Unlimited Update #FilmReviews

Unlimited Update

#FilmReviews

 

There are so many incredible films being released now that I’m fearful I won’t get to see them all because real life will get in the way.

I’m also conscious that I haven’t written an Unlimited Update post for a while. The truth of the matter is I was probably too traumatised after Endgame! Marvel fans will understand my pain.

Anyway, I’m back with a roundup of what I’ve seen recently and have a long list of upcoming releases marked on my calendar.

Aladdin – 5*

The original cartoon (with the incredible voice of Robin Williams as the genie) came out in 1992. I’ll let that sink in for a moment! Yes, it was 27 years ago when we jumped on that magic carpet and explored a whole new world. I remember watching the original, and I must have shared the DVD with my own children over the years, but the story was a faded memory until my daughter asked me to go with her to see this new release.

I love Will Smith, and I was intrigued to see how he could step into Robin Williams shoes and make the role of the genie his own. I wasn’t disappointed. The remake is brilliant, even for a big kid like me. There is plenty of colour, humour, and even a few new songs. The casting was spot on and Will Smith did a fabulous job.

Mena Massoud has a gorgeous voice (and the most amazing eyes), and Naomi Scott is mesmerising as Jasmine.

I’ve even been back to see it a second time as it’s such a great feel good film (although be warned – you’ll have ‘a whole new world’ stuck in your head for a week after).

Highly recommend for young and old alike.

Toy Story 4  – 5*

I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t going to see this film as I cried like a baby at the end of Toy Story 3, and I didn’t think the writers could possibly come up with a decent storyline. Oh, how wrong I was.

I saw the trailer when watching Aladdin and thought it looked decent, so I went along (with my daughter in tow once again) and chuckled my way through it. 

We meet Bonnie who is now the owner of Woody, Buzz, and the gang. She’s a cutie and you can’t help but feel a tug on the heart strings as she must start nursery and looks so little and lost. With the help of a new friend she survives her first day. Once safely back in her bedroom, Woody introduces the rest of the gang to her new friend ‘Forky’, an arts and craft spork. 

It’s a cute storyline that every Toy Story fan will enjoy. The gang are tasked with keeping Forky safe as he tries repeatedly to escape. We meet a few old faces, and are introduced to a couple of new toys. Keanu Reeves is brilliant as Stunt Racer Duke Caboom. However, nothing will prepare you for the end. Yet again, I sobbed like a baby!

If you enjoy this franchise then Toy Story 4 is a must watch. It’s funny, cute, heart-warming, and a perfect end to this lovely tale.

Yesterday  – 5*

Putting to one side for a moment the fact that the music score in this film is EPIC, I can’t recommend Yesterday enough. Himesh Patel is brilliant as Jack Malik, and Lily James compliments him well.

Ed Sheeran’s acting has improved slightly since his cameo in Game of Thrones and he gets quite a few decent one-liners. Kate McKinnon plays a fabulously insensitive manager, and Sanjeev and Meera Syal make up the entertaining parent team.

What’s it about? Jack Malik is hit by a bus as the world experiences a glitch. When he wakes up and recovers he realises that the Beatles never existed. As a struggling musician he does what anyone would do – he pretends he wrote all their songs and becomes a mega star!

This film is a foot-tapping, highly entertaining, feel good movie with a Notting Hill kind of vibe. Joel Fry plays quirky Rocky who adds that Rhys Ifans kind of daft humour, but there are plenty of laugh out loud moments.

If you’re looking for a great film with fabulous music that you can laugh along with and tap your foot then Yesterday is the one for you.