Excalibur12ny Reviews

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

And with the brilliant light of Cajun Fireflies, there is a ray of hope in the world ...

[10/10 · 12 December 2009]

As a young female twenty-something, my 90's childhood was shaped by the Golden Age of Disney. Every year, there would be a new masterpiece for my mom to take me to; Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin ... And when Disney failed so terribly in the early millennium and closed down shop, my heart was broken. There was a part of our culture and my life that my little girl I someday hope to have was never going to be able to experience, and I was never going to get back.

So as soon as I heard that Disney was coming out with their triumphant return to 2-D, I felt like the world was FINALLY getting its act together.

While CGI has produced some good hits, it isn't the same as 2-D. There was no one who could do cartoons like Disney, and I think they began to realize that.

I can honestly say that this movie is brilliant. I saw it last night, and it's still haunting me twenty-four hours later like I'd just walked out of the theater. If this movie had been A.) racist or B.) a let down, I would have been very angry and wouldn't take the time to write out this review. But my God, it was right up there alongside "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King." Tiana, the long-awaited princess of the film, is a (gasp) real person! Her whole life does not revolve around getting married to the prince, nor does it involve some odd and harried "I'm totally a hardkore awesome person" plot. She has her faults. She's brash, a workaholic, and kind of a judgmental jerk. However, she is also headstrong, loving, and ridiculously intuitive. This is the sort of woman we need in a Disney cartoon for our kids to look up to, especially when the best role model they've had in the past few years is Bella Swann.

The prince, Naveen, is also an actual human being. He's cocky, spoiled, and hilarious. However, as the movie goes on, it is made quite clear (in a song by Randy Newman) that Naveen isn't happy at all. His and Tiana's relationship is based on self-discovery and mutual respect, rather than some of the other Disney movies where it is completely based on the need for a romantic plot. I see Belle and the Beast and Shang and Mulan (pre Mulan II, we can pretend that sequel doesn't exist), rather than Cinderella and Prince Charming. It seems like "Enchanted" really did bring a lot of new ideas to the Disney creed, and it completely shows in the way they tackle their archetypes in this refreshing rendition.

I was skeptical when I heard Randy Newman had composed the music. And yes, folks, it is in fact musical style. The characters sing, not Randy. And while you can still tell it's Randy, it's also Disney. The jazzy complexity of the songs drive the story forward and just wrap you up into the buzzing momentum of the film. I will definitely grab this soundtrack and play it religiously on my ipod, I promise you that.

As for the racism: It's Disney and regardless of what Disney does, someone is going to find something to point out as racist. However, let me just say that this movie is completely respectful and absolutely nothing in it is racist, to the point where it is obvious that Disney is trying their hardest NOT to be racist and cuts corners on the storytelling and historical racism that WOULD have been in New Orleans in 1920 (and to an extent, yes, still is). And as for turning Tiana into a frog ... she's a human for a good half the movie before she even thinks about kissing Naveen. She's a black princess, she's not a frog princess.

I also saw a comment about how someone didn't like it because of the non-Christian message thanks to the use of voodoo? They were so busy looking at the BAD GUY use voodoo that they didn't realize that Terrence Howard's character was pretty much a walking sermon! "You can wish on a star, but that can only take you halfway?" Where does this sound familiar? "Never lose sight of what's most important ... love." My God, the complete non-Christian message is abhorrent! The star is used as an allegory for God, and they wish on it with their hands folded ... practically one could say praying? And let's not even go into the full moral of the story: "You know what you want, but dig a little deeper and find what you need." How about that whole thanking God for unanswered prayers sort of ideal? These are good and wholesome lessons that are going to really strengthen the next generation of both boys and girls, and I'm happy that it's going to be an influence on the younger generation.

And the writing is amazing. As someone who writes for a living, I was completely floored at the structure of this film. You cover so much ground in 90 minutes, and you are never bored nor know what's going to happen next! Disney knows what they're doing (finally) on this film. It's amazingly put together, and all the trademarks you expect to see (animal sidekicks, creepy awesome villain, amazing soundtrack, knockout visuals, strong heroine) are there in full. Go see this movie, and remember how it was to be a kid again. This is an experience you absolutely need to have.

"Princess and the Frog" is here to stay.

Tin Man (2007)

Honestly, How Did People Like This?

[3/10 · 4 December 2007]

Now I really don't want this to be one of those annoying comments that bashes a movie that everyone else is glorifying, but I feel as if someone needs to really shed some light on the actuality of this mini-series. I am a huge Wizard of Oz fan, but I'm not one of those who can't twist the story out of the box and love it for its own creation. However, all I can think when I reflect on what I've just watched for the past three days is: Really? That's what I waited months for? Really??

The way they advertise the movie leads one to believe it is going to at least follow the plot a bit. But after the first installment and into the second, the entirety of my "Tin Man" viewing party was completely bored and confused out of their skulls. All of a sudden, we moved from the story of DG in the O.Z. with her three trusted friends, going to see the Wizard and putting down the evil Witch ... to little girls skipping along a lake with flying dolls?? Since when has WoZ been anything like the last two installments of this series? It feels as if the telewriters (who are most definitely lacking in word skills, as is evidenced when the Dr. Frankenstein-looking henchman says to the Lion: "All you people need is a bit of encouragement," and the Lion, after cattle prodding him, replies: "Raw just need courage.") used the franchise of WoZ to gather an audience and springboard into their own little tale they'd woven with Oz no where in mind.

That aside, as an original creation and set entirely apart from Oz, it's just a terrible story. It's been told before a hundred thousand times: two girls, one of light, one of dark, and they must battle because of some stupid prophecy that entails an astronomical phenomenon. Really, now. This is the best the "Tin Man" could give us? And one of the writers --- I don't know which one --- was so in love with the Tin Man, he gave Scarecrow a lobotomy (literally) and the Tin Man usurps him as the one D.G. will "miss most of all." This saddened me for personal reasons, but the large amount of "awesomeness" of Kain meant that the "annoyingness" of Glitch and Raw had to be just as obvious. Really, the only one I ended up connecting with by the end WAS the Tin Man.

Finally, the music is God awful except for a small scene where Az finds her father's old cabin, and then later on in the final thirty seconds of the finale.

I will say, however, that aside from the obvious flaws in script, acting, or characters in general --- the effects are amazing, and while the costumes can get a bit repetitive or confusing (why does Toto have circus tents for pants and why do little D.G. and Az go the entirety of their childhood in the same pair of color-coordinated dresses?), it's really visually pleasing.

This is honestly what I suggest: If you don't have six hours to spare, don't bother. And if you do have six hours, go watch "Tenth Kingdom" and spend your time on a good fantasy mini-series. It's just as long, and ten times better.

Man of the Year (2006)

The Killing of a Would-Be Amazing Comedy

[2/10 · 9 December 2006]

I am a big fan of "fake" news. From Colbert to Stewart, I grab my daily slice of politics from the funniest and (what I think to be)smartest men in the "news" media. While some readers may not agree with me or find this foolish, I am not the only one who would rather watch Comedy Central than CNN. It is a phenomenon that has started to sweep our nation, and this movie could have stricken gold with that idea in mind.

When "Man of the Year" was advertised, it was presented as a Robin Williams movie; put an improv comedian in an unlikely position of power and chaos ensues. Going into the theater, I was looking forward to seeing the national government put to the test of Robin's mockery (with, of course, a neutralizing and sentimental "we are America, land of the free"-esquire message at the end). I mean, who wouldn't pay ten bucks to see John Stewart run through the mill of election, inauguration, Middle Eastern conflict, quirky dinner party with the prince of Morocco, a possible scandal ... I mean, the script was pretty much written out for them! Add Lewis Black as the witty Vice President, and you have a comedic success! But no. One dark and dismal night, the filmmakers decided that this light-hearted comedy wasn't going to do it for them. So they decided they needed to add a little more "gusto" in the mix, and created the character of Eleanor. The story slowly takes a nosedive into the dramatic/thriller edge of cinema until you completely forget you went to the theaters to see a comedy! Eleanor is in the middle of a scandal that has to do with computerized voting, and this dilemma leads to a drugged mental breakdown, two hospital visits, an affair with Robin Williams ... and who could forget the creepy man in black who runs her over with a car. Eleanor plunges the three main funny men into a serious Tommy Lee Jones flick, leaving the audience in disarray.

This movie is about as messed up as the political issues it deals with. Robin Williams doesn't even make it to the inauguration, and all potential comedy this film has to offer is forgotten as soon as Jeff Goldblum and his mysterious spies infiltrate the storyline. My advice? Buy the movie for half the price at Wal Mart, and watch the first half. Then wrap it up and give it as a Christmas present to a relative you don't particularly like.

The 10th Kingdom (2000)

Wolves Rule Once Again

[10/10 · 12 August 2005]

This has been a favorite of my entire family since its premiere years ago. My brothers and I still watch our VHS during the summer, one installment a night. The videotape is so worn out someone has to constantly be sitting next to the tracking button. But that's what makes a tradition so fun.

It has become a part of our childhood, just like the stories encompassed in its script. I really don't care what the reviewers had to say or how popular it is; it's a under hyped masterpiece. It is beautiful. It is touching. And it is something you'll never forget.

I will agree with a lot of users on here, Virginia and Tony's performances leave something to be desired. But Wolf completely makes up for them. Rutger Hauer and Ed O'Neill play wonderful supporting parts, and Prince Wendell makes a better dog than he does a human.

The scenery is breathtaking. The opening theme song is something from a dream. I will say that the script is somewhat flawed, and the story doesn't pick up until Virginia and her troop have made it into the fourth kingdom. The New York scenes are somewhat ... boring and pointless to the plot. Once in the nine kingdoms, their script problems aren't over. The Lamb Town is one of the best parts of the movie, showing Wolf transform and go out of control. It seems like an actual drama ... until Virginia goes to court for him and we see the jury is a bunch of sheep.

Overall, the audience has to look past the kinks and see the bigger picture. It's an amazing piece of work.

Wild America (1997)

Great Children's Movie

[14 March 2004]

Wild America was one of my brother's favorites growing up. We watched it ritually whenever we went over to our aunt's house. Wild America tells the story of three brothers who wish to film a nature film for their town to show them the beauties of their country. Jonathon Taylor Thomas stars in this story of brotherly love, ambition, and beauty. The script is filled with laughs, and even if you may not cry at this wonderful family film, you may be close to tears. From the rolling hills to the desert, this is truly an American movie. Though smaller children may not enjoy it, an audience of ages 8 and above will find it a treat. I recommend this film to anyone who has had a brother or has had a dream.

The Godfather (1972)

The greatest epic of our time is told through the eyes of Coppola and Puzo.

[10/10 · 17 February 2004]

This is Coppola's crowning jewel, if not the 20th Century's. The story follows the legacy of the Corleone Family, one of the Five Families of New York in the 1940's. With accuracy in the time period and perfect accents, the cast of All Stars take over the screen with grace. A young Al Pacino heads the cast as an innocent and yet murderous Michael Corleone. Robert Duvall also gives the performance of his life as the Irish American Tom Hagen. And of course, Marlon Brando steals the scene as Don Corleone. The story tells a tale of family, trust, honor, and respect. Even though the characters are murderers and thieves, they are also fathers, sons, and husbands. This is a must-see for any movie goer. You have not seen American cinema until you have seen "The Godfather."