Adventure
Over the Moon
(3 Stars) The film doesn’t hang together real well, but there are some great songs and terrific visuals.
Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
(2.5 Stars) Family Entertainment and a refreshing unique style of animation.
News of the World
(3.5 Stars) Many good things here, but, in the end, not real memorable.
Soul
(4.5 Stars) Interesting and Creative approach to some very abstract questions. Excellent film.
Mulan
(2.5 Stars) A disappointing remake when it could and should have been much better.
The 2020 Adventure Movies
An Overview of this year’s Oscar-nominated movies in the Adventure genre.
Maleficent: Princess of Evil
(1.5 Stars) Some fun visual moments do not make up for a plodding story. Pfeiffer occasionally shines, but Jolie’s talent is wasted.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
(3.5 Stars) I suppose if you are a Star Wars buff, you will be disappointed. But for the rest of us, it is just plain fun.
Frozen II
(2.5 Stars) As to be expected, terrific visuals. But the story is a little weak and the songs aren’t memorable.
Ad Astra
(3.5 Stars) Visually stunning and terrific sound. But not up to Kubrick standards!
Lion King
(2 Stars) A retelling of the original story with amazing computer-animation technology. Watch it if you, or your family, didn’t see the original.
Toy Story 4
(5 Stars) Visually stunning movie and a story for anyone who has ever been part of a family. One of this year’s Must-Sees!
Klaus
(3.5 Stars) A delightful family story with a terrific combination of animation styles.
Missing Link
(2.5 Stars) Has some terrific stop-motion animation scenes with rich backgrounds. Story-line a little weak, but a good family movie.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
(2.5 Stars) A good family movie: Kids will be entertained by the humor and the dragons; Adults will be mesmerized by the beautiful imagery.
Mirai
(2 stars) 2019 Some delightful animation, but the movie is in search of an audience.
Ralph Breaks the Internet
(4 Stars) Surprising animation with an imaginative visualization of the internet and a wonderful interlude with the Disney Princesses.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
(3 Stars) A bit deep for those on the edge of the comic book world, but the different animation styles, all in one movie, are fascinating.
Incredibles 2
(2 Stars) An outdated sequel that tries too hard to be relevant. Might be good for families with young children.
Avengers: Infinity War
(3.5 Stars) Amazing Visual Effects, but the story, with 72 characters, is too big to wrap your mind around, unless you already know the comic book world well.
Ready Player One
(4.5 Stars) My favorite action / adventure movie of the year with an intriguing story that bounces between a real dystopian future and an elaborate role-playing VR game.
Christopher Robin
(2.5 Stars) I’ve loved Eeyore all my life, but this movie doesn’t move me in any particular way. Might be appropriate for families with small children.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
(3.5 Stars) Star Wars fans will enjoy this origin story of Han Solo, with excellent visual effects. If you’re not into Star Wars, though, well it may not appeal.
Free Solo
(3.5 Stars) Winner of the Documentary Oscar, it tells a riveting tale of Hannock’s climb of El Capitan. It is an awesome story, but I’m not sure how much movie skill was involved here.
A Quiet Place
(4 Stars) A fascinating horror/sci-fi flick where sound is the major ingredient.
Isle of Dogs
(3.5 Stars) With all the trademarks of Wes Anderson, this movie is fun to watch while it puzzles the mind.
Black Panther
(4 Stars) A visually and aurally stunning action movie with a tightly constructed plot line that you can actually follow.