questlove

MPAA Rating: PG (for some language and thematic elements) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 47 Minutes 

Synopsis: Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz -- and he's good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have a soul.

Mulan (2020)

A new thing now is to reboot films. But if you're "Disney", you are going to remake your animated classics.  Almost all of the films Disney has made within the last 30 years and even some years before that have gotten the reboot treatment. The 1998 original Mulan, is the latest film to get the reboot treatment. It's completely different from the original film. So much more action, stunning visuals, and a new take on the classic animated film are some of the few remakes from "Disney" that actually does better than expected. This is one of the best remakes to one of the studios' classic animated films. 

Actress ‎Liu Yifei stars as the main character and absolutely kills it in the film. Her portrayal of the iconic Disney character is more developed in that the audiences a new look at the character in a different and unique way. She is fierce and fits really well in the character altogether. Her take on the character is fresh and draws audiences into the new world in Mulan. 

Director Niki Caro helms this remake and makes it as exciting as the original film, despite important differences No songs and Mushu the dragon. But the film is still entertaining. However, it is one of the darker and more mature remakes from "Disney". The reason being is the action sequences and the stunts in the film. Due to these factors, the film is the first reboot from the studio to receive a PG-13 rating. It seems to top the original film in that aspect. Caro's vision stays true in honoring the legacy of the 1998 animated original. This will delight audiences even if it misses some key moments. 

The same old story just an updated telling of it. The film's writing isn't that good but it's not all the way terrible. I just think it could've been better in the aspects of the emotional connection and story lacking a fresh authentic feel like it's new and completely separate from the original film. Other than that, this film is a solid remake and another good film from "Disney". 

Scoring this remake is Harry Gregson-Williams. The score is enchanted with sounds that dominate Chinese culture which makes this film even more entertaining and it fits right into it. It is as exciting as the film itself. 

One of the biggest trends in the film industry now is rebooting films in a live-action format in which the originals were animated. This reboot of one of "Disney's" animated hits is a great one but also a bit more on the darker side. Though the writing could've been a lot better, and some key moments from the original film were left out, this film still proves to be another exceptional and albeit very surprising to audiences, a great film.  

Rate: B

Director: Niki Caro 

Starring: Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan with Gong Li and Jet Li

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of violence) 

Runtime: 2 Hours

Synopsis: To save her ailing father from serving in the Imperial Army, a fearless young woman disguises herself as a man to battle northern invaders in China.

Poster courtesy of Disney

Onward (2020)

The one thing both "Disney & Pixar" is phenomenal at, is being able to create utterly entertaining films. Their newest feature is nothing short of magic. They are able to craft a film like its fellow filmography, is as beautiful as you would expect from these two iconic movie studios. For years, the studios have created some of the most emotional movies ever. With blockbusters such as: "Up, The Lion King and Inside Out", this film is next up to those films in being one of their most emotional films to date. Not only is this film emotional and creative, but it is also their most adult-centered film yet. With its story and visual effects, "Onward", is a brilliantly laid out and executed film of emotional proportions. 

Director of the 2013 "Disney & Pixar" film "Monsters University", is Dan Scanlon. Scanlon returns to make yet another exciting film from the studio. He makes this film just as playfully magical as the rest of the studios' prior film entires. Scanlon's vision is executed flawlessly and with the help of a stellar voice cast, this film achieves the great honor of living up to the standard that all "Disney & Pixar" films do, is that they are all wonderful in their own way and that they each improve on every single feature that is released. I have no doubt that Scanlon's work here will be best regarded as one of the most adventurous and ambitious films yet.  It is beautifully animated, just like the studio's prior entries, and undoubtedly their most adult-themed story so far. 

With an all-star cast led by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt who team up once again for a film that is not part of "Marvel", but for their first film at "Pixar". They are quite a comedic duo. They each pull off being very likable and charming in this film but while also showing audiences thee reason we fall in love with the films that "Pixar & Disney"  make, its because they get actors that star in their films to have great chemistry. The same goes for this film, Holland and Pratt have exciting chemistry which makes the film all the more enjoyable. 

Starring alongside the two, are Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and Octavia Spencer. Louis-Dreyfuss plays the mother of Pratt and Hollands characters. Her part in this film is just as emotional as the two and she gives the film an extra kick to be just as entertaining as the two leads. While Spencer also plays a somewhat minor role, she is able to charm her way on the screen just as effectively as the rest of the cast. 

Scoring the film, are Mychael and Jeff Danna. With a film that is as magical as it is exciting and emotional, the duo is able to create a score that is as light and medieval as stories with this nature have. The sibling composers are able to charm audiences with a score that is as lighthearted and delicate as the film overall. 

Like I said earlier. this film is the most adult-themed film from the studio to date. Its emotional levity is what ultimately drives this film throughout the escapades of the characters and the mature nature of this film overall. I am sure that this film will impact audiences of all demographics because of the film's ability to connect audiences to a very emotional story. 

If there is one film that Disney & Pixar make that is both their most emotional and beautifully animated film this far, it is this film. And if there is any film that is made for adults, it is also this film. What this film does is indescribable too few words its that emotionally gripping. This film is yet another outstanding entry into the studios of both "Disney & Pixar". I have no doubt this film will enchant emotional audiences for ages to come. It is their most ambitious film yet and I cannot wait to see how future films from the studios compare to this one as far as emotional intensity is concerned. 

                                                                                                         Poster courtesy of Disney and Pixar 

Rate: A 

Director: Dan Scanlon 

Starring: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Octavia Spencer, Lena Waithe, and John Ratzenberger 

MPAA Rating: PG (for action/peril and some mild thematic elements) 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 42 Minutes 

Synopsis: Teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. Like any good adventure, their journey is filled with cryptic maps, impossible obstacles, and unimaginable discoveries. But when dear Mom finds out her sons are missing, she teams up with the legendary manticore to bring her beloved boys back home.

 

Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018)

One of the most original Disney films, "Wreck it Ralph", gets a unique and whimsy sequel. Disney has always brought audiences films of beauty and awe. This film is no exception. This film is wonderful in every sense of the word. Hidden beneath the glitz and glamour lies a stubble of an opening sequence that is good but could've been better. With both this film and its predecessor, Disney doesn't disappoint with a satisfying sequel that may not be quite as fun as its original.

This film offers audiences a whole new setting while making a vast universe of an animated version of the internet. It's just so fascinating to see what these filmmakers are able to come up with. This film has more to meets the eye, more than its predecessor in regards to attention to detail and craft. Audiences will no doubt fall in love with this sequel.

Directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston craft a funny and beautiful film. They make this film even more eye popping than the first installment. The humor and heart in this film is undeniably charming. Viewers of all ages will appreciate those elements of entertainment.

This film has a voice cast that is as energetic as the characters they play. Returning stars John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman are back better than ever. They are a comedic duo unlike any film from Disney. They bring joy and warmth to this film that is everso needed to be a true family film. With newcomers Gal Gadot, Bill Hader and Taraji P. Henson, they are joyful companions to this film along with franchise favorites.

One of this films best parts are the appearance of every Disney princess with every original voice dating back to Jodi Benson aka Ariel. The fact that they are in this film, makes this film all the more fun and exciting, even if they are not an integral part of the film itself. Second, are the vast amounts of popular culture featured in this film. This film serves as a societal work of cinema that yearns to be noticed. Last, is the touching, yet brief cameo from the late Marvel big man, Stan Lee. Having this be one of Lee's final appearances in film, makes this film all the more sentimental.

Like the original, this film offers commentary on important social issues like: Friendship and heartbreak. This is one of the best things a film can do, is provide audiences, especially audiences tailored to children are sentimental and offer audiences the chance to grow as humans.

Returning to score the film, is Henry Jackman. Jackman approves upon his work from the original film. He adds an upbeat and electronic sound composition, that is as electrifying and enjoyable as the film.

Audiences across the world have waited six long years for the next chapter in adventures of Ralph and company. This film is undeniably charming, heartwarming and full of belly laughing humor. Though this film has some spots of fatigue, it's another crowd pleaser from the folks at Disney.


Rate: B+ 

Directors: Rich Moore and Phil Johnston

Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Bill Hader, Gal Gadot, Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action and rude humor) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 52 Minutes 

Synopsis: In "Ralph Breaks the Internet," video-game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and best friend Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) leave the comforts of Litwak's arcade in an attempt to save her game, Sugar Rush. Their quest takes them to the vast, uncharted world of the internet where they rely on the citizens of the internet--the Netizens--to help navigate their way. Lending a virtual hand are Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), the head algorithm and the heart and soul of the trend-making site "BuzzzTube," and Shank (voice of Gal Gadot), a tough-as-nails driver from a gritty online auto-racing game called Slaughter Race, a place Vanellope wholeheartedly embraces--so much so that Ralph worries he may lose the only friend he's ever had.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Coco (2017)

Pixars line of movies consists of this: What if Toys had feelings, What if Bugs had feelings, Cars, Feelings have feelings, and last: What if the dead had feelings? Pixars latest tackles the annual Mexican holiday Dia De Muertos aka "Day of the Dead". This festive celebration is when ancestors who have died go back to see their living relatives. Now if you ask me, this holiday sounds like it's a bunch of voodoo, but that's how I see it. Once I saw this film, I knew I'd get an education on this holiday, celebrated by millions.

This film may not have comedy, maybe a little, but, this film is a beautiful, colorful and detailed piece of work. Perhaps it is one of the most visually stunning films I have seen this year. What makes this film so colorful, is the detail and all that the film shows. It's truly something that is spectacular.

Director Lee Unkrich, works his way in this film gracefully and so authentically, that those who didn't know what this holiday is,  like I did before watching this, you will know. The nature of this film is dark, but it's presented in way that isn't too dark. only colorful. So colorful, that you 'll be wanting to go to the "Land of The Dead" just like our main character.

Veteran Pixar composer, Michael Giacchino, makes a festive, upbeat sound for the film. It goes hand-in-hand with the original songs in the film as well, which are also just as good as the score.

Our main character, Miguel, an aspiring musician, tries to participate in a show in his local town in Mexico, his family harps on his dreams to do so because the family is "cursed". His "great-great grandfather" a popular singer and musician Hector, has talents so big, that his double great grandson mistook him for another popular singer and musician. Anthony Gonzalez, plays Miguel. He does a really good job at capturing the essence of what the human experience yearns for. Goals. Dreams. Ambition. Destiny.

The only main problem I have with this film really, is that it seems to me that "Disney/Pixar" likes to include characters so dim witted that it's almost insulting to those real individuals who may have developmental disabilities. This all started with last years "Finding Dory"  with Gerald, a dim-witted sea lion who just wants to be accepted. This film, uses a dog, named Dante. It's one of the only beefs I have with this film, because of the recurring pattern here, and it needs to stop.

Are you ready for a cultural shock? Hang on, because you're about to experience an adventure unlike anything you've seen in cinema this year. The films mantra is "Seize Your Moment". This means you should take after anything you desire, even though others will try and stop you from being yourself and doing what you love. Pixars latest is a remarkable achievement, even if it suffers mildly for the mockery of the intellectually disabled. So, are you going to "Seize Your Moment"?

Rate: B+ 

Director: Lee Unkrich

Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia-Bernal, with Renee Victor and Alanna Ubach

MPAA Rating: PG-(for thematic elements) 

Synopsis: The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel Rivera who is accidentally transported to the land of the dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living.

Runtime: 1 Hour & 50 Minutes 

Photo: Disney/Pixar

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Cars 3 (2017)

Pixar's "Cars" franchise has had it's ups-and-downs since its first outing back in 2006. Following the first film in the franchise, was a sequel that was the studio's worst reviewed and cost them an Oscar nomination the following year. And for good reason. The third installment of this lucrative series is much better than its 2011 predecessor. This third installment offers the same tone that of the first film and that is refreshing and satisfying for viewers.

 I'd say that this is a pretty big moment in the series. Originating back to the emotional roots of the first film, the third chapter is as emotional, quite possibly even more emotional than the first film that started it all. The story telling in this part of the saga is much more emotional and heartfelt than both of the films prior to this one.

Voicing favorites from the other films once again are, Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and company all return to star. Also, this third feature, sees the voice talents of newcomers: Armie Hammer, the films antagonist, much like Chick Hicks of the first film. Cristela Alonzo, Nathan Fillion, and "Scandal's" Kerry Washington are superb at the emotional efforts brought into this film.

Some of franchise's prominent characters are barely used. It's kind of like they're there as a placeholder. But, I think that is so the new incoming characters the opportunity to grace the screen. This works well despite the lack of seeing veteran characters.

The film puts its heart and soul into a relationship between McQueen and new character Cruz Ramirez and it works phenomenally.  Director Brian Fee really focuses on that and how that impacts the surrounding characters.

Bittersweet moment for the film when unused audio of Paul Newmans Doc Hudson is used in this film. These moments when his character shows up via flashbacks or is mentioned is truly a shining and memorable part of this film.

As always, "Pixar"  dazzles in the color schemes and depth and detail. It's one of the few other reasons why the film is beautiful.

Ever since the first outing that kickstarted the engines to this saga 11 years ago,  has had its potholes to get back to where it started. This third feature, is as satisfying as the first film even though its approach may not contain as many laughs as the first film. But takes a more emotional and heartfelt approach.

Photo: Pixar/Disney

Rate: B

Director: Brian Fee 

Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, Cristela Alonzo, Armie Hammer, Paul Newman-via flashbacks 

MPAA Rating: G 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 49 Minutes 

Synopsis:  Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn't through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing's biggest stage!

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender

A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction

A- = One to remember. Unforgettable

B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.

B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency

B- = Watches occasionally

C+ = Guilty pleasure territory

C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story

D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage

D= Very few to no good parts about this movie

D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

The BFG (2016)

From beloved children’s author Roald Dahl and ultra successful filmmaker Steven Spielberg, comes an adaptation of one of Dahl’s most  famous children’s novels, “The BFG”, or if you want to be more technical, “Big Friendly Giant.” Spielberg, who is no stranger in the director’s chair, he has directed films like this before, he also helmed another film involving an unlikely friendship in 1982’s “E.T”. What makes this film different from that popular film is the BGF has more magic at its core.

Reuniting with Spielberg once again for the film’s title role is Mark Rylance previously seen in the Oscar nominated film, also directed by Spielberg, (Bridge of Spies). Rylance makes a whimsical and emotional performance while opposite child star Ruby Barnhill, who is a natural, serious, yet funny and an effective talent in this film. 

Scoring the film is a man who needs no introduction, John Williams, who by the way has teamed up to compose several of Spielberg’s films prior to this one. Williams composition is quite fun and goes great with the film overall. 

If you haven’t read the classic book, whether you’re a kid or adult, you will have a problem understanding what is happening in the film. Especially with the BFG‘s silly rhetoric, which can get a little hard to digest. 

The “BFG” has many comedic successes, while he is drinking a soda, and the bubbles go the opposite direction, he makes a remark about burping and farting which is quite comical. There’s also another funny scene in which it involves the “Queen of England” and several of her “Guards“.  Audiences without a doubt will be laughing during this movie, for sure. 
In contrast, Barnhill and Rylance’s characters portray a similar friendship to that of Drew Barrymore and E.T. The two characters are from very different worlds, and it’s exciting to see each other’s perspective on their worlds. 

If you see this movie knowingly, and observe that there’s a book of the same name, you’re better off reading it before you see the cinematic portrayal.

Based on one of the most successful children’s books of all time, the “Big Friendly Giant” is a magical, funny and heartwarming experience that is better off being witnessed by those who actually have a clue as to what the film is about. 

Starring: Mark Rylance and Ruby Barnhill
Rated: PG
Rate: B
Director: Steven Spielberg

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