FROZEN II

PG
Starring the voices of: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood and Jason Ritter
Running Time: 1 Hour and 43 Minutes

Sequels are so unpredictable, you just never quite know what to expect. As we all know by now, the original “Frozen” was such a huge smashing success that it has just become a part of our culture especially with the eternal ear-worm song, “Let It Go”.
It seems to me nowadays that the movie industry is trying so hard to be current and empower young women to be fiercely independent that sometimes it’s just too forced and artificial.
Even with the message of strong young women, “Frozen II” stayed true to the original story theme and it felt like it was a fairly smooth transition from the original to the sequel.
It’s hard to believe that “Frozen” came out in 2013 so Disney has had six years to get this sequel just right.
Fortunately, “Frozen II” does NOT have a huge theme song like “Let It Go”. I am so grateful for that!
Anna (Kristen Bell), and Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) are both back in Arendelle, along with their loyal crew; Olaf (Josh Gad),  Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Sven (Jonathan Groff) and yes, he does indeed do the voiceover for both Kristoff and Sven.
Anna and Elsa hear a tale about a battle that took place between their ancestors and different tribes living on a mountain in an enchanted forest land. This battle destroyed the relationship between the people of Arendelle and the mountain people. Elsa knows and is determined that she has to go and explore to find out the mystery that is her and Anna’s past history. She also is being haunted by a  voice that only she can hear. When she gets to the mountain she finds a beautiful Autumn-like forest that she has to enter to begin her adventure.
Anna gets together with the always enjoyable snowman Olaf, her boyfriend Kristoff, who is always searching for the perfect opportunity to propose to her and and the reindeer Sven. They also enter into the  elusive enchanted forest to search for Elsa.
This is a movie full of adventure and excitement about the two sisters who are fiercely loyal to one another that I think both children and adults alike will enjoy.
The special effects were incredible and very realistic! The  detail and colors were phenomenal!
There is also a darling little character who is a Salamander named Bruni who will capture everyone’s hearts.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. I think this movie is appropriate for children of all ages. However, there is a dark and scary forest with some frightening situations that take place that are fairly intense.
I am giving “Frozen II” three and a half bags of popcorn.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

PG
Starring: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson and Maryann Plunkett
Running Time: 1 Hour and 48 Minutes

I have to admit I was a little confused why there was another Mister Rogers movie being released after the documentary movie, “Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like” was just out last year.
Now I can say, these two movies are completely different! Last years documentary was more of a tribute to the TV series.
This new movie “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” is based on a true and very touching story. Tom Hanks stars as  the infamous Mr. Fred Rogers and plays him masterfully!
When Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) is assigned to do an expose on Mr. Rogers, he is what you might say, a little less than excited. As he reluctantly sets out on this new and challenging assignment he finds out a lot more than he ever dreamed of!
This movie ends up being a lot more about Lloyd’s past and his personal relationship with his own father Jerry Vogel (Chris Cooper). Lloyd is very uncomfortable with Mr. Rogers discussing and opening up a can of ancient worms that he would rather forget!
This movie is a heartwarming and beautiful story of the true and sincere person that Fred Rogers really was! He was honestly kind and dear to everyone. He formed such a personal bond with Lloyd Vogel and helped him to overcome his anger and his hang-ups.
The relationships in this movie are all very special and will touch your soul! This is a movie that will stay with you and I think everyone will find something in this movie that they can relate too.
I was impressed with all of the acting and I enjoyed seeing a cameo of the real Joanne Rogers.
Tom Hanks did an exceptional job as Mr. Rogers and I hope he will be nominated for a Best Actor Award.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. It is rated this for a reason, because it deals with real life drama and realistic situations. This is not a movie for children, don’t be misled by the Mr. Rogers association. There is no profanity or sexual innuendo, just adult subject matter.
I am giving “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” four bags of popcorn.

Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil

PG
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Harris Dickinson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sam Riley, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Robert Lindsay
Running Time: 1 Hour and 58 Minutes

I honestly had no idea what to expect going into this movie. This is the continuation of the movie,      “Maleficent” in 2014 (which is also a follow up to the original “Sleeping  Beauty” from way back in 1959). Angelina Jolie reprises her role as the always evil character that cannot deny that she has a heart even though she tries to deny it.
Elle Fanning resumes her role as the sweet and wonderful, Princess Aurora. Maleficent is protective and  possessive of young Aurora but Prince Philip (Harris Dickinson) has stolen her heart!
When Prince Philip proposes to Princess Aurora, it was one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen in a movie! The animation and special effects were absolutely amazing and stunning!!
When Prince Philip goes back home to his family’s palace to share his special news, his father, King John (Robert Lindsay) is ecstatic and elated for his son! On the other hand his mother, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) is not so happy with her son’s announcement! They insist on bringing Aurora and her guardian, Maleficent to the palace to meet them and for dinner. Maleficent is uncomfortable  and reluctant to go but wants to keep Aurora happy.
Once the two family’s meet and sit down to enjoy dinner, the sparks start to fly! There is tension and hostility between Maleficent and Queen Ingrith! This pretty much sets the stage for the entire movie.
They continue to have many conflicts causing great sadness, heartbreak and destruction!
I didn’t find this movie to have a great storyline, it wasn’t as strong and entertaining as I was hoping for. There was a lot of anger, hostility and jealousy. In the end it eventually works out.
I will say it truly was one of the most beautiful and visually stunning special effects job I have ever seen in a movie!
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. It contains a lot of anger violence. The two Queens have a lot of rage and fury against each other! Aside from that it was enjoyable and I think children over the age of 8 will be entertained by it.
I am giving “Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil” three bags of popcorn.