Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Fighting with My Family / How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

This weekend there were two new movies on offer at the local cinema: Fighting with My Family and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.

I had high hopes for both, and I was not disappointed.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First on my agenda: Fighting with My Family.

A family in a small English town dreams of wrestling glory.

Fighting with My Family is based on the true story of Paige, a young woman from a wrestling family in Norwich, England, who dreams of making it to wrestling's biggest stage, the WWE. Fighting with My Family turns a rather charmless subject into a sweet film about family and dedication. Stephen Merchant directs his first feature with the hand of an old pro, and the movie never drags despite being somewhat predictable. Young star Florence Pugh is terrific in the lead, but it's Nick Frost and Lena Headey who really steal the show, playing parents that are as desperate and sometimes clueless as they are supportive. Authentic-looking training and match sequences provide a good foundation, and Merchant's hilarious and endearing script offers plenty of laughs and sweet moments too. Despite the presence of mega-superstar Dwayne Johnson, the movie manages to feel intimate and very much attached to its English roots, a genuinely joyful cinema experience.

Fighting with My Family runs 108 minutes and is rated PG13 for "crude and sexual material, language throughout, some violence and drug content.

Fighting with My Family is a charmer that may end up one of the year's best films. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Fighting with My Family gets eight.

Fangirl points: Iron Maiden sure sounds fine in surround sound!

Next on the docket: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.

The final adventure of Toothless and Hiccup.

Yeah, I cried just writing it.

The first installment in the How to Train Your Dragon series is one of four movies that I consider my favorite of all time. It is perfection, and part of me always felt it should have been left at that, rather than risk being tarnished by further features. The middle film in the franchise didn't set well with me at all--one of my biggest cinema disappointments--so it's fair to say I was pretty nervous about The Hidden World. I am pleased to report my concerns were unfounded.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World brings this epic story to a fitting end, giving each character enough screen time that fans won't feel shorted on any front. Hell, even David Tennant's Spitelout has a couple lines this time! (I think he had one word in the first one and nothing in the second.) While I still contend the tale told in the first film was perfection that didn't require addenda, The Hidden World manages to flesh out the story and bring it to a natural close. Voice talent is on point, and the addition of F. Murray Abraham as the Big Bad could only ever be a plus. There's action to spare, but also plenty of quiet moments. Visuals are absolutely stunning, and John Powell again provides a magnificent, soaring score. You'll want to see this one again and again...I know I do!
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World clocks in at 104 minutes and is rated PG for "adventure action and some mild rude humor."

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is a perfect ending to a near-perfect franchise.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World gets nine.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U

Collegian Tree Gelbman wakes up in horror to learn that she's stuck in a parallel universe. Her boyfriend Carter is now with someone else, and her friends and fellow students seem to be completely different versions of themselves. When Tree discovers that Carter's roommate has been altering time, she finds herself once again the target of a masked killer. When the psychopath starts to go after her inner circle, Tree soon realizes that she must die over and over again to save everyone.

Director: Christopher Landon

Cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Phi Vu, Rachel Matthews, Suraj Sharma, Ruby Modine

Release Date: February 13, 2019

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for violence, language, sexual material and thematic elements.

Runtime: 1h 40 min

Review:

Happy Death Day was one of those rare surprises in the horror genre that just come out of nowhere.  It had a nice twist on the slasher genre and a likeable lead that carried the film well.  The sequel is sadly a bit of a downgrade in quality, since it’s sapped of the original’s fun tone in favor of a more convoluted and complicated story.  Christopher Landon switches up the first film’s trope by throwing in a sci-fi slant that could have led to some fun situations if they’d explored the concept a bit more than they do.  Jessica Rothe is still great in this entry, she’s such a fun actress who shows a healthy bit of range, more so than in the first film.  Sadly, her comedic talents aren’t used to their fullest extent here and it’s to the film’s detriment since it never as consistently fun as the previous film.  It’s a shame because you could see a healthy amount of possibilities in the concept and Rothe within this series.  Sadly, the sequel just ends up coming off as a pale imitation of the first film with far less pop and energy.   

C+

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Cold Pursuit & The Lego Movie 2

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Cold Pursuit and the Lego Movie 2.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First up: Cold Pursuit. Liam Neeson gets revenge in the snow.

Action thrillers have become Liam Neeson's bread and butter. There's not much about Cold Pursuit that sets it apart from Taken or Run All Night or The Commuter, except it's quite funny, and I'm *almost* sure that's on purpose. Of course, in a film with this kind of body count, it's a grim humor, but...yeah, I'm reasonably certain it actually means to be funny. It's also super-cold, the kind of cold that makes you cold just looking at it, yet Liam Neeson is perpetually without his gloves. That was my big takeaway, so that probably tells you a good deal about the rest of it. Neeson is enjoyable but unremarkable in a role that, by now, he could play in his sleep. His supporting cast is as good as it needs to be, but a handful of Native American characters who turn up late and don't get enough screen time are the most interesting people in the movie. The action is solid and almost entirely unbelievable, and the picture is paced well enough that--despite playing out predictably--it's never slow or dull. If you aren't put off by literal mountains of snow, the scenery is a real feast for the eyes, too. Overall, if you can put aside the controversy currently surrounding its lead, Cold Pursuit is forgettable good fun.

Cold Pursuit clocks in at 118 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, drug material, and some language including sexual references."

If you want to watch Liam Neeson kill something besides his career this weekend, Cold Pursuit is the film for you.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Cold Pursuit gets six.

Fangirl points: Nathaniel Arcand! NexDearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Cold Pursuit and the Lego Movie 2. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. First up: Cold Pursuit. Liam Neeson gets revenge in the snow. Action thrillers have become Liam Neeson's bread and butter. There's not much about Cold Pursuit that sets it apart from Taken or Run All Night or The Commuter, except it's quite funny, and I'm *almost* sure that's on purpose. Of course, in a film with this kind of body count, it's a grim humor, but...yeah, I'm reasonably certain it actually means to be funny. It's also super-cold, the kind of cold that makes you cold just looking at it, yet Liam Neeson is perpetually without his gloves. That was my big takeaway, so that probably tells you a good deal about the rest of it. Neeson is enjoyable but unremarkable in a role that, by now, he could play in his sleep. His supporting cast is as good as it needs to be, but a handful of Native American characters who turn up late and don't get enough screen time are the most interesting people in the movie. The action is solid and almost entirely unbelievable, and the picture is paced well enough that--despite playing out predictably--it's never slow or dull. If you aren't put off by literal mountains of snow, the scenery is a real feast for the eyes, too. Overall, if you can put aside the controversy currently surrounding its lead, Cold Pursuit is forgettable good fun. Cold Pursuit clocks in at 118 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, drug material, and some language including sexual references." If you want to watch Liam Neeson kill something besides his career this weekend, Cold Pursuit is the film for you. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Cold Pursuit gets six. Fangirl points: Nathaniel Arcand! Next on yesterday's docket was the Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. Everything is no longer awesome in Legoland. Like its predecessor, the Lego Movie 2 is a genuine delight. Top-notch voice work fronts an upbeat, colorful movie with a sweet message. The film’s terrific sense of humor will appeal as much to adults as to kids, and a cheerful score peppered with bouncy original songs is sure to engage the young’uns, and, as one song threatens, end up stuck in your head. As before, the best bits revolve around Batman (offered without bias!), but, truly, there is not a weak link here. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part runs 106 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude humor." The Lego Movie 2 is another fun outing foe the entire family. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Lego Movie 2 gets 8. Until next time... PS: Where's my Cats trailer? in Legoland. Like its predecessor, the Lego Movie 2 is a genuine delight. Top-notch voice work fronts an upbeat, colorful movie with a sweet message. The film’s terrific sense of humor will appeal as much to adults as to kids, and a cheerful score peppered with bouncy original songs is sure to engage the young’uns, and, as one song threatens, end up stuck in your head. As before, the best bits revolve around Batman (offered without bias!), but, truly, there is not a weak link here.

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part runs 106 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude humor."

The Lego Movie 2 is another fun outing foe the entire family.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Lego Movie 2 gets 8.

Until next time... PS: Where's my Cats trailer?

MOVIE REVIEW: ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL

Set several centuries in the future, the abandoned Alita is found in the scrapyard of Iron City by Ido, a compassionate cyber-doctor who takes the unconscious cyborg Alita to his clinic. When Alita awakens, she has no memory of who she is, nor does she have any recognition of the world she finds herself in. As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious past.

Director: Robert Rodriguez

Cast: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali, Ed Skrein, Jackie Earle Haley, Keean Johnson

Release Date: February 14, 2019

Genres: Fantasy/Science Fiction

Rating: PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language

Runtime: 2h 22min

Review:

Alita: Battle Angel is a movie I've been hearing about for round about 20 years now, if that's not completely accurate it's pretty close.  James Cameron's passion project has been gestating in one shape or form for a long while.  Originally he'd intended to direct the script he'd co-written but he'd become engulfed in Avatar and its subsequent sequels.  He finally handed off the film to Robert Rodriguez to finally bring the whole thing to life.  So simply put, is it worth the wait?  I believe so and that's coming at this Manga adaptation completed unfamiliar with the source material, like say Ghost in The Shell.  

The film is a surprisingly cynical free, cyberpunk adventure that has a lot to offer.  First and foremost, the world building and CGI visuals are all top notch with only a few hiccups here and there.  Alita, herself, is a fully realized motion capture CGI creation, after getting used to her large Anime inspired eyes, that's a true testament to the technical prowess of the people behind the film.  Rose Salazar's motion capture performance is endearing as she plays a nice balance between naive and lethal.  The world feels lived in and diverse even if it doesn't feel as fresh as most post-apocalyptic cyber punk landscapes did back in the 90s.  Still, it's well done and populated with a large variety of different characters to keep things fresh and interesting.  

The story itself feels familiar, which is a common issue with Mangas from the 90's or even William Gibson novels, but there are enough disparate story threads to keep you engaged in what's going on.  There are issues that pop up throughout, mostly due the script which has its fair share of clunky dialogue.  There's also the massive misstep of casting top line actors like Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly and Mahershala Ali to support Salazar and the story but never taking full advantage of their talents.  Instead the film opts to give Keean Johnson a spotlight even though he and Salazar don't share much chemistry.  Alita: Battle Angel's issues and how they affect your enjoyment of the film is totally dependent on whether you buy in early on.  The film throws a lot at you, everything from Motorball (a sort of Nascar meets cyborg roller derby), cyborg bounty hunters, cities in the sky and some sort of cataclysmic war that occurred 300 years before the start of film.  Does it resolve all plot points, not even close and a reveal at the end shows that Rodriguez and Cameron have more entries in mind, but I believe the film will either leave you wanting more or hating it with a passion.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: MISS BALA

A young woman battles a ruthless drug cartel to save her kidnapped friend in Mexico.

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Cast: Gina Rodriguez, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Anthony Mackie

Release Date: February 1, 2019

Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for sequences of gun violence, sexual and drug content, thematic material, and language

Runtime: 1h 44 min

Review:

Miss Bala is a ridiculous crime drama that’s watchable mainly because of Gina Rodriguez.  Catherine Hardwicke’s directs the film with a generic hand delivering very little in terms of visual style.  It has an inherit blandness that almost guarantees that’ll you’ll forget about the film as soon as it’s over.  The script is a jumbled mess that’s filled with so many plot holes that thinking about any portion of the story for too long would cause it to collapse instantly.  The film’s saving grace is Gina Rodriguez.  Rodriguez screen presence translates well on to the big screen.  She carries the film well and makes the entire thing so much more watchable than it deserves to be.  It’s a shame the film isn’t up to her talents but it does show that Rodriguez can carry a film ably.

C

MOVIE REVIEW: THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART

The citizens of Bricksburg face a dangerous new threat when LEGO DUPLO invaders from outer space start to wreck everything in their path. The battle to defeat the enemy and restore harmony to the LEGO universe takes Emmet, Lucy, Batman and the rest of their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds that test their courage and creativity.

Director: Mike Mitchell

Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Charlie Day, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman,Will Ferrell, Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz Maya Rudolph

Release Date: February 8, 2019

Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure 

Rated PG for some rude humor

Runtime: 1h 46 min

Review:

The Lego Movie 2 The Second Part has a lot to live up to since the original was such a breath of fresh air.  The original film was a candy colored concoction that was enjoyable for children but was just as enjoyable for adults since it was an incredibly meta story that offered layers of depth.  Throw in the fact that we've had two other Lego related film's released with diminishing returns.  Thankful the sequel is just as enjoyable and thoughtful as the original even if it doesn't quiet reach the heights of the original.  The story is fun and thoughtful at the same time which speaks to the effort put into making this the best film possible.  The returning cast are all great, clearly more comfortable with their roles even if we do miss Liam Neeson's Bad Cop since there's not really a memorable villain.  The addition of Tiffany Haddish and Stephanie Beatriz help ease that loss with solid characters even if they're slightly underused.  The film does decide to embrace song and dance sequences which are mostly effective even if it take a moment to settle into them.  When it all said and done, the film's message is even more pointed and effective than the first film.

B+