This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 77. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, friends!

So, guess what? I’m officially on a musical binge! 🎶 After diving headfirst into a sea of song and dance flicks recently, my latest adventure was the 2016 hit, “La La Land.” Directed by Robert Stevenson and Ward Kimball, this movie is like a blast of pure, technicolor joy right to the heart. 🌈

Let’s talk plot: It’s a classic love story with a twist. Mia (played by the ever-charming Emma Stone) is a barista with big-screen dreams, while Ryan Gosling’s Sebastian is a jazz musician, trying to keep his art alive in the cut-throat world of modern music. Their paths cross in the most ‘LA’ ways possible – think road rage meets romance. 😂

Now, about the acting. Emma Stone? A total knockout. She brings Mia to life with this raw, almost palpable passion. And Ryan Gosling? Man, can that guy brood and play the piano! Their chemistry is like, off the charts. It’s like watching two comets collide – in the best way possible. 💥

But here’s the kicker – this film isn’t your typical ‘they lived happily ever after’ story. It’s bittersweet, like that last piece of chocolate you savor, knowing you won’t get another. The ending left me in a puddle of emotions – happy, sad, nostalgic, you name it.

And the music, oh boy! It’s like a love letter to jazz and classic Hollywood musicals. Every song and dance number is crafted with such care, it’s like stepping into a dream where everyone communicates in tap and melody. 🎹🕺

Speaking of dreams, let’s chat about the cinematography. It’s stunning! There’s this one scene at dusk, with Mia and Sebastian dancing against a purple sky – it’s so magical, I swear I could hear Disney birds chirping in the background. 🐦✨

On a personal note, there’s something about ‘La La Land’ that resonates with me. Maybe it’s the struggle of chasing dreams in a world that often seems to root for your failure. Or maybe it’s just Ryan Gosling in a sharp suit. Who knows? 😏

Fun fact: Did you know that Ryan Gosling spent two hours a day, six days a week in piano lessons, memorizing all the music to get ready for this role? Talk about dedication! (Source: Los Angeles Times)

And here’s the thing, as much as I adore this movie, it’s not without its critics. Some say it’s too nostalgic, too dreamy. But hey, in a world where everything seems so serious, isn’t it nice to get lost in a world of song and color, even if just for a couple of hours?

In conclusion, ‘La La Land‘ is a visual and emotional feast. It’s a reminder of the beauty of dreams, love, and jazz hands. So, if you’re in the mood for some feel-good, toe-tapping entertainment, give it a watch. You might just find yourself dancing through your living room, or at least humming a tune or two. 🎵

And now, I’m off to find my next musical fix. Any suggestions? Drop them in the comments! Until next time, keep dreaming and dancing, my friends! 💃🎬

Stay quirky,
Roger

P.S. Remember, life might not always be a musical, but there’s nothing wrong with pretending it is once in a while! 😉🎉

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 76. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, friends! 🌟

Buckle up, because we’re taking a time-traveling trip to the whimsical world of “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” a 1971 Disney gem that’s equal parts kooky, charming, and surprisingly poignant. Think “Mary Poppins” on a sugar rush, with a dash of wartime grit and a sprinkle of stop-motion animation that’ll have you grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Picture this: an aspiring witch, Eglantine Price, played by the ever-so-elegant Angela Lansbury, accidentally takes in three orphaned kiddos during WWII. Lansbury’s character is all about using witchcraft to aid in the war effort – talk about multitasking! The kids, of course, are a handful, but they stumble upon her secret and the real fun begins.

Speaking of Nazis, yeah, the film takes a detour into wartime England, which might seem jarring at first. But here’s the thing: it works. The war adds a layer of urgency and stakes, reminding us that even amidst fantastical shenanigans, real-world dangers lurk. Plus, it gives us the most badass scene ever: animated suits of armor pummeling Nazis with lances and swords. Talk about your revisionist history, baby!

So, Eglantine puts a spell on a brass bedknob, which, when attached to their bed, can transport them anywhere. I mean, who needs Uber when you’ve got a flying bed, right? The bed takes them on a quest to find a spell that can bring inanimate objects to life. Cue the amazing blend of live-action and animation that Disney’s known for! They meet Professor Emelius Browne (played by David Tomlinson), who’s a bit of a lovable fraud, but he’s got charm to spare.

The animation sequences are just bananas – like, they play soccer with animals on a mythical island. Can you imagine? 🐯⚽️ And then there’s that epic scene where they animate a whole army of medieval armor to fight off Nazis. It’s like history class meets a Halloween party.

Though the special effects might seem a bit dated now, they were groundbreaking for its time. The animation in “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” is a delightful mix of live-action and stop-motion, and it still has this timeless appeal. And let’s not forget the titular bed itself, soaring through the clouds with the grace of a slightly tipsy hippopotamus. It’s goofy, it’s charming, and it’s pure movie magic.

The songs, oh, the songs! They’re catchy as heck. You’ll catch yourself humming “The Age of Not Believing” or “Portobello Road” days after watching. It’s like the songs cast their own spell on you. 🎶✨

And let’s not forget the humor! It’s subtle but so effective. Like, there’s this one scene where Eglantine tries to ride a broomstick for the first time, and let’s just say it doesn’t go as planned.

But beneath all the fun and fantasy, there’s a heartwarming message about family, bravery, and believing in the impossible. It’s like a warm, fuzzy blanket on a chilly night.

What I absolutely adore about this movie is how it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s like a playful nudge in the ribs, reminding you to let loose and embrace the silliness. The blend of real-life drama with whimsical fantasy elements is just genius. You’re sitting there, one moment worried about the war, and the next, you’re cheering on a group of animated animals playing soccer. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and I’m here for it!

As for the actors, they really brought their A-game. Angela Lansbury’s portrayal of Eglantine Price is nothing short of magical (pun intended!). She’s got this grace and poise, but also a mischievous sparkle in her eye. And David Tomlinson, as Professor Emelius Browne, is just hilariously charming. His comedic timing is spot on, and he plays the bumbling professor role to perfection. The kids, played by Cindy O’Callaghan, Roy Snart, and Ian Weighill, are just adorable and so believable in their roles. Their wide-eyed wonder and mischief add so much to the film’s charm.

Okay, so maybe the plot gets a little convoluted at times, and the songs aren’t quite Sherman Brothers classics. But who cares? “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” is a whirlwind of imagination, heart, and humor that’ll leave you humming off-key and grinning like a loon. It’s a reminder that even when the world feels dark and chaotic, a little bit of magic (and a whole lot of sass) can make all the difference. So grab your broomsticks, put on your thinking caps, and get ready for a flight of fancy you won’t soon forget. Just don’t blame me if you start levitating your teacups afterwards.

Until tomorrow, stay whimsical! ✨
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 75. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey folks!

So, grab your top hats and let me tell you about last night’s film “The Greatest Showman.” This flick, right, it’s like a sparkly, jazz-hand-packed tribute to the circus maestro P.T. Barnum, and believe me, it’s a fanciful twist on his life story.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re here for a film that doesn’t just trot out a history lesson, but instead delivers an upbeat, toe-tapping spectacle. And Michael Gracey? Our director dude? He doesn’t disappoint. He whirls us into this technicolor daydream of a movie that’s stitched together with show tunes that stick in your head for days. I mean, c’mon, we’ve all had “This Is Me” on loop at some point — don’t deny it!

I can’t talk about this movie without gushing over Hugh Jackman as the man himself, P.T. Barnum. Jackman is just…ugh, he’s a treat. The man sings, dances, and charms the pants off everyone. That grin, you guys, it’s like he’s got this secret and we’re all in on it. The chemistry with his on-screen wife, played by the amazing Michelle Williams, is as smooth as a buttered-up banister. She’s fabulous, by the way, giving us this delicate balance of grace and guts.

Then there’s Zac Efron. Oh, sweet Zac, all grown up from his “High School Musical” days and proving he’s got chops as Barnum’s business partner. His burgeoning romance with Zendaya’s character, a trapeze artist, has more ups and downs than a yo-yo in a windstorm, but their aerial duet? Pure magic. And Zendaya – heaven, that gal is gutsy. She swings through scenes with this fierce elegance that has you rooting for her from the get-go.

But let’s not forget the show-stealing performance by Keala Settle as the Bearded Lady. Her rendition of “This Is Me” gave me chills. It’s like she reached through the screen, grabbed my feelings, and said, “We’re going on an emotional journey, buckle up!”

Let’s dish about the plot, okay? So, Barnum’s this visionary who’s just bouncing with harebrained schemes to make a buck and give his family the life he thinks they deserve. He wrangles a motley crew of “unique” individuals into the world’s first circus. But it’s not your average circus; it’s like the Cirque du Soleil of the 1800s. He gathers a troupe of extraordinary individuals, each with their own unique talents and backstories. It’s like watching a human box of assorted chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get next. 🍫

The narrative takes us through Barnum’s journey of rags to riches, his obsession with success, and how it affects his family and the people he works with. There’s drama, there’s laughter, there’s a dash of romance and a dollop of social commentary. Like, we’re talking about real issues here, but with glitter.

I’ve gotta be real with you for a sec – the plot? Sometimes it jumps faster than a rabbit on a hot plate. But if you’re willing to roll with the punches (and the songs — did I mention the songs?!), it’s all part of the charm. Besides, when you’re like me and have a soft spot for a good musical number, you’re willing to forgive a lot.

Now, I could keep yammering on, but let’s face it, you’ve probably already seen “The Greatest Showman” because who hasn’t? It’s the kind of film that’s easy to come back to when you’re in the dumps and need a boost, or when you just want to see Hugh Jackman strut in a bright red coat. I mean, who needs another reason?

On the flip side, the film isn’t without its flaws. The portrayal of P.T. Barnum is, well, a bit sugar-coated. The real guy wasn’t exactly the saintly visionary the movie makes him out to be. But hey, I guess every musical needs its hero, even if they’re wearing slightly rose-tinted glasses. 🌹

In a nutshell, “The Greatest Showman” is a visual cotton candy that’s perfect for when real life just isn’t hitting the right notes. It’s full of heart, spectacle, and songs so catchy that you’ll be humming them for eternity. And honestly, in these crazy times, don’t we all just need a pick-me-up like that?

Peace out ✌️
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 74. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Grab your sequins and feather boas because we’re about to take a trip down to a sunny Greek island where the water’s as blue as the catchy tunes are hard to shake – yep, we’re talking about the fab 2008 musical movie, “Mamma Mia!”

So, picture this: a sparkling sea, sun-drenched paths, and the echoing sound of ABBA. That’s right, you know you’re in for a treat when “Dancing Queen” starts playing and you can’t help but groove in your seat. The movie spins around Sophie (played by the sweet Amanda Seyfried), who’s dreaming of a perfect wedding with a father to walk her down the aisle. There’s just one snag – she doesn’t know who he is!

Now, I gotta say, my inner detective loved the twist here: Sophie invites three of her mom’s ex-flames to the wedding. The mom, Donna, is none other than the queen of quirk, Meryl Streep, and she’s got pipes that could compete with any siren out there. The potential dads? They’re a hoot: there’s Harry (Colin Firth), who’s as English as a teabag in a china cup, Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), the adventurous Swede with a taste for the sea, and Sam (Pierce Brosnan), who might just be James Bond on a very off-duty day, trying his best to hit those high notes. 😅

As these unsuspecting “dads” land on the island, Donna’s world goes from zero to “SOS” real quick. It’s like watching someone juggle kittens – kinda awkward but you can’t look away. And the way the storyline weaves in classic ABBA hits? Pure genius! It’s like a jukebox came to life, dressed up in bell bottoms and said, “let’s make a movie!”

Now for the emotional bit: the heart of the movie is the mother-daughter bond. You can feel the love and tension (and a bucket load of confusion) radiating off the screen.

Oh, and let me gush about the setting for a second, because it’s a character all on its own. The Greek island is ridiculously gorgeous, and it’ll make you wanna pack your bags and teleport there, like, yesterday. It’s a backdrop of pure escapism, and I’m here for it.

A quick shoutout to the ensemble cast – they bring the party vibe, the slapstick humor, and the oddly infectious dance routines that’ll have you shimmying to the fridge for a snack during the intermission.

In all seriousness, “Mamma Mia!” isn’t Oscar bait, and the plot has more holes than my grandma’s crochet blanket, but who cares? We’re here for a good time, and it delivers. It’s a movie that doesn’t just want you to watch – it practically grabs you by the hand and drags you into a conga line. So when you’re feeling down or the grey skies are getting to you, crank up “Mamma Mia!” and let the feel-good, disco-infused antics wash over you like Mediterranean waves on your toes.

As for me, it left an impression like a glitter bomb to the heart – slightly messy, totally unexpected, but altogether dazzling. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to look up flights to Greece and stock up on ABBA vinyls.

And that’s a wrap, my friends! Keep on dancin’ and jivin’ and have the time of your life!

Catch you on the flip side! 👋🎬🎤✨
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 73 You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey y’all,

So, here I am, tissues pile up like mini snowdrifts, sipping on some orangey elixir that’s supposed to make me feel better. I’m pretty sure the only thing it’s killing off is my taste buds – but hey, there’s a silver lining to being under the weather. You guessed it, it’s movie time! 🎬 And not just any flick, but one where I can leave my brain on the pillow and just soak in the good vibes.

Enter “You Wish!,” the 2003 Disney original that I stumbled upon. 🧞‍♂️ Full confession: I was totally in the mood for something that didn’t require much thought. You know, something to watch when the only thing you’re capable of processing is whether to cough into your left sleeve or your right one.

So, there I am, buried under a fortress of blankets, and what do you know, this movie was just what the doctor ordered – figuratively speaking, since the actual doc just told me to drink fluids and rest, the usual.

Alright, so here’s the scoop on the plot: It’s all about this teenager, Alex, is this regular kid with an ‘extra’ in his life – an extra-annoying little brother, Stevie, played by the adorably dorky A.J. Trauth (you might remember him from “Even Stevens”). Alex feels overwhelmed by his little bro, Stevie (played by Spencer Breslin – yep, the cute kid from “The Cat in the Hat”), who seems to be good at making a mess out of Alex’s life. So, Alex comes across a magical coin and casually makes a wish that his brother would just…disappear.. And because this is Disney, the universe says, “Sure, why not?” and poof—wish granted!

Whoops. Cue the wild, unexpected adventures as Alex navigates a world where he’s an only child. And it’s all fun and games until, surprise, surprise, he starts to realize maybe life without Stevie isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Lalaine, from “Lizzie McGuire” fame, pops up as Abby, reminding us all how the early 2000s rocked those fashion choices. Her character brings some sense back to our wayward Alex.

Guys, the twists in “You Wish!” had me laughing and grimacing. I mean, it’s a pure, unadulterated Disney Channel time capsule. And like, the chemistry between the characters? It’s so zip-a-dee-doo-dah, I nearly spilled my tea (and by tea I mean the fourth cup of why-does-this-cold-medication-taste-like-sadness concoction).

But the heart of the film is the brotherly bond. It’s so sweet and real. One minute they’re bickering like, well, brothers, and the next, they’re all about that family love. And honestly, it’s refreshing to see a Disney movie that isn’t all about romance or saving the world, but about something as simple and relatable as sibling dynamics.

It’s a real comfort watch — it’s peppy, it’s funny, and let’s face it, those special effects? They’re so charmingly dated that you can’t help but give an affectionate eye-roll. 🙄 But hey, isn’t that part of the cheer-up charm?

So imagine me here, huddled in blankie bliss, finding myself rooting for these kids and their wacky, magical misadventures. I’m talking laugh-out-loud moments that trail off into pitiful coughing fits, but honestly, it was worth it.

Bottom line: If you’re in need of a cozy couch companion while your immune system battles the dark forces, “You Wish!” could just be your spoonful of sugar (or, you know, whatever’s in this cold syrup that promises to knock me out after I hit ‘publish’).

Catch ya on the flip side,
Roger

How to build a better boy

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 72 You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

So, guess what I did last night? I dived into the deep, whimsical world of Disney’s 2014 flick, “How to Build a Better Boy.” Directed by Paul Hoen, this movie is like a bag of cotton candy – sweet, fluffy, and oh-so-light. You know, sometimes you just crave something silly and simple, right? 🍿

Let’s chat about the plot first. It’s like one of those wild dreams you have and then try to explain to someone the next day. The story revolves around high school tech whizzes Mae and Gabby, played by Kelli Berglund and China Anne McClain. These two brainy besties end up crafting a super sophisticated, artificial boyfriend for Mae. Yeah, you heard that right. They literally build a better boy! The boy, Albert, is portrayed by Marshall Williams, who honestly looks like he stepped right out of a teen magazine – all charming and perfect.

Albert, the AI boyfriend, is so unrealistically perfect that it’s hilarious. Like, imagine having a boyfriend who’s designed to be your dream guy but also is a secret super-soldier. Yep, that’s the twist! Talk about an overachiever, huh? 😂

I mean, the whole concept is just way out there. You’ve got to leave logic at the door and just roll with it. The movie tosses in these teen movie staples – school dances, mean girls, awkward parents — and then adds a robot boyfriend into the mix. It’s like the writers asked, “How can we make this as wacky as possible?” and just ran with it.

Let’s talk performances. Berglund and McClain are such a fun duo. Their friendship feels genuine, and they handle the comedy and the few heartfelt moments really well. They’re like the kind of friends you’d want to hang out with, you know? And Williams as Albert? He nails the too-perfect-to-be-true vibe, managing to be both robotic and charming – a tricky balance!

The predictability factor is high with this one. It’s like, will the robot boyfriend be discovered? Will there be a dramatic reveal at the school dance? You bet. But that’s part of its charm. Sometimes, you just want a movie where you can guess the ending and still enjoy the ride.

What I loved most about this film is its unapologetic silliness. It doesn’t pretend to be some highbrow cinema. It’s a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, embrace-the-crazy kind of movie. And honestly, that’s exactly what I needed. A break from all the seriousness with something that’s just pure fun. 😄

So yeah, “How to Build a Better Boy” is a delightful, goofy escape. It’s the kind of movie you watch when you need a good laugh and a reminder not to take everything so seriously. If you’re in the mood for a movie night that’s light and ridiculously fun, give it a go. And remember, it’s all about the fun vibes with this one!

Peace Out,
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 71. You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

So, I just finished watching “Here After” by Harry Greenberger, and oh boy, do I have thoughts! 🤔 First up, let me paint the picture for you. Imagine a rom-com, but with a supernatural twist. Yep, that’s “Here After” for you – think “Ghost” meets “Tinder,” but with less pottery and more awkward dates. It’s a quirky romance with a twist that’ll make you question whether swiping left in the land of the living is better than swiping right in the land of the…well, permanently unliving.

Imagine this: you croak it, shuffle off your mortal coil, and instead of pearly gates or fiery pits, you land in a limbo lounge that looks like a cross between a WeWork and a retirement home disco. That’s where we meet Michael, played by the ever-charming Andy Karl. Michael’s a struggling actor (classic New York story, am I right?) who lived life like a buffet, sampling all the flavors but never committing to a full plate. Now, in the afterlife, he’s facing a cosmic ultimatum: find his soulmate within, like, a week, or fade away into nothingness.

Then enters Nora Arnezeder, portraying the lovely Honey Bee, a bubbly free spirit who’s basically sunshine personified. She’s Michael’s love interest, but here’s the kicker – she’s alive, and he’s, well, not so much. You can see where the complications start to pile up. The whole dynamic between them is a mix of sweet, funny, and just plain weird. It’s like, “Hey, I really like you, but also, I’m dead.” Talk about a complicated relationship status!

The plot weaves through their quirky love story with a bunch of other lost souls thrown into the mix. It’s a wild mishmash of dating in the afterlife, which, by the way, is hilariously portrayed. Think ghostly speed dating – sounds fun, right? But also, slightly terrifying. 😂

The supporting cast is a delightful mishmash of characters, from Michael’s hilariously judgmental guardian angel (played by the always-fantastic Christina Ricci) to a grumpy ghost with a voyeurism addiction (because even in the afterlife, some vices stick). They keep the laughs rolling, even when Michael’s making his patented clueless-guy moves.

I’ve gotta say, the film’s got its moments where you’re wondering if the script is just a collection of philosophical tweets that someone stuck into Final Draft, but that’s totally part of its off-kilter charm. The humor isn’t slap-your-knee hilarious, but it’s got this subtle snark that’s like, okay, I see what you did there.

What really got me was the blend of humor and heart. One moment I’m laughing at Michael’s awkward ghostly encounters, and the next, I’m kinda feeling for the guy. The film does a great job of showing the loneliness and longing that comes with being stuck in-between. It’s like, you want to root for Michael, but also, you’re constantly reminded that he’s a ghost, which is, you know, a bit of a problem when it comes to romance.

Look, “Here After” isn’t going to win any Oscars for groundbreaking originality. The plot has its bumps, the humor leans heavily on slapstick, and the ending might leave you scratching your head a bit. But here’s the thing: it’s FUN. It’s heartwarming, it’s surprisingly thought-provoking (think “what if your biggest regret in life is not finding true love?”). What more could you ask for?

Until next time, stay spooky and swipe right…responsibly.
Roger

P.S. If you haven’t seen the trailer, don’t. It contains major spoilers!