Despicable Me 2 (2013)

They're back! The sequel to the 2010 smash hit "Despicable Me", is here and it is bigger and funnier than before. More Minion madness and tons more action. "Despicable Me 2" is one of the best animated films of the decade.

It's an overall feel good movie, (not because of Pharrell singing a happy song) it's still all the while, burst of excitement. You'll try and emulate the actions of Gru and his loyal minions after watching this. DON'T! You haven't seen anything like this since Disney and Pixar's "The Incredibles". It's that good. It's not better than it, it's similar story is what makes it awesome.

Returning to the voice cast, Steve Carell as the Felonious Gru, is as funny as ever.

The animation in the film is eye-poppingly good. It almost makes it look like the characters will jump off screen.

It also offers some great emotional aspects too-(aside from the comedy.) The conflict (emotionally speaking) is one of the other great elements of this film.

What happens when you get James Bond and Mission Impossible and Get Smart rolled into one? You get Despicable Me and it's rewarding sequel of course!





Rate A+

Cars (2006)

Another unique world where something from Toys to Bugs are created and talking and thriving in a society as one. Cars is another prime example of this.

“Cars” seems to be following in the footsteps of predecessors “Toy Story” and “a bug's life” seemingly enough all three films are bringing creatures/objects to life at the amusement, awe of children and adults.

Director John Lasseter, previously helming the “Toy Story” phenomenon, was profusely inspired by old-school California culture, the cars and its designs.

From Toys to Bugs, and now a thriving society of “Cars”. This seems to be a trend with Pixar in recent years, and that's why it's so fascinating to witness such a thing.


Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt

Director: John Lasseter

MPAA Rating: G

Runtime: 1 Hour & 57 Minutes

Rate: A-

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