Little Women

A new screen adaptation of the book Little Women (1868) written by Louisa May Alcott.

This was...OK I suppose. It is edited oddly, starting towards the end of the story when Jo heads off to New York to work as a governess and then told in flashbacks and flash-forwards. I'm sure this style was chosen in an effort to see this remake as fresh or unique, but for those that have never read the book or seen other versions of the story, be it film or on the stage, this leaves us with a confusing if not convoluted storyline.

I took two of my nieces with me - the fourteen year old who has read the book, commented that she didn't like how the story was "mixed up and told backwards." The eleven year old was completely confused and had no clue what was going on and asked questions the entire time trying to clarify the timeline.

Also the casting director seemed to take the term "little" literally, as all of the girls looked to be the same age and their leading "men" appeared as though they were twelve. So yeah, it wasn't that great.

** Rentable

Rated PG (for thematic material) 

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Well kids...it's here...Episode IX...the end.

So admittedly I went into this with very low expectations as I was so very disappointed with The Last Jedi (2017), I don't know that it helped.

This final installment though much better than its' immediate predecessor was still a tad lack luster. For the deliriously devout Star Wars fans, they will be delighted with the way things all tie up nicely with a bow, the extensive homage that is paid to the original three movies (episodes, IV, V & VI) and the fact that the basic plot very much mirrors that of Return of the Jedi(1983). 

On the other hand, for the critics and the cynics there are a few things that bring into question the realm of the force and stands to reason that if this is the reality of the galaxy far far away why did it take nine movies to get here...?

**1/2 Must See for the Devotees

Rated PG-13 (for violence and thematic elements)

Jumanji: The Next Level

Our four heroes re-enter the video game version of Jumanji and this time they bring along some new friends.

This was funnier than expected but not nearly as clever or as original as it's video game version predecessor.

The new characters bring a slight - albeit predictable twist to the new version but the pacing, the wit, the plot and most importantly overall 80's vibe were all off if not missing entirely.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13(for language, violence and some suggestive material)

Frozen 2

Elsa, the Snow Queen and her sister Anna continue their adventure as they leave the Kingdom of Arendelle to search out the mysteries of the enchanted forest and the origin of Elsa's powers.

Meh. It was totally underwhelming. The original Frozen (2013) was a unexpected sensation. Disney was completely unprepared for how eminent it would become - the music was fabulous, the story was excellent as it poked fun of the traditional fairy tale romances that Disney has become known for over the past century, mix that all together and it was an absolute hit.

The sequel...not so much. No doubt this will make just as much money...it's not as memorable, not as creative, just not as gratifying. The music is decent - but I didn't leave the theater thinking; "I need to buy that soundtrack" or "I want to see that again." Nevertheless if you have little's in your life it's not the worst way to spend two hours.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG(for some peril and thematic elements)