The Miracle Worker (2000) Rated TV-PG, 1 hour 35 minutes
I watched the movie “The Miracle Worker”, it was a movie on how Annie Sullivan taught Helen Keller. I loved the movie because Sullivan realized what ageism needed and fought so that Helen didn’t need to be protected or pitied. As someone with multiple kids in the family I know how it frustrating it is to deal with spoiled kids in general therefore I think what Sullivan did was remarkable. It was fascinating seeing how Sullivan taught Helen and those scenes drew me in. I’m not sure why but I especially loved seeing how she didn’t give in to Helen when Helen kept trying to run away when during the breakfast scene. The actors were also amazing, I thought I was seeing the actual events. Honestly I wished there was more to the movie like perhaps showing Helen later on as she grew up. I would’ve loved to see how Helen learned from Sullivan and lived on without needing to be pitied anymore.
Kindergarten Cop is a unique blend of action, comedy, and family film, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in an unexpectedly humorous role as a tough cop going undercover as a kindergarten teacher. The film follows Detective John Kimble, who is tasked with being an elementary school teacher to find the estranged wife of a dangerous drug dealer and their son. The movie balances its action-packed crime plot with genuinely funny moments and heartwarming interactions between Kimble and his young, interesting students. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of a hardened detective learning to connect with kids is both amusing and surprisingly tender, showcasing his comedic timing and ability to step out of his typical action-hero persona. While some elements can feel dated, Kindergarten Cop remains an entertaining watch, offering a mix of laughs, action, and a feel-good message about personal growth and the importance of empathy. It’s a standout for its era and has retained a certain charm over the years, making it a beloved classic in the realm of family comedies. I give this movie a 10/10 because of all the funny moments and the action that unfolds.
Smile 2, a psychological horror film directed by Parker Finn, is a sequel to the 2022 film Smile. The movie starts with a man ambushing a group of Russian gangsters and passing on the ‘smile demon’ to a character named Lewis Fregoli. Then, it introduces the main character, Skye, who is a returning star after a tragic car accident that threw her into mental turmoil for a year. During her return, she witnessed Lewis’ suicide, which caused the demon to latch onto her. Then, the ‘smile demon’ consumes her sanity before the movie ends with her dying in front of an audience.
This movie had amazing horror aspects, such as jumpscares and special effects. However, it relies too much on those aspects, which causes the movie to lose much of its psychological and suspenseful effect. Additionally, the movie was confusing, introducing characters that played absolutely no role in the mystery surrounding the demon and leaving us with more questions at the end. Without developing a greater mystery to keep the movie suspenseful, the distasteful main character and predictable jump scares make this movie boring. Smile 2 did not develop anything about the demon/parasite; the majority of the movie mostly focuses on the mental deterioration of Skye. There were scenes where she crashed out at an event, where she killed her mother, and tried to stop her heart to end the demon, but all of that was apparently hallucinations as she appeared on stage at the end totally fine, her mother alive and cheering, the man who offered to help ‘cure’ her nowhere to be seen.
If Smile 2 wasn’t a sequel to Smile (2022) and was a movie on its own, it would’ve been a little bit better. People who watch Smile 2 without watching the first movie would not miss out on anything. However, on the bright side, Smile 2 does open up a new mystery for a possible Smile 3, which would be more exciting. Smile 2 introduced something to us that the previous movie hasn’t touched on: a group of people witnessing the demon in action. Would they all be cursed, or would it just be one person? Would the world finally take the case seriously? Despite Smile 2 being a disappointing attempt to follow up Smile (2022), it does open up more possibilities and angles for the Smile franchise to continue.
The Mitchells vs The Machines (2021) Rated PG, 1 hour 54 minutes
The Mitchells vs. The Machines is an animated sci-fi comedy movie that delivers a refreshing take on the family road-trip movie genre, infused with vibrant visuals, inventive humor, and heartfelt moments. The film follows the Mitchell family, an eccentric group led by the aspiring filmmaker Katie, as they embark on a cross-country trip that unexpectedly turns into a battle against a robot apocalypse. What makes the movie stand out is its unique, hyper-stylized animation, which combines hand-drawn elements and 3D to create a dynamic and eye-catching visual experience. The story deftly blends slapstick comedy, clever pop culture references, and genuine emotional depth, exploring themes of family bonds, understanding, and the importance of embracing one’s individuality.The Mitchells vs. The Machines is not only a fun and fast-paced adventure but also a heartfelt tale that resonates with audiences of all ages, proving that being a little weird is what makes a family truly special. I give this movie a 10/10 because of all the funny scenes and how the Mitchells overcame the challenges by the machines.
Drake & Josh Go Hollywood (2006) Rated TV-G, 2 hours
Drake & Josh Go Hollywood successfully brings the charm and humor of the tv series to the big screen, while adding the excitement of a Hollywood adventure. The film maintains the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud moments, and genuine emotion that made the original show a hit. Drake Bell and Josh Peck deliver performances that remind viewers why they loved these characters in the first place, showcasing their comedic chemistry and heartfelt brotherly bond. It’s a fun, family-friendly film that feels like an extended episode with a bigger budget, complete with catchy songs, over the top scenes, and a message that shows no matter how far you go, the ones who truly matter are those who’ve always been there. I give this movie a 10/10 because this movie was very similar to the tv show which I loved.
