Category Archives: Movies

CATS is weird, but CATS is CATS, and the dancing is outstanding. And I didn’t hate it.

It’s very rare that I write a review that totally seems to contradict the mainstream movie critics, but this review of CATS is one of them. Not that it’s a good movie — but it’s a very solid adaptation/interpretation of the stage musical. If you do not love musical theater, then for God’s sake stayContinue reading “CATS is weird, but CATS is CATS, and the dancing is outstanding. And I didn’t hate it.”

The Polar Express is the worst Christmas movie ever.

“I may be just an old railroader but”…The Polar Express movie (2004) is one of the worst Christmas movies ever. 1. The CGI, while relatively good for the train and the scenery, is horrible with faces. As a result, the people all look, well, creepy. Tom Hanks and Josh Hutcherson notwithstanding, its frigging terrible. 2.Continue reading “The Polar Express is the worst Christmas movie ever.”

Practically Perfect “Mary Poppins Returns” (review)

The greatly awaited Mary Poppins Returns has opened – and despite a few mis-steps, it is another instant Disney classic and one of the best pictures of the year. Picking up a few decades after the original, Michael and Jane Banks are all grown up – he’s a bank teller but wannabe artist, and she’sContinue reading “Practically Perfect “Mary Poppins Returns” (review)”

“Anastasia the musical” is lush, sumptuous, melodic, satisfying. (Review)

Disney animated films found competition when Twentieth Century Fox released Anastasia with its beautiful artwork and tuneful score. It has become the favorite of many, and like Newsies, its timing was ripe for parents that needed a VCR to put in their tape player that the kids, in particular girls, could watch over and overContinue reading ““Anastasia the musical” is lush, sumptuous, melodic, satisfying. (Review)”

Quirky “Amelie the musical” is entertaining but lightweight (Review)

The movie of Amelie is held by many of us near and dear to our hearts — at it’s heart it is a romantic comedy but it also has something to say about being alone, or not, or being different, or not. Movie fans, rest assured, the musical version maintains the spirit of the filmContinue reading “Quirky “Amelie the musical” is entertaining but lightweight (Review)”

Anna Kendrick shines in “The Last Five Years” movie

Anna Kendrick shines in the role of Cathy in the movie adaptation of Jason Robert Brown’s musical “The Last Five Years” – a musical theatre staple about a couple who meet, date, marry, and ultimately divorce — although its told from Cathy’s point of view running backwards, while from Jamie’s point of view it runsContinue reading “Anna Kendrick shines in “The Last Five Years” movie”

5-Star “Into the Woods” movie surpasses stage version

I can think of only four Broadway musicals since 1960 whose movie adaptations are better than their stage versions — those are The Sound of Music, Oliver!, Funny Girl, and Chicago. Now comes the 5th — Into the Woods. Set aside any qualms you might have as a musical theater lover about the film, and goContinue reading “5-Star “Into the Woods” movie surpasses stage version”

Sharknado is a howlfest and not to be missed (Review…kind of)

Its hard to review SyFy’s (to be fair, The Asylum’s) Sharknado without giving away most of what happens in the movie — so if you don’t like spoilers, don’t read ahead…just watch it next time it is on. Its actually a movie that can’t really be reviewed because the schlock-factor is so bad, its likeContinue reading “Sharknado is a howlfest and not to be missed (Review…kind of)”

“Les Miserables” movie is stunning, emotional, and divisive (Review)

Do you hear the people sing? Do you scour all the movie reviews to decide if you want to see a movie or not? Do you trust your Facebook friends and their opinions? It seems everyone has an opinion on “Les Miserables”, the movie adaptation of the long-running stage musical. I, among many, just lovedContinue reading ““Les Miserables” movie is stunning, emotional, and divisive (Review)”