Over the Moon: an adventure story with life lessons

Over the Moon is an American Chinese computer animated film, directed by Gary Keane, co-directed John Kahrs. Screenplay by the late Audrey Wells along with Alice Wu and Jennifer Yee McDevitt. Starring the voice talents of Cathy Ang, Phillippa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Margaret Cho and Sandra Oh. First shown at the Montclair Film Festival on October 17, 2020, it was released on Netflix and select theaters on October 23, 2020. My eight-year-old daughter is a big fan of Phillippa Soo and was excited to watch Over the Moon. When we watched it together, I found it was a fun adventure story with a touching life lesson.

The film opens with a young girl named Fei Fei (voiced by Cathy Ang) with her parents. Her mother tells her the legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess, who took a potion for immortality and ascending to the moon without her lover, Houyi. Now she sits on the moon, waiting for her love. As her family prepares for the annual Moon Festival, Fei Fei’s mother falls ill and passes away. Four years later, Fei Fei and her father prepare for the annual Moon festival, but something is different this year. Mrs. Zhong (voiced by Sandra Oh) and her eight-year-old son, Chin (voiced by Robert G. Chiu) arrives, and everything seems to fall apart. Fei Fei decides to build a rocket to the moon to prove the moon goddess’s existence. Once she arrives of the moon, Chang’e (voiced by Phillippa Soo) is not who Fei Fei was expecting. She tells Fei Fei that she was supposed to deliver a gift for Chang'e and offers proof of her existence as a prize. Fei Fei finds herself in a race against time to find the gift, get her proof and go home.

The movie was sweet and fun. There are many aspects I enjoyed about the film. I will highlight my top three. First, the story is wonderful. While it has the common themes of parental death, grief and moving on. It is still a moving story about a young girl who learns that moving on doesn’t mean she stops loving her mother, stops missing her or worse, forgets her mother. Over the Moon offers a story that shows children that it is okay to cry and grieve after a loss of a loved one. As well as it is okay to move on. Second, the music is fun and enjoyable. The score was composed by Steven Price and the original songs were written by Christopher Curtis, Marjorie Duffield, and Helen Park. Phillippa Soo shines with her beautiful voice as well as shows off her hip hop skills. Third, I loved the insights into more of Chinese culture. My daughter and I immediately googled mooncakes, which are made during the Moon Festival, as we have never heard of them before and they look so delicious.

Unfortunately, there was one aspect of the movie I did not care for. The character of Gobi, voiced by the talented Ken Jeong, was a character that seemed out of place. Gobi, a pangolin, was a former royal advisor to Chang’e who exiled him a thousand years ago. Gobi came into the story to bring Fei Fei to a revelation that will change her attitude and view on her life. Normally, that would be fine and expected, however, Gobi was too much like Olaf for me to fully enjoy his part in the story. His manic speech style felt familiar to Olaf’s. The rambling, nonsense speech with a gem of entitlement in the middle was too much like Olaf. It is not the fact that Fei Fei had animal companions as many. Many fairy tales and legends have animal counterparts. Gobi would have been great if he just didn’t feel like an Olaf copy.

In conclusion, I enjoyed Over the Moon. It was fun and enjoyable. It had funny moments. It had sad moments. It had moments led to talks with my daughter about loss and grief. It had amazing animation with a great story featuring a Chinese legend and a look into more aspects of Chinese culture. The music was great and fun to listen to. While I did not enjoy the Gobi character, the other characters were fun. Overall, I recommend Over the Moon for all. Not just families, but for anyone who would enjoy a story about a young girl who learns a great life lesson. 

Frozen II: a decent sequel

Frozen 2 was released into theaters on November 27, 2019 and is the sequel to smash hit Frozen (2013). Many from the original film return for its sequel. Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and composer Christophe Beck all return. As well as actors Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad and Jonathan Geoff returns as their characters: Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. Frozen 2 is set three years after the original film when a new threat comes to Arendelle and it is up to Anna and Elsa to save the day. The movie is currently on DVD, Blu-Ray and streaming on Disney+. As I do with all my movie reviews, I will give a spoiler free synopsis and discuss what I did and didn’t like about the film.

The movie opens as King Agnar tells a story to a young Anna and Elsa about their grandfather, King Runeard, who established a treaty with the neighboring tribe of Northuldra who resides in the Enchanted Forest. Soon after, a fight occurs, resulting in Runeard’s death and enraging the elemental spirits of the forest. The spirits disappeared and a wall of mist traps everyone in the Enchanted Forest. Agnar barely escapes due to a mysterious savior, Fast forward to present day, life is going well in Arendelle. Until one night, Elsa hears a mysterious voice call out to her. After much resistance, she decides to follow it and causes the elemental spirits to awaken which forces everyone out of the kingdom. Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven embark on a journey to the Enchanted Forest to save the people of Arendelle and discover who the mysterious siren who calls to Elsa.

There are three major elements that I liked about the film. First, the story is great. Anna and Elsa discover the story they’ve been told about their grandfather and the Enchanted Forest may not be exactly the truth. In order to save Arendelle, they must discover what went wrong and the right that wrong. It also explains that there are three sides to the story: one side’s version, the other side’s version and somewhere in the middle is the truth. Second, I liked that there wasn’t a stereotypical “villain.” The fight is against the past and the attempts to right a wrong as much as anyone can. Although this was criticism in many reviews I read, I liked that the characters weren’t up against an evil person. Third, the idea that water has memory. Even though science has proven this to not be the case (but since when is science important in a fairy tale?), it is a theme I have heard before. Along with the idea that water is healing, having memory helps Anna and Elsa discover the truth behind the events which caused the Enchanted Forest to be sealed off and what they need to do to solve the problem.

There are a couple elements of the film that I didn’t care for. First, the music wasn’t on par with the original film. While “Into the Unknown” is a good song, it didn’t have the same impact as “Let it Go.” Olaf’s song, “When I am Older” had the same musical style of his song, “In Summer” from the first time. “In Summer” was a more enjoyable song as it was comedic as to Olaf’s blissful ignorance. “When I am Older” tried to capture that same comedic ignorance, but I feel it fell short. The music wasn’t bad and was enjoyable but wasn’t on the same lines of the first film. Second, Frozen 2 may not be as rewatchable as the first film. My daughter, who was 2 when she saw the first film had watched it over and over for years. Now she is 8 and enjoyed the first viewing of Frozen 2, but quickly got bored when watching it a second time.

In conclusion, Disney has always had a hit and miss history with it comes to sequels. The majority of their film’s sequels were direct to video. The Toy Story franchise has been insanely popular (although I would argue that the fourth film as not necessary) and broke the mold that sequels couldn’t be successful in theaters. Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) wasn’t as good as it’s original film and an unnecessary sequel. I enjoyed Frozen 2 for its story and, some level, the music. However, it wasn’t as memorable as its predecessor. I don’t see many children annoying the adults with their constant singing of “Into the Unknown” as they did with “Let it Go.” I do recommend Frozen 2. If you enjoyed the first film, you may enjoy its sequel.

Toy Story 4: a good family film that tells a similar story

When Toy Story was released in 1995, it was an instant hit and launched the Disney Pixar studio into stardom. Their future films have been major hits with a few misses, overall Pixar could be counted on for a great movie. However, when Disney Pixar announced that they were releasing a fourth Toy Story film, I was skeptical. Was a fourth film necessary? Toy Story 4 was released in theaters on June 21, 2019 to rave reviews and went on to earn $1.071 billion worldwide. It was released on Blu-ray, DVD and digital streaming in October 2019. I recently got the opportunity to watch the movie and while it was a good film, it told the same tired story.

The film opens 9 years ago, before the events of Toy Story 3 (2010) with Bo Peep (voiced by Annie Potts), her sheep and the lamp she stands on are donated to another family. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is determined to save her but Bo is refuses to return to the house, telling Woody she is not Andy’s toy and “it’s time for the next kid.” Woody reluctantly lets her go. Fast forward to the present day and life with Bonnie. Woody is not Bonnie’s favorite as she prefers to play with Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) and the others. That day is special as Bonnie is starting kindergarten and it is orientation. Woody thinks a toy should go with her despite hearing from Bonnie’s dad that toys are not allowed at school. Woody sneaks into her backpack and watches as she struggles in school. While at school, Bonnie creates Forky (voiced by Tony Hale) and instantly attached. For the final week before school officially starts, Bonnie and her parents go on vacation and while on vacation, Forky gets lost, Woody leaves to rescue him and the other toys must find a way to get Forky and Woody back before Bonnie realizes they are gone.

There are three things I liked about the film. First, it was a great story despite the familiar plot (I’ll get into that last). It had touching moments and great humor. It had the nostalgia about childhood toys and dreams while presenting a lesson about letting go and moving on with just memories to keep. Second, Woody’s place in the ending. I won’t discuss it, but it was a fitting ending. My husband and I both got misty eyed as it was a great moment. The ending of this film makes it clear that this is the final film. Even Tom Hanks in interview has hinted that this is the final film. Third, the Easter Eggs. You can always count on Pixar putting great Easter Eggs into their films. Whether it is a shout out to other Pixar films like Finding Nemo (2003) and Up (2009) or connections to the other Toy Story films.

There is one main thing I didn’t like about this film. The plot was too familiar. A toy needs to be recused. Toy Story (1995) has Woody trying to get himself and Buzz back to Andy when his jealous got them separated from him. Toy Story 2 (1999) had Buzz on a mission to rescue Woody after he was taken, and they must return before Andy returns home from camp. Toy Story 3 (2010) has Woody on a mission to rescue the others when they are mistakenly donated to a day care and he must do so before Andy leaves for college. Familiar? Very. Any story needs a villain. Something to fight against. The Toy Story films have evil toys. While the first film, technically didn’t have an evil toy, Woody was essentially the villain as his jealousy got him and Buzz into their desperate situation. The second film had The Prospector who was trying to keep Woody with the collection to the Japanese museum. The third film had Lotso who was like a mafia crime boss who used terror to control the weaker toys. The fourth film has Gabby Gabby (voiced by Christian Hendricks) who had henchmen to do her bidding.

Overall, it was a good film that kids will enjoy. However, it was just a rehash of previous plots and characters with just enough to make it look different. Children will enjoy this film as they have enjoyed the other Toy Story films. However, Pixar, if you are listening, Toy Story 4 needs to be the finale. All good things must come to an end and let Toy Story 4 be it. At some point, it stops being innovative and starts being lazy. Keep being innovative with new stories and characters and stop rehashing old ones.

Captain Marvel: an entertaining popcorn movie

Captain Marvel opened on March 8, 2019 and it was met with mixed reviews. Some loved it, some hated it and others didn’t know quite what to think. Many fans claimed the movie was filled with a feminist agenda. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the pair also wrote the screenplay along with Geneva Robertson-Dworet. It stars Brie Larson as Carol Danvers/Vers/Captain Marvel, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, and Jude Law as Yon-Rogg. Many fans were upset that the filmmakers changed the origin story of Captain Marvel and the related characters. I was unfamiliar with the comic character going into the film, so I was curious to see if I would see the same things. I saw the film recently and there were things I did like and things I didn’t like.

The film opens with Vers waking up from a disturbing dream with flashes of a life she doesn’t recognize. She is a member of the Kree Starforce and Yon-Rogg (played by Jude Law) is her commander and mentor. The Kree and the Skrulls, a race of shapeshifters, have been embattled in a long war and during a mission, Vers is captured by the Skrulls. Talos (played by Ben Mendelsohn) and taps her mind in order find information. This action causes her to see more images she is unfamiliar with and she eventually escapes their shackles. During her escape, she crash lands on Earth. Soon after, she encounters Agent Fury (long before he is director of SHIELD) and they eventually team up to discover who she really is and what the Kree and the Skrulls are after on Earth. Vers finally learns who she really is and what happened that lead her to be on Hala, the Kree capital. She learns she has been lied to and who the true villain is in this story. The final battle ensues as she embraces her true identity. Before leaving Earth, Carol gives Fury a pager, designed to call her in an emergency.

There was a lot I did like about the film. First, the opening scroll, which usually features the various MCU characters, was used as a tribute to Stan Lee, who had passed away before the film’s release. That was cool and emotional to see. Second, I like the character of Carol Danvers. She’s the girl who got back up when everyone else told her to quit. A powerful message for everyone who has ever been told they can’t or shouldn’t do something or be something. And I liked Brie Larson as Carol. Many reviewers complained about her robotic acting; but it makes sense in the context of the story. She had been molded by the Kree for six years with no memory, she was vulnerable to what they told her. Yon-Rogg tells her during a fight training scene, “There’s nothing more dangerous to a war than emotion. Humor is a distraction. Anger only serves the enemy” (since when is humor an emotion, but I digress). By the end of the film, she does lighten up a bit, laughs and smiles.  Third, I enjoyed the explanation on how Nick Fury lost his eye. Many people thought it was weak, but it makes sense. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Nick tells Steve Rogers “Last time I trusted someone, I lost an eye.” We learn in this film, that it was Goose, a Flerken disguised as a cat. In a previous scene, after Goose had devoured a few enemies, Fury picks up Goose and says, “I’m trusting you not to eat me.” So, Fury wasn’t lying when he said he trusted someone who eventually took his eye.

Now for what I didn’t like. First, the soundtrack. It was underwhelming. Yes, they were hit songs from the 90s, with one or two exceptions. Majority of the songs were great like Heart’s Crazy on You and TLC’s Waterfalls, but others were annoying obvious like No Doubt’s Just a Girl. While they were great songs, they just did not feel like they belonged or had the same impact that both Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks did. It was almost like they just randomly decided to play a song here or there, apart from Just a Girl. However, the musical score by Pinar Toprak was good and I enjoyed it as I watched. Second, the de-aging was off. I got used to Fury’s younger face, but Coulson’s was kind of creepy and hard to watch. Luckily, he wasn’t in much of the film. Third, the overall feel of the film was fragmented. It had great buddy moments between Carol and Fury and between Carol and her friend, Maria (played by Lashana Lynch). It had entertaining fight scenes and humorous moments. But it didn’t feel cohesive.

In conclusion, overall, I enjoyed this film. It wasn’t as bad as I was led to believe. However, it wasn’t a great that was claimed by others. It’s not my favorite MCU film, but I will watch it again. The film vaguely connects to the other films; but you do not need to see this film in order to watch Avengers: Endgame (2019). I also did not see the so-called “feminist agenda” that many reviewers have claimed. There was certainly a message of empowerment but not just for girls. I can see how anyone can be empowered by this story. It has the message that we all need to work together as a team, just as Captain Marvel and Nick Fury needed each other to win the day. I recommend Captain Marvel.