#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]

MoViews: How to Train your Dragon (2025)

Bottom line: if you are a fan of the original animated movie from 15 years ago, you will most definitely enjoy this version.

Dreamworks gives a Master Class on live-actioning a beloved animated movie. Little deviation from the original script, few additions to elongate it that give a couple of characters extra lines because of clarifying back stories and domestic situations, and beautiful traditional movie-making (like cinematography) paired with well made special effects give us a joy of a movie to watch.

The performances translate very well form the animated form into live action, with the emotional moments not only maintained but enhanced by the faces, looks, and reactions of the actors.

Bonus points for Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick, and the brilliant recasting of Hiccup of Mason Thames, removing some of the whiny sarcastic tone that Jay Baruchel imprinted on him in the animated series and giving him a deeper, more serious tone in his purpose.

One of the best live-action remakes I've seen yet.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 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: The Wild Robot (2024)

Through the years, Dreamworks Animation has established itself as one of the top 5 animation studios in the world. Although for me some of their movies are hit or miss, they have definitely delivered some precious jewels like the Rise of the Guardians and the How to Train your Dragon trilogy.

And speaking of HtTyD, in my opinion, the Wild Robot is second only to that.

The movie is full of heart, with fantastic character development and deep lessons that translate well to the audience - the main ones being about kindness and relationship growth.

My favorite character has to be Pinktail, the possum mother that expresses my feelings about parenthood flawlessly - voiced by the amazing Catherine O'Hara.

Beautiful animation, beautiful soundtrack (the two songs in it are very well done), great storytelling - all the right elements for a great time at the movies.

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.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: The Haunted Mansion (2023)

First of all, I am a HUGE fan of the Haunted Mansion - it's my favorite attraction in the Magic Kingdom. However, I'm always cautiously optimistic of any movies created from the rides - as the first iteration of this movie (starring Eddie Murphy) was, for me at least, slightly disappointing - as it was very heavy on the comedy and not strong enough in the spooky.

This iteration, however, was a delightful surprise. It is said (if my memory serves) that, when Walt Disney commissioned the Haunted Mansion, Imagineers made it scary - and he disliked it. He wanted something spooky but silly, hence the Grim Grinning Ghosts who come out to socialize were born.

This story, in my humble opinion, has the right mix of scary, spooky, silly and serious - all in perfect balance. Also, the incredible amounts of nods that exist to the attraction make this extremely satisfying for a Haunted Mansion fan.

The performances were very good, and perfectly aligned with the shape of each character that fit the puzzle in this tale. The story in the beginning can easily be turned into one of those contemporary gothic horror movies with hundreds of jumps and scares without the gore - and if you remove the silliness and the comedy from the script, it can surely become a seriously scary movie.

There is an underlying deep addressing of the topic of grief - which makes the movie also surprisingly emotional in a good way.

It is also an 'Origin Story' of sorts - which is chock-full-of Easter Eggs (I won't spoil all of them, but pay close attention to the lit pumpkins at the very end of the film if you want to catch a glimpse of the spooky wall paper design on the Mansion carved on a pumpkin). Fans will also identify the Hat-box Ghost, as it is one of the most popular stories of the actual creation of the house: As the special effects for the attraction were being developed, there was a particular ghost in the attic that needed an effect in which his head would disappear from the top of his body and appear inside of the hat box he was carrying. In the late 1960's, the available technology would not allow for the effect to look believable, so it was scrapped after Cast Member previews. In 2015, the Hatbox Ghost was added to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, now that the technology had finally caught up to create a more convincing version of the effect, back in the attic.

In my view, this was most definitely a success - with plenty of LOL moments, a carefully crafted story, and enough emotional moments to make it worth your while.

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

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Wish (2024)

Disney fans will find this movie delightful. Being part of the 100 celebration, its ties with the original feature-length animated feature Snow White are pretty obvious. There are also several nods to other classic films, so pay attention as you watch.

We also finally get a real Disney Villain! In the classic tradition of his predecessors, King Magnifico has a lab in a secret dungeon-like room - making his royal evil lineage proud. The Evil Queen and Maleficent, two of my three favorite villains, have also nods in the movie.

The story is heartfelt, well told, with good music to go along with it. And it speaks to everyone's wishes - or their heart's desires - and how to make them happen. However, most of the time I found myself distracted by the beauty of Rosas - the world in which the story takes place. The style in which it's created - water-colory castles and forests, is breathtaking in the same way that Sleeping Beauty's and Frozen 2's backgrounds were.

As a bonus, if you stay through the credits you'll get two treats - one during, and one after. So make sure you do.

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

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: The Marvels (2023)

SPOILER FREE REVIEW.

As always, I go see these movies without any expectations. I have watched all of the movies involving Captain Marvel, and I have also watched both the Wandavision and Ms. Marvel series on Disney+.

This is a REALLY good time at the movies. It is entertaining, funny, and everything that a Superhero movie has to be. There is some drama, some tension, some exploration of feelings - and honestly you don't even realize there is not a single leading man in it at all.

The blend of all the media that gets us to this place is done extremely well, combining the awkward teenage situations Kamala brings with the grown-up seriousness and complications that Carol Danvers has with the adult Monica.

It clearly shows the power of people overcoming their preconceptions and misconceptions and learning to work together when the situation calls for it.

For those of you Broadway fans, there is a scene that you'll thoroughly enjoy. Additionally, stay for the mid-credits scene - it'll be worth it.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (4 out of 4).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: A Haunting in Venice (2023)

Mr. Branagh is definitely taking some big liberties with saying 'based on'. The story that plays out on this film is nowhere near the original Hallowe'en Party from Agatha Christie. There are a few nods here and there, like the reference to the bobbing for apples and the names of some characters - including the appearance of Poirot's friend the writer Ariadne Oliver. 'Inspired by...' would be a much more adequate description.

Having said that, credit must go fully to Michael Green - the writer of the adaptation of the story into the big screen. Without it being anything similar to the original book, he still managed to come up with a Christie-like mystery that plays well on screen. The addition of the contemporary pop culture references to appeal more to the American audiences is obvious, as I don't recall Christie being too pop-culture-savvy in her original works - and I am still slightly annoyed at the continuous referencing of Poirot's Branagh-created lost love. But I digress.

Again - taking a LOT of liberties (far too many to mention in this review and not necessary for the end result), the movie is just as delightful as the other two adaptations have been. The casting is marvelous - especially those of the younger characters. Tina Fey is pretty perfect as the adequate Ariadne Oliver to go against Branagh's Poirot, and they all play well with each other.

Christie fans (and possibly thriller mystery ones as well) will have no issue deciphering the puzzle presented in front of them - possibly even too early for our own good - with the exception of the final twist, which is refreshing to see.

Just as the previous two, the cinematography is flawless, and the design of the confined spaces is a stark contrast to the vast views of the Nile - yet effective in focusing the attention on the story and the dynamic of the characters at hand.

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

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

My first contact with Indiana Jones was in an outing during a camping trip to Arrowhead Camp in Canada, with kids my age.

I was captured by the storytelling, amazed by the spirits flowing out of the Ark of the Covenant, jumped a few times at the skeletons and the booby traps, and disgusted by the melting faces of the bad guys. All in all, a very successful and exciting outing for a 12 year old.

And here we are, 40-plus years later, watching what I believe will be the wrap-up of a wonderful, exciting and imaginative saga 5-films long. I do believe that in order to enjoy these movies, audiences need to understand the formula: a balanced combination of reality and fiction in an adventure setting with supernatural involvement.

Indiana Jones himself is, in a very wholesome way, a representation of virtue. Yes, he steals archeological finds - but ALWAYS for a museum, for the enhancement of the understanding of history, always doing his best for the human kind to understand where we come from, where we've been, and what happens when we ignore history. Indy's moral compass, unlike his aging body and slowing reflexes, is unwavering.

Without spoiling much of the new story, the same aspects that have always been present in Indy's tales remain. A desired artifact, bad people after it, and consequences that only he understands.

People that we've loved along the way are present, and so are new faces (including an underage smart and talented companion akin to the one in The Temple of Doom) - along with some musical notes that will be very familiar to fans of the series.

Even though some of the scenes feel intentionally extended for the benefit of a longer movie (like the chase and action scenes), we are treated to a phenomenal ending sequence that is most definitely worth the wait - all leading to an emotional conclusion.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Elio (2025)

Pixar comes to the big screen with another beautifully crafted, heartfelt coming-of-age story involving a young man who doesn't feel like he belongs. His biggest wish is to be abducted by aliens - guided by his love of space and the voice of Carl Sagan. Needless to say, things get interesting when his wish comes true.

Very well acted, very real situations (besides the actual appearance of aliens, of course, since that's still a big question mark), some laugh-out-loud moments, and gorgeous cinematographic animation make it worth watching on the big screen.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.