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Reviews
Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (2024)
A breath of fresh air in a stuffy IP
This is exactly what the star wars franchise needs - to be rebuilt. Things have become way too convoluted and seems to be going in too many different directions, however, marvel doesn't exactly have this problem, because they have the multiverse at their fingertips. Suffice it to say, this show mixed things up in the right way and was able to poke fun at itself without being malicious.
What is nice about this show is that it has rearranged many of the original parts/characters/ideas from the original star wars content and made them shine in a new light.
Most everyone found Jar Jar over the top in ep 1, yet here as a sith, he is a hilarious bad guy who gives this character another chance at being appreciated. It has also given beloved characters, such as Luke, a new narrative to once again be the hero he always was.
Plus the show is short enough to watch in one sitting. I can't wait for season 2!
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Not bad, but not that great either.
What we have here feels like a cheap copy of the first film. Except where the first Inside Out was filled with 'magic' and 'wonder', this one is replaced with lacklustre moments and uninspired inserts. The train of thought becomes the stream of consciousness. The core memories are now core beliefs. And where in the first film, Riley must grapple with her entire known world collapsing beneath her - she now must grapple with going to a new high school without her middle school friends.
The movie isn't exactly bad, but it feels cheaper in comparison. Even the lessons learned are important in this movie. Don't let anxiety control your brain.
But isn't that what we learned from the first film? We saw Joy trying to be a control freak - and - what do you know - in this film, Anxiety turns into a control freak, causing a bunch of chaos for Riley.
What's more, the new emotions seemed like lesser versions of the original emotions. Fear becomes Anxiety. Disgust becomes Envy. Sadness becomes Embarrassment and Ennui.
It's just too bad that the first movie came out of seemingly nowhere and told a unique and loveable story with lessons for all ages, and in its sequel, we have a movie that feels half-baked and lacks as many whimsical/playful ideas as the first.
The movie wasn't as fun or meaningful as the first. Even the new characters felt gimmicky and lazily imported. A children's cartoon and a video game character show up. Sure they were amusing but they added very little to the story, unlike Bingbong in the first.
Christmas...Again?! (2021)
We've all seen this before but. . .
Yes there are several of these time loop movies. Groundhog Day, Christmas Every Day, even a Donald Duck spin off if I'm not mistaken. But that's the thing - when watching these films you know exactly what you're getting yourself into.
The actors in this are quite entertaining. The main character is likeable enough to enjoy the film. But in some ways the cast became confusing to the narrative. There were too many dynamics to keep up with at the start. Eventually though I think I got the hang of it (still not 100% sure which side of the family the uncles are from).
I think the whole divorced parent's take was an interesting direction. The problem was that the adults were way too happy around each other to be entirely believable. (Which added to the initial confusion as to who was who). It also could've given us more emotional investment in the plot when Ro is intent on reuniting her biological parent's back together. In the end though she does learn an important life lesson - that sometimes you can't make people fall in love again. Especially since the divorce was due to lots of fights between the former spouses.
The movie was already packed out in terms of scenes, but I still think it's a shame the other family members didn't get to have more development, other than superficial wants or desires. Instead the focus is geared towards people outside of her home (when it's not on her or her parents) and at the end they're all drawn into the house to celebrate Christmas together. Don't get me wrong it's a nice moment and feels good while watching it. I'm just being nit picky now.
If Disney ever writes another one like this - they can feel free to approach me, I'll read the script for free and give some feedback they'd like.
All in all, sarcasm aside, the whole family enjoyed this movie. So, I'll just pack up my soapbox and go along to some other movie that needs a review now.