Frozen 2

"You can't just follow me into fire!"

"You don't want me following you into fire? Then don't run into fire!"

Three years after unveiling her powers to the kingdom of Arendelle, Queen Elsa (Menzel) feels unsettled. She hears a mysterious voice that no one else can hear. While Elsa loves her life, she wants answers and ends up waking the elemental spirits, forcing everyone to escape the kingdom.

Elsa vows to make things right and travels to the Enchanted Forest with her sister Anna (Bell), snowman Olaf (Gad), Anna's boyfriend Kristoff (Groff), and his reindeer Sven. The Enchanted Forest is surrounded by fog and hidden secrets. With help from allies and some friendly forest spirits, can they uncover the truth and save their home?

The sequel to Disney's 2016 film Frozen. It is the 58th animated feature film made by Disney.

The Good:

The team behind the first film's success (directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, score composer Christope Beck, and songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson Lopez) and most with the voice cast returned for the sequel.

Olaf summarizing the plot of the first film is hilarious: the things he highlights and the reactions of the other characters, especially Mattias (one of the new characters voiced by Sterling K. Brown).

Everything is beautiful. The new songs are catchy, but not as memorable as the first film. My favorite is "Into the Unknown" (Panic! at the Disco performs thr song over the end credits). Kacey Musgrave and Weezer also perform songs from the film over the end credits. 

The Bad:

The tone is a little darker and the story a little more disjointed. The characters start together, but once they reach the Enchanted Forest, they end up in 3 groups: Elsa, Anna and Olaf, and Kristoff and Sven.

The new characters aren't bad, but it's hard to connect with them.

Other Comments:

-"Into the Unknown" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2020, but did not win.

-Due to the fun of Olaf summarizing stories, Disney+ made Olaf Presents, which is Olaf explaining 5 Disney films. They are hilarious. 

-I enjoyed the film, especially Olaf, and will probably see the next one, but it wasn't as good as the first one. 

-Disney plans to make another sequel in 2027, with a 4th film in development. 

Frozen 2 (2019) 103 minutes

Director: Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee

Starring: Idina Menzel as Elsa

Kristen Bell as Anna

Josh Gad as Olaf

Jonathan Groff as Kristoff

Sterling K. Brown as Mattias

Evan Rachel Wood as Iduna

Alfred Molina as Agnarr

Martha Plimpton as Yelena

Jason Ritter as Ryder

Rachel Matthews as Honeymaren

Jeremy Sisto as Runeard

The Falcon's Brother

"Why, Mr. Lefty, the newspapers said you were incarcerated."

"You know I never drink. I was pinched, but I beat the rap through a suspended sentence."

Well-known detective Gay Lawrence (Sanders) and his assistant Lefty (Barclay) go to the dock to meet his brother. However, the police are already on board investigating a death. They identify the victim as Gay's brother Tom (Conway). 

Gay knows that the body is not Tom, but let's the police believe it so he can investigate unhindered.  But Gay is injured, leaving Tom and Lefty to investigate with fashion reporter Marcia Brooks (Randolph). Can they solve the crime before anyone else gets hurt?

The 4th film in the RKO Falcon film series. The character is based on Michael Arlen's short stories about detective Gay Falcon.

The Good: 

I enjoy George Sanders, so when I stumbled on this film, I had to check it out. This is his 4th and final appearance as the Falcon. He is joined by his actual brother Tom Conway, who plays his character's brother. Conway continued in the franchise in 9 more films, taking over the mantle of the Falcon. Sanders and Conway are suave and look and sound similar.

Don Barclay, as the side-kick Lefty, gets most of the laughs with his non-sequiturs.

The Bad: 

Not as good as other detective series, although the ending still throws you for a loop.

Other Comments:

-Conway starred in 9 more Falcon films.

-The series continued in 1948 with John Calvert as Michael Waring. This character is based on Drexel Drake's Falcon novels.

-Keye Luke has a small role as Jerry. Luke also appeared in both the Charlie Chan and Mr. Wong detective series.

The Falcon's Brother (1942) 63 minutes

Director: Stanley Logan

Starring: George Sanders as Gay Lawrence/The Falcon

Tom Conway as Tom Lawrence/The Falcon

Jane Randolph as Marcia Brooks

Don Barclay as Lefty

Cliff Clark as Inspector Timothy Donovan

Edward Gargan as Detective Bates

Eddie Dunn as Detective Grimes

Charlotte Wynters as Arlette

James Newill as Paul Harrington

Keye Luke as Jerry

Amanda Varela as Carmela

George J. Lewis as Valdez

Gwili Andre as Diane Medford

André Charlot as Savitski

Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1200th post)

And just like that 1,200 posts! Previous milestones: 

100 The Pajama Game / 200 Guys and Dolls / 300 The Rocky Horror Picture Show / 400 Tea for Two / 500 Annie / 600 Mary Poppins / 700 Into the Woods / 800 Anchors Aweigh / 900 42nd Street / 1000 Royal Wedding / 1100 A Song is Born

Cinderella (Brandy) dreams of a better life. Since the death of her parents she has worked as a servant in her home, where she waits on her Stepmother (Peters) and selfish stepsisters Calliope (Cox) and Minerva (Desselle). One day in the market, she meets and is captivated by a handsome young man.

The young man is Prince Christopher (Montalban), escaping from palace life for the afternoon. His parents, King Maximillian (Garber) and Queen Constantina (Goldberg), want him to marry and throw a ball for all of the eligible young women in the kingdom.

Cinderella is forced to stay home, while her Stepmother and stepsisters go to the ball. While she dreams about the ball, her Fairy Godmother (Houston) arrives. She encourages Cinderella to go to the ball and uses her magic to transform her clothes into a beautiful ball gown. Can Cinderella make all of her dreams come true.

This is a TV film for Disney. It is an updated remake of the Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein 1957 made-for-TV musical. The musical is based on the Cinderella fairytale. The original film was later adapted to a Broadway musical. 

The Good:

The costumes are beautiful, especially at the ball. Brandy's blue dress (pictured above) is gorgeous. The production is well done and looks more polished than the previous 2 filmed versions.

The cast is great. Bernadette Peters, Victor Garber, Veanne Cox, and Paolo Montalban are Broadway stars with great voices. Brandy and Whitney Houston were popular singers. Natalie Desselle and Jason Alexander were TV stars. 

This version is a little more comedic, due to the talents of the cast. They also updated the story to make Cinderella a stronger and more independent character. 

The Bad:

Victor Garber is the only cast member that does not sing, despite having a good voice and musical background. 

Other Comments:

-Features 3 songs from other musicals by, at least, Rogers: "The Sweetest Sounds" (by Rogers) from No Strings attached, "Falling in Love with Love" (by Rogers and Lorenz Hart) from The Boys from Syracuse, and "There is Music in You" (Rogers and Hammerstein) from Main Street to Broadway.

-This film features a diverse cast. Brandy was the first black actress to portray Cinderella in film.

-The original 1957 show starred Julie Andrews as Cinderella. The first remake, in 1965, starred Lesley Ann Warren in the title role.

-The character of Lionel was created for this film. He is a little over the top, but it works with the comedic tone.

-The duet of "Impossible" by Brandy and Whitney Houston is a standout. It is one of my favorite songs in the film, although I also enjoy the "Stepsisters Lament" (but Ann Harada's version in the 2013 Broadway show is my favorite).

-Brandy and Montalban reprised their roles of Cinderella and Prince Christopher in the 2024 Disney Channel film Descendants: The Rise of Red.

Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997) 88 minutes 

Director: Robert L. Freedman

Starring: Brandy as Cinderella

Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother

Paolo Montalban as Prince Christopher

Jason Alexander as Lionel

Victor Garber as King Maximillian

Whoopi Goldberg as Queen Constantina

Bernadette Peters as Wicked stepmother

Veanne Cox as Calliope

Natalie Desselle as Minerva

A Damsel in Distress

"You know, if it weren't for two things you'd be a terrific dancer."

"What's that?"

"Your feet."

Lady Alyce Marshmorton (Fontaine) must marry soon. Her staff, led by butler Keggs (Gardiner), bet on the most likely candidate, with Keggs rigging it in his favor. With all the likely candidates claimed, footman Albert (Watson) bets on Mr. X and claims that Alyce is in love with an American. 

Meanwhile, American entertainer Jerry Halliday (Astaire), is trying to avoid the press and his adoring fans. While escaping both, he meets Alyce, who is escaping Keggs' watchful eye. Keggs and Albert believe he is Alyce's American. 

The mistaken identity continues, with Jerry's press agent George (Burns), and inept secretary Gracie (Allen), also convinced that Alyce is in love with Jerry. Alyce's aunt wants Jerry out of the way so her stepson Reggie (Noble) can propose, while her father, Lord Marshmorton (Love), endorses Jerry. Can they resolve the confusion and end up with the right people?

Based on the 1919 novel by P.G. Wodehouse (who also co-wrote the screenplay). Turned into a musical with songs by George and Ira Gershwin. 

The Good:

Gracie Allen is the best part of the film. She is hilarious and manages to confuse and one-up all the men around her. Allen and husband George Burns were a well-known comedic team, but did not make many films together, which is a shame.

This film may not be as well-known or iconic as other Fred Astaire films, but the dancing is top notch. 

The Bad:

I like the cast, but the film doesn't work as well as expected. The romance feels forced. Joan Fontaine tries, but her dancing is no match for her co-stars. 

Other Comments:

-Burns and Allen dance alongside Astaire comfortably.  No one stands out, they feel like an even match in both the comedic tap dance "Put Me to the Test" and the funhouse dance "Stiff Upper Lip" sung by Allen.

-This was Astaire's first film after ending his professional partnership with Ginger Rogers.

-The story was also turned into a play, and it feels like that is a better fit for the story, than an Astaire musical. 

-This film was nominated for 2 Academy Awards: Best Art Direction for Carroll Clark and Best Dance Direction for Hermes Pan, the "Fun House" sequence.  It won Best Dance Direction.

-Not bad, but Allen and the dancing are the best parts.

A Damsel in Distress (1937) 98 minutes

Director: George Stevens 

Starring: Fred Astaire as Jerry Halliday 

George Burns as George

Gracie Allen as Gracie

Joan Fontaine as Alyce Marshmorton 

Reginald Gardiner as Keggs

Ray Noble as Reggie

Constance Collier as Lady Caroline

Montagu Love as Lord Marshmorton

Harry Watson as Albert

Charlie Chan on Broadway

"No poison more deadly than ink."

Famed detective Charlie Chan (Oland) and his number one son Lee (Luke) are traveling by ship to New York. On board, they meet Billie Bronson (Henry). Bronson left the US a year prior to avoid testifying in a case. On board the ship, her room is ransacked, so she hides a package in the Chans' luggage, planning to retrieve it later.

After landing in New York, Charlie is invited to a police banquet by Chief Inspector James Nelson (Huber). Billie is hounded by photographer Joan Wendall (Marsh) and reporter Speed Patten (Woods). That evening she is murdered at the Hottentot Club, owned by her boyfriend Johnny Burke (Fowley). When a second dead body is discovered in the Chans' hotel room, Charlie joins Inspector Nelson on the case. Can they find the culprit before more bodies pile up?

The character of Charlie Chan was created by Earl Derr Biggers in a series of novels from 1925-1932. In 1931, Chan was the star of Charlie Chan Carries On, starring Warner Orland. This is Orlan's 15th of 16 appearance as the character. 

The Good:

Like other entries in the Charlie Chan series, the plot moves at a decent pace and juggles multiple potential suspects. It also nicely balances the murder mystery with comedy, mostly at the expense of Keye Luke's Lee. 

The Bad: 

No real complaints. But Joan Woodbury's Marie is annoying,  and her act in the club is just unnecessary filler.

Other Comments:

-The series continued with Sidney Toler for 22 films and Roland Winters for 6 films.

-Luke also appeared in the Mr. Wong film series, taking over the role from Boris Karloff. He also appeared as Lee Chan in the Mr. Moto series.

-Another enjoyable Chan adventure.

Charlie Chan on Broadway (1937) 68 minutes

Director: Eugene Forde

Starring: Warner Oland as Charlie Chan

Keye Luke as Lee Chan

Joan Marsh as Joan Wendall

J. Edward Bromberg as Murdock

Douglas Fowley as Johnny Burke

Harold Huber as Chief Inspector James Nelson

Donald Woods as Speed Patten

Louise Henry as Billie Bronson

Joan Woodbury as Marie Collins

Leon Ames as Buzz Moran

Aladdin & the King of Thieves

"Once again, this whole broadcast has been brought to you by Sand. It's everywhere, get used to it!"

Aladdin (Weinger and Kane) and Jasmine (Larkin and Callaway) are getting married. It is a huge event and draws the attention of the 40 thieves. The 40 thieves crash the wedding, looking for a specific item, but are thwarted by Aladdin and his friends.

Aladdin finds an Oracle (CCH Pounder) among the wedding gifts. The Oracle says his father, Cassim (Rhys-Davies and Foard), is alive and with the 40 thieves. With Jasmine's blessing, Aladdin, Iago (Gottfried), Abu (Welker), and Carpet set out to find Cassim. Jasmine and Genie (Williams) remain in Agrabah.

Can they rescue Cassim, keep Agrabah safe, and finally have the wedding?

The film entry in the Aladdin series, following the 1992 film Aladdin and 1994 sequel The Return of Jafar.

The Good:

Robin Williams returns to voice the Genie in thus final entry in the series. It is a welcome return. 

The animation is better in this film than it's predecessor. 

Jerry Orbach, who previously voiced Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, voices villain Sa'Luk.

The Bad:

Feels like there is too much packed in the film, but it still doesn't feel like enough. Jasmine has minimal purpose or personality in this film (you could argue the same thing in the 2nd film).

Other Comments:

-The new songs, by Randy Peterson and Kevin Quinn, and David Friedman, are ok. Some are more memorable than others.

-Once again the song "Arabian Nights", by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, is featured.

-Better than the 2nd movie, but not as good as the 1st.

Aladdin & the King of Thieves (1996) 81 minutes

Director: Tad Stones 

Starring: Scott Weinger as Aladdin

Brad Kane as Aladdin (singing)

John Rhys-Davies as Cassim

Merwin Foard as Cassim (singing)

Jerry Orbach as Sa'Luk

Linda Larkin as Princess Jasmine

Liz Callaway as Princess Jasmine (singing)

Gilbert Gottfried as Iago

Frank Welker as Abu, Fazal, Rajah

Robin Williams as Genie

Val Bettin as The Sultan

Aladdin: The Return of Jafar

Iago (Gottfried) is sick of being Jafar's (Freeman) lackey. After digging out od the sandy prison they were sent, he ditches Jafar's lamp and starts a new scheme. He decides to befriend Aladdin (Weinger and Kane).

Aladdin is adjusting to life in the palace. He is overjoyed when Genie (Castellaneta) returns after his journey around the world. When Iago saves his life, Aladdin begrudgingly brings him back to the palace. No one else is happy to see Iago and causes tension in Aladdin's relationships with Jasmine (Larkin and Callaway), the Sultan (Bettin), Carpet, and Abu (Welker).

Meanwhile, Jafar is frustrated by his limitations as a genie. His lamp is discovered by criminal Abis Mal (Alexander). He forces Mal to join his plans for revenge against Aladdin. With a vengeful genie and devious criminal after them, can Aladdin and his friends put aside their differences and save Agrabah?

A sequel to the 1992 Disney film Aladdin. This was Disney's first direct to video sequel.

The Good:

Iago is an interesting character and it's fun to see him in a larger role. Gilbert Gottfried imbues the character with lots of snark and some heart. Most of the cast from the original film reprised their roles here. Val Bettin took over voicing the Sultan for the rest of the series and Liz Callaway took over Jasmine's singing.

The Bad:

Due to an issue with Disney, Robin Williams did not return for this sequel. Dan Castellaneta voiced the Genie for this film and the TV show. He does ok, but I missed Williams.

The animation is not as good as the original. It's not bad, but it isn't the same quality.

Other Comments:

-This film was created to redeem Iago and setup the Aladdin TV show. A second sequel, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, was made after the TV show ended.

-Features new songs. Not quite as catchy as the original, but still entertaining. It also features a part of the song "Arabian Nights" written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, from the original film.

The Return of Jafar (1994) 69 minutes

Director: Toby Shelton, Tad Stones, & Alan Zaslove

Starring: Gilbert Gottfried as Iago

Jason Alexander as Abis Mal

Jonathan Freeman as Jafar

Scott Weinger as Aladdin

Brad Kane as Aladdin (singing voice)

Linda Larkin as Princess Jasmine

Liz Callaway as Princess Jasmine (singing voice)

Dan Castellaneta as Genie, Omar, and Thief

Frank Welker as Abu, Rajah, Fazal, Egg Vendor, and Thief

Val Bettin as the Sultan

Oscars 2025

 I have been predicting the Oscars since 2007. Last year I saw 6 of the nominated films and correctly predicted 7 of 9 categories (I don't predict them all). This year I saw 2 of the films.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl 

Wicked

These are my last minute pics... I did not see as many films as I planned, and due to sickness didn't have a chance to put more thought into my selections.

Best Supporting Actor

Yura Borisov, Anora

Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain

Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown 

Guy Pearce, The Brutalist 

Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice 

My pick: Kieran Culkin or Jeremy Strong

Winner: Kieran Culkin 

Best Supporting Actress 

Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown 

Ariana Grande-Butera, Wicked

Felicity Jones, The Brutalist 

Isabella Rossellini, Conclave 

Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez 

My pick: Zoe Saldana

I enjoyed Ariana Grande-Butera in Wicked, but Zoe Saldana has the buzz.

Winner: Zoe Saldana 

Best Actor

Adrien Brody, The Brutalist 

Timothee Chalamet, A Complete Unknown 

Colman Domingo, Sing Sing

Ralph Fiennes, Conclave 

Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice 

My pick: Timothee Chalamet 

Playing a well-known performer is s a risk, but it is also the kind of risk that Oscars likes to award. Sebastian Stan is also playing a well-known figure, but at this time, I don't think it will be rewarded. 

Winner: Adrien Brody 

Best Actress

Cynthia Erivo, Wicked 

Karla Sofia Gascon, Emilia Perez 

Mikey Madison, Anora

Demi Moore, The Substance 

Fernanda Torres, I'm Still Here 

My pick: Demi Moore

Cynthia Erivo gave a great performance, but it seems like it is Demi Moore's to lose, especially with the controversy surrounding Karla Sofia Gascon.

Winner: Mikey Madison 

Best Director 

Sean Baker, Anora

Brady Corbet, The Brutalist 

James Mangold, A Complete Unknown 

Jacques Audiard, Emilia Perez 

Coralie Fargeat, The Substance 

My pick: Brady Corbet

I have absolutely no interest in the film, but this seems like the category where it is most like to win.

Winner: Sean Baker

Best Animated Film 

Flow

Inside Out 2

Memoir of a Snail

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl 

The Wild Robot

My pick: Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl 

Fun story, fun animation, and well-made. But never count out Disney/Pixar, Inside Out 2 had good buzz and it's predecessor won in this category, so it has a good chance.

Winner: Flow

Best Picture

Anora

The Brutalist 

A Complete Unknown 

Conclave

Dune: Part Two

Emilia Perez 

I'm Still Here

Nickel Boys

The Substance 

Wicked

My pick: Wicked

I don't know if it will win, but it was the film that I was most excited to see and felt the film lived up to the hype. I do plan to see Dune: Part Two and possibly another, but there doesn't seem to be an obvious front-runner. 

Winner: Anora

Updated: 2/7, not great

Aladdin

"Getting into trouble a little early today, aren't we, Aladdin?"

"Trouble? No way. You're only in trouble if you get caught. "

Aladdin (Weinger and Kane) is a thief, stealing on the streets of Agrabah, to survive alongside his best friend a monkey named Abu (Welker). He dreams of a better life inside the palace. He sees a chance at happiness when he rescues Jasmine (Larkin and Salonga). But that joy is short-lived when he discovers that Jasmine is the princess, and he is sentenced to life in the dungeon.

A mysterious prisoner offers Aladdin a second chance: escape from prison and a job. But things do not go to plan, leaving Aladdin, Abu, and a Magic Carpet trapped in the Cave of Wonders and buried deep in the sand. They also have an old lamp, that IA revealed to contain a Genie (Williams), who will grant Aladdin 3 wishes.

Meanwhile, Jasmine feels trapped in her life. As the princess, everything is planned. She is pressured by her father, the Sultan (Seale), and his grand vizier, Jafar (Freeman) to uphold the law and get married. Jafar and his parrot Iago (Gottfried) have bigger plans to take over the kingdom. 

Aladdin returns to Agrabah triumphantly as Prince Ali. Can he get the girl and protect Agrabah from Jafar?

Based on the folktale Aladdin and One Thousand and One Nights.

The Good:

The music is great, with some songs by award-winning team (and Disney regulars) Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. Ashman died in 1991, and Tim Rice was brought in to help finish the soundtrack.

The story is fun and interesting, with a strong lead and an imposing villain. The animation is good.

The cast is strong, with Robin Williams giving the most memorable performance. He gives the Genie a big personality, that steals the show. Broadway star Lea Salonga singing for Jasmine and musician Brad Kane singing for Aladdin. Voice actor Frank Welker voices the non-speaking animal side-kicks (Abu and Rajah) along with the Cave of Wonders. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried gets to be the sparky, evil side kick. The rest of the cast is fine as well, and the majority return for the subsequent films and TV show.

The Bad:

No real complaints.

Other Comments:

-Nominated for 5 Academy Awards: Best Original Score, Best Original Song (2 nominations), Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Sound. It won Best Original Score for Alan Menken and Best Original Song for "A Whole New World", Alan Menken and Tim Rice.

-The success of this film led to 2 sequels, The Return of Jafar in 1994 and Aladdin and the King of Thieves in 1996, and an Aladdin TV show from 1994-1995.

-The film wad turned into a Broadway musical, adding some of the songs written by Ashman and Menken, in 2011.

-A live-action remake, directed by Guy Ritchie, was made by Disney in 2019.

Aladdin (1992) 90 minutes

Director: John Musker & Ron Clements

Starring: Scott Weinger as Aladdin

Brad Kane as (singing)

Robin Williams as the Genie

Linda Larkin as Jasmine

Lea Salonga as Jasmine (singing)

Jonathan Freeman as Jafar

Frank Welker as Abu, Rajah, Cave of Wonders

Gilbert Gottfried as Iago

Douglas Seale as the Sultan

Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo

"Questions are key to the door of doubt."

Famed detective Charlie Chan (Orlan) and his number one son Lee (Luke) are in Monte Carlo for an art show. They befriend the Chief of Police Jules Etienne Joubert (Huber) at a casino.

That evening, two men are murdered and $1 million in bonds are missing. The bonds belong to Victor Karnoff (Blackmer), who blames his rival Paul Savarin (Raquello). The car of Evelyn Grey (Field) is seen fleeing the first murder site. Evelyn is dating Karnoff's secretary and brother-in-law Gordon Chase (Kent). Karnoff's wife, Joan (Linaker) is also connected to the case, along with bartender Al Rogers (Lynn). With multiple murders, blackmail, lies, theft, and romance at play, can Chan unravel the truth?

The character of Charlie Chan was created by Earl Derr Biggers in a series of novels from 1925-1932. In 1931, Chan was the star of Charlie Chan Carries On, starring Warner Orland. This is Orlan's 16th and final appearance as the character. 

The Good:

The story moves at a decent pace. It also has a mix of mystery and humor, mostly on behalf of Keye Luke's Lee Chan. Luke is funny and charismatic in the role.

Warner Oland's Charlie Chan is methodical and astute. He rolls with the situation around him, while also keeping the suspects in line, by interrupting them with "Contradiction, please" or "Excuse, please". I also enjoyed his camaraderie with Harold Huber's Inspector. 

The Bad:

I guessed the guilty party early on. It didn't hurt the enjoyment of the film.

Other Comments:

-This was Orlan's final film.

-The series continued with Sidney Toler for 22 films and Roland Winters for 6 films.

-Luke also appeared in thr Mr. Wong film series, taking over the role from Boris Karloff. He also appeared as Lee Chan in thr Mr. Moto series.

-Enjoyable film. I am interested in watching other films in the series, especially to see how the character differs with other actors.

Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo (1937) 73 minutes

Director: Eugene Forde

Starring:Warner Oland as Charlie Chan

Keye Luke as Lee Chan

Virginia Field as Evelyn Grey

Sidney Blackmer as Victor Karnoff

Harold Huber as Chief of Police Jules Etienne Joubert

Kay Linaker as Joan Karnoff

Robert Kent as Gordon Chase

Edward Raquello as Paul Savarin

George Lynn as Al Rogers

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Wallace (Whitehead) has an invention for everything, including making and feeding him breakfast. But inventing is not cheap and he needs to find a way to make some money. Wallace invents a gnome robot, called Norbot (Shearsmith), to help his long suffering dog Gromit, and later the town.

Years before, Wallace and Gromit helped the police capture notoriius criminal Feathers McGraw. McGraw was imprisoned in a zoo. He learns of Wallace's recent success and plots to escape, ruin Wallace, and re-steal the Blue Diamond. He turns the Norbot evil and the town turn against Wallace. Can Wallace and Gromit clear their names and stop McGraw?

This is Aardman Animations 6th Wallace and Gromit adventure: 4 short films (A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave, and A Matter of Loaf and Death) and 1 previous feature length film (Curse of the Were-Rabbit).

The Good:

It has been over a decade since Wallace and Gromit appeared on screen. But it feels like no time has passed here. Wallace and Gromit are a loveable duo. As always, this is a stop-motion animated film, with lots of personality and quirky characters. 

Feathers McGraw is the best villain and does not disappoint here. The gnomes were the right amount of creepy.

The Bad:

It's mostly good, but the scene of Norbot charging is cringey. Other than that, no real issues.

Other Comments:

-Feathers McGraw previously appeared in the short Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers.

-This film is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. 

-A thoroughly enjoyable film. I was concerned that they wouldn't be able to recapture the magic of prior films, but my fears were unfounded. It was great!

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) 79 minutes

Director: Nick Park & Mark Crossingham

Starring: Ben Whitehead as Wallace

Peter Kay as Chief Inspector Albert Mackintosh

Reece Shearsmith as Norbot

Diane Morgan as Onya Doorstep

Wicked (2024)

"Why is it you're always causing some sort of commotion?"

"I don't cause commotions, I am one."

Elphaba Thropp (Erivo) is looking for a place to belong. Her green skin causes people, including her father, to turn away. She accompanues her sister Nessarose (Bode) to Shiz University, where she manages to impress the Dean of Sorcery Madame Morrible (Yeoh), who offers her a prestigious position. 

Galinda Upland (Grande-Butera) is used to getting what she wants. At Shiz University she is the most popular student and has a coveted room. But she really wants to study with Madame Morrible, who barely knows she is alive. Galinda and Elphaba are forced to share a room.

Despite an ugly start, Elphaba and Galinda form an unlikely friendship. They also become friends with transfer student Fiyero (Bailey) and Munchkin Boq (Slater). Bad things are happening around them, and when that ugliness comes to Shiz, can they work together to fix it?

The film version of the hit Broadway musical "Wicked", which is an adaptation of the 1995 novel "Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire. It is essentially a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz", focusing on the witches.

The Good:

Cynthia Erivo has an incredible voice and is excellent as Elphaba. Ariana Grande is surprisingly good as Galinda/Glinda. She is funny and overly dramatic which works well foe the part. Jonathan Bailey works well as Fiyero. I had concerns about some casting choices, but everyone works well.

 

The Bad:

Some parts drag a bit. But at the same time, it would be nice to see more of thr friendship with Boq, Fiyero, and Nessarose.

Other Comments:

-This is the first half of the musical. Part 2, Wicked: For Good, will premiere in November 2025.

-The song "One Short Day" includes an extended focus on Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth, who originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, in the original Broadway show. The composer Stephen Schwartz has a brief cameo in the same song.

-The choreography in "Dancing Through Life" is great. It is a fun scene.

-I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I love musicals and I had high expectations for this film (I enjoy the Broadway soundtrack). It was well made with strong, compelling performances. 

Wicked (2024) 160 minutes 

Rating: PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material. 

Director: Jon M. Chu

Starring: Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp

Ariana Grande-Butera as Galinda Upland

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar

Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman

Bowen Yang as Pfannee

Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp

Peter Dinklage as the voice of Dr. Dillamond

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Bronwyn James as Shenshen

Andy Nyman as Governor Thropp