INSOMNIAC SONG
MOVIE AND TELEVISION REVIEWS
ANIMATION
Wreck-it Ralph
Starring: John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Directed by: Rich Moore
Rating: PG
Run time: 106 minutes
Synopsis: A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.
This is a cute movie for the most part. Ralph's plight of being seen as only a bad guy is something that we can all relate to. I'm sure we've each been stereotyped by what we do for a living or some other factor. Sarah Silverman's voice for Vanellope was rather grating. I expected a much sweeter voice for her considering her origins. Jane Lynch as Calhoun was perfect. She easily embodies the tough chick persona even in animated form. My favorite part really had no effect on the main plot though. It was the support group for video-game antagonists! That's something to look out for if you're a fan of classic games.
Rating: 3/5
FAMILY
Oz, the Great and Powerful (2013)
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Rating: PG
Run time: 130 minutes
Synopsis: A small-time magician is swept away to an enchanted land and is forced into a power struggle between three witches.
As the first in a potential reboot of the Oz series, this film works well. It has all the classic elements that would draw in viewers from visuals to the storytelling. There is a beautiful transition from the black and white of Kansas to the vivid color of Oz. The changes in aspect ratio and audio brought out my inner geek. These transitions greatly amplify and enhance the differences between the two worlds. Go read the book series!
Rating: 3.5/5
ANIMATION
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Selena Gomez
Directed by: Genndy Tartakovsky
Rating: PG
Run time: 91 minutes
Synopsis: Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teen-aged daughter.
As an animated flick about an overprotective vampire father running a resort for monsters was bound to be a hit around the Halloween season. There are some cute moments with Mavis (Dracula's daughter) being a pouty little bat or the werewolf's multitude of puppies being terrors. Overall, there were quite a few jokes that would have gone over the heads of children. The real draw here is seeing what Genndy Tartakovsky could do with cgi. If you're wondering where you know that name, it's because he likely created some of your favorite cartoon shows such as Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack as well as the Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.
Rating: 2/5