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Reviews
We Were the Lucky Ones (2024)
Phenomenal, heartbreaking, beautiful...
Another reviewer said, "beautiful and heartbreaking." Yes. So well done on all fronts. Lerman and King... I personally think this is their best. The whole cast was phenomenal, especially for being comprised of lesser knowns. I appreciate that the cast is comprised of Jews and not all Americans either. It leant a truth to the story that can be lost when using an all American cast. The emphasis on the parts of WWII in Europe that we don't get taught was so good. Today, when the Holocaust isn't being taught anymore and kids don't understand the horrors of war and genocide, stories like this are so needed. I am so thankful that the Kurc family survived, but millions did not. The director did a fantastic job of giving us the hope of the Kurc's with the reality of what was going on around them. Everyone should watch this, especially those who think WWII and the Holocaust isn't significant. I've said a lot of words here and it's still not enough. So good.
Wonka (2023)
I didn't want to like it but was pleasantly surprised
I really liked the incorporation of Roald Dahl's style and this felt magical and whimsical like James and the Giant Peach and Matilda. It was also done very well to be adaptable to the stage and as a stage performer, I would love to be a part of this show someday. There was one minor confusing plot point that was probably fleshed out better in a deleted scene, but Bleacher and Scrubbit's involvement in the sabotage was mentioned and then BAM it happened without us seeing how they did it. That is my one critique that took away a star from my rating. A good family movie with weird and hilarious jokes for all ages. I really enjoyed it!
Bake Off: Crème de la Crème (2016)
Better after Tom...
I wish there was more focus on the baking. In the original GBBO we saw the whole process. This show, while there are fun elements, focuses on the decoration and assembly more. Tom Allen is so over the top and annoying. Stacey replacing him in series 7 was amazing. I thought she was adorable and added a more real element to the hosts. Liam is charming on his own but when paired with Tom his usual charm falls flat. He and Stacey together is a much better pair. Benoit and Cherish are a bit over the top but I love it. They find the good and the bad in each bake and I appreciate their efforts to give advice and praise when they can.
Aladdin (2019)
Pandering much?
A beautiful environment was digitally created for this film. Aesthetically pleasing. Not a fan of Will Smith as Genie. I thought a comedian like Eddie Murphy would have done a better job. Enjoyed it okay until Jasmine's added "I'm a strong independant woman and I don't need no man" song. That was a bit much. I am a woman and I did not appreciate this pandering song. I love the original and was excited to have a live action to add to my viewing library, but this fell short. Probably won't be watching it again.
The Lion King (2019)
Visually stunning, but frustrating too.
This remake is visually stunning but fell flat on my expectations. I loved the nostalgia of James Earl Jones reprising his role, and Glover did a good job as Simba, but Beyonce... Don't get me started. She is incredibly talented but the choices made regarding her singing in this film were sad. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is near and dear to me as it was in my wedding, but Beyonce ruined it by turning her parts into a pop song spoof. Also, in an attempt to not make it shot-for-shot, Timon and Pumbaa's jokes were changed and lost the humor and whimsy that was in the original.