Zootopia (2016)

Directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush
Written by Way too many people to list… Like seriously, too many people. Come on Disney! Calm Down!
Starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba and Jenny Slate

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy.

Going into the theater, what I was expecting was a fun, clever and heartwarming story about some animals who think they're people. And that expectation was delivered, as promised. However, what I was not expecting was the blatant, yet incredibly important social commentary about prejudices and mob mentality.

"Zootopia" proved to be a more meaningful family film than anticipated. It is quite possibly the most vital animated film in history. It is more than just a self-confidence building film that Disney is mostly known for. It is about more than just accepting yourself. It is also about accepting others and not judging people because of their heritage.

The middle act of the film was so intense and topical that it feels as though this is the perfect time for this story to be shared with children. It perfectly mirrors much of the hate being spread right now and I was pleasantly shocked at how mature the themes were. But perhaps I'm over thinking it.

Great thematic elements aside, this film provided me with many laughs and a great couple of hours of entertainment. It is a fun movie that I feel the entire family will enjoy and it is incredibly clever. It is rare that I find a Disney movie lives up to it's hype. I feel most people are blinded by the "magic". But this is one that did not disappoint.

My Rating: 7/10

Dope (2015)

Written and Directed by Rick Famuyiwa
Starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons and Blake Anderson

Life changes for Malcolm, a geek who's surviving life in a tough neighborhood, after a chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his friends into a Los Angeles adventure.

While thoroughly entertaining, funny and dope (I'm sorry), throughout most of the film I sat there wondering what, if anything the film was trying to say. I had heard that it was a "coming of age" movie unlike any other, but after an hour it still seemed like an average movie… But then they hit you with it.

Especially given the tragic events in South Carolina last week, this film seemed as if it had been made with the news in mind. Not only do they tackle racism between races, but also the stereotypes forced upon black people by others in their community.

Backed with an amazing soundtrack of 90s hip hop, modern hits, amazing originals and for some reason, Korn (not hat in', just saying'), the filmmaker knew exactly what he wanted to display and did so with flying colors. Presenting topical subjects and giving off a sense of nostalgia for people who grew up in the 90s, it's hard to really explain what makes this film great. Just check it out.

My Rating: 8/10

Oscar Best Picture Nominee: Selma

With the Oscars coming up in a little over a week, I decided I would take these next few days to discuss my opinions of the Best Picture Nominees.

"Selma"

Directed by Ava DuVernay

Written by Paul Webb

Starring David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson and Tim Roth

Based on Martin Luther King's campaign to secure voting rights for black citizens, "Selma" focus' on the organization of the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965 and the violent attack by State Police Officer's that became known as "Bloody Sunday".

The story of Selma, Alabama is an incredible one. And while this movie captures the events that happened and the people involved, at times it fails to capture any emotion.  Presented more like a History Channel exclusive documentary (Pre-Pawn Stars and the decline of the network), I felt like this was more an imagining of a High School text book than a movie.

There is controversy surrounding this movie, because Al Sharpton believes that David Oyelowo and Ava DuVernay deserved nominations. And while he is right about Oyelowo (although every actor nominated for Best Leading Actor deserves it and Oyelowo was just an unfortunate snub due to lack of space) he is wrong about DuVernay.

"I have an opinion on everything because I became a minister at the age of 9

which means I'm an expert in everything including film making, the way the

Academy Award nominees are chosen (Angry White Guy in an Office picking

anyone who isn't of color) and of course, quilting."

-Al Sharpton… Probably

In fact, there are only two weaknesses to this movie. Oprah Winfrey, who should have no part in acting in movies and Ava DuVernay. Her directing made a potentially beautiful, emotional film about the civil rights movement, into a flat, reserved story that was hard to connect with. The common misconception among filmmakers who make films based on actual events is the assumption that the audience will be emotional for the sake that it is a historical occurrence. 

The shining light in this film are the performances of a few actors, primarily David Oyelowo's portrayal of the late Dr. King. His speeches are stirring and inspirational as they were when spoken by MLK himself. He, along with the song "Glory" (nominated for Best Original Song), provide the only emotional foundation of this film. 

And despite what others would say, I believe other films deserved the Best Picture nomination before this one did. It may seem contradicting for me to say this now, but this movie is worth seeing. I just think calling it one of the eight best pictures is a bit of a stretch.

Perhaps it's because of the events that occurred on this bridge,

but Edmund Pettus just sounds like a name of a racist.

My Rating: 7.5/10