Movie Night: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Review #250: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Cast
Sterling Holloway (Winnie-the-Pooh), Bruce Reitherman, Jon Walmsley & Timothy Turner (Christopher Robin), John Fiedler (Piglet), Ralph Wright (Eeyore), Clint Howard & Dori Whitaker (Roo), Barbara Luddy (Kanga), Paul Winchell (Tigger), Junius Matthews (Rabbit), Hal Smith (Owl), Howard Morris (Rabbit), and Sebastian Cabot (Narrator) Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman and John Lounsbery.

Review
This film is a few adventures composed into one film based off the books by A. A. Milne (With the first book Winnie the Pooh, written in 1926 and The House At Pooh Corner written in 1928) The animation is a gem, resembling like the illustrations done in the original books by E. H. Shepard. The acting is good, it makes you feel that the books have literally come to life for this film, with lots of charm, lots of fun, and lots of skill. After 35 years, this film has stood the test of time. It has remained a classic that should be adored, no wait, is adored by almost anyone that loves the tale of a bear and the adventures that surround him. And that's it. 250 Reviews. It figures to review this at the end of the month, a month that had a countdown to a new milestone all in all. I'm glad about this, and there is more to come. Thanks.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Sixteen Candles.

Review #249: Sixteen Candles.

Cast
Molly Ringwald (Samantha Baker), Michael Schoeffling (Jake Ryan), Anthony Michael Hall (Ted), Gedde Watanabe (Duk), Haviland Morris (Caroline), Paul Dooley (Jim Baker), Edward Andrews (Howard Baker), and Billie Bird (Dorothy Baker) Directed by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club - #046 and Ferris Bueller's Day Off - #207)

Review
This was John Hughes' first film that he directed and wrote, and...it's decent. While it may not be as rough as Breakfast Club or as zany as Ferris Bueller, it does have enough good gags and such to keep the film going long enough. Ringwald and the rest of the cast is memorable in their roles, which is a strength that accompanies Hughes' films. I have this one memorable conversation from the film: ("Everybody thinks I'm a dork." "I don't think you're a dork, your mother doesn't think you're a dork." "Mike thinks I'm a dork." "Mike is a dork") It has aged decently, and it is a staple of high school popculture, which does make sense. Sort of. And so, it is now time. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Review #248: Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Cast
Cary Elwes (Robin Hood), Richard Lewis (Prince John), Roger Rees (Sheriff of Rottingham), Amy Yasbeck (Maid Marian), Dave Chappelle (Ahchoo), Mark Blankfield (Blinkin), Eric Allan Kramer (Little John) Matthew Porretta (Will Scarlet O'Hara), Isaac Hayes (Asneeze), Tracey Ullman (Latrine the Witch), with Patrick Stewart (King Richard), Dom DeLuise (Don Giovanni), Dick Van Patten (The Abbot), and Mel Brooks (Rabbi Tuckman) Directed by Mel Brooks (#061 - Blazing Saddles and #198 - Spaceballs)

Review
To begin with, this is be the penultimate (as of today) film Mel Brooks has directed (with his last being Dracula: Dead and Loving It), and...it kinda shows. While it does have some laughs, the film is not as funny as Spaceballs (or Blazing Saddles for that matter). Elwes does a good job, even almost as good as his role in The Princess Bride. The film has a good amount of cast members, and the film uses it decently. There are some alright gags, but they probably won't be memorable enough to say (There was this one though where Robin asks the villagers if they want to join: "Yay or nay?" "Which one is the one that means yes?" "Yay....") In a way, it is a bullseye for Brooks, but in another way, it is an arrow that misses the mark by that much.

Countdown to 250 Reviews: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2...

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Time Machine (1960)

Review #247: The Time Machine.

Cast
Rod Taylor (H. George Wells), Alan Young (David Filby/James Filby), Yvette Mimieux (Weena), Sebastian Cabot (Dr. Philip Hillyer), Tom Helmore (Anthony Bridewell), and Whit Bissell (Walter Kemp) Directed by George Pal.

Review
The Time Machine is adapted from the 1895 novel by H. G. Wells (Herbert George Wells), who also wrote The Invisible Man, The War of the Worlds, and The Island of Dr. Moreau and many more. The film, like The Invisible Man (1933 - #039), brings a lot of intrigue and spectacle. Taylor does an excellent job in a film that doesn't have much cast but has much fun and effects. After over 50 years, this film still is useful and charming enough to watch. Definitely more recommended then the 2002 remake (A remake of a classic even if the classic hasn't aged away? I'm so shocked...) It might be a bit slow at points, but this is a fun film all in all. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Star Trek Generations.

Review #246: Star Trek Generations.

Cast
Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard), Jonathan Frakes (William T. Riker), Brent Spiner (Data), William Shatner (James T. Kirk), Malcolm McDowell (Soran), LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge), Michael Dorn (Worf), Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher), Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi), Alan Ruck (John Harriman), James Doohan (Montgomery Scott), and Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov) Directed by David Carson.

Review
The last time I reviewed a Star Trek film was a month ago (#226 - Star Trek VI - The Undiscovered Country) I talked about this film for a sentence in that review: "This would be the last film for the Original Series cast (Except for Shatner, Doohan, and Koenig, who would return in Star Trek: Generations) A new generation of films would soon follow." That generation would begin with...a baton handed from one side to the other side. But does it work out well? Well...Kinda. To begin with, the baton holding isn't much holding as it is just "here ya go" The cast does an alright job, but Soren isn't a very threatening villain. His plan amounts to "Fire a rocket at Nexus and see if works", which isn't much of a evil thing when you think about it. The film uses the oddest way to kill a character by just "dropping a bridge on him" Data is...irritating? annoying? I don't know what to say. While its effects are good (including the ship crash), the film simply mishandles its opportunity of Picard and Kirk for...I don't know exactly. But oh well. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Back to School.

Review #245: Back to School.

Cast
Rodney Dangerfield (Thornton Melon), Sally Kellerman (Dr. Diane Turner), Burt Young (Lou), Keith Gordon (Jason Melon), Robert Downey, Jr. (Derek Lutz), Paxton Whitehead (Dr. Phillip Barbay), Sam Kinison (Professor Terguson), Terry Farrell (Valerie Desmond), and M. Emmet Walsh (Coach Turnbull) Directed by Alan Metter.

Review
It firgure to come back from a six day hiatus of not reviewing with a film title like this (and if you want to add to it, a few hours ago I was in school, so there). Last time I reviewed Rodney Dangerfield was in Caddyshack (#208), and I forgot to menton his role in making that film and this film a success. The way he pops out at you (especially with the eyes) gives you a sense of confusion that turns to gigles soon after. While the plot may not be a sight for the ages, the film is at least useful in its own right. Dangerfield truly was good at what he did. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Sunshine Boys.

Review #244: The Sunshine Boys.

Cast
Walter Matthau (Willy Clark), George Burns (Al Lewis), Richard Benjamin (Ben Clark), Carol Arthur (Doris Green), Rosetta Le Noire (Odessa), and Lee Meredith. Directed by Herbert Ross.

Review
To begin with, this is an interesting film, with a cast full of people I hadn't reviewed ever before (or watched for that matter) And....it works. The film after 37 years still holds up as a fun filled riot. Matthau and Burns work out well, acting like....well, a former comedy duo, which given the film, works. The film holds on steady grounds, having some long stretches that do hold your attention as the film goes on. This is a film I have no regrets of watching, which is always a good thing. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6...

Overall, I give it 9 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Stripes.

Review #243: Stripes.

Cast
Bill Murray (Pvt. John Winger), Harold Ramis (Pvt. Russell Ziskey), Warren Oates (Sergeant First Class Hulka), P. J. Soles (MP Stella Hansen), Sean Young (MP Louise Cooper), John Candy (Pvt. Dewey "Ox" Oxberger), John Larroquette (Captain Stillman), John Voldstad (Stillman's Aide), John Diehl (Pvt. Cruiser), Lance LeGault (Colonel Glass), Conrad Dunn (Pvt. Francis "Psycho" Soyer)Judge Reinhold (Pvt. Elmo Blum), andJoe Flaherty (Border Guard) Directed by Ivan Reitman (#026 - Ghostbusters and #031 -Ghostbusters II).

Review
This is the third film I've watched of Ivan Reitman, and the first not named Ghostbusters. And the film works out, for the most part. Murray does a good job, along with Ramis and Candy, who steals the show. The film can turn from funny to serious whenever it can, having alright direction. The film has aged alright for 1981, having weirdness, a bit of charm, and some fun all in all. That's the fact, Jack. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8, 7...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

Review #242: The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

Cast
Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward Tentacles), Mr. Lawrence (Sheldon J. Plankton), Alec Baldwin (Dennis), Scarlett Johansson (Princess Mindy), and Jeffrey Tambor (King Neptune) Directed by Stephen Hillenburg.

Review
Oh dear, here we are. Based off the popular series created in 1999 by Stephen Hillenberg, this film apparently was intended to be the series finale. Intended being the main word. This film might seem like one of those annoying things that could destroy minds and make you question why this was made, but is it really? Yes and no. The animation is alright, with some good acting here and there. And...the plot does feel like a finale, which feels like closure....until you realize the show would later be renewed and continue on for more....adventures if you want to call it that. And that brings up a little flaw for me, if Plankton steals the formula (which he does), and yet loses it anyway, why didn't he just memorize it down and make his own Krabby Patties again after eventually escaping from his incarceration? While the film is at least a little funny in its approach, it'll be one of those love or hate films. I find it...Less then evil. Countdown to 250: 10, 9, 8...

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Despicable Me.

Review #241: Despicable Me.

Cast
Steve Carell (Gru), Jason Segel (Vector Perkins), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Russell Brand (Dr. Nefario), Kristen Wiig (Ms. Hattie), Dana Gaier (Edith), Will Arnett (Mr. Perkins), Elsie Fisher (Agnes), Pierre Coffin (Tim, Bob, Mark, Phil, and Stuart), and Julie Andrews (Marlena) Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud.

Review
It's fitting to review this film, it really is. Why? Before watching ParaNorman yesterday, I saw some trailers for some films (Such as Hotel Transylvania and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), but one trailer I saw was one for Despicable Me 2. It looked interesting given I hadn't watched the first one. Until today...Life's a weird thing (I'd say Irony but the word probably doesn't work here) And guess what? This film is interesting and does deserve a sequel. There I said it. The animation is alright (With this being from a new studio, Illumination Entertainment) Carell and the rest of the cast do a good job, with some fun moments. While it isn't in the ballpark of Pixar, it still holds its ground, working out well. Now then, what's next to be reviewed....What? Oh boy. This is gonna be one of those films...Countdown to 250: 10, 9...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: ParaNorman.

Review #240: ParaNorman.

Cast
Kodi Smit-McPhee (Norman Babcock), Tucker Albrizzi (Neil Downe), Anna Kendrick (Courtney Babcock), Casey Affleck (Mitch Downe), Leslie Mann (Sandra Babcock), Jeff Garlin (Perry Babcock), Jodelle Ferland (Agatha Prenderghast), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Alvin), and John Goodman (Mr. Prenderghast) Directed by Sam Fell (#166 - Flushed Away) and Chris Butler.

Review
On a Saturday like this, I watched this certain film at my local Cinemark theater, the first time I've done that in a few years, and the first for a film review. On the big screen, in the dark with not much noise in the way. And the film was good. To begin with, the animation looks good. It's weird and nice at the same time, giving off a cool feel. The story works well, it gets darker as the film approaches its end, making me feel reminded of Coraline when watching it. And yet, the film is still funny. It has some good chuckles (that aren't just reserved from the trailer) that keep this smart film working all throughout. Fun fact: The Countdown to 250 begins here. 10...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Buddy Holly Story.

Review #239: The Buddy Holly Story.

Cast
Gary Busey (Buddy Holly), Don Stroud (Jesse), Charles Martin Smith (Ray Bob), Conrad Janis (Ross Turner), William Jordan (Riley), Maria Richwine (Maria Elena Santiago), Amy Johnston (Cindy Lou), Dick O'Neill (Sol Gittler), Fred Travalena (Madman Mancuso), Neva Patterson (Mrs. Ella Holly), and Arch Johnson (Lawrence Holly) Directed by Steve Rash.

Review
On September 7, 1936, Charles Hardin Holley was born in Lubbock, Texas. Holly revolutionized the rock and roll genre with his music, such as "That'll Be The Day" and "Peggy Sue" With his horn rimmed glasses and charm, he understandably rose up to stardom before his tragic death in February 3, 1959. Gary Busey fits into the role with no real stumbles, giving a good feel for the film. And yet, the film does mess with some of the facts (Most don't get all of them right, but it wouldn't hurt to try) The rest of the cast is alright, with no real exceptions. The songs work out well, given that the actors did their own singing and played their own instruments live during the filming, and it shows. A decent film; while it does mess with the facts at times, it has enough Busey and singing to help keep it rolling. Happy Birthday, Buddy.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: The Little Rascals.

Review #238: The Little Rascals.

Cast
Bug Hall (Alfalfa), Travis Tedford (Spanky), Brittany Ashton Holmes (Darla), Kevin Jamal Woods (Stymie), Zachary Mabry (Porky), Ross Bagley (Buckwheat), Sam Saletta (Butch), Blake Jeremy Collins (Woim), and Blake McIver Ewing (Waldo) Directed by Penelope Spheeris.

Review
Like many other (and I do mean many) movies adapted from television, this was based off a classic without any of the original members (not even a cameo). But even with those strikes against it, does the film have any hopes of doing something decent? In a few words...Meh. While the actors try at least to do something useful with their performances, the film isn't really memorable or even that fun. Youngsters will like it, but others might not as well. It made me ask a few questions though: Why is it they even have a club in the first place? Wouldn't their mothers object to it? What's with the random cameos? Why would a rich kid compete in a little car race? Why does Alfalfa's clothing remind me of the Doctor? And why am I asking questions? But oh well.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Galaxy Quest.

Review #237: Galaxy Quest.

Cast
Tim Allen (Jason Nesmith), Sigourney Weaver (Gwen DeMarco), Alan Rickman (Alexander Dane), Tony Shalhoub (Fred Kwan), Daryl Mitchell (Tommy Webber), Sam Rockwell (Guy Fleegman), Enrico Colantoni (Mathesar), Robin Sachs (Roth'h'ar), and Justin Long (Brandon) Directed by Dean Parisot.

Review
When you think about it, this one of those parody ideas that could work or fail, depending on the right hands selected for the job. And...The right hands were selected perfectly. Allen and-no scratch that, the whole dang cast fit well into their respective modes, with some good wit (It is always nice to see Rickman in a role not involving being a villain) And I have reviewed a few of these films (3 in fact, #009 - Star Trek (2009), #225 - Star Trek V, #226 - Star Trek VI) Good wit, good characters (I imagine now that this would be William Shatner's greatest dream, to be in space and all those aliens...), and good charm. Truly this film works for anyone who wants a good laugh.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Mr. Popper's Penguins.

Review #236: Mr. Popper's Penguins.

Cast
Jim Carrey (Thomas Popper), Carla Gugino (Amanda Popper), Madeline Carroll (Janie Popper), Maxwell Perry Cotton (Billy Popper), Angela Lansbury (Selma Van Gundy), Desmin Borges ( Daryl), Philip Baker Hall (Mr. Franklin), Dominic Chianese (Mr. Reader), and Clark Gregg (Nat Jones) Directed by Mark Waters (#151 - Mean Girls, #204 - Freaky Friday)

Review
Based off the book by Richard and Florence Atwater, the film attempts to be a good-natured adaptation, and...it languishes in parts. Carrey does a standardized act, almost pulling "The Eddie Murphy Act" The rest of the cast do a standard job as well, not really going one way or the other. While it isn't really much of anything, I don't feel any hate for it, I really can't find much hate for something I hadn't heard much of in the first place. If I had to list something else for this film, I'd list the penguins are not "Stuffed Animal Approved" by my stuffed penguin. *snickers* Alright, alright, I kid.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Space Jam.

Review #235: Space Jam.

Cast
Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, with Billy West (Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd), Dee Bradley Baker (Daffy Duck and Tasmanian Devil), Danny DeVito (Mister Swackhammer), Bob Bergen (Porky Pig, Tweety and Marvin the Martian), Bill Farmer (Sylvester, Yosemite Sam and Foghorn Leghorn), June Foray (Granny), Kath Soucie (Lola Bunny), and Bill Murray. Directed by Joe Pytka.

Review
It has been a long time since I've mentioned Looney Tunes (#007 - Looney Tunes: Back in Action), but here I am. This was the first theatrical Looney Tunes film, released 6 years before Back in Action. In a weird way, this is a surreal experience. Try saying this sentence "Michael Jordan tries to act in a film with Looney Tunes characters" without thinking "What the heck are you talking about?" Needless to say, the film does have its moments and its odd bits, but it is mildly entertaining to say nonetheless. While Jordan isn't exactly acting (He acts more confused and bewildered, though that may have been the point), the film at least tries to do something with its time to assure that this is not just Michael Jordan: Ego Trip. And with that, that's all folks.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Hoodwinked!

Review #234: Hoodwinked!

Cast
Anne Hathaway (Red Puckett), Glenn Close (Granny Puckett), Jim Belushi (Kirk, the Woodsman), Patrick Warburton (Wolf W. Wolf), Anthony Anderson (Det. Bill Stork), David Ogden Stiers (Det. Nicky Flippers), Xzibit (Chief Ted Grizzly), Chazz Palminteri (Woolworth), Andy Dick (Boingo), Cory Edwards (Twitchy), Benjy Gaither (Japeth the Goat), Ken Marino (Raccoon Jerry), and Tom Kenny (Tommy) Directed by Cory Edwards, Todd Edwards, and Tony Leech.

Review
From what I've learned, this is one of the first independently produced computer animated films, and it does show. With a budget of less then $8 million dollars, the animation is severly lacking in some parts. And yet the film still is a lesson in how to follow your ambitions of making films with limited budgets. The cast can be fun at times, but the film feels more like Shrek at other times, being a moderately decent film hampered by some flaws.

Overall, I give it 6 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: 2010.

Review #233: 2010.

Cast
Roy Scheider (Heywood Floyd), John Lithgow (Dr. Walter Curnow), Helen Mirren (Tanya Kirbuk), Bob Balaban (Dr. Chandra), Keir Dullea (Dave Bowman), and Douglas Rain (HAL 9000) Directed by Peter Hyams.

Review
It has been a while since I have discussed 2001: A Space Odyssey. So let me give a little discussion here. It's one of those films to describe it a few words: Grand. Special. Thought-provoking. Epic in scale. Effects-galore. Classic. As for 2010, what would the be the words to describe it? I'll say that later, but anyway, the film is an adaptation of the novel 2010: Odyssey Two, which was a continuation of the movie (It's weird saying this...) The performances are alright, conveying well. Dullea and Rain return, 16 years after 2001 to reprise their performances here, which works out well. While it isn't as thought provoking as 2001, it does has enough flares of thrill and skill (and strangely recounting the events of the first one) to make you watch it on its own without much stigma. Now then, what would I describe this film in a few words? Decent-looking. Some interest. Decent. 1984 (literally). And there we go.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.