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Teen Movie Reviews
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Bridge to TerabithiaLeslie has just moved in to a small town with her parents and has no friends yet. She is kind and has a big imagination. Jess becomes friends with her shortly after she moves in. They both face a problem. Janice is a bully who is constantly rude and unkind to others. One day after school Jess and Leslie go into the woods together and find a river with a rope hanging from above it. They cross the river with the rope and find a wonderful place. Using their imagination and keeping an open mind, they make their own world. They called it Terabithia. It is their escape out of reality they created. They start going more often together and their friendship grows stronger. What adventures does Terabithia have in store for them? This Fantasy movie has major plot twists and lots of excitement. For example, Leslie’s and Jess’s journeys are wild and exciting, also very entertaining. I strongly recommend this movie because it shows just how amazing your imagination can truly be, and how important the people around you really are.
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Cinderella Man (Prime Video)
Cinderella man is a movie about the story of a fighter named James Braddock who goes from an upcoming star in the Roaring 20s period to struggling veteran then becomes a cinderella story in the Great Depression. The movie goes through James’ boxing career and the struggles he faced outside of the ring living during the Great Depression period trying to survive in a rough time. Cinderella Man is a sports action movie that takes place during the Great Depression period in Bergen, New Jersey where James lived and New York City where James fought especially in Madison Square Garden.
The movie was very impactful and it shows you what happens when you put your mind to something like how Braddock works out from the bottom and starts making his money again. Also how he can dig deep down and take on any fighter put against him. The movie also has great fighting scenes like when Braddock fights Max Bear it makes you feel like your in the fight with Braddock. Also during the fight the movie really shows you how much the people wanted James to win and how much he meant to the people in the Great Depression because they felt that he was an example of someone who was struggling who is now succeeding. The movie also shows how much it means to guys like Joe Gould who gave up everything for Braddock. Also it shows how much Braddock cares about his kids by the way he begs for money to the promoters in Madison Square Garden and how he works with his injury at the docks for his kids. Also the movie connects how James was able to keep working towards and power through his fights with his love for his kids. The movie did very few things wrong but one of the things they did wrong was how they portrayed Max Bear as a monster who loved how he killed the two guys which in reality the two guys he killed haunted him for his whole life even into old age. Also another thing they did wrong was how they portrayed the promoter who hated Braddock in the movie and who revoked his fighting contract. This promoter was actually very supportive of Braddock and wanted to help him succeed he was one of the supporters of bringing him back into the fighting game in real life but in the movie it makes him look like he hated Braddock and did everything he could to see him fail.
This movie shows viewers a feel good story that motivates them to push themselves to the maximum and shows viewers that they can do anything they put their mind to.
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Dune Dune is an ambitious and visually stunning adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel, directed by Denis Villeneuve. Dune is set in a distant future where interstellar travel and complex political dynamics define society, the film follows Paul Atreides (played by Timothee Chalamet) as he navigates a world of power struggles, prophecy, and betrayal. The cinematography is breathtaking, with vast desert landscapes and intricate set designs that bring the planet Arrakis to life. The score by Hans Zimmer adds a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere, complementing the film's sweeping visuals. Villeneuve expertly captures the essence of Herbert's novel, balancing intricate world-building with compelling character arcs. Chalamet's portrayal of Paul is nuanced, showing his transformation from a reluctant heir to a powerful leader. The supporting cast, including Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Jason Momoa, deliver strong performances that enrich the narrative. While the film's pacing might be deliberate, it allows the audience to absorb the complexity of the world and its various factions. Dune is a captivating and immersive experience that sets the stage for the epic story to unfold, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the sequel. If you're a fan of epic sci-fi or visually stunning films, Dune is a must-watch.
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Ever After (Disney+)
"Ever after" is a 1999 movie about a the "real tale" of Cinderella. This strips the story of the usual magical traits such as a fairy godmother and talking animals, but makes the movie all the more entertaining. The movie start with the traditional story, but eventually blossoms into a unique and interesting movie. This is an adventure romance movie. It took place in France. The main character, Daniella, loves learning and reading, and it speaks to the intelligence of her character. The prince desires to be free of his struggles as future ruler of France and through Daniella's help reconciles with that fact. This humanizes these characters in ways that are uncommon for a film set in medieval France. I especially enjoyed the 90s touch to the film along with the costumes and the beautiful place the movie was filmed. I honestly think it should have been longer, I became attached to the characters I needed to be attached to and I was sad when the movie ended just because it was so short. I honestly recommend this to everyone because of how well crafted but simple the movie it is, and just how perfect the movie was.
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Impractical jokersThe Jokers go on a road trip from New York to Florida to make up for a misunderstanding that happened when they were in High School in the 1990s. They make multiple stops and while stopped they run similar gags on each other that they do in the TV show. I have watched the TV show for years and really enjoy it. The movie was a little funny but not as funny as the TV show. The main characters are Joe, Murr, Q, and Sal. They compete to embarrass each other with everyday people who don't know who they are using hidden cameras. They sometimes dress as characters to add to the humor and hiding aspect. The best scene in this movie involves Sal, a long stick, and a picnic area. I don't want to give away too much. An ok movie with a few laughs.
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Kung fu panda "Kung Fu Panda" is an animated adventure-comedy film that takes place in the fictional Valley of Peace, where anthropomorphic animals live alongside humans. Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson, the film follows Po, a clumsy and overweight panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. When an ancient prophecy foretells that a chosen one will defeat the evil snow leopard Tai Lung, Po's life takes an unexpected turn as he is chosen to train under Master Shifu alongside the Furious Five, a skilled group of kung fu warriors. The characters in "Kung Fu Panda" are vibrant and memorable, with Po's journey from a bumbling noodle chef to a courageous hero driving the narrative. The Furious Five, consisting of Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Viper, and Crane, each bring their own unique skills and personalities to the story, providing both comic relief and moments of genuine emotion. While some characters may lean towards caricature, their development throughout the film feels genuine and relatable. Creatively, "Kung Fu Panda" impresses with its stunning animation and exhilarating fight sequences. The film effortlessly balances humor with heart, delivering powerful messages about self-belief, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork. The use of traditional Chinese aesthetics and martial arts adds authenticity to the story, while the voice cast, including Jack Black as Po and Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, deliver standout performances. Overall, "Kung Fu Panda" is a delightful and heartwarming film that appeals to audiences of all ages. Its charming characters, captivating story, and impressive animation make it a timeless classic in the realm of animated cinema. Whether you're a fan of action-packed adventures or simply looking for a feel-good movie, "Kung Fu Panda" is a must-watch that will leave you inspired and entertained.
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The Life Ahead (Netflix) The Life Ahead is a movie about a young street boy who lost his parents and is staying with a doctor. But the doctor is getting older and can no longer be his legal guardian so he must stay with Madame Rosa, the lady he stole from. After all the trouble he's been through now Madame Rosa is getting sick and doesn't have anyone to help her. When Iosif´s mother came back for him and Babu and Lola were away, Momo had to help Madame Rosa on his own. He eventually built a very strong bond with her. I would rate The Life Ahead seven out of ten stars because it can get quite annoying to have to read all the captions since the movie is in Spanish. Also after the beginning of the movie not much drama happens. It is mainly just Madame Rosa getting sick. But there is one plot twist when at some moments Madame Rosa doesn't remember who Momo is which is very entertaining. I think the overall theme of The Life Ahead is to not judge a book by its cover because Momo was a little boy who stole from Madame Rosa and she judged him right away before she learned about his little heart and how much he would eventually care about her.
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Marcel The Shell With Shoes OnCritically acclaimed film Marcel the Shell with Shoes on is an endearing take on a mockumentary following Marcel, an adorable one-inch-tall shell who lives out a colorful existence with his grandmother Connie and their pet lint, Alan. Once part of a large community of shells, they now live alone as the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. But when a documentary filmmaker discovers them amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans, as well as unexpected dangers and a new hope at finding his long-lost family. What sets "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" apart is its ability to evoke both laughter and heartfelt emotion in equal measure. Marcel's innocent perspective on life reminds us to appreciate the small wonders around us and find joy in simplicity. Whether he's riding a beetle like a horse or contemplating the existential mysteries of his existence, Marcel's adventures leave a lasting impression on viewers. The stop-motion animation brings Marcel and his surroundings to life with vibrant colors and charming character design. Each scene is lovingly crafted, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites viewers to immerse themselves in Marcel's world. At its core, "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and embracing one's uniqueness. While Marcel is comically small in stature, his spirit is undeniably larger than life. Viewers should watch this movie because, through Marcels journey, we learn valuable lessons about acceptance, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to ourselves.
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MegamindThe movie is about this alien named Megamind. Megamind was sent to earth so he wouldn’t get killed with the destruction of his planet. The same is also very similar for his arch-nemesis, Metro Man. Both of these aliens landed in a city called, Metro City. Both fought for control of the city, Megamind being the villain, and Metro Man being the hero. The story also introduces Minion, Megamind’s henchman, and Roxanne, a news reporter who’s always caught up between Metro Man and Megamind’s fighting. Though, everything changes one day when Megamind was finally able to take down Metro Man and take over Metro City. But, ever since he has taken over the city, he has become bored with the villain life. The movie was overall good, the animation was okay and the story was good. People should watch this movie if they just need something to pass the time with or if they like superheroes and villains.
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Nimona (Netflix)
Oscar-nominated movie Nimona is a groundbreaking film that can be applauded for pushing the standard expected of animated film. It's rare to find an animated movie targeted towards a younger audience that isn't full of clear pandering or half-hearted writing based on an underestimation of an audiences understanding. Nimona is so much more, with a compelling story and even a LGBTQ+ narrative that defies previous reluctance to portray such diversity in a mainstream work without extreme sugarcoating. The film follows the story of framed villain Ballister and teenage shapeshifter Nimona who work together to take down the oppressive regime of their institution while exposing the injustice behind their society's prejudiced rejection of 'monsters.' One of the most impressive factors this film has to offer is its fluid and expressive animation, with beautifully rendered backgrounds and characters. It's a vibrant combination of 2D animation with 3D CGI that sets it apart from other animated films. Another striking aspect of this movies is its well-developed and relatable characters, who are easy to empathize with and end up bringing the film to life. The story itself is engaging and suspenseful, leaving viewers guessing until the very end. At its heart, the film is a character-driven story all about acceptance. Accepting others, and yourself, for just being different. It serves as rebellion against the need to have labels forced upon you, and delivers the message of one's right to fight against conforming to any expectation from society. Ultimately, Nimona is a film worth watching for viewers of any age.
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