Hook

 

   For over a century, there have been many tales and legends about Peter Pan. My favorite tale comes from Steven Spielberg, storyteller James V. Hart, and Malia S. Marmo. From TriStar Pictures, it's Hook. Starring the late and legendary Robin Williams as Peter, the beloved Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell, and of course, film legend Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook. This movie is very special to me. I'll tell you why later.

   What if Peter Pan left Neverland and grew up? Well, that's what happens in this story. Peter is now married and has children of his own. But he doesn't remember a single thing about Neverland or being Peter Pan. He even has a fear of flying. One Christmas Eve night, when Peter's family came to London to honor Granny Wendy (Maggie Smith) at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, something unexpected happens. Captain Hook makes an epic return and abducts Peter's children, Maggie and Jack, and takes them prisoners on his pirate ship in Neverland. Only Peter could save the day. But he needs convincing that he was once Peter Pan. Now it's up to Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys and their new daredevil leader, Rufio, to help Peter become the Peter Pan he once was and rescue his children. 

  You have no idea how much I adore this Peter Pan movie. As much as I loved the Disney ones, Hook took Peter Pan to a whole new level. The concept of Peter growing up and forgetting Neverland was something people were wondering about for years. The reasons I love Hook is because it's so well-done, it kept the Neverland tradition, and of course, the performances of Robin Williams as Peter and Dustin Hoffman as Hook. This is actually my favorite Robin Williams movie by the way. While The Graduate is my favorite Dustin Hoffman movie, Hook was also one of Dustin's greatest highlights in his career. 

  Now, I've mentioned in the intro that this movie is very special to me. That's because this was the final movie I've ever watched with my mom before she died in 2020. It was around the final week of September, I wanted to watch a movie with mom and the movie I had in mind was Hook. Dad put a movie on the TV for me and mom and to my surprise, he put on Hook. It was as if he read my mind. And we shared a special moment as we were watching this wonderful Peter Pan tale. When the part where Peter finally remembered his "Happy Thought", which was being a dad, mom started to cry. I turned to her and said: "Now you see why I love this movie so much?". Mom smiled back at me and nodded "yes". That was one of the many times I felt connected to mom. And so, I'd like to dedicate this review to my mom. 

  If your child loves Peter Pan, Disney Fairies, or Jake & the Neverland Pirates, etc., show them Hook for a new generation of Neverland adventures. 

Did You Know?: Steven Spielberg made a cameo as a pirate in Neverland. Other cameos included George Lucas (creator of Star Wars) and the late Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia and Blues Brothers) being the couple on the bridge kissing and being levitated with pixie dust by Tink, Glenn Close as the pirate being punished into the "boo box", and rock star Phil Collins as the Scotland Yard Inspector. In most interviews, Spielberg was disappointed in the results of this movie. (Maybe it didn't came out the way he'd hoped.) Early in production, the idea was pitched to Disney, but they turned it down.

Parents Guide: This movie is rated PG. There is a scene where Peter is underwater, being kissed by mermaids in Mermaid Lagoon. There is comic violence and mischief with the Lost Boys. Some strong language here and there. There may be some frightening moments. But overall, this is a good family movie. 

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

 

  I love video games! I especially love the classic ones. One of the many video game series I love to play is none other than Sonic the Hedgehog who stars in his very own movie and now a sequel coming April 8th. (Already got my tickets to see the new Sonic movie.) Sonic's movie stars Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as the loveable fast blue hedgehog, Sonic. Co-starring Jim Carrey (Liar, Liar and The Truman Show) in an unforgettable performance as Sonic's arch enemy, Dr. Robotnik. Also starring James Marsden as Tom, Sonic's first human buddy. 

  Sonic the Movie tells the story of a lonely speedy blue hedgehog named Sonic, who is forced to hiding on planet Earth after being ambushed on Mobius. One day, after Sonic accidentally exposed his powers to a small town in Montana called Green Hills, a mysterious mad scientist named Robotnik comes to Earth to find Sonic and do experiments on him. Sonic then meets Tom, a small town officer who just got appointed sheriff in San Francisco, and begs him to help him. Tom reluctantly helps Sonic as they go on an adventure to save the planet from world domination by the crazed Robotnik. 

  I was lucky enough to see this when it first came out on Valentine's Day, 2020. That was the last time I went to the movies before COVID hit. I remember enjoying the movie as much as I still do. But with the sequel coming out featuring Tails and Knuckles, I know it will be more epic. 

  What I love about this Sonic movie is that Sonic had childlike qualities, which is so cute. Not to mention the fact that we see Sonic as a toddler in the beginning. I also like how it's mostly different than the regular games and cartoons. While the franchise has anthromorphic characters, humans are featured in this film. There are some parts of the movie that were unnecessary in my opinion, like some innuendo dialogue.  Other than that, awesome movie. By the way, I loved the part where Sonic praised Keanu Reeves. 

     Sonic the Hedgehog 2: the Movie comes out on April 8th. Tickets available now. 

Parents Guide: This movie is rated PG for rude humor and suggestive content. There is a part where Robotnik tells his assistant to check a man's Internet history. (Not appropriate for a kids movie if you ask me.) Lots of video game like violence such as robot armies attempting to get Sonic. And there is a musical dance scene with Robotnik where it looks like his head got shot off... but it grows back. That may be disturbing.

Did You Know?: The name of the town in Montana is similar to the name of the first level/zone in the first Sonic the Hedgehog game on the SEGA Genesis in 1991. The movie was actually filmed in Vancouver, Canada. Bill Hader was considered for both Sonic and Robotnik. 

Watch out for Tails in Sonic the Movie 2!

2022 Update

 

  Hello, everybody. Happy belated 2022 and Happy St. Patrick's Day. I am very sorry for not posting any reviews or articles the past few months. I'm still depressed about the passing of my mom. I know what you're thinking. It's only been 1 year, 4 months, and 25 days since she died (as of today). But I can't get over it. You wouldn't get over the passing of your mom or dad either. Think about that.

  Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm coming back to do more stuff on this blog. More reviews on movies both good and bad, and some articles, too. Please remember to post comments if you enjoy my work on here. 

  Also, I want to give a shout-out to my cousin Hayden, who enjoys awesome movies as much as I do. 

  Don't forget to wear green today! Have a great St. Pat's Day and I'll see you soon. 

Creepshow

 

   Happy Spooky Month, everybody! In the spirit of Halloween, I will do a review on this amazingly scary movie made by Stephen King and the late George A. Romero. A movie entitled Creepshow. This movie is a series of five short scary stories written by Stephen King in the form of a comic book. Starring an all-star cast including Leslie Nielsen, E.G. Marshall, Adrienne Barbeau, Ted Danson (Cheers), Ed Harris (Christof from The Truman Show), Hal Holbrook, and even Stephen King himself! (Crazy, I know!) 

  Father's Day: In our first spooky story, we deal with a demented old man returning from the grave to get his Father's Day cake he kept whining about, and his daughter refused to give it to him and murdered him.

  The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill: Stephen King plays a not too smart farmer who discovers a meteor that fell in his field. What he didn't realized until later was that the meteor turns everything into plants... including him! 

  Something to Tide You Over: This story is my favorite. A vengeful husband buries his wife and her lover up to their heads in the sand on the beach and leaves them there to drown by the high tides. Later, they come back as underwater corpses and get revenge on the husband. 

  The Crate: A college professor chooses his mean and nagging wife to be the bait of a strange and scary human eating monster that lives in a crate that was hidden under the steps of the college for almost a century. 

  They're Creeping Up On You: In this last story, a millionaire who has a huge phobia of bugs becomes the prey of hundreds of thousands of cockroaches. This story will be intensively gross. 

  The tagline for this movie was "The Most Fun You'll Ever Have Being Scared". Boy, was that right, because I had fun being scared at this Stephen King masterpiece. I love the fact that the visuals were emulating the art styles of the old comic books from the '50s, which was the inspiration for the movie. I mean, it's like a comic book on film. Pretty cool. 

  My favorite story, as I mentioned, was the one about the high tides. Leslie Nielsen played a really dark character compared to his other performances. But what I loved in this story was when the intense part of Ted Danson and Gaylen Ross were drowning from the tides, and the shot of Ted Danson's head underwater, no longer able to hold his breath any longer, with the red and blue lighting in the background. (You see those color hues a lot in the movie whenever something scary comes up.)

 

This is almost as scary as the shot of Jack Torrance frozen to death in The Shining. 

If you want a great Stephen King flick for Halloween Night, check out the original Creepshow movie. Also, check out the TV series of Creepshow on AMC and Shudder Network. 

Parent's Guide: Like most Stephen King movies, this is rated R for lots of scary content. I don't think kids at the age of five or six should see this. Especially the cockroach story. This movie could give little kids nightmares. 

Did You Know?: The little boy at the beginning and end of the movie is actually Stephen King's son, Joe Hill. Hill would later follow his dad's footsteps and become a bestselling author and later write a story for the Creepshow TV series. A marble ashtray is seen throughout the movie. Stephen King was told to play Jordy Verrill like Wilie E. Coyote from Looney Tunes, the way his face looks when he's about to fall off a cliff. (You know that look.) While on break, Stephen King took his son, Joe to a McDonald's for lunch and as a joke, Joe was made up with a bunch of bruises, cuts and scabs. The drive-thru girl freaked out and called the cops on them.

Can you believe that this is Stephen King's son as Billy??

That Thing You Do!

   It's time to rock and roll as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Tom Hanks' first film as a writer and director, the '96 classic, That Thing You Do!. Starring Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler from Lord of the Rings, funnyman Steve Zhan, character actor Ethan Embry as the band's unnamed bass player, Johnothon Schaech, Charlize Theron, Bill Cobbs, and even Tom Hanks himself. 

   The year is 1964 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Guy Peterson works at an electronics store with his parents while reaching out for his dream to play drums for jazz music. One day, Guy's friends Lenny and Jimmy ask Guy to be the drummer for their rock band, The Oneders, after Chad, their other drummer, broke his arm. Guy eventually accepts and the band made their debut at a talent show. There, the group introduced what would be their well-known song, "That Thing You Do". The talent show performance was a success and it earned the Oneders a spot at a pizza shop. After a fan asks for a record for their song, the group decides to do a record. Shortly after, some stranger in a camper gave the band a deal to make them big by selling the record on the radio. Surprisingly, it made it on the air, and everybody went crazy that day. Soon afterwards, The Oneders get a professional manager named Mr. White and now being called The Wonders, make it to the top. Question is: will they remain popular at the top for long? 

  I actually grew up with this movie. My mom showed this movie to me when I was three or four years old because I loved the 60s music stylings of The Beatles and all. Also, this was the first movie in my life where I notice great acting in a movie. Great performances by Tome Everett Scott as Guy "Shades" Peterson, especially when he goes: "I AM SPARTACUS!!!". Very funny acting from Steve Zhan as Lenny, like when he was playing Go Fish with those dudes. Liv Tyler was a great girlfriend to the group. And Tom Hanks was as serious as ever like most of his masterpieces. (Especially ones that he has written and directed.) So, if you're into rock and roll 1960s style or a retro junkie in general or just looking for a good '90s flick with a combination of comedy and music, grab a friend or your family and rent Tom Hanks' That Thing You Do!. 

Parents Guide: This movie is rated PG for some language and sensual content. Some naughty humor here and there. There is a riot scene, only there is no close ups of the violence and the catastrophe is discussed in a scene after. Lots of drinking and smoking. And of course, bad language. Parents, if you choose to watch this with your kids, don't let them repeat this language. 

Trivia: An extended version with some deleted footage was released on DVD in 2007. Film debut of Tom Everett Scott. Tom Hanks' wife, Rita Wilson, makes a cameo as a waitress. The band's appearance in that beach party movie is supposed to be parallel to the Frankie and Annette beach movies. The name of the bass player would later become one of the greatest mysteries in movie history. 

In loving memory of my mom who died almost one year ago today. 

I think this says it all. 

Mr. Mom

      When mom goes to work, dad goes berserk!! So many balls to juggle when a dad has to wear mom's shoes while taking care of the kids and the house 24/7. That's the scenario for Beetlejuice star Michael Keaton (who just turned 70 this year) in this family classic, Mr. Mom. Also starring Terri Garr (Close Encounters and Tootsie), Martin Mull (Mr. Kraft in Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Ann Jillian (Gypsy and Mae West), Jefferey Tambor (Arrested Development), and appearances by Christopher Lloyd, Miriam Flynn, and Edie McClurg. Written by the late John Hughes.

  After unexpectedly getting fired from his job, Jack Butler (Keaton) agrees to take over his wife, Caroline's (Garr) job as mother and housekeeper while she goes to her new job. Jack learns that taking care of his kids and doing the chores aren't easy as it seems. With no clue how to do the work, Jack walks over egg shells to keep everything in the family household functional Jack also needs to watch out for one of the female neighbors (Ann Jillian) for trying to cheat on his wife. Meanwhile, Caroline isn't getting lucky either at her new advertising job with her new boss, Ron Richardson (Mull) hitting on her. Turns out both mom and dad are at risk for not just their marriage, but their family, too. 

  This is a cute comedy. Personally, when I get married someday, I want to have kids. But that's another story for a future article. What I mostly loved about this movie is that it focuses on family being the number one priority. I must admit, it was painful seeing Michael Keaton not doing the chores right on his first time at bat, like mixing all the laundry detergents into one mixture into the washing machine. Thank goodness we have new technology for chores like that. I also love how both parents realize their mistakes and, without giving everything away, make things right once more. 

  For moms and dads who love their children and know that family comes first, grab the kids, pop some popcorn and rent Mr. Mom starring Michael Keaton. 

    Parents Guide: This is rated PG, though some of the content may not be appropriate for kids. Ann Jillian's cleavage can be visible in most of her scenes. There is a scene where Michael Keaton and other moms go to a male strip club. (No nudity.) There's some people punching other people in some scenes. Lots of bad language that your kids shouldn't dare repeat. 

Trivia: Robin Williams, Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and John Travolta were considered for the lead role. Karen Allen (Raiders of the Lost Ark and Animal House), Jane Curtin (SNL and 3rd Rock from the Sun), and the late Farrah Fawcett were considered for the role of Caroline. Jack Nicholson was considered for the role of Ron Richardson. Ron Howard was originally considered to direct. A short-lived TV spinoff of this movie was made one year later with a completely different story with different characters. 

What a mess!!!

To mom and dad, who sacrificed everything in their lives to make me and my sister happy. Love you guys.  

William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet

 

  Picture this: a modern take of this classic Shakespeare tale set in the city suburbs with bizarre imagery, guns, and the original Shakespearian dialogue. Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes (My So Called Life) star as the two star-crossed lovers in Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet. Also starring John Leguizamo (Spawn and Moulin Rouge) as Tybalt, Diane Verona, Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), Pete Postlethwaite (The Usual Suspects and Jurassic Park: The Lost World) as Father Laurence, Harold Perrineau as Mertcutio, Brian Dennheny (Silverado and Cocoon) and Paul Rudd (Marvel's Ant-Man) as Dave Paris. With music by Radiohead, Garbage, Mundy, Everclear, Gavin Friday, and more. 

  Like in the traditional tale, The Montagues and Capulets are feuding families whose children, Romeo and Juliet, fall in love. Knowing their parents won't allow this relationship, Romeo and Juliet try to keep their love in secret from their families. Alas, there are obstacles to go through and prices to pay for this to go on. The story is the same, but the visuals are modern with eye catching costumes and makeup, and guns. 

  I first saw this version of Romeo and Juliet back in 2016 in my sophomore year at high school after we read R&J. I was actually hoping we'd watch West Side Story (another modern take of Romeo and Juliet). But when my English teacher told me that the one we were going to watch had DiCaprio in it, I was immediately interested, because DiCaprio is one of my many favorite actors. As I was watching it in class, my mind was totally blown on how the story was portrayed in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. 

  What I love about this is how they spoke the original Shakespeare words of the play rather than a modern translation. It makes this more, well, Shakespeare-like. Also, DiCaprio's performance as Romeo is what you'd expect from any performance from DiCaprio... Epic! Sure, he did awesome in movies like Titanic, Gilbert Grape, Wolf of Wall Street, and Basketball Diaries, but I think it's safe to say that Romeo + Juliet is my favorite DiCaprio movie. 

  This one of two of my favorite versions of Romeo and Juliet. The other, as you may have guessed, is West Side Story. Now, West Side Story is similar to Baz Luhrmann's R+J, only it took place in the late '50s-early '60s and it's a musical. I've been meaning to do a review of this classic musical on my blog for years, but was too busy. Sometime this coming months, I'll post it to follow this review. 

  In conclusion, if you love Shakespeare and romantic tragedies and Leonardo DiCaprio, grab your loved one and get your tissues ready and go rent Romeo + Juliet.

NOTE:  Now, there are some parts of this movie that are weird. Like the beginning of the costume ball where Romeo and Juliet would meet. Some of Romeo's friends were in drag with very revealing clothing, doing exotic dances.  Just be prepared for some bizarreness. 

   Parents Guide: This movie is rated PG-13 for scenes of contemporary violence and some sensuality. Some bloody violence, heavy drug use, and sexual content. Yes, there is a sex scene, but feel free to skip it if you're not comfortable seeing stuff like that. Tragically in the end, the star-crossed lovers committed suicide from poison and a gun in a room full of candles. This scene may be intense and tear-jerking. 

Did You Know?: One of the crew members was kidnapped by gang members in ransom for $300! Claire Danes and DiCaprio did NOT get along on set. Christian Bale was considered for the role of Mertcutio. Teen heartthrob, Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser and Doctor Horrible), was considered for Romeo. However, DiCaprio was Baz Luhrmann's first choice for Romeo. 

"I AM FORTUNE'S FOOL!!!!"