Disney+ TV Review: ****^Star Wars: Andor 2022

 Andor is incredibly good as it keeps building until we hit the climax in the last episode.  Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is nothing more than a mercenary or thief.  He is recruited by a rebel organizer, Luthen Rael (Stellen Skarsgärd) He and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) work together in funding the rebellion.  Andor and some other reels carry out a successful heist of an imperial payroll, thus getting needed money for the rebellion.  Cassian hangs low, but in doing so is unjustly imprisoned.  He is set to work on some unknown device.  Escape is impossible as the floor is wired with electricity in it which is turned on at any hint of escape.  But when we realize that any sentence is a life sentence in this prison (a whole floor was killed when one was due to be released) escape becomes the goal.  

Andor's adoptive mother, Maarva (Fiona Shaw) passes away.  He must return to the funeral.  However the epire want him captured so they can torture him and learn secrets of the rebellion, particularly the identity of Luthen Rael.  Luthen Rael also wants to kill Andor so as to prevent being exposed.  It seems there is not much hope for him.  The highlight of the whole series is when Luthen's mother, through a droid, gives her own eulogy and calls for rebellion.  The tension just builds and builds to this point and finally pops.  In the chaos, Andor gives his life to Luthen.

The sage of Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) is weaved into the other stories.  However this story did not reach its head yet.

Movie Review: *****Matilda the Musical (2022)

 This is an enjoyable new musical from Netflix.  It is a remake of the Roald Dahl book, which has made into a movie, then a musical, and now adapted for the big screen.  The high light of the film is Miss Trunchbull (Kate Thompson) playing a large, mean odious woman who abuses and bullies children.  She uses prosthetics to make herself look larger.  She leads the school song "The Hammer" which is very fun as she stays within the lines.  

Mathilda (Alisha Weir) is the motivation for a school rebellion.  This only happens after Matilda learns she has psychokinetic abilities.  This allows her to fight back against Trunchbull.  

Another sweet part of the movie is the students and their dancing and singing.  The approach it with such energy it really carries the movie.  

Of course this movie is high lighted by the sweetness of Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch).  She actually portrays a double role, also being part of the story Matilda is telling the the librarian (Sindhu Vee).  

I really love the song "Quiet" and find myself listening to different versions of the story.  However, this movie version with Matilda in a hot air balloon really captures the feel of quiet.  This is the song where Matilda finds her kinetic abilities.  

I hope everyone can find this movie version on their TVs through Netflix.Music by Tim Minchin.

Movie Review: ****^Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

 We return to the universe of Harry Potter but again before Harry Potter is born.  This movie takes place in the period leading up to WWII.  Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is on the rise.  He is absolved of wrong doing and is running for leader of the international magical world.  It is up to Dumbledore (Jude Law) and his cohorts to stop him.  This group includes Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), his brother Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner), Lally Hicks (Jessica Williams), Bunty Broadacre (Victoria Yeates), Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam) and the muggle, Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler).  Each has his own reason for being involved.  Kama to avenge his sister's death, Bunty is Scamander's assistant, Kowalski hopes to rescue his girl, Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol) and Dumbledore to remove the pact he made with Grindelwald when he was a youth.  Hicks is a new character in this movie and is recruiting by Dumbledore to combat the rising evil.  

Also in the mix is the history of Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) who is an Obscurus a powerful magical being who formed only under certain emotional conditions.  Turns out Credence is the son of Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth (Richard Coyle).  The plot revolves around the Qilin, a magical creature who can see the soul and suggest who is most worthy to lead.  Grindelwald captured one with the help of Credence, and has killed it and brought it back to life in a manipulated state.  However the Qilin has a twin, that Scamander protects.  How can the surviving twin arrive at the ceremony; and Gindelwald be exposed.  Credence calls him out, and Grindelwald attempts to kill him, while Dumbledore and Aberforth defend.  The crossing curses free Dumbledore from his previous pact.  Grindelwald escapes, but the world gets a better leader.  They all meet again at the Kowalski's bakery shop in New York for the wedding of Queenie and Kowalski, with Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) in attendance who Scamander has missed.

Christmas Carol Movie Review: ****Spirited (2022)

 This version of Christmas Carol is available on Apple TV.  It is a musical version and some of the songs are very catch.  Here is a unique take on "A Christmas Carol" from the view point of the ghosts and what goes into making a good changing intervention; even for unredeemable persons.  Big twist towards the end in the version which I will not reveal.  The plot centers around converting an unredeemable, Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) into a better person.  Christmas Present (Will Ferrell), Past (Sunita Mani), Yet-to-Come (Loren Woods) and Jacob Marley (Patrick Page) all embark on this endeavor.  Briggs' decisions and ruthless business nature are ruining his niece, Wren (Marlow Barkley) his administrative assistant, Kimberly (Octavia Spencer) and his brother Owen (Joe Tippet) with his ruthless win-at-all-cost nature.  He was very callous at his sister's death.  He is a very hard nut to crack.  

Movie Review: ****Philadelphia (1993)

 This is reportedly a fictional movie, but mirrors a couple different real life stories.  Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) sues his former boss after he is fired.  The firm contends his work was mediocre at best (even though they had just given him an important case.  Beckett's contention is that he was fired because they discovered he had AIDS.  He is represented in court by Joe Miller (Denzel Washington).  Miller does not like being around gay people.  But maybe that makes him better at representing Beckett.  The firm is headed by Charles Wheeler (Jason Robards) and is represented by Belinda Conine (Mary Steenburgen).  Antonio Banderas portrays Beckett's lover.  

This movie is one that makes you think about what may be your own prejudices.  We see the relationship that Beckett has with his partner.  Of course this is in the era before gay marriage.  

This movie won two Oscars, Hanks for best actor and Bruce Springsteen for best song, Streets of Philadelphia.  In today's environment Tom Hanks probably wouldn't be allowed to play this roll as a strait man playing a gay man.

Animated Movie Review: *****Toy Story 4 (2019)

 This movie is as good as any in the Toy Story franchise.  We are introduced to a new character, Forky (Tony Hale) who is Bonnie's best new friend because she made him from a plastic spork.  For Forky's side he thinks he is trash and is always trying to throw himself away.  Woody (Tom Hanks) takes it upon himself to keep Forky safe for Bonnie.  Buzz (Tim Allen) helps.  When Woody saves Forky, after Forky threw himself out of the R.V. window, he comes upon an antique store with a lamp that reminds him of Bo Peep (Annie Potts).   Forky is taken hostage by the toys in the antique store,  Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) wants Woody's voice box so children will love her.  Woody recruits Bo Peep to help in the rescue.  Bo Peep recruits Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) and his motor cycle.

Many cute parts in this movie.  The toys take over the navigational system so the R.V. goes back to the carnivale where Woody needs to be picked up.  In the end Woody has a big decision, Bonnie or Bo Peep.  

UBOC Christmas 2017

Reed Hansen is at 18 minutes telling the story of the Littlest Angel.  Reed is a good friend.  He was the choral director at the high school.  He was often the music director for the musicals we presented in the Uintah Basin.  He was often an actor in the presentations along with his wife Julie.  

Movie Review: *****Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

 I think with regards to this franchise The Last Crusade puts everything right.  Again we have Jones (Harrison Ford) facing the Nazis and this time looking for the Holy Grail.  We are introduced to Jones' father, Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery).  We also see a young Indiana Jones (River Phoenix).  Returning characters include Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) and Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott).  The Nazis have taken an interest in the Holy Grail, and have kidnapped Indiana's father who is an expert on the Holy Grail.  He has mailed his journal to his son trying to keep it from the Nazis.  However Indiana Jones has brought it with him when he is seeking his father.  They are both caught, and the journal taken, but a map has been removed.  

There are many adventures in getting away from the Nazis.  Indiana says he is use to people trying to kill him, while for his father it is a new experience.  I found this movie delightful many years ago and again today.  It is always important to choose wisely.  

Music Review: Donny Osmond: Live from Edinburgh Castle (2005)

Donny Osmond was quite a repertoire from over the years.  In this concert he sings old and new songs, and several of his songs didn't make the list.  He started writing his own songs in the 2000s and his newer songs are mostly self written, sometimes a collaboration.

Could it be I'm Falling in Love cover of the Spinners

Seasons of Love from the musical Rent is one of my favorite as the kids sang this song in high school choral concerts.

Puppy Love was written by Paul Anka and his version reached number 2 on the charts.  12 years later the Donny Osmond version reached #3

In it for Love is one of Donny Osmond's newer song from album What I meant to say.  This is a very good love song and includes all the things you should tell your lover.

Keep Her in Mind, ditto

Any Dream Will Do From Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat

Don't Dream It's Over first released by Crowded House on included in Osmond's Somewhere in Time Album.  

This Is the Moment is from the musical Jekyll and Hyde.  It is also the name of his Broadway review album.  

Soldier of Love is one of Osmond's harder songs.

Whenever You're in Trouble is a tribute to Osmond's mother when she was passing away.

You know someone believes in you
When they love you no matter what you do
You know you are home and you're not alone
When you hear me say

Whenever you're in trouble
Whenever you may need me
I will fight for you
I will help you through

Archive Interlude This showed Donny from five years old being introduced on the Andy Williams show to perform with his brothers.

Go Away Little Girl Donny's only #1 song on the charts and started his young group of songs.  This song previously reached #1 as recorded by Steve Lawrence.

Too Young from the Album of the same name was Osmond's fourth album.  

12th of Never--Thats a long long time.

Love Me for the Reason. I always thought this song had the catchiest melody.

What I Meant to Say explains what he wanted to say, another love song.

Would I Lie to You from the album Somewhere in Time picks up the tempo.

Shoulda Known Better from the What I Meant to Say album.

Breeze on By also from What I Meant to Say

Immortality was written by the Bee Gees but is almost autobiographical for Donny Osmond

Crazy Horses. This is the encore performance and is the hardest rock song in the group.  

This concert was actually very enjoyable.  I would recommend it to others.  I got it through Netflix DVD

TV Review: Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi

 Obi Wan Kenobi is available through Disney+.  It stars Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan and Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader.  Darth Vader has spent the last ten years brewing his hate for and searching for Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Obi-Wan has spent the same ten years feeling sorry for himself because of the way things turned out in Revenge of the Sith.  He says the Jedi are finished and he has buried his light saber in the sand and works as a meat packer.  He does keep an eye on Luke Skywalker.  However, when he is finally called back into service by Senator Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits) as Leia Organ (Vivien Lyra Blair) has been kidnapped.  We see Obi-Wan make a transition from hiding, to returning to be a Jedi.  At first he is overwhelmed by Darth Vader, but he grows and becomes more powerful in the force.  Leia is wise beyond her years (ten).  Another party involved in this scenario is is Inquisitor Reva, Third Sister (Moses Ingram). She is hoping to lure Darth Vader into a position where she can kill him.  She was a youngling at the Jedi temple when Darth Vader attacked.  She was able to run away.  

This mini series worked better when I watched it all the way through rather than a weekly episode.  I enjoyed the character of Leia, precocious and running into danger.  Obi-Wan has always been a favorite.  And Darth Vader, who says himself that he killed Anakin Skywalker. 

Lots of neat light saber battles in this show; and also the use of fire and rocks in the battles.  Great fun.

Movie Review: ****^Toy Story 2 (1995)

 Tom Hanks, Buzz Lightyear  and Tim Allen, Woody recreate the meaning of friendship in this sequel to Toy Story.  This is a fun story with a few quirks.  They end up in a toy store where there are many Buzz Lightyears.  At one point our Buzz gets replaced by a store Buzz.  Turns out Woody is a collector piece, and is set to be shipped to Japan with the other toys in the collection.  He completes the collection so there is lots of pressure on him as the collection is only valuable if it is complete.  On the other hand Buzz and the other toys come to rescue Woody.  The end up make a miraculous rescue at the airport, for all the pieces including Jessie (Joan Cusack), Woody's side kick from the old days.

Disney Movie Review: **Hot Lead and Cold Feet (1978)

 This is not Disney's best effort.  They had so much back fighting all the time it was hard to focus on the story.  In this movie Jim Dale portrays three rolls: the father who fakes his death to get his sons together, and smoke out a crocked mayor, and his sons, Wild Bill and gun fighter and Jasper a Salvation Army member from Philadelphia.  In Bloodshy Don Knotts portrays the sheriff, and Jack Elam who feuds with the sheriff throughout the store. I am not sure why they are feuding and by the end of the show it is obnoxious.  

Animated Movie Review: ***^Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)

 A made for Netflix movie.  This is a new animated retelling of the beloved story "A Christmas Carol."  In this movie not only did Marley die at Christmas, but also Scrooge's sister, at the birth of his nephew.  He has for ever since hated Christmas, and his nephew.  However he had developed his miserly ways before this.  

The story hits on the theme that we cannot change the past, but we can improve the future by focusing on what we can do today.  Netflix did a good job with the animation.  However there are parts--especially Christmas yet-to-be that would be a bit too much for children.  Scrooge is voiced by Luke Evans,

Movie Review: ****You've Got Mail (1998)

 You've Got Mail is a Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan romance, which gets off to a horrible start, as Joe Fox (Hanks) is a large book store magnate and putting Kathleen Kennedy (Ryan) who owns an independent book store out of business.  Unbeknownst to each other, they are falling in love as on line pen pals, while hating each other in the real world.  Will Kathleen Kennedy ever be able to forgive Joe Fox?  I enjoy this movie.  Both Hanks and Fox make likable characters, albeit Joe Fox is misunderstood.