10s Movie Review - The Grinch

Director: Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier
Genre: Animation/ Comedy/ Family
Runtime: 85 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Cameron Seeley, Pharrell Williams, Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury

I WATCHED THIS FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 52: A CHRISTMAS MOVIE
 
Description: A grumpy Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.

Review: The children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss was published in 1957 and became a classic. It’s about a grumpy green monster, the Grinch, who wants to sabotage Christmas. This third film adaptation (an animation in 1966 and a live-action in 2000) comes from animation studio Illumination (“Despicable Me”) and faithfully follows the book.

You would say that the film doesn’t really add anything, because it’s practically the same. But I really loved this animated version of “The Grinch”. It has a modern tone, which slightly clashes with the original story at times, but that’s all. The classic Christmas story remains irresistible, and the humor, design and voices are very well-done. I think people should appreciate it more.

Rating: 4 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 111: Going in Style

Director: Zach Braff
Genre: Comedy/ Crime
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin, Matt Dillon, Christopher Lloyd, John Ortiz, Ann-Margret, Joey King, Peter Serafinowicz, Kenan Thompson

Description: Desperate to pay the bills and come through for their loved ones, three lifelong pals risk it all by embarking on a daring bid to knock off the very bank that absconded with their money.

Review: Joe has trouble keeping up when his bank tells him he loses his house in 30 days, when he doesn’t pay his mortgage. His friend Willie hardly sees his daughter and granddaughter, who live on the other side of the country and hides a serious kidney problem. And their friend Albert fills his days teaches music class to untalented kids. The three know each other through their work at a factory and are currently enjoying their pension. At least, they are supposed to. Because their former bosses decide to pause their pensions. Joe, Willie and Albert have had it and decide to rob a bank.
“Going in Style” is directed by actor and creator of “Garden State”, Zach Braff. He must have thought to have gold with three actors of this standard. It doesn’t even matter what you let them do. And that’s the power of this film, the comical interaction between the three main characters.
The sentimental part is kept to a minimun. “Going in Style” shows men who can be themselves, love their families. The main characters are all likeable in their own way, I don’t think this movie would have worked as well as it did, if it where three random lesser known actors. It’s Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin that make this movie. With that, there are some fun supporting roles, especially Christopher Lloyd is worth mentioning.
The part where the three men are planning their heist is the most fun. Testing their criminal capacities, trying to rob a local supermarket, it’s so hilarious. This comedy really made me laugh out loud, something most comedies nowadays can’t even do. Most people wouldn’t call “Going In Style” a great film, but it’s mostly the sympathy you have for the characters and the interaction between the three gentlemen that win you over. It’s one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in the past years. And that’s thanks to Caine, Freeman and Arkin. Highly enjoyable movie.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 6: The Magic of Belle Isle

Director: Rob Reiner
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Runtime: 109 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Virginia Madsen, Kenan Thompson, Fred Willard, Kevin Pollack, Emma Fuhrmann, Madeline Carroll, Nicolette Pierini

Description: Monty Wildhorn (Morgan Freeman), an alcoholic novelist of Westerns, has lost his drive. His nephew (Kenan Thompson) pushes him to Summer in quiet Bell Isle. He begrudgingly befriends a newly single mom (Virginia Madsen) and her 3 girls who help him find the inspiration to write again.

Review: After “The Bucket List” (2007) director Rob Reiner and actor Morgan Freeman work together again. He plays the grumpy writer Monte WIldhorn. He spends the summer in Belle Isle, where his cousin Henry thinks he might have some time for writing new material. Monte spends most of his time drinking, but when he meets the young Finnegan, one of the neighbours daughters, we see Monte change and he finds his inspiration again.
Like almost every other time, Morgan Freeman shines in this movie. With his charming and calm way of acting he wins over all the hearts. Especially the conversations he has with the dog are a joy to watch. Emma Fuhrmann, who plays Finnegan, is a talent to watch. It’s a movie for any age and Rob Reiner made a beautiful movie with, off course, a message. And he doesn’t sugarcoat the story, which makes is as good as it is.

Rating: 4/ 5