Movie Review Monday: Zootopia

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2016 animated movie, Zootopia, featuring a stellar voice cast including Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba, and Jenny Slate.

I really enjoyed this movie and was glad I was able to catch it on Netflix recently. It follows a bunny, Judy (Goodwin) who becomes a cop and must work with a deceptive fox, Nick (Bateman) to solve a mysterious case in the city of Zootopia.

The plot is basically a classic buddy cop movie with animals, but the topics they get into about prejudice, stereotypes, and bias is powerful and cunning since it is under the guise of cute animated animals. It is movies like this and Big Hero Six for example that I would want to show my future children since they're fun but have a positive message. It's better than simple princess tales, which is the typical Disney fare. I appreciate Disney going for something like this, especially in addition to their current slate of Marvel movies and shows that also are fun, and explore different topics like PTSD (Jessica Jones) or life on the streets of Harlem (Luke Cage).

Zootopia isn't a perfect movie for me by any means. Some of the jokes fall flat and it felt like it ran a little long, but I highly recommend it as something that reminds us movies can be both fun and have an important, positive message.

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Movie Review Monday: St. Vincent

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2014 dramatic comedy, St. Vincent, starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, and Naomi Watts.

I stumbled across this movie the other day on Netflix, and it was a decent viewing experience that went in some unexpected directions; some good, some bad. Overall, it is a unique film that is cute and has a lot of heart.

Bill Murray stars as Vincent, who begins to warm up to his new neighbor's child, Oliver, after he starts to babysit for him after school. They get up to some wild adventures, and Vincent helps Oliver feel more at home as his parents are going through a messy divorce. His mom (McCarthy) feels like a very realistic, down to Earth representation of a single working mom. Murray does pretty well in his role too, as does the actor playing Oliver. Watts plays a prostitute and stripper with a heart of gold that Vincent frequents.

There are some twists that I won't spoil here, and those are what worked and didn't work for me at the same time. The movie goes down weird, dark turns but still maintains a positive course towards an ending I think works mostly well. It can't figure out a consistent tone or message, but the climax is definitely satisfying. It is a solidly average movie for me overall.

You can check out St. Vincent for yourself streaming right now on Netflix.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 09/16/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Supergirl

I finally got the opportunity to start watching this show since it came onto Netflix recently. It is a mixed bag for me. I appreciate the optimistic, fun tone of it, but it has some cheap costumes and effects, and also has some frustrating plot holes or just glazes over a lot of stuff. It feels like the show also has some hardcore Superman envy. A lot of the plot points seem ripped out of a Superman 101 class versus trying to make the show its own thing. It overall doesn't compare to The Flash for me, which I enjoy the most of the current slate of network superhero shows (Netflix's Jessica Jones and Daredevil still give Flash a run for his money, see what I did there?). I'm hoping it will improve by the end of the season, as I have a few episodes left to go (I can't wait for the Flash crossover!). I'm hopeful also for the transition of Supergirl over to the CW next season. Maybe they'll know how to better handle it from their current experience with superhero shows.

• OJ: Made in America

I've been watching this mini docu-series on Hulu after hearing good buzz about it since it premiered a little while back. Another great entry in ESPN's 30 for 30 lineup, this in depth, multi-part look at the career, life, and trial of OJ Simpson as well as the time and world that shaped him. I highly recommend it. It is very thorough, and while at times it can feel like it is going down tangents, it all comes together to weave the complex fabric of society that influences us all. This article is a great (albeit long) companion to the series. You get a full context on everything, and it really gets you thinking. Check it out! 

• Maryland Craft Beer

My partner and I recently went to a local arts and craft beer festival near us and it was a lot of fun! We got some neat locally made goods and drank a lot of beer (and water, gotta stay hydrated!). There is definitely a flourishing scene here just like there was back up in Maine. While I haven't find my choice beer yet, I always have a good time meeting with locals and talking about beer. I look forward to continuing with this new hobby and searching for my new favorite local brewery and beer!

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Man Up

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2015 romantic comedy, Man Up, starring Simon Pegg and Lake Bell.

The misleading title aside, I liked this movie. It had some odd elements (which I'll get to in a bit) but overall it felt like a very genuine, silly, and heartfelt story.

The premise follows single 30-something Nancy (Bell) as she stumbles into and lies her way through a blind date that wasn't meant for her with Jack (Pegg). The hilarity obviously ensues but they also hit it off. We're left to wonder if they can really work out if they aren't being completely honest with each other.

I feel like I've been watching a fair amount of romantic comedies lately. They're hard to pull off without being hokey or melodramatic. Keeping them grounded can end up being depressing and/or boring, but the good ones can pull it off beautifully. While this isn't the best out there, it does the genre better than most. I enjoy both of these actors, which helps. Bell does a convincing British accent throughout (why they didn't get an English actor, I don't know) and Pegg is his usual fun, charming self. The supporting cast isn't given much to do. They almost detract from the movie. One character, Sean, seems to be from a completely different movie, and really took me out of the more heartfelt, genuine fun moments between Nancy and Jack.

I'd recommend this movie as a sort of "finding love in unexpected places" type romantic comedy. We could also use some of that advice as we look for a relationship. Opening ourselves up and putting ourselves out there can help us connect when we least expect it.

Check out Man Up streaming right now on Netflix.

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Save the Date

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2012 romantic dramedy Save the Date, starring Lizzy Caplan, Alison Brie, Martin Starr, and Mark Webber.

The film follows sisters Sarah (Caplan) and Beth (Brie) as they both go on different paths in their love lives. Sarah is trying to figure out what she wants while she begins to get serious with a long time boyfriend, and Beth is planning her wedding, committed to her partner for the long haul.

I labelled this movie as a romantic dramedy (drama + comedy) because it isn't laugh out loud funny but it does have some funny moments. It deals with something many people struggle with as they grow up; figuring out who you want to be with for the rest of your life. A tried and true premise for a film, this movie brings a modern veneer to it but not much else. It is sort of a timeless story that plays off the journey of Sarah mostly in a very subtle way. She's a frustrating character but one that I think people can empathize with either from their own lives or people they know.

I enjoyed this movie enough. It was pretty average and I didn't like the ending that much. It wasn't enough of anything to really engage me (much like my last review for American Ultra). Save the Date was a little better than that film, but it still wasn't great. It didn't resonate with me and I won't really think much about it now afterwards. I liked all the actors in it though and they did a fine job with what they were given.

You can catch Save the Date streaming right now on Netflix.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 08/12/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Stranger Things

My partner and I watched through this intriguing new series from Netflix recently and really enjoyed it. It is a fun, mysterious '80s throwback horror thriller, with some great music and solid storytelling. It isn't the most original thing ever made, but it is enjoyable and I appreciated the nostalgia aspect of it as well as there being a cool character named Dustin! I definitely recommend checking the show out. It is only eight episodes and it hopefully will be back for another season. Chalk this one up as another hit for Netflix!

• Anniversary

I have two anniversaries to celebrate this weekend; my three month work anniversary (nothing major, but just a nice milestone) and my three year anniversary with my partner, Jenn. We're going to Alexandria, VA which is close to us. We haven't checked out that area yet and we're going on a party boat with an open bar, so it should be pretty fun! Stay tuned to my Instagram for photos from this weekend.

• Future

I've had some interesting epiphanies lately about me, my future, and what I want to invest time on. I don't know why they're hitting me when they are now, but nevertheless, I'm trying to listen to the universe when it feels like it is giving me a sign. I've had some half baked ideas of what I want to do with my future, and I think it is time to let them go to focus on different, better goals. I also realize generally the value of my time and my energy. I want to be able to give that to myself to stay healthy, to my partner to not just give her my "leftovers", and to my work so that I'm not so distracted all the time. I mean this last one to say my actual job (which I love and want to be able to invest in) as well as the other work I do (writing, podcasting, etc.). I don't have anything concrete in my mind yet, but I'm trying to figure out the best balance for myself.

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Night Owls

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2015 dark comedy, Night Owls.

l stumbled upon this movie on Netflix recently, and for whatever reason, I've had a penchant for watching dark comedies and other movies involving suicide and the end of the world. What I think makes this a solid premise for a story is that it forces characters to confront their issues with themselves and each other. I must say though, it can get kind of depressing.

The premise of this film is that a young man, Kevin (Adam Pally) and woman, Madeline (Rosa Salazar) have a one night stand but soon, Kevin realizes that something else entirely is going on when Kevin stumbles upon Madeline trying to kill herself. What follows is a long night of Kevin and Madeline struggling to come to terms with each of their own lives.

I enjoyed this movie. It's the sort of small, contained, personal story that is hard to find nowadays. All it entails is two characters in a house talking. What it accomplishes though is impressive. It's not a perfect movie, but it is entertaining enough as it explores the effect of committing too much of our happiness to other people. We are all flawed, and we need to create happiness for ourselves.

I don't want to spoil any more of the movie. As always, half the fun is the revelations that happen over the course of the plot.

You can stream Night Owls right now on Netflix.

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Serendipity

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2001 romantic comedy, Serendipity, starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale.

I always knew about this movie and just randomly decided to watch it recently. It does feel a bit dated in some ways having come out 15 years ago, but the story is pretty evergreen. It follows John (Cusack) and Sara (Beckinsale) as they try to figure out what to make of a chance encounter that leaves them both reeling. They have an undeniable chemistry but are both with other people. They figure if fate steers them back to each other, then they'll give it a try. What follows is a fun ride figuring out if life is sending you signs or not.

I feel like we can all relate to this movie. We all have those "ones that got away" that we wish we could reconnect with or look for fate sending us signals in our lives. Sometimes it can be silly but it is a nice sentiment to see the universe as a slightly more magical place, with soulmates, destiny, and signals coming from the universe.

There are some great supporting performances in this movie from Jeremy Piven, Molly Shannon, and Eugene Levy. Where the film suffers for its sort of (for lack of a better word) serendipitous plot movements at times, it makes up for it with its message and implications. My partner and I enjoyed the movie enough and it has a good pace and doesn't go too long either. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a light rom-com to pass the time.

You can catch Serendipity streaming right now on Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 07/08/16

Greetings!

Back at it this week after taking last week off for my brother's wedding (which was wonderful!). Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Parenthood

Jenn and I finally finished this series this week. Wow, such a powerful, emotional show. I really enjoyed watching it, especially with Jenn since we reminisced about our childhoods, what we'd want to as parents together, and just shared in the joy of this modern family drama. All of the show is on Netflix, and it is a good ride with great story beats that really resonated with us. It is a well done show with a lot of stellar characters and actors. If you liked Friday Night Lights, check out this show! If you want a wholesome, heartfelt show to binge watch, check out this show!

• Check I'm Here

I recently signed on to blog with the super cool folks at Check I'm Here, a great higher ed tech company that helps colleges across the country track, assess, and engage their students. My first blog post went up this week, and there will be much more goodness to come on there soon! I appreciate everyone's support there.

• Meetup.com

I found some meetup groups in Maine when I lived there to go out to, but none of them were based out of Meetup.com, so now being near two cities I knew I wanted to search for more cool groups around here. I've found some for me as well as some for me and Jenn. I look forward to meeting new people here as well as reconnecting with friends in the area. It's always rough transitioning and dealing with getting to know new people again, but I feel confident it will be okay.

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: A.C.O.D.

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2013 dark comedic drama, A.C.O.D (Adult Children of Divorce) starring Adam Scott, Jane Lynch, and Amy Poehler among others in a solid ensemble cast.

Two things to start off: this is my first new movie review in a while, so thank you for your patience, and I did not like this movie. I had high hopes with the unique premise and awesome cast (including two of my favorites, Scott and Poehler from Parks and Rec) but it ultimately did not pan out.

The great cast wasn't given too much to do to and the plot was middling and frustrating. Sometimes when movies showcase realistic, selfish characters, it is refreshing and insightful. This movie did not accomplish that. It was just frustrating. It also didn't focus enough for me. It had a lot it wanted to do and balance, but it ended up fumbling for me. I watched this with my partner, and she wasn't a fan either. We wanted more resolution and more to grab onto in terms of the plot and any takeaways. I get that it didn't resolve anything just like life doesn't. Life just keeps on going. But I have seen other movies do a far better job handling a lack of firm resolution.

If you're looking for an uproariously funny comedy or a heartfelt drama, look elsewhere. This movie doesn't give much but a few good moments in what ultimately feels like a meandering hour and a half.

I'll have something better for you next week!

Thanks for stopping by!