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Movie Review: Luca - Pixar is Back!

6/21/2021

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Image from IMDB.com
Below is my review of Disney and Pixar’s Luca. 
There may be some small spoilers, so please be aware before reading.

Disney and Pixar’s Luca was released on Disney+ on June 16th so of course we had to watch it this weekend.  To be very honest with you, I did not remember the trailer or what the movie was about, but if it’s Pixar and/or Disney, I’m all about it, so I figured who cares!

When the movie first started, I got some pretty strong Little Mermaid vibes.  I know Pixar likes to put a lot of easter eggs of past Pixar and Disney movies, so this wasn’t too surprising, but there were a few minutes where I almost wondered if we were getting a reimagined version of one my favorites, and I wasn’t 100% going to be ok with that - but don’t worry - that is not what happened! At the end, I also felt some Harry Potter vibes going on, so I’m thinking maybe a millennial helped make this movie and threw in some of their favorite things growing up, and not going to lie, I was fine with it all!

This movie takes place in Italy which was pretty fun and beautiful, as all Pixar movies are, and the characters were truly lovable. The last few Pixar movies haven’t been as good as Pixar movies usually are.  I don’t know if it is because Lasseter is gone, but I am guessing that is a big part of it.  However, this movie redeems Pixar and brings back all the feels that Pixar generally gives. There were definitely a few tears shed at the end - something that hasn’t happened with the last few Pixar movies.

I loved the dynamic of the main characters in this film.  I laughed so many times, it was really so cute. I’m also pretty sure the creators took fans' love of the short film, Luna, in creating some of the storyline and characters in Luca, and I was all for that.
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Diversity
I know Pixar is trying hard to be more inclusive of female voices in their movies now (aiming for 50/50), but I still felt there was a bit of a lack in female voices. However, I do feel like there was a real lack of diversity in the character’s races. Often with Pixar movies, the characters aren’t human, so they cannot portray race as much, but this was their chance, and I don’t feel like they did the best job with it. Although, I felt the message at the end was sort of about race, but maybe that was just what I got from it.  

Rating/Conclusion
All in all, I would rate this movie a 9/10 - really great job.  I think it is definitely for kids and adults. Super cute, funny, a great story, beautiful, and has a good message.  I think Pixar is finally starting to get back to what they were before the exodus of Lasseter and I hope they keep on this path.  

Disney Parks
What I wonder now is if they will do some theming or a future ride in the Italy Pavilion of EPCOT if this movie gets really popular.  I guess we will see!  

Did you see the movie? What were your thoughts? Did you love it - hate it? Let me know in the comments!
All reviews and opinions are my own - no one paid me to write my review.
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Movie Review: Cruella - The Movie We Didn't Know We Needed?

6/4/2021

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Ok, now that Cruella has been out with Premier access on Disney+ (and theaters for those of you venturing into the theater world again) for a week, I feel it is safe to put my review out there.  I feel like a majority of people that I know have seen it too, so I think this is safe. 

Cruella - I honestly did NOT have high hopes.  When I saw the trailers I was a bit confused.  It felt like it was going the route of the Joker movies, which don't get me wrong, I love, but it just didn't feel very kid-friendly or "Disney."  Plus, I LOVE the 101 Dalmatians movies, they were staple movies of my childhood, so I was sort of like - WHY do we need this movie?  Are they going to ruin things for me? Well... here are my thoughts (as much as possible without a lot of spoilers).

Since I am on summer break, I decided what the heck, let's just get the movie on Disney+ (and for you nay-sayers about paying for the movies on Disney+, I often spent more at the theater, so now I get to stay home and see the movie over and over before others so, I'm cool with it!).  We ordered in some movie theater treats - including popcorn - man I've missed movie theater popcorn! If you are going to watch these movies at home, I highly suggest doing this, it just makes the experience so much better!
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Food from Cinapolis Hamlin in Winter Garden
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Cruella - currently on Disney+ with Premier Access $30
REVIEW
Ok, enough about food... time for my review. So as I originally was saying, I didn't really have high hopes, or really know what to expect with this movie.  The few previews I did see for this movie, I was expecting VERY dark, very adult. This movie is not that.  Disney, I LOVE you, but you did a terrible job advertising this movie!  The majority of the movie was not dark, I don't have children, but I would suspect this would be fine for them actually.  Maybe not super little kids, but for the most part, I think it would be fine.  

They did make Cruella pretty young in age, which I am not really sure why they made her so young because I feel she is definitely supposed to be older.  I think they helped give some background into her and why she is the way she is, which is always pretty cool.  I do feel like the movie showed a little psychology into her as well.  There are some little things in the movie that connect the dots for you like - oh, that's why she drives like a lunatic!  There were a few things I didn't like, such as adding Dalmatians into this movie.  I think they did that to appease viewers, but for someone like myself that loves 101 Dalmatians, I feel like they actually are messing with the storyline.  I liked learning about her dynamic with her two sidekicks and her love of fashion - which get ready - there's SO much fashion!   Plus, the music is amazing! 

(SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD)
They are definitely setting up this movie to go straight into another movie (keep watching after the credits and you'll see what I mean), which is exciting, but I think due to some liberties they made in this movie, it will change up things in the next one, which I imagine will be an updated 101 Dalmatians. 

In this version, Cruella does not smoke - which I heard Emma Stone had a lot of trouble with when it came to getting into character.  I can see why Disney made this decision, considering kids will probably watch this movie, but regardless I think Emma Stone did a fabulous job with this character.  Again, I do think they should have gone with someone a bit older, maybe even using Emma Thompson as Cruella instead of the Baroness, because she does give those Cruella vibes. 

Lastly, if you are expecting another Maleficent movie, this is not it. I feel like the Maleficent movies made her into a not-so-villain.  I'd say they did the very Disney thing in this movie that they pretty much do in all Disney movies. I'll leave it at that. 

RATING
I would give this movie an 8 or 9 out of 10.  It was VERY enjoyable.  The music was wonderful, the clothes were great, the acting was really fantastic, and it was the story we didn't know we needed.  I'm not big on watching movies again, but I'm pretty sure I'll be watching it again soon to see what little clues I didn't catch the first time. 
All reviews and opinions are my own - no one paid me to write my review.
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MOVIE REVIEW - NO SPOILERS: MY SPY - In Theaters April 17th

3/17/2020

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ABOUT
Nine-year-old Sophie catches JJ, a hardened CIA operative, spying on her family during a routine surveillance operation. In exchange for not blowing his cover, JJ begrudgingly agrees to show the precocious girl how to become a spy. What at first seems like an easy task soon turns into a battle of wits as Sophie proves you don't need much experience to outsmart a seasoned agent.

MY THOUGHTS
I was invited to an advance screening of My Spy last week as the movie was originally set to open in theaters on March 13th.  However, as with most movies right now, the release date has been pushed back until April 17th.  Nevertheless, I am so thankful that I got to see this movie before everything came to a halt.  This movie was HYSTERICAL.  I mean seriously, I was nonstop laughing, as was everyone in the theater.  

​I don't know about you, but I always have soft spot for movies like this, big muscular man that doesn't like to show feelings that gets partnered with a little kid.  We all know how that story is going to play out, but this movie has the comedy attached.  Plenty of one-liners, and just all around funny moments.  I feel like I can't say too much without giving things away, which I won't.  All I can say, is the cast was a great choice.  Dave Bautista (you may know him as Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy) plays his role as the "hardened CIA operative" perfectly.  Chloe Coleman is adorable and  shows she is one smart little girl.  I personally LOVED Kristen Schaal in her role as "Bobbi", JJ's CIA partner.  She is just an all around hilarious actress, but she plays this role PERFECTLY.  Her little quips and remarks just make this movie that much more funny.  

Although I'm saddened that this movie was moved to April, I think it was a good choice.  I'm here to tell you, it is a must-see comedy once we all can leave our houses and enjoy some time out and about!  

Don't want to believe me?  Here is what what one of my lucky followers that also got to see the screening had to say: "Hadn't heard my son laugh that much at a movie in I don't know when! It made his day and in turn, it made mine!"

RATING
THIS MOVIE IS RATED PG-13 - I do agree with this rating as there are a good amount of swear words and a little bit of violence, as to be expected with a CIA "action" movie.
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FREE Advance Screening of A QUIET PLACE PART II in Orlando, FL

3/8/2020

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Want to see A QUIET PLACE PART II before it officially hits theaters on March 20th?

The Orlando Millennial has 15 RESERVED SEATS for the advanced screening on March 16, 2020 at 7:30pm at AMC Disney Springs! Get your name on the list here:
https://forms.gle/ztPsFunpp2AhMx3YA
*Please do NOT RSVP unless you will be able to attend!


​ABOUT:
​Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY
John Krasinski

STARRING
Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Djimon Hounsou

#AQUIETPLACE
I am a blogger partner for Allied Global Marketing and in exchange for sharing information about upcoming movies and advance screenings, I am provided with tickets to advanced screenings on occasion. As always, all comments and opinions are my own.
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FREE Advanced Screening of MY SPY in Orlando, FL

3/4/2020

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Want to see MY SPY before it officially hits theaters on March 13th?

The Orlando Millennial has 15 RESERVED SEATS for the advanced screening on March 11, 2020 at 7:30pm at Regal Waterford Lakes! Get your name on the list here:
https://forms.gle/mzbburTWWFgoo43M8
*Please do NOT RSVP unless you will be able to attend!

Not sure if you can attend but want to grab a ticket just in case? Or perhaps we have run out of our 15 reserved spots- no worries! Here's a link to a FREE ticket which gets you in on a first-come, first-serve basis (no guaranteed seats) http://stxtickets.com/qiLbs38124

FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS LINK!

ABOUT MY SPY:

​Nine-year-old Sophie catches JJ, a hardened CIA operative, spying on her family during a routine surveillance operation. In exchange for not blowing his cover, JJ begrudgingly agrees to show the precocious girl how to become a spy. What at first seems like an easy task soon turns into a battle of wits as Sophie proves you don't need much experience to outsmart a seasoned agent.

I am a blogger partner for Allied Global Marketing and in exchange for sharing information about upcoming movies and advance screenings, I am provided with tickets to advanced screenings on occasion. As always, all comments and opinions are my own.
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    Hey Ya'll!

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    Hi all!  I'm Michelle and I have been a lifestyle blogger since 2017.  I used to host fun networking events around Orlando and now I've decided to take a step back and continue to focus on my favorite part - bringing you all the fun happenings around Central Florida, plus filling you in on my travels, life, and more!  I'm a foodie, selfie-taking Millennial that loves spending time at the theme parks, traveling, and spending time with her dog, and trying new wine. I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

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