Movie Review: UglyDolls

UGLYDOLLS
Cast: Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, Wanda Sykes, Gabriel Iglesias, Wang Leehom, Emma Roberts and Pitbull. Bebe Rexha, Charlie XCX, and Lizzo
Director: Kelly Asbury
Producers: Jane Hartwell, Robert Rodriguez, Oren Aviv
Release Date: May 3, 2019

Official Site

#UglyDollsMovie

Unconventionality rules in UGLYDOLLS, STXfilms' new animated musical adventure starring the acting and singing voices of Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull.

In the adorably different town of Uglyville, weird is celebrated, strange is special and beauty is embraced as more than simply meets the eye. Here, the free-spirited Moxy (Clarkson) and her UglyDoll friends live every day in a whirlwind of bliss, letting their freak flags fly in a celebration of life and its endless possibilities. In this all-new story, the UGLYDOLLS will go on a journey beyond the comfortable borders of Uglyville. There, they will confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don't have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most.

The film is inspired by the unique and beloved global plush toy phenomenon launched in 2001 and features all new original songs from the cast of popstars.

Also starring in the voice cast of UGLYDOLLS are Wanda Sykes, Gabriel Iglesias, Wang Leehom, Emma Roberts, Bebe Rexha, Charli XCX and Lizzo.

An STXfilms and Alibaba Pictures presentation, UGLYDOLLS is directed by Kelly Asbury and will be released in theaters on May 3, 2019.

The original motion picture soundtrack will be released by Atlantic Records.

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Recently, the world of animation has stepped-up its game.  There are some really good, trip to the theater worthy, animated films being made these days.  Unfortunately, UglyDolls isn’t one of them. In the scheme of the good, the bad, and  the ugly,UglyDolls is heavy on the bad and ugly and very low on the good. Opt for a different family film this week, or take the kids to see the latest superhero movie out (again.)

From the get-go, UglyDolls seemed confused.  Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) opened the film with a song about how wonderful the day was going to be and how happy she was to be a part of the Uglywille community, but she’s also very sad that she may never be able to leave Uglywille to realize the dream of belonging to a child. Then, the town mayor, Ox (Blake Shelton) discourages Moxy from following her dream, seemingly to protect her from he real world.  But, in his efforts to protect Moxy, Ox pressures an unwilling Lucky Bat (Wang Leehom) into “counseling” Moxy against her plans to search for more.  … And that was just the first five minutes.

UglyDolls tried hard to make the correct points: self-esteem, inclusion, and tolerance, among others. But, then, one of the dolls crashed into a wall because she didn’t want to “be ugly” by wearing her corrective lenses, and the good messages are lost on the kids in the theater audience wearing corrective lenses.  It happened like that time and again.  Just as the story was going to make a positive point, it went sideways. UglyDolls was definitely not some of Kelly Asbury’s (the Director of the film) best work. If it wasn’t for Moxy’s can-do spirit and big heart, UglyDolls would have been entirely unwatchable.

The music was bad.  It was more like sung dialogue. There was nothing catchy about most of the songs.  No one will be humming the tunes after watching the movie. Maybe because many of the of the voice actors are singers, UglyDolls includes an entire soundtrack of original music.  The many musical numbers were over used and overdone.

Still, not all of it was horrible.  Ugly Dog (Pitbull, who doesn’t love Pitbull?) stole all of the scenes he was in.  Wage’s cynical voice (Wanda Sykes) added genuine and much needed humor. And there was a bit in a washing machine which was creative and original.

That said, skip it. Use the 88 minute run-time to do something else with the family this weekend.  Big kids will dislike the silly music and infantile use of color.  Little kids won’t understand any of the well-intentioned themes.  Parents will resent all of it. Uglydolls is playing everywhere starting May 3.

Meet The Cast of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul - #WimpyKid

Jeff Kinney, author of the record-breaking book series, is here to introduce you to the cast of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL from the set of the upcoming film! In the latest DIARY OF A WIMPY KID installment, a family road trip to attend Meemaw's 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course - thanks to Greg's newest scheme to (finally!) become famous.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL hits theaters everywhere May 19, 2017!

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DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL

Comedy

Release: May 19, 2017

Director: David Bowers

Producers: Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson

Cast: Jason Ian Drucker, Charlie Wright, Owen Asztalos, Tom Everett Scott, Alicia Silverstone

SYNOPSIS

In DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL, based on the record-breaking book series, a family road trip to attend Meemaw's 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course--thanks to Greg's newest scheme to (finally!) become famous.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL Official Channels

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wimpykidmovie 

#WimpyKid

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If you would like to check out the book before the movie releases, here is the information:

Movie Review: 20th Century Fox's Ice Age: Collision Course

ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE
Animated Comedy
Release: July 22, 2016, in 3D
Director: Mike Thurmeier and Galen Chu
Producer: Lori Forte
Cast: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, and Jennifer Lopez. Stephanie Beatriz, Adam DeVine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J, Nick Offerman, Melissa Rauch, Michael Strahan and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Official Channels: Site | Facebook | Scrat's Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Vine | SNAPCHAT: IceAgeMovies
#IceAge #CollisionCourse

Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters. ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE, opening in theaters everywhere July 22, 2016, stars returning cast members Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, and Jennifer Lopez. Joining the herd are Stephanie Beatriz, Adam DeVine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J, Nick Offerman, Melissa Rauch, Michael Strahan and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

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This movie fell right into the Ice Age series, but also didn't feel like a sequel. 

The family sets off to try and stop the end of the world all while learning to deal with what's to come. Manny and the gang are once again joined with the crazy Buck to go on a journey to stop an apocalyptic asteroid that hurling toward them. All the while dealing with the fact that he is not wanting to let his little girl, Peaches, go. She is soon to marry Julian, who doesn't quite match what Manny had hoped for his daughter. They go through everything from being chased by dangerous dinosaurs, to meeting a group of odd characters who never age, and Manny starts to see the good that can come from all of this. 

The kids and I laughed all of the way through and they couldn't stop talking about it to everyone we saw that day. Definitely a must see for the whole family.

Movie Review: Pixar Animation Studios' Finding Dory - #HaveYouSeenHer

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Finding Dory
Release Date: June 17th 2016
Director: Andrew Stanton
Writers: Andrew Stanton (screenplay/story), Victoria Strouse (story), Bob Peterson (story)
Starring: Ellen DeGeneres (Dory), Albert Brooks (Marlin), Ed O'Neill (Hank), Hayden Rolence (Nemo), Bob Peterson (Mr. Ray)
Genres: Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for mild thematic elements
Official Socials: Website | Facebook | Twitter | IMDb

“Finding Dory” reunites the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way. The all-new big-screen adventure dives into theaters in 2016, taking moviegoers back to the extraordinary underwater world from the original film.

SaveSave

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It is hard to believe that it has been thirteen years since Finding Nemo swam across the big screen (and the ocean), but it has. Finding Nemo is the first movie my daughter saw on the big screen.  She was a baby, but I wanted to see it, and she slept through most of it.  She slept because she was a baby and the pretty blue water on-screen knocked her out, not because of the movie quality.  Finding Nemo was, of course, great.  It has become one of my family’s favorite films.  Thirteen years later, my whole family dove back into the sea to experience Finding Dory, and I am glad that we did.

From start to finish, Finding Dory is a delight.  The original gang is back.  Dory, Marlin and Nemo are voiced by the cast of the first film.  To the originals, the film adds new, equally lovable, characters in Destiny, Bailey and Hank.  Hank, voiced by Ed O’Neill, is a total ham and my favorite new character.  The film adds just the right amount of new characters to the originals.  The audience gets to know each of them, and they get to see what makes each of the characters special.

The new adventure is great.  Finding Dory does not stray too far from the original formula that made Finding Nemo so likeable, but it isn’t necessary for an enjoyable experience.  There are some parallels to the original adventure, but not so many that it feels like the old story is repeating itself.  The setting of Finding Dory lends itself well to the right amount of diversity. Those of us who have been waiting thirteen years will appreciate the similarities to the original story and everyone else will appreciate that the new story still plays as fresh.    

The theme of Finding Dory is universal. It is great for younger audiences and adults alike.  I think the theme will especially resonate with anyone who is living with adversity.  Everyone has something to work through. Every sea creature has something to work through, also. Ellen DeGeneres' voice-work is sublime in this regard. The audience can't help but feel the genuineness of Dory's troubles, and we are all on the edge of our seats until the resolution. 

It really is a great time. It looked beautiful on the big screen and even better in 3D.  I suggest splurging on all the bells and whistles for this one, Disney/Pixar never disappoints. Get your water wings ready. Finding Dory swims into theaters on June 17.

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Movie Review: Paddington - #PaddingtonMovie

Paddington

Release Date: January 16th 2015
Directed: Paul King
Main Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Nicole Kidman, and Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington
Genres: Comedy | Family
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for mild action and rude humor
Studio: The Weinstein Company
Official Sites: Website | Facebook | Twitter | IMDb

From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (HARRY POTTER), PADDINGTON tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) who travels to the city in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined - until he meets the kindly Brown family who read the label around his neck that says “Please look after this bear. Thank you,” and offer him a temporary haven. It looks as though his luck has changed until this rarest of bears catches the eye of a museum taxidermist.

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Paddington is a film based on the children’s book Paddington Bear by Michael Bond. Paddington is a young bear from the region of “darkest Peru”… or, I should say, as they do in the film, he is a very rare bear from darkest Peru. Paddington is rare because he is intelligent and knows how to speak. After his home in Peru is truck by an earthquake, Paddington’s aunt sends him to London to find a new home. Paddington’s adventure begins on a boat bound for London carrying a suitcase full of marmalade jars and wearing a hat and a tag that reads “Please take care of this bear.”

Paddington’s aunt had told him that he should go to the train station and someone there would give him a new home. Of course, things did not turn out as easy as Paddington’s aunt thought that they would be. Thank goodness for the Brown family. They agree to take him in for one night and help him find the explorer who once invited Paddington’s family to visit London.

The plot centers on trying to find this explorer in London. It is quite complicated given that Paddington doesn’t know the name of the explorer and Paddington is being pursued by a taxidermist (Nicole Kidman) who is fixed on having Paddington stuffed.

The action sequences in the movie were really fun to watch. The action is completely innocent and tame enough for the whole family. My children loved it.

It is a charming film. While the story takes place in modern time, there are a lot of classic themes throughout. I appreciated that it isn’t a hip hop, ultra-modern version of the story I enjoyed as a child; it is just as I remembered it. Love the nostalgia.

The film has great messages for families. There are statements about manners and individuality. There are also messages about non-traditional families, and what it means to be a part of one. All in all, can't say a bad thing about this cute film. Great nostalgia.

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Movie Review: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

The Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Release Date: December 19th 2014

Director: Shawn Levy

Writers: David Guion (screenplay), Michael Handelman (screenplay), Mark Friedman (story), David Guion (story), Michael Handelman (story), Thomas Lennon (characters), Robert Ben Garant (characters).

Main Cast: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Dan Stevens, Rebel Wilson, Ben Kingsley

Genres: Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy

MPAA Rating: Rated PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language

Official Sites: Website | Facebook | Twitter | IMDb

Get ready for the wildest and most adventure-filled Night At the Museum ever as Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.

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Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb is the third, and final, installment of the Night at the Museum saga. It follows Night at the Museum and Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. This last chapter is an entertaining and fitting end to the series.

The entire cast is back for the last hurrah, Larry Daily (Ben Stiller), Dexter, Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Sacagawea (Mizuo Peck), Octavius (Steve Coogan), and Jedediah (Owen Wilson) set off on a mission to save the magic which allows them to come to life. Their mission takes the entire cast to London and the British Museum where Ahkmenrah’s Tablet wakes a museum full of artifacts that have never before been awake. It makes for a fun ride.

The ensemble’s comedy bits are funny even in this “third time’s the charm” adventure. There are a few subplots which are great in keeping the story moving. I could watch a new movie with just Octavius and Jedediah (the miniatures), and still be very entertained. Hilarious! Dexter is always funny. And, of course, it was nice to see Robin Williams in a new movie one last time.

Aside from the comedy, there are some family themes which many of us can appreciate. Through Larry’s relationship with his son, there were positive messages about growing up, making the right choices in life and fulfilling one’s dreams. Any movie which might serve to inspire my children is okay with me.

The special effects are outstanding. I was blown away by the constellations in the observatory. Usually it takes 3D effects to make a movie come to life, but this film could not have been made any better. There is a scene at near the end with Larry and Dexter which made me mist-up a bit. The effects are done so well that I forgot that a lot of that is CGI.

Don’t miss this one. It is a lot of fun. Great for all ages. Wonderful for the holidays. When the film was over I was sad that I wouldn’t see a fourth installment of the hijinks. That’s how much my family and I enjoyed it.

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Movie Review: Turbo

Turbo

Release Date: July 17th 2013
Studio: Dreamworks
Director: David Soren
Main Cast: Ryan Reynolds (Turbo), Paul Giamatti (Chet), Samuel L. Jackson (Whiplash), Michael Peña (Tito), Luis Guzmán (Angelo), See full cast HERE
Screenwriter: Darren Lemke, Robert D. Siegel, David Soren
Genre: Animation | Family
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for some mild action and thematic elements
Official Website: Turbo Official Dreamworks Movie Site

Storyline: A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500.

Vroom, Vroom! That’s Turbo coming in fast and hard to all theaters today! Turbo (Ryan Reynolds) will win you over with his strong spirit and never giving up determination. What I adored about Turbo the movie in whole is that it will show all those who watch it that you never give up on your dreams. That might not happen over night or fall in your lap, but if you keep trying, you will eventually get there. Then with that message, add the vivid movie that Turbo is and it will take the gold medal. A movie that can be seen by the whole family, so take the kids and grandparents plus anyone in between. Everyone will be glued to their seats laughing and gasping throughout the whole film.

When I went to screen Turbo, I took along my boys and their friends. So 4 boys ages 6-11 years old thoroughly enjoyed watching Turbo and we saw it in 3-D. I asked each one of them individually what they thought of the movie and they said it was awesome, funny, hilarious, colorful and great music. Some of their favorites scenes were when the snails did a music video type scene, the race at the end with Turbo and just the taco truck in general. As a group they said the whole movie was just awesome from start to finish and they wanted to watch it again. As a parent and movie lover, I would watch Turbo again in theaters. When the DVD comes out for sale I will be buying a copy as well. Where does Turbo rank amongst past animation films such as The Lion King, Cars, Epic and Toy Story? It might not become a classic like The Lion King, but I’m sure it will become a household name for a while.

So for all those kids on summer break and the parents pulling their hair out, ready for them to go back to school already, I recommend that you catch Turbo in theaters before it speeds away. You will enjoy the action, humor and storyline.