Thursday, July 15, 2010


"Alice you cannot live your life to please others. The choice must be yours because when you step out to face that creature, you will step out alone."


When Alice in Wonderland first came out in theatres, I didn't have a desire to rush out and see it. I never was a big fan of the animated version (and I typically like Disney movies) and I thought that Burton (I usually am a fan of his movies) and Depp (one of my favorite actors) would maybe just be a bit too "weird" and over the top for me. But finally, I'd gotten into my head that I needed to watch it.


The thing is, I liked the film. I really liked it! Maybe it was the lower expectation I had going in? I thought it was beautiful to watch - I liked the color, I liked the costumes, I liked the CGI. I thought it was visually very pleasing to the eye.


I liked the actors in their roles - especially loved Helena Bonham Carter and thought she played wicked very entertainingly! I laughed at her wanting the pig for the footstool. I liked the supporting actors in the "real" world, I liked Alan Rickman as the caterpillar (where would I not like Alan Rickman?!), I liked Crispin Glover as the Knave (or is that King?) of Hearts. I liked Mia W. as Alice - thought she played the role of pale girl to the champion well. She grew on me as she went through her changes, although I do wish she would have not been so convinced she was dreaming for so long - that got a bit tiresome. Johnny Depp. Hmmm. Well, I think I expect him to be so good and weird, that I don't get overly impressed - but maybe that is the best part? He is spot on and I don't think to much of it. He makes it seem so natural and normal - probably why he can't get that Oscar!


I liked the storyline being developed from seeing what happens after Alice had visited Wonderland before. I liked seeing her family situation. It gave me the hook to care for the character. The "girl power" was a bit overdone for me, but it didn't irritate me to the degree that I focused on it.


I liked the words. Some very good lines, including my post title! Just overall well-written and a lot of fun to hear various characters and what they said. I wanted to pay attention and hear them.
Definitely glad I purchased this one and can see myself rewatching!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

But the thing that makes Woody special is he'll never give up on you...ever.


Toy Story 3 is a winner on so many levels, that it is hard to know where to start.
The animation is top of the line - the quality is superior and although I saw it in 3D, I didn't feel it was necessary to view it this way for this particular film. PIXAR has always done an outstanding job, but it is apparent they don't rest on their laurels, because they continue to improve by leaps and bounds. The expressions of our favorite characters are even more realistic and each detail is done expertly.
The humor is spot-on! From the great one-liners of Hamm and Mr. Potato-Head, to the addition of Ken, the comedy alone is enough to recommend the film to everyone. Especially funny is Buzz Lightyear in Spanish mode and the ensuing antics of the rest of the toys.
The emotional storyline has just the right tug on our hearts and minds. The heroes in our story are back and we love them even more than before. They are loyal and no one is going to get left behind. We are reminded why we wanted to see this third installment, and what a wonderful part in our collective history that Woody, Buzz, Rex and the others have really played. Not only will you laugh out loud at the actions and writing, you will need a tissue or careful swipe at the tear that is sure to appear during the film.
As close to perfect as can be done, this is one movie that I can whole-heartedly recommend to anyone of any age. See it once and don't be suprised that you want to see it again!