#senseitoadstool

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Sinners (2025)

Next time someone tells you a movie has 'layers', sit down and watch this one and you'll understand what it means. The script is masterful in very many different ways - but the highlight is the number of layers that it contains.

Also, if someone describes Sinners as a Vampire movie, they are very wrong. It has very little to do with the vampires themselves. It starts with a legend: A legend that there are people in this world whose ability to play music transcends the barriers of life, death, and time. This is at the core of the film - what happens around it is a consequence of this particular action.

Intelligently weaving reality with fantasy, this slow burner of a movie will grab you by the hand and slowly walk you through its characters, its situations, and the very real human nature that hides safely behind this vampire story - or better said, this story that happens to have vampires in it.

It very much talks about a specific period of time in the USA, and compares the fictional horrors with the real ones in a very smart and beautiful way. And even though it bends some of the traditional rules - it's very well worth the watch.

Mi opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Disney's Snow White (2025)

I knew this movie was going to hate-bombed in the ratings from the moment it was announced. However, those bomb-ratings are lying to you. Even though I have a moderate skepticism about all of Disney's live action conversions, there have been some hits among the disasters (and by disasters I specifically mean Maleficent). This particular case actually surprised me, and in an good way. Yes, as a hardcore Disney fan and sometimes accused as a purist, I do have a few pieces I would prefer have been different in the adaptation - but overall, this movie was very enjoyable. First of all, let me say very clearly that this is more of a musical than not - there is a LOT of unexpected singing. As you may know, for me this is NOT a complaint. During the opening number, we find out that Snow White is actually named so because she was born during a fierce snow storm, so her parents chose to name her that in commemoration of her survival. Another thing I didn't know that definitely plays on its favor is that the additional songs were created by the amazingly talented duo of Pasek and Paul - the musical creators of Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman. In my humble opinion, what makes Snow White better than any other live adaptations (possibly with the one exception of the Jungle Book), is the fact that the story was modernized while respecting the core nature of the characters. The Evil Queen is still evil, Snow White is still good - though with a few changes to her character: She is not passively wishing for a man to come whisk her away, and when it comes to cleaning the house of the dwarfs, she endeavors to teach them how to do it themselves instead of being the one cleaning - possibly showing how tired she was to have been cleaning for the Queen for most of her life and putting herself a step closer to freedom. The Prince from the original is also given a makeover, exchanging his superficial 5 minute appearance - which included a 30 second heroic rescue finale - for a steadier, stronger character that starts as an antagonist and slowly morphs into something similar, yet different. Out of the original 1930's score, gone are the Wishing Well song and Someday My Prince Will Come, replaced with additional material - including a song for the Evil Queen (which I personally was not a fan of - but you know me and Villains), and a few amazing new pieces that have great staying potential. When the trailer came out, I thought the dwarfs looked kinda weird - but once you see them in the context of the movie, they are very well placed and actually pretty perfect. There are also additions to the Heigh Ho song that are well done, and a synergistic approach to the Dwarf's Mine attraction at Magic Kingdom that won't go unnoticed by those who have been there. Cute are also the nods to this being based in an original German story by the Brothers Grimm, with Snow White saying Gesundheit when Sneezy sneezes, and placing a couple of other German-inspired easter eggs (like pretzels) in the movie. The performances are great, including the beautiful evilness that the Queen represents - heart-housing chest included. The two things I'll say in favor of her musical number are the lyrics and the costume (which is a very well done representation of the original) - though for an evil song, in my opinion, needed more 'bite' (pun intended). My gripe as a Disney Fan comes from a couple of missed opportunities related to the Queen that could've been easily tied to the classic: The creation of the potion for the transformation into the Old Hag is very dramatic in the original, but fizzles out in this version. Also, the original line of 'make a wish, and take a bite' was removed; and though I understand it wouldn't fit the new narrative, I'm sure there could have been a creative way to include it. All in all, the bottom line is - ignore all the hateful reviews and go check it out for yourself.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3). He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

Personally, I believe the big success of this franchise hinges mostly on the legacy of the original 1968 film with Charlton Heston. At the time, the film - even though the special effects, make up and scenery might look corny in this day and age - was cutting edge in many ways. It brought up a lot of controversial issues to light, especially in making the apes advanced society behave in very much the same way that human kind does. The scene of the apes taking pictures on the pile of humans they just hunted stays in my mind as one of these moments - and all that is before one of the most impressive surprise endings and reveals of the time.

As it most always happens with these movies, the efforts to extend the success with sequels inevitably leads to a lot of politics and religion included in the stories that slowly erode the excitement and newness of the original one.

The reboot of the series found a success in the 2011 Rise of the Planet of the Apes as a way to show a detailed origins story to that of 1968, which resulted in a trilogy told with patience, emotion, and more interested in the soul of the story than the conflicts themselves.

The beginning of this new trilogy, set in a time generations after the first trilogy, is very reminiscent of the issues that the original 1968 film brought to light - people (or apes in this case) hiding, twisting, or adapting the truth to their own advantage in the search to obtain or keep power, including the enslavement of others of their kind in order to achieve their selfish goals.

The story is very smartly written, and the performances help with your suspension of disbelief. Even though some of the places it takes you are predictable, it does a good job at keeping you guessing when apes and humans collide - in very much a 'the enemy of my enemy is my ally' kind of thing.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable film in all aspects, except one in my opinion. It didn't really need to be two hours and a half. I understand the need of the creators to slow-pace the story, but when you sort of know what's coming, it moves from being a good Hitchcock-style move to a let's-get-over-this-part-sooner kind of feeling.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Wicked Part 1 (2024)

SPOILER FREE REVIEW - unless you haven't seen the stage show. You've been warned.

Also, I'm one of those people who read the book waaay before it was even a musical. So this might get long. You've been warned - AGAIN.

Not only did I read the first book, but I read most of the series and even a few others from the same author. I was definitely impressed by the story and the imaginative narrative, with the major throwback being the subtext towards it being a somewhat subversive work hidden in a fairytale type of story, much similar in nature to that of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Even when the story got long and dragged on because of the political and religious explanations, they all made sense in the end

I discovered the musical had been made when I purchased a CD of the soundtrack of the revival of Little Shop of Horrors at Tower Records a.k.a. Virgin in Downtown Disney (yes, I'm that old), one of my all-time favorite musical shows, and the CD came with a bonus, separate CD with two tracks: Defying Gravity, and For Good.

I didn't care much for For Good, as I didn't have context, but Defying Gravity blew my mind, and I immediately purchased the entire soundtrack which I proceeded to play on repeat until I memorized most of the songs - even before I had the opportunity to see the show on stage (which was also an incredible experience - I have goosebumps remembering that Defying Gravity moment on stage. Yes, if you've seen the show, you know exactly what I'm talking about).

I honestly went to see the movie without expectations, and I intentionally avoided as much pre-show spoilers as I could. As a lover of the stage show I can easily say that the movie not only does justice to the material (and when I say this I am not only referencing the original stage show - I'm also including the Wicked book and the Wizard of Oz movie).

They could have not cast a better Galinda (with a GA) and a better Elphaba for this film. Not only are they amazing vocalists, but they embrace the true spirit of the characters and their history.

The movie adds a lot of context that the stage show could not, bringing the key points from the book to light. What the show uses as somewhat-subtle subtext, the movie puts in your face, out front and it gets intimately personal with the injustices, discrimination and wrong-doings that lead to the inevitable dissention of Elphaba. All of this extra pieces give the material the perfect balance, and the justification of its 2:40 hour length.

Also, the extra add-ons to "One Short Day" are definitely a surprise-and-delight moment not to be missed.

Needless to say, the visuals are very impressive, and the addition of stellar singers like Keala Seattle to the cast make me hope she has a shining moment in Part 2.

But - it wouldn't be me if I didn't have something to critique, however small. I wish they would've found a different singer to portray the Wizard. Most know I'm not a fan of Goldblum to begin with - but I'm less a fan of casting stars who can't sing to movie musical singing roles just because of the heft of the name. Which, in my opinion, this movie didn't need. I can live just fine with Yeoh, since her singing lines are not that many and can be sung-spoken, but I do believe the Wizard would've been better served by a different choice.

Mi Opinión: Multiple Views on the Big Screen (4 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Moana 2 (2024)

Remember, kids: It's all about expectations. This movie was originally going to be a show on Disney+ - but they adjusted it for the big screen. And I'm only saying this because, in the end, the way things are done for the theater versus the TV screen are definitely different.

If you are expecting Moana 2 to be another Moana, you will most definitely be disappointed. However, if you are expecting this to be a solid follow-up to the original Moana story, then you'll be pleased.

The song writers are different, but kept the spirit of the original score including morsels and throw-backs to the originals to make the connection.

There is an interesting situation in the villain department - with a charismatic 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' type of villain on the way to the bigger threat (which will eventually lead to Moana 3), the story moves along nicely for a second part.

Of course the visuals are great, and there are some one-liners and good LOL moments throughout.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

Inside Out 2 (2024)

Well, the easy thing to say is - if you enjoyed the first one, you'll LOVE the second one.

The premise is simple: Riley, now 13, is experiencing some new emotions she hasn't before: Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy, and - my personal favorite - Ennui.

Very much in line with the first one, this visit to Riley's mind is funny, dangerous, and filled with learning experiences. And much like the first one, emotions re-learn that extremes can be unhealthy. The need to find the balance, and the work that it takes on both sides of the pendulum to agree on what it looks like, is the journey we walk along with Riley.

Definitely a very fun second ride on this roller coaster.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

SPOILER FREE REVIEW.

Well, color me pleasantly surprised. Based on the trailers, I was a little fearful that this would go down the same path as some second parts have gone - rehashing the script of the first one with a new set of characters (in this case, Lydia's daughter Astrid, played by Ortega of Wednesday's fame).

However, somehow, the story works perfectly as a second part, moving on from the events of the first one in a clever and engaging way. The main story we all lived in 1988 is merely a starting point, and the characters are given justice (even elegantly avoiding any Hollywood drama). The special effects are very much reminiscent of the ones back in the 80's, even if they are made with modern technology. They are silly, gross, disturbing - in short, everything you'd come to expect of a second part for Beetlejuice. I also might be mistaken on this - but I found a couple of nods to Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, which I found quite pleasing.

This film's story is branched out in four sections: one involving Beetlejuice, one with Lydia, one with Delia, and one with Astrid. In my opinion, the writers did a brilliant job with understanding the original characters and moving them forward, giving them each their own experience.

The performances are as expected, also honoring the original, and guess what - I recently freaked out about McArthur Park being about a cake, and... IT IS IN THE MOVIE! (The soundtrack, by the way, is KILLER - pun fully intended). My jaw dropped the moment the Geffen Records logo showed up and these words echoed gently in the dark theater: "I don't think that I can take it, 'Cause it took so long to bake it, And I'll never have that recipe again...'

And I won't say more about it to avoid spoilers, but yes, it shows up again a few more times in an absolutely brilliant way.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Wonka (2023)

Happy New Year! I know I'm a bit late for this - but better late than never!

Wonka was a joy to watch. This is a prequel of the original movie from 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The story is well written, and Chalamet does a good job in portraying a younger version of the Wonka personality created by Gene Wilder without the sour edge that came from years of battling those wanting to steal his ideas. It preserves the contrasts between the grey dull real world and the colorful whimsical environment Wonka creates.

There are great songs, including a beautiful throw-back to the Pure Imagination theme from the original.

There are also great villains, and plenty of ingenious ways to show Wonka's mysterious magical abilities. AND - it also serves as an origins story for the Oompa Loompas, in the grumpy representation of Hugh Grant.

All in all, a good time at the movies.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3)

He Dicho.