Kung Fu Panda 3

Rating: 4/5 stars

Director: Alessandro Carloni, Jennifer Yuh Nelson

Screenplay: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger

Length: 95 minutes

Starring: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, J.K. Simmons, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Kate Hudson, James Hong, Randall Duk Kim, Steele Gagnon, Liam Knight, Wayne Knight, Barbara Dickinson, Al Roker, Willie Geist, Fred Tatasciore, Pax Jolie-Pitt

MPAA Rating: PG (Martial arts action, mild rude humor)

Review
The entire Kung Fu Panda franchise is stunning to look at and the third installment is no different.

The basic premise of the franchise is this: Po must learn something about himself in order to become what he is meant to be leading him to discover the exact thing he must do in order to defeat the villain. In the third film, Po must discover who he is so that he can master the art of chi. A master of chi is the only person (animal?) who will be able to defeat the spirit warrior threatening the existence of China.

We open with  Po and the Furious Five (Tigress, Crane, Viper, Monkey and Mantis) helping the citizens of China while being praised and glorified for what they do. As the threat of the villain Kai (J.K. Simmons) arises, Po reunites with his father and follows him to the secret panda village seen briefly in the second film. Po's mission to learn how to be himself as that is the only way he can master the art of chi.

The narrative is simple. It is the same basic premise of the previous films, but the filmmakers do a great job of continuing to add something new and fresh to the story that it isn't boring. Getting to see Po's village and meeting his father Li (Bryan Cranston) is compelling.

While Master Shifu and the Furious Five are not main characters in this film, the new characters make up for this. The pandas in the village all have endearing quirks and humorous traits. The screenplay is able to combine the adventure of finding yourself while the threat of battle looms near seamlessly.

As mentioned, the film is beautiful to look at. The directors do a fine job of bringing the rich characters to life in a visually stunning world. There is a distinct difference between the real world and the spirit world and both have their visual appeal to them. If nothing more, the film is worth it for the visuals alone.

Pixar dominates in the animation box office, but Dreamworks is proving more and more that they are major competition. Their films are meant for adults and kids alike and I feel that while Pixar films have more heart, Dreamworks knows how to add humor to situations that seem impossible. Their films always provide something that is meant to motivate. Most importantly it seems the studio is more willing to let go and have fun with their films.

Kung Fu Panda 3 continues the solid storytelling and animation of the previous films and anyone who enjoyed those, will enjoy this one.

13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi by Mitchell Zuckoff

I was hoping to have written this yesterday, but oh well.  Let's talk about September 11, 2012. The eleventh anniversary of 9/11.

I don’t usually read non-fiction books, but as the film came out earlier this year I wanted to read its source material. What I enjoyed about 13 Hours is that it was written by a man who received first hand accounts of the people who were actually there. He didn't simply research the events and write what happened based on what he researched. 

“People in America get up and go to their nine-to-five jobs every day and are oblivious to all these battles and wars and people dying every minute all over the world. This is life. This is how other countries live. This is a daily occurrence in some places.” 



September 11, 2012: U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens is in Benghazi. He's staying in a secure, secret place called the Compound. Benghazi is in Libya, a small country that's poor and full of political issues. 

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

The compound was protected by local militiamen. Although local, the men promised to protect the U.S. Citizens living in the compound and the compound itself if needed.

When the compound was attacked, a group of brave men saved as many of the people in the compound as they could while also defending the Annex as they waited to be rescued. The Annex was located about a mile away from the Compound and it housed retired members of the military who now worked for the CIA ready to provide military defense if ever needed.

 


There's no bias for or against the people said to be responsible. The story is the truth of what happened told by the people who were actually there. It was fantastic to read.

“The attackers had used one of the oldest and most potent weapons of warfare: surprise.” 

The film adaptation stars John Krasinski. The film also stars James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreiber, David Denman, Dominic Fumasa, and Max Martini. Directed by Michael Bay it received raving audience reviews. I haven't had a chance to watch this film. It premiered while I was in New York and I didn't get a chance to see it.



If you're interested in what happened in Benghazi this is a must read. If you're not familiar with what happened, now is your chance to find out. It's a crucial part of our history and one we should all be aware of.

For more reviews visit: lluviareviews.blogspot.com

Tuck Everlasting: The Musical

Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Sarah Charles Lewis in Tuck Everlasting

I have seen a total of three Broadway shows. "Tuck Everlasting" is the first one I've seen based on one of my favorite novels. Its use of ballet was one of the many things that made this show intriguing to watch.

The show is directed by Casey Nicholaw who has previously directed "Aladdin" and "The Book of Mormon" for Broadway. I've seen a touring production of "The Book of Mormon" and knowing the story of "Aladdin", I'm fascinated how Mr. Nicholaw has been able to direct shows of different calibers and be able to bring them to life while staying true to the source material.

The musical is based on the 1975 novel by Natalie Babbitt of the same name. The book is written by Claudia Shear, and the music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tysen. I read the novel in sixth grade and watched Disney's film adaptation later that year.

In the film, Winnie Foster is 15 old enough to start a romantic relationship with the youngest Tuck son, Jesse who is 17. In the novel Jesse is 17 and Winnie 10. In the musical Jesse is 17 and Winnie 11. Major differences between the film adaptation and the other two, but it is important that Winnie be younger as she can only dream of a future to come with Jesse (played by Andrew Keenan-Bolger in the musical).

Major spoiler coming up, but it is the driving point of the story. Jesse Tuck along with his parents, Mae (Carolee Carmello) and Angus (Michael Park), and his older brother Miles (Robert Lenzi) stopped aging after drinking from a spring in the roots of the oldest tree in the woods. They have not aged and they cannot die either. The tree is the only part of the set that does not move. It is massive and always present.

The musical begins as the Tuck family enter the woods looking for the perfect place to settle. As they pass through, they encounter the spring and drink from it. They sing of the future, of living forever without knowing this is exactly what will happen.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Sarah Charles Lewis in Tuck Everlasting

Fast forward many years and we meet Winnie Foster. Winnie is precocious and eager to explore the world around her, but is forbidden by her mother (Valerie Wright) as her husband has recently passed the the family is still mourning. There is a wonderful balance between Mother and Nana (Pippa Pearthree). Mother is strict and very by the book while Nana provides humor to the tense situations between Winnie and Mother. The last straw comes when they are visited by the Man in the Yellow Suit (Terrence Mann). He invites Winnie and her family to the fair, once again Mother refuses, and Winnie escapes to the wood.

She follows her only friend, a toad, deeper into the woods until she spots Jesse drinking from the spring. He is unable to explain why she can't drink from the spring and when his family shows up they kidnap Winnie. She is scared, but as she gets to know the family she begins to care for them. They explain the spring and the life it has brought them and while Winnie is curious, the family believes she will keep their secret as well as that of the spring's.

While I did enjoy the musical numbers there was nothing particularly memorable about them. It's fun to watch them as they happen, but I didn't leave the show with any of them stuck to my head.

The scene stealers were definitely Fred Applegate as Constable Joe and Michael Wartella as Hugo. They, as well as Nana, were guaranteed laughs anytime they were onstage. While the ensemble as a whole was good, those three stood out above the rest.

The book is surprisingly funny. The aforementioned characters are hilarious, but everyone has their humorous lines or moments. It balances out the parts of the show that are quiet and sweet.

"Tuck Everlasting" is an innocent, kid-friendly show, but it does have moments that adults in particular can appreciate. The climax of the show involves the story of life from beginning to end told completely through dance. It's a beautiful way to end a simple show.

Batman V. Superman: El Amanecer de la justicia

Decidí escribir esta crítica en español para hacer algo diferente. En este caso voy a dar mi opinion sobre una de las películas mas anticipadas del año 2016. Batman v. Superman ha recibido muchas criticas. La mayoría de ellas han sido negativas.

Claro, la película tiene sus fans que la defiende diciendo que es una de las mejores películas de DC comics que ha salido. Yo soy una de las personas que no le gusto la película. Las razones por las que a mi no me gustan tienen que ver mas por algunos de los personajes que se me hicieron insufrible. Por esta razón soy diferente a muchas personas que no le gustaron la película simplemente porque se les hizo muy diferente a la historia que se encuentra en la historietas.

No estoy familiarizada con la historia de batman y superman aparte de las caricaturas que vi creciendo de niña. Mi hermano veía la caricatura de batman y es la que mas conozco pero ni así puedo decir que conozco toda la historia.

Viendo la película de superman cuando salio en el 2013, no estaba impresionada con el trabajo del director Zack Snyder. Esta fue la razón mas grande por la que no quería ver esta adaptación de los superhéroes.  Bueno eso y Jesse Eisenberg. Si voy a decir que la critica diciendo que la película no es buena porque es muy tenebroso y le falta humor es ridícula.

Zack Snyder ha dicho estupideces en defensa de su trabajo. Por lo cual no me molestaría, pero comparando un superhéroe que destruye toda una ciudad a un villano que destruye un planeta no es la misma cosa. Y en esta película toma mucho tiempo para asegurar que todos sepan que nadie inocente esta muriendo. Si no hubiera destruido la cuidad de Metropolis en la película de Superman, no tuviera que tratar tanto para defenderse.

El guión también tiene mucho que ver con los problemas principales. Aparte de eso ay mucho que ver en tan poco tiempo y eso resulta edición entrecortado. La batalla al ultimo es divertido pero para llegar ahi, tenemos que pasar por mucho que al final pudo ser cortado.

No es película horrible, pero no es coherente. La mayoría de los personajes son carismáticos y entiendes porque están peliando pero los otros son una molestia. Superman es uno de los personajes mas idiotas que he visto y aunque salva a mucha gente (según esta película) el lucha mas por si mismo. Y ni me platiquen de Lex Luthor que fue broma. Quiere que luchen los protagonistas pero no tiene buena razón por hacerlo. Todos los personajes que vienen de le historieta de Superman eran el mayor problema.

Claro hay momentos impresionantes en la película pero los personajes no están bien desarrollados. Esta es solo para preparar la Liga de la Justicia. Uno de los personajes que mas me gusto fue Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) y casi no sale. Pero por ella y por los camafeos de los otros miembros de la liga estoy emocionada por lo que viene. Aunque era una pequeña muestra de lo que vendrá es suficiente para agradecer a los fans. Mucho que ver en esta película pero no lo suficiente como sustancia.

Hay muchos actores de talento en los personajes secundarios pero aparte de Jeremy Irons los demás son un desperdicio. Me gusto Ben Affleck como Batman, Henry Cavill es lo que sea no estoy impresionada con el, pero Jesse Eisenberg fue un horrible Lex Luthor. Su interpretación era como si estuviera tratando de interpretar el Joker pero fracasando rotundamente. No se si fue decision de Eisenberg or de Snyder hacerlo así pero nomas resulto en siendo una mala imitación.

Si buscas una película nomas para entretenerte entonces esta es para ti. La primera parte de la película carece de enfoque, pero la batalla al ultimo hace que valga la pena. Si me quede con ganas en ver mas de Ben Affleck y su interpretación de Batman y claro quiero ver los demás miembros de la Liga de la Justicia. Por ellos voy a seguir viendo las películas de DC Comics. "Batman v. Superman" pudo ser mejor con personajes mas desarrollados y con un mayor enfoque pero definitivamente no es tan horrenda como todo el mundo lo hace padecer.

Zootopia

"Zootopia" is definitely one of the best animated films of all time. Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is the first bunny police officer. She dreams of saving the world and making it a better place, but unfortunately no one takes her seriously and is delegated to the traffic post. After she manages to become part of an ongoing investigation of missing animals she teams up with Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) a sly fox. Together they uncover the conspiracy concerning the missing animals and their discovery will change the future of Zootopia.

Of course Disney had no way of knowing what the world would be like when the film was released, but it's incredible how much the film reflects the world exactly how it is right now. Kids have an incredible cartoon role model in Judy. She follows her dreams despite everyone telling her she would fail. She also stands up for what is right no matter what. It's also sad when a film aimed at children is more reasonable than many adults living in the world right now. There are a group of animals that are suddenly targeted and hated because of the actions of a small number of them. Sound familiar? Anyway, (as you can tell I'm passionate about this film for obvious reasons) after that group of animals are proven innocent every resident of Zootopia learns that judging someone by what they are does nothing but grow unnecessary fear.

The world of Zootopia is creative and visually appealing. We see different parts of Zootopia all catering to the different animals that live there. It is wildly creative.

All the voice actors get into their roles. You definitely feel like you are listening to the characters as opposed to the actors voicing them. Judy is fun and you root for her from beginning to end. Nick is smarmy, intelligent and while he decides to be what society thinks he should be, he is immensely likable and you can't help rooting for him as well.

"Zootopia" is a must watch for everyone. The characters are well-developed. The visuals are beautiful. The story is relatable and most of all the lesson is one that we all can be reminded of.

Score: 4.5/5

Directed by: Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush

Written by: Jared Bush and Phil Johnston from a story by Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Josie Trinidad, Jim Reardon, Phil Johnston, Jared Bush and Jennifer Lee

Voiced by: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J.K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Alan Tudyk, Della Saba, Maurice LaMarche

Room

I was first introduced to Brie Larson as a child when she was in the Disney Channel Original Movie "Right on Track". At that point I was too young to notice her acting, but I enjoyed the film and never forgot her name. Last year I saw Brie act again in the independent film "Short Term 12". I was drawn to her performance and knew she would do great things if given the opportunity.

I was drawn to the story of "Room" from the moment I saw the trailer. Finally after many weeks of waiting I had the opportunity to watch this film.

"Room" is based off of the novel written by Emma Donoghue who also adapted the screenplay. This definitely worked in the film's favor as Donoghue knows what needs to stay in the story and what can be cut.

As an avid book reader and fan of watching their film adaptations, I believe the author of the book should be an active part of the filming process.

"Room" follows Ma (Brie Larson) and her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay). Having been kidnapped by Old Nick (Sean Bridgers) as a teenager, Ma has lived in room for the past seven years. Five-year-old Jack has grown up in room and knows nothing of the outside world.

Ma is doing the best she can to provide as normal a life for Jack as she can considering the awful circumstances that has brought them both here. Even when Old Nick comes to visit, Ma tries to make Jack as ignorant to the situation as she can. Jack is happy and while he knows that certain things of their life are strange, this is what he knows and rarely questions it.

We get to know the characters as they bond and live in their tiny room and see the beautiful relationship they have with each other.

After seven years Ma has had enough and begins planning their escape.

Ma tries to get Old Nick to take Jack to the hospital under the pretense that he's sick, but after that fails she convinces him that Jack has died. Old Nick takes Jack (wrapped in a rug) out of room and Jack is able to find help.

After they are rescued we see Jack and Ma struggle to adjust to life out of room. While Jack has a hard time adjusting, his transition is easier and smoother than Ma's.

I did enjoy the film and would watch it again, but I will say this half of the film is not as strong as the half that takes place in room. While it makes sense for the relationship between mother and son to become strained as they try to transition to life in the real world, the relationship didn't feel as authentic anymore.

It is interesting Ma and Jack interact with the other members of Ma's family. We get to know her divorced parents and her stepfather. We also get a glimpse into the dangers of the media. Life is hard outside of room and we can see Ma questioning whether she truly did the right thing.

I don't know if the film/novel were inspired by any true stories, but unfortunately things like this do happen and it's interesting to see a story that shows us the possible horrors of living in a tiny room as well as the possible depression that victims may face after rescue. It is also comforting to see the unlikely things that may bring them hope and a reason to live.

The film is beautiful to look at. Ironically it is more visually interesting in room and the immediate rescue than it is once the characters are living in the real world.

This film is definitely worth a watch. At times it is difficult to fathom the situations the characters are put through and there are moments where you feel anger (mainly towards the press and how major news stories are handled), but I think that speaks to the film and how strong the performances are.

Watch the film. It's worth it alone for the cast: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, and William H. Macy. Of those, only Jacob Tremblay is unknown, but he proves he can hold his own with more well known actors. Seriously, if the kid is good now imagine how good he can be as grows older. Everyone poured their all into this project and it shows.

Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: October 16, 2015
Studio: A24
Director: Lenny Abrahamsom
Screenwriter: Emma Donoghue
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, William H. Macy
MPAA Rating: R (Language)

The Royale

Jay Jackson is a boxer. A fantastic one. He has been training hard and success has reached him. People know who he is and want to see him fight. He is the African-American heavyweight champion.

Marco Ramirez's "The Royale", currently playing at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center, is unexpectedly engaging. I mean this only as a non-sports fan. I didn't think I would be as invested as the story as I ended up being. One of my favorite aspects were the boxing scenes. There are never any fake blows delivered amongst the actors. Instead we hear through sound and dialogue what is going on in the ring. It is different and it works wonderfully.

Directed by Rachel Chavkin the story is inspired by Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavy-weight boxing champion. Jay Jackson (Khris Davis) is tough and looking for his next challenge. He knows what he wants and the consequences that may come with it, but to bring about change he knows it must be done.

Of course this isn't the first time a story about Jack Johnson (or inspired by him) has been introduced to the public. I will say I haven't seen anything that has come before, but this one was a powerful story and it haunted me well after it ended. A story that takes place during the time of the Jim Crow segregation usually does.

More of a social drama than a typical sports story we see Jay Jackson fighting for the opportunity to prove he is truly the heavy-weight champion. To do so, Jay must go against the former heavy-weight champion, who is white. The story draws you in as you want to see Jay succeed, but you hear from more than one person that the consequences, for the black community, are too immense if he were to win. Jay struggles with his dream while also thinking about his family back home. You are right there struggling with him.

Poster for "The Royale"

The Royale is a relatively short play, coming it at only ninety minutes. It takes its time to build up the story, but once it does, it hits you hard.

The play begins and ends with a boxing match, but the tones of both are completely different. As mentioned before, there are no blows exchanged between the actors. The audience always knows what is happening, though. We are given a more intimate look into the fight than we would have if there were fake blows exchanged.

We are introduced to Jay as he fights against newcomer Fish (McKinley Belcher III). Both men are determined to win and it almost looks as though Fish will take the battle. Jay is not concerned with a newcomer and gets cocky. When Fish proves to be a challenge, Jay focuses and is crowned the winner. 

After the fight, Fish is asked to join Jay's team as a sparring partner. He agrees and the story proceeds with both characters offering something to root for. 

Jay is surrounded by a great support system. His trainer Wynton (Clarke Peters) is one of the best and wants nothing but the best for Jay. His white manager and promoter Max (John Lavelle) also means well, but most of the time his prejudices peek through. Despite this, Jay feels more alone than anyone realizes.

We get a glimpse into even more prejudices Jay must face as a scene with reporters asking questions comes into the story. They are invasive, but through this conference Jay is able to bring to light his desire to fight Bixby, the heavy-weight champion. This, of course, brings about a lot publicity and Bixby eventually agrees to the fight. At this point we are also introduced to Jay's sister played by Montego Glover. She brings in most of the conflict and Glover also doubles as an unexpected character.

The small cast is wonderful. They are all exceptional. Peters' and Glover's respective monologues are powerful. 

Each character has a charm that make them all likable. You want to root for all of them, but as they conflict with each other you have to choose and it is a hard choice. There is no physical antagonist, but it is there and it weighs heavy on the characters and audience.

Khris Davis does a great job as Jay and while his final choice can be viewed as selfish (and perhaps it truly was) you want nothing more than to see him succeed. Davis' portrayal is charming, but naive and when it comes to making the hard choices, he is stubborn. You never once blame him for the consequences, though. Unfortunately it is an unnecessary evil and you get the feeling he knew it must be done. At some point it would have to be done.

The play isn't without flaws however. It does take a while to be fully invested in the story and some things could have been cut without affecting the end result.

The great things definitely outweigh the nitpick aspects of the show. The technical aspects are also wonderful. They add to the story, but never overwhelm or distract from the story which is proof of a great design.

Boxing is something I doubt I will ever be interested, but stories about boxing? If they are as beautiful as this one, I will be there to watch and root for the underdog. 

Dope (2015)

Malcolm (Shameik Moore) lives in Inglewood, California. He and his friends Jib (Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemmons) are smart and trying to survive their final year of high school while thinking about their future. They are surrounded by drugs, gangs and that is what society expects them to turn into eventually. Unwittingly they are caught up in the world of drugs after they crash a party where Malcolm was looking to impress Nakia (Zoe Kravitz).

However, writer and director Rick Famuyiwa does not take this story where you expect it to. The characters defy what is expected of them and while the film does have its flaws, they are easy to ignore especially since you want nothing more than to see the characters succeed. Diggy, Jib and Malcolm have a great chemistry and it's fun to watch them go on this journey. The actors are all fantastic and are able to hold the film even though most are not household names. I wasn't sure what to expect with this film, but fortunately I got a story with great acting, likable characters that I could root for, a charming story and a great reminder that life is what you make it.

4/5 stars