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IR Film Review: MIGRATION [Illumination/Universal]
"Migration" has a sense of itself without getting too lost in its own trevails. This might be the writing of Mike White which is an interesting choice but definitely reflects in every character having both their own argument and point of view without being grating.
IR Film Review: WISH [Disney]
The aspect of Disney animation has evolved. The new age of Disney animation constitutes an interesting parallel where with successes like "Frozen", there is the ability to do interesting swings. "Wish" stars Ariana DeBose as a new form of Disney heroine in a way: Asha but still with the outsider motif which has always been a stalwart in the lexicon.
IR Film Review: THE CANTERVILLE GHOST [Shout]
The legend of the Canterville Ghost is one that has been heard about in different forms of literature. However transforming it into a kids' animation of sorts is an interesting approach. Non-Disney or Dreamworks outlays sometimes have a bit of trouble with tone, mostly because their brand has not been created yet. "The Canterville Ghost", directed by Kim Burdon, has good pedigree in his cast and a clear view on its progression.
IR Film Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - MUTANT MAYHEM [Paramount]
The context of outsiders and the appropo approach of teenagers has always served "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" well. With "Mutant Mayhem", the newest entry that juxtaposes the intent a little differently (especially within its animation) has its best intents at heart.
IR Film Review: THE SUPER MARIO BROTHERS MOVIE [Nintendo/Illumination/Universal]
With nostalgia the basis always begins with where the idea of the connection began. An interesting illustration of the Super Mario craze is that it stretches over generations which is both good and bad because there are many different interpretations. This partly explains why "The Super Mario Brothers Movie" is all over the place.
IR Film Review: MINIONS - THE RISE OF GRU [Illumination/Universal]
The aspect of the Minions is always trying to understand what they are saying and how their shenanigans will unwind everything they try to accomplish for their master: Gru. With "Minions: The Rise Of Gru",the story is brought back to the villain's tween years where he is just trying to find his identity but also looking for mentors.
IR Film Review: LIGHTYEAR [Pixar/Disney]
"Lightyear" knows what it wants to be and it has it down pat. It needs to be something different from the "Toy Story" movies and that is clear from the outset. It is a film about inspiration and forming a found family, warts and all. That is what "Toy Story" was about.
IR Film Review: SPACE JAM - A NEW LEGACY [Warner Brothers]
Here Lebron James is the new Michael Jordan and he holds up pretty well. No one expects him to do Shakespeare but he delivers as he needs to, maintains his focus of play but also seems to have a little fun.
IR Film Review: THE BOSS BABY - FAMILY BUSINESS [Dreamworks/Universal]
"The Boss Baby: Family Business" doesn't reinvent in the wheel but it knows its IP well enough to understand its needs but also push its boundaries.