In Theaters ***^ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

In Theaters ***^ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

This is an animated feature.  We are given not only Peter Parker (Chris Pine), Spider Man (who actually dies at the beginning of the movie) but several versions of Spider-Man, including Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) who is newly bitten by a radioactive spider and is learning how to be Spider-Man; Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) who is an older version, and comes from a different verse; Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld) who is Gwen Stacey but Spider-Woman in her verse; Peni Parker (Kimiko Glen) a Japanese version with a robot; Spider Man Noir (Nicholas Cage); and a porky the pig version (John Mulaney).  These spidermen team up to defeat King Pin (Liev Schrieber), whose manipulations of inter-dimensional technology to bring his family back, may rip apart the universe.  Another twist is that Miles Morales' uncle (Mahershala Ali) works for the King Pin.  There is some great fun and action here, and also confrontation of your fears. 

In Theaters: **^ Second Act (2018)

***^ Second Act  (2018)  This movie stars Jennifer Lopez as a successful assistant manager at a store, but gets overlooked for a promotion because she does not have a college degree.  Her friends son creates a new persona for her, with diploma and history using the internet, and she is offered a position at a prestigious company.  She takes the job after being humiliated by her new boss.  And so begins a life of deceit.  She takes a task to develop a new line of cosmetic which is more “green.” Against the boss’ daughter who is just revamping the old line.  During the competition, it is discovered that the daughter (Vanessa Hudgens) is actually her own biological daughter she gave up for adoption many years ago.  She forms a quick relationship; but how will it survive when it becomes clear that her education and resume is all fraud.  This movie is actually very good but it is their playing light of the use of cuss words that keeps me from giving it higher marks.  If you are trying to keep your kids from cussing don’t take them to this movie.

In Theaters: ***^ A Dog’s Way Home (2019)

***^ A Dog’s Way Home (2019)  I was really looking forward to this movie, but must admit some where along the way, with the long journey home, it became a bit boring.  The journey took more than two years and allowed our puppy hero to raise a mountain lion, and then be saved by the same mountain lion.  Big Kitty he was called.  Denver must have some pretty restrictive dog regulations, and any three people can certify a dog as a pit bull whether it is or not.  A pit bull cannot be on the streets.  Bryce Dallas Howard voices the dog, Bella.  Her person is Lucas (Jonah Hauer-King).  Bella is loved by the veterans where Lucas works, but is forced to New Mexico by the Denver laws.  From there she makes her long journey.  Wes Studi plays a cameo as a police captain who intervenes in the arrest of a dog.

Christmas Movie: ****^ Dr Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

****^ Dr Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)  I think this is the best of the theater Christmas movies this year.  I especially like the character of Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seeley) who is determined to capture Santa Clause so she can make a special request for her mother for Christmas.  Her personality really shows in this animated format.  Of course The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) shows up for Christmas, taking the tree so he can repair it.  In truth he has taken everyone’s Christmas.  This was a very enjoyable remake.  There are bits with the reindeer that are fun, and the relationship between the Grinch and his neighbor.  

Movie Review: *** Home on the Range (2004)

Home on the Range  (2004)

This is an animated feature.  This is a bank robbing, cattle rustling movie, where the cows decide to make things right.  The cows featured are played by Roseanne Barr, Jennifer Tilly and Judi Dench.  They need $750 to save Pearl’s (Carole Cook) ranch, as the bank is calling in their loan.  At first the girls try a fair, but fail to win the prize.  Next they go after Alameda Slim (Randy Quaid)  himself, for the reward money.  Alameda is rustling and buying up the whole territory with his gains. He is due for a fall.

Book Review: Trelian Trilogy by Michelle Knudsen

The Dragon of Trelian, Michelle Knudsen, Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2009.

This is a unique trilogy.  In this first book we are introduced to Calen and Meg, who become fast friends.  Calen is the apprentice to the castle mage; And Meg, actually Meglynne, is the princess.  However Meg is an unusual princess, she has a dragon, and they have formed a bond—which is life-long.  Calen advises her on the relationship as he studies book available through the apprentice.  They both develop in their abilities, and in the end, only working together are they able to overcome some of the hardships they face.  This includes their own safety, but also the safety of Meg’s sister, who is marrying the prince of the neighboring kingdom, and in doing so will help end a long war between the two kingdoms. 

The Princess of Trelian, Michelle Knudsen, Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2012.

Everything is upside down in this second version of Trelian, especially at the Magistratum, which of itself has come under attack from some unknown magical force.  Calen is not exactly blamed, but he is implied.  Through seer saying the magistratum is convinced that Calen will be a force for evil against them.  And in the end this appears correct.  Meg’s younger sister is kidnapped, and Meg’s dragon accused of doing harm to a kingdom which is bent on revenge.  And Meg, in rescuing her sister, starts the war that will allow the evil exiled mage  Krelig to return.  What is worse, Calen leaves with Krelig in the end to become his apprentice.

The Mage of Trelian, Michelle Knudsen, Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2016.
Finally the book where everything comes together.  Meg must train with the dragon, because they will play a big part in the wars.  But more important, the mages train for a mage war.  Calen finally escapes from the evil mage Krelig, and teaches the other mages what to expect.  It is only this alliance that gives them some hope.  In the end it is Krelig's lust for revenge that does him in. 

***^Buttons (2018)  This was a special engagement at the theater, featuring Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury as guardian angels.  A young girl is orphaned, and instead of taken in by her relatives is given a position at their mill.  Conditions at the mill are such that children do not last very long.  Jane Seymour portrays the aunt who turns her away.  Only in a daring escape, and a miraculous intervention is her life spared, and that at other girls at the mill as they are taken in and adopted by a wealthy family.  I think this was a special engagement because it wasn’t quite ready.  There were technical issues with getting the action and the sound to match.  I hate that in a movie.