Beauty and The Beast (2017)

The latest remake to one of Walt Disney’s undeniably charming works, “Beauty and The Beast”, roars and shines with delightful charm. Walt Disney would be just as obsessed with the new film as we all are. Walt Disney had once tried to conjure up the “tale as old as time” in the 1930’s, but we ended up with “Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs”. The “tale as old as time” is not only an achievement for Disney, but, an achievement in family oriented cinema.

It is just as magical as the 1991 original. Though the film is exactly like the animated feature, this tale adds new zing to the story with additional scenes and new emotional ballads. Through the scope of the original, its remake fills in the plot holes of the 1991 original. Not only is that a classic, but this one make a major mark in cinema.

She has certainly made quite a living after bidding adieu to Hogwarts. The one, the only, Hermione Granger, (Oops, I mean Emma Watson) can seriously sing. Not only that, but, her fellow cast members are also musically gifted. The acting on the other hand, may not be as superb shown in other Disney classics. But you can definitely feel the drama playing out in its live-action take.

“Chicago” and “Breaking Dawn” director Bill Condon well puts this tale out in a real world feel.

The sets, costumes (and yes, the houseware) are as beautiful as ever. Just like the beast in the original, it was just as creepy then as it is now. I was just in awe for one, the first time Belle and the Beast danced to the original tune Angela Lansbury (this time around it’s Emma Thompson) sang for the film 26 years ago. And two, the iconic “Be Our Guest” scene. Its computer imagery is breathtaking.

Disney maestro Alan Menken is back. Scoring the remake of the film nearly twenty years following the original. He creates a magical and bright score that makes the film just as beautiful.

Any Shakespeare love line can be imagined as the emphasis for this love story. For she is a bibliophile (Book fanatic, not Bible fanatic). Belle obsesses over Billy Shakespeare, now she’s crazy for a cursed prince who wallows in self loathing and pity.

It all started 80 or so years ago with the Hi-Hoing dwarfs, the Evil Queen and Snow White and the apple that damned her. What was the start of a cultural phenomenon, turned into a frenzy of animated hits and misses following several decades later.

Beauty and The Beast continues to send the fairy tale cult into hyperdrive. Not only was the 1991 classic a phenomenon, but, its live-action counterpart is joining that club. 

Rate: A-

Director: Bill Condon

Starring: Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, Kevin Klein,

Runtime: 2 Hours and 9 Minutes

MPAA Rating: PG (for action, violence, peril and frightening images)

Originally published on: http://kanelandkrier.com/category/pulse/the-hollywood-hound/

Photo:  www.movies.disney.com

Shakespeare on Screen: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Shakespeare was one hell of a dirty minded brit. If he were alive today people would be amazed at his humor and how it translates to modern English. His works don't particularly get me excited, but when I learned that this film was based on his "Taming of the shrew", I was curious enough to give it a chance.

I never knew that a movie of this kind of background could be so amusing. Particularly, Heath Ledger. He made this film so enjoyable and entertaining, that even the Shakespeare haters will like too.

If you haven't seen the Baz Luhrmann adaptation of Romeo and Juliet this is film is more enjoyable then that sorry excuse for a rom-com.

Also starring in the film, Julia Stiles. She is quite the character, just saying. She is just as enjoyable as her on screen love interest played by Heath Ledger. The two share an amusing connection on screen, viewers will find to their liking.

One of the most prolific literary figures, who I am dubbing the English Literature's version of movie whiz Steven Speilberg. Shakespeare has it all with this story: Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll and innuendos that are brilliant. What more could you want?

Rate: A-

Logan (2017)

As Mike Wazowski put it or should I say exclaimed, "THAT THING IS A KILLING MACHINE!". There are lots of those in the farewell to X-Men wonders Charles Xavier (Professor X)  and "Wolverine" AKA Logan. This film is a great final hoorah, however, it leaves viewers confused. I have no doubt I wasn't the only one leaving the theater scratching my head.

You should definitely not take your kids to see this. Why? The entire film depicts realistic bloody violence. So, no matter how much they beg you, just say no. On the other hand, for teens and older audiences the action sequences are some of the best in a film of this kind.

The action is one of the few things that keeps this film on its feet. But what I had a problem with was the story. It was good don't get me wrong, it just had some things missing that I expected answers to.

One of the best things about the film was the awesome action sequences involving young mutants. The best action of any superhero film within the decade.

 James Mangold (The Wolverine) comes back along with Hugh Jackman to give it their all. What Mangold succeeds in with this film, is the fact that it was emotional, bloody violent and well, funny. But does the screenplay play out as effective as it should be? No. It leaves parts missing from the story and that was frustrating.

One last time. For almost twenty years, Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart have been an iconic duo. And even though this is their last rodeo, it's kind of a disappointment. But, don't take it from me, the superhero film freak, take it from the comic book nerd who will probably say otherwise.

Rate: C+

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Daphne Keen 

Director: James Mangold 

MPAA Rating: R (for strong brutal violence and language throughout, and for brief nudity)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 21 Minutes 


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.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

For over twenty years, the enchanting "Beauty and the Beast" has thrilled and captivated audiences. It's the tale as old as time, one of Disney's  most magical film since 1938's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". This film captures the essence and amazement that all started with films like Snow White which paved way for the fairy tale film craze.

Be Our Guest! The films greatest moments are in fact, with the talking house objects. From a candle to a talking dresser, this film has it all. The film has these characters all scrambled amidst chaos in the castle. Comedy and Hospitality? Those two things are the yin-and-yang of this film. If only I could get lively and animated hospitality like this the next time I stay at Holiday Inn.

Some of the most catchiest of songs from a Disney film to date are in this film. And I have to say some of the coolest of animated dances are here too.

Each and every actor in the movie makes it so much more entertaining. Their voices are unique in a way that with the screenplay, you could watch this over and over again.  This film has so much originality composed into one. I've seen this film before lots of times, but never fully appreciated the depths of creativity went into the making of the films animated settings.

You are going to if you haven't already, make date night plans to see this. It is quite possibly one of the best Disney films out there in the archives.


Rate: A

Photo: Disney

Zootopia (2016)

Walt Disney’s latest animation creation is nothing short of a masterpiece, shedding light on the importance of acceptance and tolerance. Zootopia uniquely illustrates these themes by using animals instead of humans in the film.

The film also delivers vivid settings while exaggerating the actual job of animals in the world. The use of exaggeration and irony adds a humorous tone to the plot. Judy Hopps, the protagonist of the film played by Ginnifer Goodwin, does an outstanding job as she encompasses an enthusiastic vibe to the role.

Her character faces various challenges throughout the film as she tries to accomplish her goal of being the first Bunny Cop.  At the start of Zootopia, Judy faces backlash from a minor antagonist, who disapproves of Judy’s dream to become a police officer. Judy’s parents also didn’t approve at first as they became aware of her ambition; instead, they would prefer Judy chose a more realistic job, such as a carrot farmer. After tough training and hard work at the Animal Police Academy, Judy achieves her dream. Soon thereafter, Judy’s parents accept her wishes, and she makes her departure from her small hometown of Bunnyburrow.

Then on the job, Judy meets Nick Wilde, an eccentric and snobbish fox, played by Jason Bateman. Throughout the film, the two have quite an up and down friendship, due to their conflicting personalities. 

Though this movie is just shy of two hours, it does have plenty to keep audiences of all ages engaged with its humor and colorful sceneries.

Directors of the film Rich Moore, Byron Howard, and Jared Bush did a stellar job at sneaking in a few references from other films, and being clever as to changing the names of popular stores to fit the animal-oriented perspective. 

With colorful settings, exaggerated approach of animal life and a quality script, Zootopia proves wildly entertaining.

Rate: B

Arrival (2016)

What happens when you get an uninvited party guest walking through your door? Well, you do everything in your best interest to rid that party-crasher from your house. But what do you do if there's an alien invasion? Do you riot and loot? Or do you run like hell? That decision is yours when and if the time comes for such drastic measures.

Science-Fiction, alien plagued films, aren't always the best. But, "Arrival" has an excellent amount of depth and consistency, exciting and entertaining charisma. (Yes, Roland Emmerich I hated the rip off sequel to Independence Day) 

Architect behind thrillers "Sicario" and "Prisoners", Denis Villeneuve, constructs a film that is uniquely complex, mature in nature. 

The use of flashback is greatly effective as it is shown on screen. This element of the story adds to the dramatic angles of the film as a whole. 

One word, stunning. That's how I can to the best of my ability describe the acting in this film. The lead played by Amy Adams, and the main male lead played by Jeremy Renner. The two are very connected on screen and it is amazing to that great level of chemistry between actors. You don't usually have this good of a connection in the realm of science fiction films. 

It's special effects are riveting. Even though, you cannot really digest this form of E.T in its full capacity.

Icelandic film composer Johann Johannsson, creates an eerie plethora of dynamic music perfectly fitting to this eerie film.   

What "Arrival" accomplishes is the fact that not every Sci-Fi movie sucks. This film is a prime example of what a good quality film of this genre looks like. 

Rate: A

Directed By:  Denis Villeneuve

Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forrest Whitaker 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for brief strong language)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 58 Minutes 

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Taking place in the films namesake town located in Massachusetts. "Manchester by the Sea" is a breathtaking powerful film detailing what a midlife crisis is and the effects they have on people close to one another. Deeply moving and powerful film, "Manchester by the Sea" is a film for the ages, it's quite possibly one of the decade's finest works.

Some of the greatest performances i've seen by a predominantly male cast. Casey Affleck does an excellent job with the lead. Affleck boasts onscreen with a rare powerful execution of extreme proportions.

Still trying to make his mark, Lucas Hedges, (Afflecks' onscreen nephew) is terrific. His character, a teenager, who has some coping difficulties due to a family tragedy. As the film progresses, he goes out of his shell becoming in a way, extroverted than before.

Co-Starring in the film, Michelle Williams, playing (Afflecks ex-wife), perfectly measures up to the dramatic aspects of the film.

The emotional intensity is huge. You can feel that between the conflicts with the characters in the film.

Screenwriter of the Scorsese hit film "Gangs of New York", Kenneth Lonergan, makes a "Hallmark" esque film (setting wise) but it's way better than if it were on that T.V channel.

Romantic comedy lovers and fans of the acclaimed (Boyhood) will fall prey to this dramatic, heartwarming (at times) emotional film. Moviegoers with the taste of dark comedy and romance with an edge will love this film and all that it signifies.

Rate: A 

Directed By: Kenneth Lonergan 

Starring: Casey Affleck, Lucas Hedges, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, with Matthew Broderick, Tate Donovan, and C.J Wilson,  

MPAA Rating: R (for language throughout and some sexual content) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 17 Minutes