A Very Jonas Christmas Movie

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie; It’s hard to not enjoy the JoJo Bros. when they know they’re the joke. Their fame, music, family is all up for spoofs in what they clearly know is a ridiculous movie to be making. Cinema, this is definitely not, but a silly little passage of time around the holidays; B-

Will & Harper

Will & Harper; A testament to friendship between two funny people who navigate how a life changing decision affects the way they interact w/each other & encounter the world together. Hard truths are captured, some of it stark & ugly, but the beauty of true friendship shines through. Heartwarming; B

Despicable Me 4

Despicable Me 4; Comedic voice cast given little to do besides playing 2nd fiddle to slapstick shenanigans of minions, who still land laughs. Story shows how the studio doesn’t know what to do w/Gru anymore, while side characters are an even greater afterthought. A solid, safe summer diversion; C+

Barbie

Barbie; Perfect casting propels the film from silly concept to full blown cultural moment. More sad and intense at times than it is hilarious, Canadian Kens (and Alan) really bring the laughs. A small indie film wrapped in a big budget toy seller succeeds on several levels; B+

Spirited

Spirited; Reynolds & Ferrell demonstrate how their peerless comedy comes from a heartfelt place, w/earnest attempts at singing & updating the Dickens classic. Best moments come in a Monty Pythonesque period number and when the two are riffing off each other. Sweet Xmas fare; B+
 

Downhill

Downhill; A fitting name for a film that seems promising at first by casting the dream team of Louis-Dreyfus and Ferrell, only to squander their comedic AND dramatic capabilities with a D.O.A. script of two characters unworthy of our empathy or attention. Completely unlikable; D

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part; Lacks the charm and surprise of the original, is slow going out of the gate, but eventually finds its footing and delivers a decent landing in the final acts. Batman is still the best part, which makes this sequel seem rather unnecessary; B-

Daddy's Home

Daddy’s Home; Ferrell and Wahlburg make a great team and play off each other well. Unnecessarily goes to mature areas it doesn’t really need to making it feel undecided if it’s for families or adults. Either way it works but choose one; B-

The Lego Movie

The Lego Movie; Overly kinetic to the point where it becomes hard to appreciate the animation. The two Wills generate plenty of laughs; B

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues; not as funny as the first, yet need for emotional grounding takes it to weird places. Strangely funny; B+