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alie-hunter
Reviews
The Princess Switch (2018)
Formulaic, fluffy fun...
This movie would never win awards, and you can guess the end by reading the synopsis, but it makes you smile. Vanessa Hudgens does a good job with her double duty roles as Stacy and Margret and the supporting cast work well together. While the story is predictable, it's witty enough to make dads or granddads chuckle. The best comparison would be Princess Diaries or Ella Enchanted. If you're looking for a good movie to share with pre-teen and teenage girls this is a great choice. There are some lose ends at the end of the movie, but luckily there are two more movies to help resolve the questions you're left with.
Ticket to Paradise (2022)
The rom-com that could have been
While flying home from London I watched 5 movies; "Father of the Bride" (2022), "10 Things I Hate About You", "Notting Hill", "The Holiday", and "Oceans 11". When I heard about this film I was hoping that it was going to be a return to that great era of rom-coms. It had all the right ingredients to be that type of film, but it never got off the ground. I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking, rom-coms generally aren't, but I kept expecting that big moment and it never came. The one character who kept me chuckling was Lily's friend, Wren. I would be way more disappointed if I had to pay for it, but since it's free on Peacock I won't gripe about that.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
"The Queen is coming"-Gupta
I mean, Julie Andrews is the queen... What more needs to be to be said?
A Call to Spy (2019)
WWII fans will enjoy it.... more like a 6.5
It's not gonna win any awards, but "A Call To Spy" is a worthy rent if you like WWII, and or "GIRL POWER", movies. Stana Katic's character seem a little forced at times, but it's always interesting to learn about aspects of war you might not have known about before.
All American (2018)
More Diverse version of The OC
That is not an insult. I have not found a teen drama that has lived up to my OC obsession and the storyline reminds me of Ryan Atwood (Spencer) inserted into the Cohen (Baker) family and thrown into the crazy world of Newport Beach (Beverly Hills). I'm pretty sure Asher is the Luke Ward of the show, but I'm still sorting out which characters are Seth and Summer. I've just started the series, but all and all I think I'll like it.
The O.C. (2003)
A Great Teen Show with Legitimate Adults
The scenery, clothes, and music transport back to simpler times of my youth. While most of the storylines revolve around the "core four", the writers did a great job of also writing quality material for the adults. Compared to other parents on teen dramas, Sandy and Kirsten are extremely involved in their kids' lives and hold them accountable for mistakes. They also gave the adults heavy storylines. Try watching Kirsten spiral into alcoholism and not cry. One of the most well-written characters on the show is Julie Cooper and she started off as a guest-role. That said, there were some pit-falls over the course of the 4 seasons. One of those being the Marissa/Alex and DJ/Marissa arcs. Both were just opportunities for Marissa to off Julie. The show was filled with many classic scenes, most occurring in the Cohen's kitchen, which makes the Cohen family one to root for... "Yoga-lates". The series is a great "Quarantine and Chill" watch if you can get your hands on a copy.
The Blind Side (2009)
Feel-good, entertaining and thought-provoking
First and foremost a note for doubting parents- disregard the PG-13 rated. There are made 5 words and a total of 2 minutes of material that gave it that rating. I think it is suitable for anyone 10+ and I strongly suggest you go as a family.
I wanted to see this movie the first time I saw the trailer because I'm a sucker for a good underdog story and my Dad filled me in on Michael Oher. I can say point blank it was so moving that I'm still thinking about it two days later. It did a wonderful job of show casing a blessed family, blessing someone in need and changing as people along the way. I was very pleased with how well they handled the Christian ideal throughout the film so that it was clear what the Touhys morals were, yet not being preachy. I adored Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne because when I looked at her I saw my mom in every possible way... A tough cookie on the outside, but soft as snow on the inside. The young actor that played SJ captured my heart because he was so pure and sincere about everything he did. I had just wrapped up a series at my church about how it is important to remember the ways you are blessed and find ways to bless others in need so the movie fit right in with that. No matter what your race, religion, age, gender, social class, or even political affiliation is I hope you come out of the theater inspired.