Zootopia 2 (2025)

 

While I had a good time at the first Zootopia, the sequel had me yawning and zoning out. The plot and hijinks played out more like a Bad Guys movie, which is to say, sloppy and juvenile. Not at all engaging for a thinking adult. 

Rating: D

Stolen Summer (2002)

This is the film that came out of Project Greenlight from HBO. It's a slow moving drama with a warm story. 

Rating: C

The Green Mile (1999)

 

I struggle to give high ratings to sad movies. The Green Mile is a very good, but quite depressing film. Performances are excellent, especially from Michael Clarke Duncan, who should have at least received an Academy Award nomination. Criminal. 

Rating: B

Zootopia (2016)

Creative, cute, and clever. Seems geared more toward adults, but kids may like all the furry animals, even if they have no idea what’s going on.

Rating: C+

Toy Story 4 (2019)

Cute and fun. Watched with my nieces and nephews. I wasn’t bored.

Rating: C

Cars (2006)

From all the hype, I was expecting this thing to be spectacular. I could easily have done without the annoying musical numbers, the cliche story, and cheesy romance between Lightning and Ms. Porsche. However, the animation was amazing, dedication to detail was appreciated, and many of the supporting players were quite entertaining.

Rating: C+

Cheaper By The Dozen (2003)

Outside of a few good lines, most of the film was a parade of forced physical humor and scenes that make you not want to have kids. Yes, I realize 12 kids are a handful, but wouldn't it help if there was some type of discipline in the family? The kids ran the house, and it was frstrating to watch them cause thousands of dollars woth of damage without the parents batting an eye.

I think the film would have been much better if the humor wasn't so forced and the director injected a little more realism into the script.

Rating: D

Monsters Inc. (2001)

Lots of fun, witty, and very creative. Pixar in its prime.

Rated: B+

Monsters University (2013)

It was ok. While the original was inventive and genuinely funny, this prequel garnered a few modest laughs and was mildly entertaining. Pixar is no longer the trusted brand it once was.

Rating: C

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Entertaining once again. Loved the Ken & Barbie scenes. Story was a little weak, but it was just backdrop for the fun and familiar characters to work their magic.

Rating: B-