Movie Review: ***^Titanic (1997)

Titanic:  This is a classic movie, and the relationship between Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio and Rose (Kate Winslet) really makes this movie work.  And Rose's fiancé Cal (Billy Zane) is  such a jerk.  I am glad she ditches him.  But Jack is a lower class passenger, and does not have much chance of getting in a boat.  And the prized diamond the scavengers are looking for is all the time in Rose's pocket. Another classic scene is in the water, when Rose lets Jack go, and swims to a whistle to facilitate her rescue.  She portrayed one of the few that was fished from the water.  Kathy Bates is great as Molly Brown.  Word of warning, there is a nude scene as DiCaprio portrays an artist who draws Kate Winslet's character.    

Movie Review: ***^ Pocahantas II: Journey to a New World (1998)

This movie I found on Instant Netflix.  I enjoyed this movie for the most part.  John Smith goes into self banishment, and it is assumed he has died.  However he is in hiding as Ratcliffe (David Ogden Stiers) has gained influence with the king, and wants to take an armada to wipe out the Indians and get his gold. This movie introduces John Rolfe, who goes to America to invite the leader of the Native  Americans to come to England to meet the King.  Pohantan does not wish to go, but Pocahantas decides to go in his place.  She goes as a princess.  Pocahantas is jailed after protecting a bear from torture.  John Smith and John Rolfe team up to rescue her, but then she confronts the king again.  She convinces the king there is no Gold, and Ratcliffe is thwarted.

This movie works with the relationships between Pocahantas (Irene Bedard) and the men.  Ratcliffe continues to be evil.  The animals are no longer cute, the willow tree thing is old, the music is forgetable.  The Native American who travels with Pocahantas is funny in his regal manner.  The artwork leaves no doubt this is 2nd tier Disney.  However the thing that works the best is the relationship between Pocahantas and John Rolfe (Billy Zane).