Phil sees TOY STORY 4 at The Cinelux Almaden Theatre & Lounge - July 3, 2019

TOY STORY 4

Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Tony Hale, Jordan Peele,  Keegan-Michael Key, Madeleine McGraw, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves
Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Stephany Folsom
Cinematography by Patrick Lin, Jean-Claude Kalache
Edited by Axel Geddes
Produced by Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Mark Nielsen, Jonas Rivera
Directed by Josh Cooley
Distributed by

When I saw TOY STORY 3 back in 2010, I balled my eyes out! Seriously balled my eyes out! If you saw that movie and said that that last half hour of the film didn't leave you a weeping like a little girl, then you are lying your monkey ass off!! Everyone I spoke to since the film's release have stated that they cried like a three-year-old. As I walked out of the theater all those years ago, I thought for sure that this would be the last time I would see Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Slinky, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, and the rest of the gang. Then in 2018, Pixar announced that they were making TOY STORY 4, for a 2019 release. And yes, I went and saw it this past weekend, and it was very good, just not great.

The film's official synopsis: Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries.

So, let's get down to the nitty gritty of this movie. The computer animation is absolutely, mind-blowingly stunning!! I am always taken aback on just how awesome and realistic the animation looks! It's just astounding!! It's light years from what the original film looked like! You can see the blades of grass, hair blowing in the wind, individual rocks and pebbles, dust bunnies, it's all there for you to behold with your own two eyes!!

As for the story itself, it was OK. Truth be told, I found the film to be more of an epilogue than a true sequel. The third film ended on such an emotionally satisfyingly conclusion that there was no way this film could top it. And it doesn't even come close to that. With TOY STORY 3, we were on such an emotional roller coaster of ride, especially those last twenty minutes. Here, I felt like this was more of, "Hey, let's see where these characters are now. Just in case you were wondering." I wasn't wondering at all. In the years between the third and fourth film, we've been treated to some hilarious shorts and a couple of half hour specials, and I was fine with that. I didn't need, nor did I want, this sequel. It's totally unnecessary, but I can see why Pixar made it. I just wasn't emotionally invested in it, but if you have kids, then they are gonna love this! And that's why it was made: this is a love letter for all those kids who have now grown up with it, thanks to their parents, who watched these when they were kids. TOY STORY crosses generations, and it brings families together. It doesn't matter if your a child or a parent; there's something for everyone to love and enjoy. And. in the long run, that's all that matters. So pay no attention to me, I'm just sounding like "Old Man Phil" but I'm still glad I saw the movie. It made me want to bring my family to see.

TOY STORY 4 is a solid entry to this beloved franchise and is Pixar's best animated film to date!! You have never seen a film like this before!! And FYI, you might cry during the film, especially at the end! Anyway, this was a great movie for fans of the series! So take the family to your favorite theater and go see this movie!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!

 
TOY STORY 4 is currently playing in theaters in 2D, 3D, and IMAX nationwide, including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees COCO at the Cinemak Century Oakridge 20 - February 1, 2018

Pixar Animation Studio is one of the finest animation studios of all time! With films like TOY STORY, CARS, WALL-E, FINDING NEMO and UP, the studio has released some of the most awarding winning and critically acclaimed movies of all time, and in the shortest amount of time. Today, I went and saw their latest endeavour, and it marks as one of my new favorite movie from them. All I can saw is that COCO is destined to be one the studio's very best!!

The film's official synopsis: Despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

The film features the talented voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Edward James Olmos, Jaime Camil, Renée Victor, Gabriel Iglesias, and Cheech Marin for starters.

Being Hispanic American, I was completely moved on how much Pixar honored our heritage, our traditions, and how much family means to us. The norm is that Hollywood will fill theater screens with stereotypes and caricatures and they have relied on this for way too long. Finally, I saw a film that honored the Mexican community with intelligence, respect, and strong characters that we are emotionally invested in.

The movie was directed by Lee Unkrich, who's Pixar credits include co-directing TOY STORY 2, MONSTERS, INC., FINDING NEMO, and then directing TOY STORY 3 solo.  Joining him his his co-director Adrian Molina, whose writing credits include MONSTERS UNIVERSITY and THE GOOD DINOSAUR. Together, these two gentlemen have made one of Pixar's best films ever! The compositions and set-ups and excellent, the camera pans blend in with the film and they let the emotional scenes linger to accentuate the story. And let me tell you, this was such an emotional film!

Since this is a computer animation movie, I can't forget to mention it. The studio has come a long way since the release of TOY STORY. Holy cow!! The animation looks freaking amazing!! There is so much details in every single frame!! From the golden leaves to The Land of the Dead, it was a spectacular sight to behold!! An I thought the animation in CARS 3 was impressive!! The amount of detail is extraordinary!! 

What I loved most about the movie is the story. It's a story based in Mexican traditions and folklore. All the characters are a representation of me, my family, and friends. For the first time, I felt proud seeing my people shown in a positive light, and at the heart of the story is family. Family comes first always, and everything else will fall into place.

COCO is one of the best family films of all time and Pixar's best to date!! You have never seen a film like this before!! And FYI, you will cry during the film, especially at the end! I cried. Twice. Maybe three time. Anyway, I loved this movie!! So take the family to your favorite theater and go see this movie!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

COCO is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Cinemark Century Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 in 3D from Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures - June 28, 2017

Marvel Studios took a gamble on GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY back in 2014. Sure, the trailer looked awesome, but it was based on a relatively obscure and not-too-well-known comic book. Comic geeks like me knew of its existence, but I was concerned that it was going to be a boxoffice bomb, even though Troma alumni James Gunn wrote and directed the film. Now I've been a fan of Gunn's since TROMEO & JULIET and he's gone on to become a big Hollywood big shot. But when the film became a huge gigantic hit, it took Gunn to a whole new level of stardom. Naturally, it was announced that he would be returning to do the sequel, I think fans breathed a collective sigh of relief. Three years later, I'm sitting in my local theater to watch GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 and I left feeling like I saw the best Marvel film ever!

The film's official synopsis: Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their new found family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Gunn takes these band of misfits and cranks the adventures up to 11! All the while expanding of the characters themselves as well. Chris Pratt's Peter Quill aka Starlord, who lost his mother to cancer as a child, finally meets his father Ego, portrayed by Hollywood legend Kurt Russell. We see the bonding between a father and his son, which is quite touching. Speaking of families, Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) try to work out their differences if they are to destroy their father Thanos. Drax (Dave Bautista) befriends Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) gets to know Peter's old friend and surrogate father figure Yondu (Michael Rooker). What Gunn has done with this film is focus on the theme of family, whether it's blood or friends that are your family. It's really refreshing to see this in a Marvel movie, where it's mostly just popcorn action and adventure fluff.

So now let's talk about the one character that has captured America's heart. The one Marvel character that has now become the most popular character in the MCU. Yes my friend's I'm talking about Baby Groot. OMG he's soooooooooooo freaking cute!! I want a Groot for myself!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeekkk!!!! OK, now that I've gotten that out of my system, let's continue, shall we?

The special effects were awesome, the 3D conversion was excellent and heightened the movie going experience and had solid character development, great story, plenty of laughs and introduced some interesting new character while setting up future MCU storylines. And yes, there are five post credit scenes so stay and watch them all, especially the scene with Hollywood heavyweight Sylvester Stallone, which got me very excited to see what's to come.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 has the distinction of being better than the first film and really entertains the hell out of you!! Seriously, if go see this movie and you're not happy afterwards, then I would suggest seeing a shrink. This was a blast to watch from beginning to end! And if it's playing in 3D, then see that on the big screen! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 is playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide. Check your local listings to see if it's playing at a theater near you.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees MOANA in 2D from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures - April 22, 2017

Family movies are often referred to kids movies due to the fact that they're aimed specifically for kids. While that's a generic definition of that, it's whole heartily false. As a forty-something adult, I enjoy in what they bring. They're extremely fun to watch, have interesting characters, are set is some fantastic world and lastly, more importantly, they remind us that life is magical and anything is possible. It's the inner child in every adult that begs to be let out once in a while, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I feel it's a healthy expression. Case in point, my recent viewing of the new Disney movie MOANA, which is one of their best films in a long time.

The film's official synopsis: Moana Waialiki is a sea voyaging enthusiast and the only daughter of a chief in a long line of navigators. When her island's fishermen can't catch any fish and the crops fail, she learns that the demigod Maui caused the blight by stealing the heart of the goddess, Te Fiti. The only way to heal the island is to persuade Maui to return Te Fiti's heart, so Moana sets off on an epic journey across the Pacific. The film is based on stories from Polynesian mythology.

You can always count on Disney to bring in the fun with their characters. Voice over actress Auli'i Cravalho is perfect as our heroine and adventurer Moana. She brings strength, naivety, self assurance and that spirit of adventure to her character. The man himself Mr. Dwayne Johnson brings the laughter and fun as Maui, the mystical God who teams up with Moana to fulfill her quest. Now I have to admit that Johnson has become one of my favorite actors in Hollywood right now. Mainly because he's really good actor. And by doing voice over work for this movie, ot proves that he's a very talented individual. Guiding Moana on her journey is Gramma Tala, voiced by the talented  Rachel House. If you don't know her name yet, you better get acquainted with her work. She's been several amazing films like WHALE RIDER, EAGLE VS. SHARK and has appeared in television shows like Hope and Wire, Soul Mates and the Wolf Creek mini series.

What I really enjoyed about the movie is that it takes us back to when were we younger; to a time when were optimistic, full of life, always looking for adventure and not being scared of it because it sounded like fun to us. Now that I'm older, I don't feel as adventurous because I'm now wiser, smarter and I don't feel like I have the time or energy to do anything (yes kids, getting old does suck). But I can still remember what those emotions feel like, and at times it makes me feel young again. That's what's fun about kids movies: they make you feel young. And there's nothing wrong with that!

The other factor I enjoyed was that it touches upon adult themes; such as responsibility, destiny, life and death. However it's told in a way that children can understand. These are very important life lessons to learn, even though we wish we could ignore them. Unfortunately, we cannot and therefore, it's a part of life that we must accept. That's also what I enjoy about kids movies; there's a lot of life lessons that are shown throughout the frames of the movie and that's a smart thing to address.

Directors John Musker and Ron Clements did several months of research for the film. They immersed themselves in the Polynesian culture and mythology of the its people. They really tried to make the film respectful to the culture and I think they did a damn good job. So two big thumbs up to Musker and Clements on a job well done. And on a side note, this is the first Polynesian-themed Disney animated feature film since 2002's LILO & STITCH. About damn time we got another Polynesian movie Disney! What took you so damn long, huh?

MOANA is a superior family film that will be watched for generations to come! It full of laughs, adventure, fun and once again shows that with a little bit of self-confidence, there's nothing we can't do! So kids, I say to you all is this: Go out there and make this world a better place! And make sure your folks take you to see this movie!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

MOANA is still playing in selected theaters nationwide. Check your local listings to see if it's playing at a theater near you. The movie is also available on Blu-ray and DVD, as well as digital download, on demand, iTunes and other streaming services.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Goes Hollywood: Phil sees PLANES 3D at the El Capitan Theater-September 4, 2013

It's been two years since I visited the El Capitan Theatre located in the heart of Hollywood. The last film I saw there was BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D. So while hanging out and walking around in Hollywood, my good friend and filmmaker Mo Whelan, her best friend Julia Lee decided to see the new Disney film PLANES 3D that was playing there.

Before the feature, they screened a new Disney short film entitled GET A HORSE and it's a hybrid short: it's a black and white/color 3D hand drawn and computer animated film. It also features old archival voice recordings of Walt Disney portraying his famous creation from. The film has the whole gang back together as Mickey, Horace Horsecollar, and Clarabelle Cow have an ol' fashioned musical wagon ride while going to pick up Minnie. However things go bad when Peg-Leg Pete spoils their fun and tries to run them off the road. This is when the cool 3D computer animation kicks in and it's really amazing. The short was directed by Lauren MacMullan who, believe it or not, is the first woman director to solo direct an animated Disney film! Crazy, right? To get the cool retro 1928 look, the animators used ageing and blur filters to achieve this effect. The short was really a preview for us because it's going to be released with their  film FROZEN coming out this November 27th, so keep your eyes peeled for it!

Set up as a spinoff in the same world as their CARS franchise, PLANES 3D is about a young cropdusting plane named Dusty (Dane Cook) who fantasizes about being a racer and competing in the famous Wings Across the World race. The problem: he has a severe fear of heights. But thanks to the coaching and training from his old friend Skipper (Stacy Keach), Dusty sets off to chase after his dream. But standing in his way is the treacherous and conniving 3-time winner plane Ripslinger (Roger Craig Smith) who plans to destroy Dusty's long time dream!

While the film looks like a Pixar film, it isn't, but it was co-written and executive produced by its creative officer John Lasseter. The film was directed by Klay Hall, who has many years of directing many television episodes of classic animated shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and King of the Hill.

I found the movie thoroughly funny, entertaining, heart warming, action packed, and contains a really strong and positive message that will no doubt inspire kids. Despite your shortcomings, never stop believing in yourself. You can achieve all your dreams by always believing in yourself. By doing that, you can inspire others all around you. I think that's a pretty good message to have for kids.

Oh, and the 3D effects were just awesome! This film deserves to be seen in 3D because it contains some very cool flying scenes that literally leap off the screen and right in your face! It's super cool!

In the end PLANES 3D has all the making of becoming another modern Disney classic! It's super fun for the whole family, so make sure you see this on the big screen! And don't forget to bring your flying goggles! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

PLANES 3D is now playing at theaters nationwide, including at the El Capitan Theatre. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://elcapitan.go.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees MONSTERS UNIVERSITY in 2D at the Camera 7 Pruneyard Campbel-July 4, 2013

Happy 4th of July everybody!! So it's been a long time since I frequented the Camera Cinemas; San Jose's oldest independent theater chain. So today I decided to correct this by heading out to the Camera 7 in the Pruneyard Campbell to see MONSTERS UNIVERSITY, the latest film by the folks over at Disney/Pixar.

The film's official synopsis: Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) are an inseparable pair, but that wasn't always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn't stand each other. "Monsters University" unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

The film is a prequel to MONSTERS, INC., which was a huge hit when it came out back in 2001. Now 12 years later, we get to know the origin of how one of the greatest monster duos of all time meet, and the obstacles they faced, like not being friends!

Crystal and Goodman return once again to their signature characters and they bring the funny like no other! However, in this film their friendship doesn't exist. Rather, they sincerely dislike one another. Gasp!! Mike and Sulley aren't friends?!? Stop the madness!! Well it's true, but that's we the fun lies. We see the roots of these soon-to-be-famous monsters.

In the film's prologue, we see little Mike with his classmates as they visit the historic Monsters, Inc. Here is where Mike decides to become a scarer when he grows up. So we see him study hard, practicing his scares, hitting the books, he is the ideal role model for the perfect student. On the other end of the spectrum is Sulley, who just coasts through school riding on the coattails of his legendary family's name. But it only gets him so far, especially when the very intimidating Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren) threatens him with expulsion from the program, and soon from the university. However, she doesn't believe that Mike has what it takes to be in the program as well. Soon these two monsters, along with their new friends in their college fraternity, Oozma Kappa (the biggest group of losers in the whole school), must compete and win in the university's annual Scare Games (think HUNGER GAMES and that Triwizard tournament in HARRY POTTER AND THE WIZARD'S GOBLET) in order to stay in school as well as in the scarer program.

The film's story is full of fun, laughs, and of course, hilarious monsters. But there is an underlined message to be found in the frames, and that message is to always believe in yourself. Even if your friends, or teachers, or your peers at work, if you believe in yourself, you cannot fail. The only way to fail is to doubt yourself. And I thinks that's a great message to covey to kids!!

The computer animation is just out of this world. Even though the film takes place in the monster world of Monstropolis, the rending of the college and the enviornment look so freaking realistic! The trees, the buildings, the grass, the cars and buses, the houses, everything in the film looks so damn real! Computer technology has grown so fast since the first film, it's hard to imagine just what the future holds for these two monsters. What will they looks like if Pixar decides to make a part three?

The theater was only showing the film in standard 2D. So I am making plans to see this film again but in 3D! Yup, I should be seeing this again real soon!

Overall MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is funny, entertaining, and heart warming film that the whole family will no doubt enjoy! Beat the heat and head out to your local theater and stay cool by watching this great movie! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL IN 2D at the Cinelux Theater Campbell-March 16, 2013

It's interesting to trace the career of director Sam Raimi. Here is a man that has directed some truly amazing and horrifying films. After all, we are talking about the man who directed the EVIL DEAD TRILOGY (THE EVIL DEAD, EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN and ARMY OF DARKNESS). After making some other films like DARKMAN, THE QUICK AND THE DEAD, and THE GIFT, he went on to helm THE SPIDER-MAN TRILOGY, which garnered him world wide acclaim. After the series ended, he returned to his horror roots with DRAG ME TO HELL. Now Raimi has returned to the big screen with his latest cinematic endeavour OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, a prequel to the Hollywood classic THE WIZARD OF OZ.

Multi-award winning actor James Franco portrays Oscar Diggs (his nickname is Oz), a shifty, shady, circus magician (a con artist if you will). After having am illicit affair with one of the carny girls, he's chased by the girl's Strongman husband. He escapes in a hot-air balloon, only to get swept up in a devastating tornado. When he awakens he discovers he's been transported to the wonderful, magical world of Oz. Upon arriving he meets the beautiful Theodora (the stunning Milla Kunas), who takes him to the emerald City where he meets her sister Evanora (the gorgeous Rachel Weisz). The two believe him to be a wizard prophesied to overthrow the Wicked Witch who killed the king of Oz. He's sent off on a mission to prove that he is the chosen one. He finds not the Wicked Witch, but the good witch Glinda (the beautiful Michelle Williams). Oz finally realizes that he's in way over his head, and confesses to Glenda that he's not the powerful wizard, but her faith in him propels him into become not only the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, but becoming a better person as a whole. But first, he must defeat both of the Wicked Witches.

The film is based on L. Frank Baum's Oz novels, as well as the 1939 Hollywood film, but with slight differences. Remember that THE WIZARD OF OZ is a MGM film and this film comes courtesy of Walt Disney, so they couldn't have things too similar. The cowardly lion is just that; a lion. A real looking lion, not a man in a costume like previously portrayed by the great Bert Lahr. Glenda's costume is different than in the previous incarnation, but her means of travel, the cool bubble, is left intact. Oh, and don't bother looking for the famous ruby slippers in the film, for those are not in the book, but rather created for the 1939 film. The Emerald City looks almost the same, and the famed yellow brick road is there as well, just slightly different. However it does of the traditional black and white 4x3 formant intro.

Like the Hollywood classic, it's filled with cool characters that people will recognize, like the Munchkins in Munchkin Land. Plus there's new characters like China Girl (voiced by Joey King), and for the record, she's called that because she's made out of China, not the actual country of China. We also see Miss King early in the film as the crippled girl who asks Oz to heal her legs. Another new character is the winged monkey Finley (Zach Braff). Now Finely isn't like the evil winged monkeys from THE WIZARD OF OZ. He's more like Oz's faithful servant. Braff also portrays Oz's assistant Frank in Kansas. Both of these characters were my favorite because they brought both a breathe of fresh air to the film as well as humor and pathos.

Now as for the film itself.....well....OK hear me out. So about twenty minutes into the film, after Oz meets Theodora and Evanora and they mistake him as the prophesied wizard who would save the Land of Oz, I suddenly realized that this was a remake of ARMY OF DARKNESS! For those of you who may have never heard of or seen the film (shame on you if you haven't) ARMY OF DARKNESS was the third installment of Raimi's EVIL DEAD TRILOGY, which came out back in January of 1993. So let me tell you the plot of ARMY: When a man named Ash (Bruce Campbell) is time-warped to medieval times, he is soon revealed to be the prophesied savior who can quest for the Necronomicon, a book which can dispel the evil, so he can return home.Yeah, noticed the similarities yet people?!? We have a prophesied hero who comes from the sky, lands in a different world, forced to go on a quest that will save the land from evil. Whoa!! Is your mind blown yet?!? All that was missing from this movie was the catchphrases that Campbell spouted in ARMY! I was ready to hear James Franco say, "Groovy" or "Yo, she bitch!" or "Hail to the king baby!" If Franco would've said "Boomstick," I would have totally lost it! So this begs the question: did Sam Raimi realize that he was remaking his own film while making this film?!? Like they say in the Tootsie Roll commercials, "The world may never know."

So in the end, I liked OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL when it was called ARMY OF DARKNESS. The film relays on way too much CGI, had a weak story with uninteresting characters. It's nothing more of a pale remake of a cult classic. The only saving graces was Joey King and Zach Braff. Not even the beauty of Milla Kunas, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams could've saved this film from sucking. 2 out of 5 stars. This film is a rental at best.

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL is currently playing in both 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide, including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees WRECK-IT RALPH in 2D at the Cinelux Theater Campbell-November 4, 2012

Hello again! So my good friend Amanda's son Brian celebrated his 12th birthday back on October 30th. So for his B-Day present, I took him and Amanda to see the new Disney computer animated family film WRECK-IT RALPH over at the Cinelux Theater in Campbell.

Meet Ralph (John C. Reilly) who is the main villain of the arcade game Fix-It Felix Jr., a popular game in Litwak's Arcade. The hero Felix (Jack McBrayer) is loved by the citizens in the game, and Ralph is treated like dirt (poor buy sleeps on a pile of bricks in the dump). Tired of being the bad guy, he jumps from game to game in hopes to win a medal and gain respect among the people of Fix-It Felix. However, his actions causes major ramifications that could spell the end for not only his game, but for all the games in the arcade as well!

The film is a love letter to the video games and arcades of the past. Those you are old enough to remember going to the arcades (like myself) and spending your entire allowance on video games and hanging out with your friends, those were the best of times of your life. The film manages to captures that nostalgic feeling and present up on the big screen for all of us to enjoy!

A tip of the hat goes to the folks at Disney, for they have done their homework for this movie. Like the TOY STORY series, there are several trademark characters that you video game fanatics will recognize; such as arcade icon Q-Bert, Clyde the orange ghost from Pac-Man, Doctor Eggman from Sonic the Hedgehog, and Bowser from Super Mario Bros.

Reilly does a great job with Ralph, bringing depth, humor, and pathos to the character. You feel sorry for Ralph and we go along with him on his journey of self-respect and dignity. Of course this leads him to some far out video games, like Hero's Duty, where he is told that when you win the game you get a medal. Here we meets tough, no nonsense Sergeant Calhoun, whose voice is provided by none other than Jane Lynch, star of the Fox TV show Glee. Lynch owns this character, and I can't think of any other actress who could've pulled off better than her! But let me take a moment and point out another great actress lending her voice to the film. Sarah Silverman does a magnificent job of bringing her character Vanellope von Schweetz to life. Combining a spunky attitude and determination, with a touch of sadness for good measure, we can relate to her because, like Ralph, she's an outcast among her peers in her own video game. The two form a powerful friendship that radiates and mirrors our own lives. At one point, some of us were outcasts; those who didn't quite fit in with the rest of the crowd. Try not to see a little bit of yourself in these 8-bit characters!

Overall WRECK-IT RALPH is my vote for Best Family Film of 2012! This is what the movie BRAVE should have been! Full of action, adventure, romance, and comedy, this is one film that has it all! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!

WRECK-IT RALPH is currently playing in both 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide, including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees BRAVE in 3D at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-July 20, 2012

Hello there folks! Yup, I'm still at the Camera 7 in the Pruneyad Campbell. Now last year I saw Pixar's CARS 2 in 3D at the same theater, and I thought it was one of the studio's weakest film. Fast forward to tonight I'm seeing their newest animated film BRAVE in 3D. While overall it was a fun film, I felt it wasn't epic enough.

Before the film. there was a new Pixar short entitled LA LUNA, about three generations of men (grandfather, father, and son) who row out into the ocean, pull out an extremely tall later that reaches the moon so they can sweep its surface, thus creating a crescent moon. It was cute, sweet, and funny. Great little film to watch!

The premise of BRAVE centers around a spunky and fiercely independent red-haired princess named Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald), who along with here royal parents King Fergus and Queen Elinor (voiced by Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson respectively) rule the mystical Scottish Highlands. When her parents arrange a tournament to find a suitor for Merida, she rebels against her mother's wishes and runs away into the forest. There she stumbles upon a cabin where a witch (voiced by Julie Walters) gives her a potion that will forever change her destiny. But when Merida discovers that the potion has affected a member of her family, she must do whatever she can to correct her mistake. However can she make amends before the spell becomes permanent?

Since this is a Pixar film, you know that the computer animation is going to be amazing. Well, in the case of BRAVE, it is spectacular! The roaming Scottish countryside, the mystic mist that hangs in the forest, The leaves on the trees, the mane on the head of a horse, this is the studio's best looking film! Very realistic looking; half the time I forgot I was watching an animated movie!

The actors and actresses do a great job voicing these characters: Macdonald's Merida is strong, brave, ans well as hot headed, naive, and oblivious to the teachings of her mother. And speaking of mothers, Thompson's Queen Elinor is wise, proper, caring, and loving with a dash of stubbornness. Connolly as King Fergus provides many of the laughs in the film, which let's face it, who is more qualified in being the comedy relief of the film? All do a fabulous job!

Now the story: it was good, but it wasn't great. Actually it was too small, in scale to being an epic adventure. The film's story felt too contained, and it didn't feel like it was on par with the other Pixar films. In UP, there is a grand global journey that was both physical and emotional. With WALL-E, it is a galactic adventure of returning home to your roots. With TOY STORY 3, it's returning back to Andy's room from Sunshine Day Care, but also the journey of growing up and moving on as well as change. While the film's story was solid, it wasn't epic enough for me.

On a side not, the 3D effects were very well done. And it works in this film, which is really rare nowadays. So I would recommended it seeing in 3D.

While BRAVE falls short in its definition of being an "epic" event, the film is still very entertaining and a joy for the whole family! Defiantely worth checking out! Four out of five stars!

BRAVE is now playing in 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil goes Hollywood, Part 2: Phil sees BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in DISNEY DIGITAL 3D at the El Capitan Theatre-Sept. 5, 2011

The El Capitan Theater

Right after the Cinecon Film Festival had ended, I made a quick dash to the El Capitan Theater, where they were showing Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in 3D. Lucky for me the El Capitan was about two blocks away from the Egyptian! Now you might be thinking, "Phil, why are you going to see a Disney cartoon?" Well the answer is quite simple my friends: 1) It's a classic animated film, 2) It's in 3D, and 3) One of my goals is to visit as many Hollywood theaters as possible. Now I can say that I've been to two Hollywood theaters!

Inside the famous El Capitan Theater

The theater itself is just stunning! It is such a treat for me to be able to visit the theaters here in Hollywood. The El Capitan was erected on May 3, 1926, and became a home for live performnces and plays. In 1989 Disney partnered up with Pacific Theater to begin restoring the theater and in 2001 began to participate in Hollywood's revitalizing efforts. The El Capitan is now a first run theater for Disney films and it's the place that you'd want to see a Disney movie in!

The lovely Belle herself

Before the show began with the trailer for the upcoming film THE MUPPET MOVIE. Then she came out, and my heart went aflutter. Belle herself came out and performed a wonderful dance routine. She then greeted the audience and wished us all a wonderful night and enjoy the film tonight. Like I said, this version of the film was retooled and shown in 3D. Now, unlike a lot of other films, having it in 3D was really cool and because it is an animated film, it isn't that difficult to make it 3D due to the fact that the animation cells are all layered upon on another. Animation films are the easiest to turn into 3D, and the results are amazing!!

Ad for the Movie's Engagement

When the film was first released back on November 22, 1991, it was hailed as an animation masterpiece, using then state of the art computer animation and using optical tricks to create the illusion of 3D in an 2D film. Also, it was  just a good movie, now considered a classic in the annals of Disney's rich history. Now I understand that the film will be coming up to the Bay Area in the next few weeks, so to all my Disney fans up in NorCal, check your local movie theater and make plans to see it! Right now THE LION KING is currently playing up there, and then Disney will be doing a switch with BEAUTY, because that film will be playing at the El Capitan the following week. So for all you parents who want to share the magic of Disney with you kids (or want to relive the magic for the inner child in you) then go see these films! Trust me, it will be that magical!

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be playing at the El Capitan until September 15th! To view showtimes, visit their website at http://elcapitan.go.com/

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees CARS 2 in 3-D at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-July 2, 2011

I woke up today feeling young and chipper. For some reason I was in the mood to see a fun, kids movie today. Luckily, the Camera 7  Pruneyard in Campbell was having an early screening of Pixar's newest film CARS 2 in Disney 3-D. So like I always do, I jammed out out to my favorite theater, and was ready to let the inner child in me have some fun for the next hour and a half.

Before the film, there was a TOY STORY short which was a welcomed surprise! Entitled HAWAIIAN VACATION, Barbie and Ken stow-away in Bonnie's school backpack so they can come along with her to Hawaii. Unfortunately, Bonnie leaves her backpack at home and leaves with her family. Soon Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang try to help them have a romantic getaway vacation in Bonnie's room.

Picking up from the end of TOY STORY 3, we get to enjoy the further adventures of our favorite toys in their new home. Another treat was that Pixar reunited the original voices from the films. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and the rest all came back to reprise their respective characters.

After the short, the show continued with the main attraction. In this sequel to the popular 2006 film, the story continues with race car superstar Lightening McQueen (Owen Wilson), his tow truck buddy Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), and the rest of the gang in Radiator Springs. McQueen has been competing on the race circuit for the past three years and now he returns home for a little R&R, and also to spend some quality time with his girlfriend Sally (Bonnie Hunt). But thanks to Mater's meddling, McQueen is lured into racing the World Grand Prix to race against his new rival Francesco Bernoulli (John Tuturro). However, during the tour Mater gets caught up in a game international espionage. With the help of British spy agents Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) and Holly Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer), Mater is accidentally recruited to bring down Professor Z (Thomas Kretschmann) and his gang from sabotaging the races and the new fuel invention of Sir Miles Axlerod (Eddie Izzard), who's providing the fuel for the World Grand Prix.

While the film is more of a love note to the James Bond series, it does take a different route from the first film. Whereas CARS was a slower, more patient film, the sequel goes in the complete opposite direction: fast paced, high risk scenarios, in your face racing scenes that surpass the first film. Directors John Lasseter and Brad Lewis keep the pace of the film fast, funny, and entertaining. The race scenes alone are just stupendous. They look like the real cities of Tokyo, Paris and London, not computer generated environments. Once again, the computer animators have outdone themselves with this film. As for the 3-D effects, that only heightened the look of the film. It was the cherry to the already perfect ice cream sundae.

The story itself was not bad, not great either. I was expecting more McQueen; his life and his struggles like in the first film. Instead, he takes a back seat to Mater and his misadventures of being the world's worst accidental spy. Pixar should have named the film CARS 2: MATER'S BIG ADVENTURE. I felt as if the filmmakers did this intentionally, without letting the audience know what they were about to see Mater, not McQueen, shine in the spotlight. While he was the breakout character of the first film (and had a series of shorts starring him and McQueen), I felt like Pixar cheated fans out of some great character development. While both Caine and Mortimer are fantastic in their roles, it was still a subpar film.

CARS 2 will still attract kids of all ages to come to the theater and be entertained. Unfortunately, the inner child in me thought the film could've been better with a stronger script and more screen time from the rest of the characters. However I knew it was going to be tough to top last year's TOY STORY 3, which was Pixar's best film ever in my opinion. Hopefully the rest of the gang in Radiator City can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Mater has now made the world safe from another CARS sequel.

CARS 2 is now playing in 2-D and 3-D in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/index.shtml

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!