The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, 2019)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Fantasy, Adventure, Puppets, Epic

What marvelous creations and spectacular visuals! And the story is as captivating as the film from 37 years ago. Jim Henson would be so proud. The first episode, while gorgeous, didn't grip me right away. But the second most definitely did. I quickly fell in love with the different gelfling personalities--Deet is my favorite, of course--and even more quickly despised the Skekis. I did feel that there was a surprising absence of Mystics. Only two came out to help? Perhaps we'll get more in the next season. Can't wait for more from this universe.

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The Mandalorian, Season 1

The Mandalorian, Season 1 (John Favreau, 2019)

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Rating: DSQ=10, SP=5 / Average Snack

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=3

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Star Wars Universe, Epic

When the internet totally exploded with pictures of a baby yoda, I quickly figured out that it was from The Mandalorian show. I thought, a show with a baby as cute as that must be doing something right. I was correct--the show is great, even without the cuteness. This is a fun story in the Star Wars universe that will appeal to fans and non-fans, alike. But I do think it is more enjoyable with at least a basic knowledge of Star Wars lore. Each episode is captivating--asks as many questions as it answers--so you are left wanting more. Lots of droids and stunning cinematography. Can't wait for the next season--too much still to learn!

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Star Wars: Episode IX--The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars: Episode IX--The Rise of Skywalker (J. J. Abrams, 2019)
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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Science Fantasy, Saga, Action

The fans had so much anticipation and so many expectations for this "final" installment of the saga. I didn't, really, but I was hoping for closure that made sense. What we got, in my opinion, was the fastest-paced (was any scene more that 3 minutes long?), most candy thrown at us (slow down, already!) Stars Wars episode yet. Episode IX did give closure, but there was a lot of cliche moments, unnecessary moments, and surprisingly missing moments. The connection between Kylo and Rey was well done, if quite over the top. And it was incredibly moving to see the old veterans uniting in battle and rejoicing at the end. Chewy was at his finest. Is it the end? Not convinced, but perhaps...

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Maudie

Maudie (Aisling Walsh, 2016)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Biopic, Maud Lewis, Complex Relationships, Art

Wow. What an amazing film! I first learned about Maud Lewis when I went to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in 2013 and saw her house and artwork on display. She is a true treasure and her story is even more heartwarming. I love films that show the story, and Aisling Walsh definitely does that. I was truly surprised that this film flew under the radar--both Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke should have been nominated for more awards for their performances. Fantastic acting.

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Disenchantment Season 1

Disenchantment (Matt Groening, 2018-)

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Season 1 Rating: CSS=9, CSS=7 / The Guffaws

Scale F=3, Scale G=3, Scale H=3, Scale I=3, Scale J=4
   Favorite from Season 1 = "Faster, Princess! Kill! Kill!"

Animation, Comedy, Middle Ages, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Adventure

This is a fun show that brings fantasy and the comedy world of Matt Groening together. While I still think Futurama is the best of all his shows, Disenchantment is a great new adventure. The show has longer episodes, a continuous narrative, and is more dramatic than comedic--but it's still hilarious. I liked the symbolism, the pre-science jokes, the magic, and the literary aspects. But the best part, in my opinion, is the voice acting: Matt Berry, Rich Fulcher, and Noel Fielding are added to the already amazing ensemble cast?! Excellent.

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Wedding & Honeymoon Hiatus

A Moving Story Scope is on hiatus for my wedding and honeymoon from October 1-16

Look forward to a few special posts when I return, including My Top 5 Wes Anderson Films and The Thin Man series revisited.

<-- I get to go here!

Mortal Engines

Mortal Engines (Christian Rivers, 2018)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=1, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Fantasy, Steampunk, Action, Based on Book, Post-apocalypse, Young Adult

What a fun setting and concept! The artists on this film certainly had a good time and their efforts show--a mesmerizing visual feat. Moving cities in a future age of steam? I like this idea and wanted to see the way people live and explore the intricate workings of the machines. But Mortal Engines just doesn't go into it--it barely scratches the surface, in fact. The script is mediocre and focuses almost entirely on the action: chases, battles, war. Also, here's another action flick that has hardly any character development but throws highly emotional moments at you. I found it difficult to empathize. I'm sure the book series spends more time on the characters and their back stories, but adapting/condensing it into one film didn't work. But, wow, the artistry is amazing!

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The Handmaid's Tale Seasons 1 & 2

The Handmaid's Tale Seasons 1 & 2 (Bruce Miller, 2017-present)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=4 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=1

Future, Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller, Horror, Psychological

This may be the most difficult show I've ever watched, but for all the right reasons. Margaret Atwood wrote a masterful story about what could be the future of this country. And I think that is the most important part: it could be. This is not a fantasy, like most post-apocalyptic and dystopian worlds that writers create. This one feels too close for comfort, too realistic. And, even more disturbing, it already is the reality for some nations. Women are property and people are tortured and killed for not following "rules" in some places in this world. And we are now experiencing sickening hatred in this country that is eerily similar to the world of Gilead.

This show is intense and very brutal. The kind of violence portrayed is more difficult for me to watch than war films, gangster films, gory horror flicks, or shows like Breaking Bad. I think this is because that there is a level of distancing that happens in these genres. But with The Handmaid's Tale, there is no distancing. The violence is constantly there, combined with grotesque manipulation and hypocrisy. And the editing makes the audience feel uneasy and never immune to it. AMAZING performances from Elisabeth Moss and Yvonne Strahovski.

I can't say that I'll re-watch this show--it's just too hard. But I do recommend it. It's important.

Favorite episode from Season 1 = "A Woman's Place"

Favorite episode from Season 2 = "Holly"

Looking forward to watching Season 3...stay tuned...

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Midsomer Murders Seasons 1-13 (DCI Tom Barnaby years)

Midsomer Murders Seasons 1-13 (Caroline Graham, 1997-2011)

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Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Psychological

As you all know, I love a good mystery series. I especially love British mysteries and get totally sucked into them. This is the type of show I binge-watch and revisit after several years. I've been doing just that with Midsomer Murders. I've watched the first 13 seasons twice, now, and decided to share my ratings and favorite episodes. The thing I like the most about this show is that the format stays the same but the stories are new and never fail to surprise me. Well written, well acted. I'm currently watching seasons 14-21 and will review those when I finish.

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=7 / Sweet Treat

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=4

Favorite Episode from Season 1 = "The Killing's at Badger's Drift"

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Favorite Episode from Season 2 = "Dead Man's Eleven"

Season 3 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Favorite Episode from Season 3 = "Judgement Day"

Season 4 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Favorite Episode from Season 4 = "Garden of Death"

Season 5 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Favorite Episode from Season 5 = "Ring Out Your Dead"

Season 6 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Favorite Episode from Season 6 = "Painted in Blood"

Season 7 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3
Favorite Episode from Season 7 = "The Straw Woman"

Season 8 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3
Favorite Episode from Season 8 = "Hidden Depths"

Season 9 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=6 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3
Favorite Episode from Season 9 = "Vixen's Run"

Season 10 Rating: DSQ=8, SP=5 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=2, Scale D=2, Scale E=3
Favorite Episode from Season 10 = "Picture of Innocence"

Season 11 Rating: DSQ=8, SP=5 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=2, Scale D=2, Scale E=3
Favorite Episode from Season 11 = "Talking to the Dead"

Season 12 Rating: DSQ=8, SP=5 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=2, Scale D=2, Scale E=3
Favorite Episode from Season 12 = "The Creeper"

Season 13 Rating: DSQ=8, SP=5 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=2, Scale D=2, Scale E=3

Favorite Episode from Season 13 = "Master Class"

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Tampopo

Tampopo (Jûzô Itami, 1985)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Japan, Food, Comedy, Parody

What a fun film! Japan truly has a love relationship with food and this film does a great job of showing it in many interesting and hilarious ways. I was hungry for Japanese noodles the entire time. It was also enjoyable to see how Itami referenced and parodied popular cinema, genres, and movie motifs.

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Green Book

Green Book (Peter Farrelly, 2018)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

1960s, Biopic, Prejudice, Race, Music, Journey

It took me nearly a year to watch this controversial Oscar 2019 Best Picture winner. Partly because I had read so much about why the film should not have received the award, partly because I wasn't ever in the right mood. But now I've seen it. I certainly don't agree that it's Best Picture worthy, but to me, the film wasn't as problematic as articles I had read said it was. On the topic of prejudices and race, it was definitely surface-level and shallow for 2019, but the story is still enjoyable and an escape. The focus of the film is certainly on Viggo Mortensen's character Tony, and very little depth is given to Dr. Shirley (played extraordinarily well by Mahershala Ali). This feels off and is definitely a missed opportunity. Overall, it was predictable and appeals to that human need to see everything seem to "work out in the end."

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Black Mirror Season 5

Black Mirror Season 5 (Charlie Brooker, 2011-present)

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Rating: DSQ=9, SP=4 / Average Snack

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=2, Scale E=2

Favorite from Season 5 = "Striking Vipers"

Science Fiction, Future, Thriller, Horror, Psychological

With just three episodes, I felt unsatisfied...I want more! Season 5 is definitely not as mind-bending or memorable as previous seasons, but it is still enjoyable. There is more political/sociological statements and less science/technology. I hope Charlie Brooker is writing and planning more...

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SPECIAL: Top 10 Studio Ghibli Animated Features

I had so much fun re-watching and rating my favorite Disney films, I decided to do the same for my favorite Studio Ghibli films. Like with the Disney films list, I started with only feature-length films. Here's the complete list in chronological order:

• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
• Castle in the Sky (1986)
• Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
• My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
• Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
• Only Yesterday (1991)
• Porco Rosso (1992)
• Pom Poko (1994)
• Whisper of the Heart (1995)
• Princess Mononoke (1997)
• My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
• Spirited Away (2001)
• The Cat Returns (2002)
• Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
• Tales from Earthsea (2006)
• Ponyo (2008)
• Arrietty (2010)
• From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
• The Wind Rises (2013)
• The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
• When Marnie Was There (2014)

It was difficult, but after going through the rating scale for each film here are my results--Elizabeth's Top 10 Studio Ghibli films:

#10 Pom Poko (1994)

While the story might feel drawn out and slow at times, Pom Poko is magical and hilarious. The ghost-parade sequence has always been one of my favorite sequences in all of animation. I love the folklore. This film is also unique in that it's the only one that I can think of that uses three different animation styles to depict the main characters (the tanuki; raccoon-dogs). Sometimes they are realistic animals, sometimes anthropomorphic animals (often clothed), and sometimes cartoon-like/manga. It's intriguing and it lends itself well with the story.

#9 Ponyo (2008)

The first time I watched Ponyo, I liked it OK but it didn't grab me. On each subsequent viewing it gets better and better, though. Beautiful sequences and vibrant colors, adorable cuteness of the main characters, and so much fun. It always reminds me of a combination of The Little Mermaid and Pinocchio stories. So joyful.

#8 Castle in the Sky (1986)

For an English major that studied Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, Castle in the Sky definitely has to make my top 10 list for referencing the floating island-world of Laputa. The adventure story that surrounds it is wonderful, too, with steampunk flying machines and pirates. This film also includes one of my favorite kind of film moments: a cleaning/tidying up sequence. Not sure why, but most Studio Ghibli films that I love include one.

#7 Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

As we all know, I love Coming of Age movies, and the rest of this list fits that category. But Kiki's Delivery Service is perhaps the most archetypal. It has the perfect story arc and there are so many little moments that make the film classic, for me (shopping to establish your first place, scenes of the city, another cleaning sequence!).

#6 Arrietty (2010)

The Secret World of Arrietty is another great Coming of Age movie, but I like this one slightly more than Kiki's Delivery Service because Arrietty is based on one of my favorite childhood stories: The Borrowers. I love everything about the idea that little people could be living in your house and collect little bits of your household items. Again, the scenes are magical--all the miniature things suddenly become large. Arrietty's first view of the human's kitchen is marvelous (especially the sound!). Also, the backgrounds...just amazing.

#5 Princess Mononoke (1997)

Like Ponyo, Princess Mononoke did not grab me the first few times I watched. I loved the artistry and the story intrigued me, but it didn't have that special pull. I think this is partly because there are multiple plot lines and it is not nostalgic, cutesy, or joyful. But there is also a different feel in this one compared to all other Miyazaki films--it feels more mature, historical, and even political. The main character is also an adult male, not a young female like many of his others. Of course, it continues to get better and better each time I watch. I ranked it high for all those reasons, and also because the environmental/ecological message is so powerful. This is a true drama.

#4 Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

I believe that Howl's Moving Castle is the most quintessential Studio Ghibli film out there. The story gets abstract and meanders somewhat, the back-and-forth between realms/worlds is confusing at times, but it is absolutely full of everything I love about Miyazaki's work. The artistry is striking, especially the scenes that juxtapose the dark warships/planes above the bright majestic mountains. The characters are all quirky, imperfect, lovable. How can you not like that hilarious dog Hin? And Calcifer? And so much magic--several cleaning scenes! It is a beautiful tale of love, loyalty, acceptance, and determination.

#3 Spirited Away (2001)

Folklore and Coming of Age? Yes please. Spirited Away was my first Miyazaki film and I remember that first viewing fondly. I was taken aback, astonished, mesmerized that there were artists out there making films this beautiful. I was thrilled that the story slowly revealed itself and the pacing wasn't frenetic (like so many Hollywood animated films). Each scene had so much detail and felt entirely new. And the color! This is a perfect film and story--full of conflict, challenges, memorable characters and details. It has frightening moments, too (some remind me of Alice in Wonderland). This is a gateway film and one I would make all children watch--everyone, really.

#2 My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Pure joy and happiness. My Neighbor Totoro is the film I watch when I feel to feel better, when I want to become absorbed in memories of childhood, when I need to remind myself that life is miraculous. That being said, I consider this one of my Top 10 favorite movies. This is a day-in-the-life story that some might not like (slow pace, no big crux/conflict) but I love it for that reason. The story reflects summertime and being young. It feels like my daydreaming/imaginative play days. It is so heartwarming, it hurts.

#1 Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

While it probably seems like My Neighbor Totoro should have been at the top of this list, I chose Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind because not only is the artistry gorgeous but the story/concept really is my favorite. Technically, the film isn't Studio Ghibli (there was no studio yet!) but arguably it was the first...and to many, the best. I love thinking about what the future may be like, and Nausicaa's world of giant insects, poisonous air, and humans going back to pre-industrial ways, feels plausible. The scenes of the fungal forest with dragonflies the size of airplanes is stunning. And Nausicaa is such an admirable character: she has a love of all living things, she is determined and brave to a fault, she takes every risk to save her people...a great heroine. All of Miyazaki's stories have an environmental focus and usually also anti-war themes but Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind focuses on those themes. Inspiring.

Stranger Things Season 3

Stranger Things Season 3 (Matt and Ross Duffer)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Retro, 1980s, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller

What an action-packed, outrageous, hilarious, nostalgic season! I loved every minute of it--even the disturbing horror moments. The best part of this show, in my opinion, is how relate-able the characters are and how realistic the directors/writers make every moment feel, even though there is absolutely nothing realistic about the events taking place. It's a magical show. Great cameo from Cary Elwes--that was unexpected! And the Dustin/Suzie sequence was truly the best.

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Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (Morgan Neville, 2018)

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Rating: DOCQ=6, DOCP=7 / First Rate

Scale K=3, Scale L=3, Scale M=4, Scale N=3

Biopic, Television, Children, Psychology, Faith

I grew up watching "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" and I know without a doubt that the show shaped me as a person. Probably more so than any other show on TV. I still remember all the songs and lyrics, over twenty years later. I watched this documentary and cried multiple times. Because no one cares in the same way Fred Rogers did. What an amazing human being--so brave and determined to help children and our world. It is deeply moving to hear the words he said and sang.

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Grantchester Seasons 1, 2, & 3

Grantchester Seasons 1, 2, & 3 (George Adams and Tony Wright, 2013-present)

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Season 1 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=3
   Favorite from Season 1 = "Episode 5"

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=8 / Decadence
Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4
   Favorite from Season 2 = "Episode 5"

Season 3 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough
Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=3
   Favorite from Season 3 = "Episode 2"

1950s, Mystery, Religion, Complex Relationships

What a brilliant show--Robson Green and James Norton have perfect chemistry and both create memorable and lovable characters. If you like shows with tension and inner conflict, this is definitely the one for you. Each mystery/case ties together perfectly with whatever drama/turmoil the townsfolk and their vicar are dealing with. Excellent writing. Can't wait to see the fourth season.

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Vice

Vice (Adam McKay, 2018)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Biopic, Drama, Politics, Power, Philosophical

This movie is important, very disturbing, and wonderfully crafted. I think I would have voted for it as best picture. It definitely should have won for best editing (incredible job!). And the music is fantastic--so fitting.

It's scary how we, the people, don't know about situations, schemes, shady business, and illegal doings until years or decades later. Until things have gone horribly wrong or are irreversible. It's scary how much we STILL don't know. And it is astonishing that one person with the patience, motivation, and access can alter the lives of thousands. All over the world. It's the unfortunate story of humanity. How that access is granted over and over and over will always remain a mystery to me.

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The Doctor Blake Mysteries Seasons 4 & 5

The Doctor Blake Mysteries Seasons 4 & 5 (George Adams and Tony Wright, 2013-present)

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Season 4 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3
   Favorite from Season 4 = "The Price of Love"

Season 5 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence
Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=4
   Favorite from Season 5 = "Measure Twice"

1950s, Australia, Mystery, Medical, Complex Relationships

Wow, I really love this show. When I posted about Seasons 1-3, I remarked at how much I loved the focus on clues--this is a real detective show. Seasons 4 and 5 are no different, with the added bonus of more tension between the characters. So many surprises! There were times in Season 5 that I couldn't handle the amount of turmoil. I hope another season is on the way.

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Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express (Kenneth Branagh, 2017)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Mystery, Agatha Christie, Drama

I avoided watching this one for a while because I'm such an Agatha Christie fan--I didn't want to be disappointed. Sometimes when I see "All-star Cast" it results in a sub-par script or directing. Plus I have a hard time seeing anyone other than David Suchet as Hercules Poirot. But Kenneth Branagh's film is actually better than I expected. I watched the whole thing and didn't get irritated by much. Plus Kenneth Branagh also  plays a pretty good Poirot. The artistry is great and the film moves at a good pace. It was a nice escapist film and one I might watch again.

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Stand and Deliver

Stand and Deliver (Ramón Menéndez, 1988)

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Rating: Q=5, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

High School, Los Angeles, Biopic, Empowerment, Discrimination

This is a feel-good movie in the same vein as To Sir With Love and Dangerous Minds--a great teacher that transforms his students. In this case it is 1980s Los Angeles, the majority of students are Hispanic, and the subject that transforms is calculus. A really inspiring story that made me feel a little more hopeful about the problems we face today in the education world--there are devoted and determined people out there that deeply care about young people and their future. I know they still exist and will keep making a difference...despite the rule-makers.

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Ready Player One

Ready Player One (Steven Spielberg, 2018)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Future, Dystopian, Games

I enjoyed this film...more than I expected, actually. The only thing that disappointed me, really, was that there wasn't more back story about reality 2045. It would have been fun, too, to dive even deeper into the world of Oasis. For an obviously visually-focused film--full of action, color, special effects--it has a surprisingly solid script with fairly good acting, too. I'm sure it's partly because it's based on a book and...Steven Spieldberg. Great film for young adults, gamers, pop culture fans, dreamers, and action/fantasy film lovers.

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Working Girl

Working Girl (Mike Nichols, 1988)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Drama, Romance, Work, Class, 1980s

This was a fun one--those hairstyles! I feel this is one of the better romantic comedies out there--it balances things well and Melanie Griffith and Harrison Ford is certainly a good combo. I'm sure we've all had the urge to take revenge and/or to break the rules like Tess does in this story. I like watching schemes unfold.

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Sleepless in Seattle

Sleepless in Seattle (Nora Ephron, 1993)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Romance, Drama, Coping

For some reason, I had never seen this film all the way through. I distinctly remember seeing it on the airplane flight my family took to Hawaii (that was 1993, the year it was released), but I don't think I really watched or understood anything. This is great writing and good acting, overall. While Romantic Comedy/Chick Flick isn't my genre of choice, I do occasionally like a lovely little romantic fantasy story that makes you feel good.

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Witness

Witness (Peter Weir, 1985)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Drama, Crime, Complex Relationships, Police, Amish, Philosophical

What a truly great film. I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as I did. The acting is terrific, the story is solid, and there is just the right balance of tension and ease. Harrison Ford is wonderful in this role--I wish he had/will have more opportunities to show his skills as an emotional actor. Plus...Viggo Mortensen's first film role!? He doesn't say anything, but it's fun to see him in the background.

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The Terminator & Terminator 2: Judgment Day

The Terminator (James Cameron, 1984)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Action, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Post-Apocalypse

My go-to film genre has never been "Action," but this one is a classic and I had only ever seen clips of this film, so I felt it was high time I watched it. It was mindless escape: lots and lots of chasing and shooting with a touch of science fiction. The causality stuff drove me crazy, but I still liked considering the concepts. I'd much rather watch The Time Machine or 12 Monkeys, though.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (James Cameron, 1991)

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Rating: Q=4, P=3 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Action, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Post-Apocalypse

I did enjoy Terminator 2 just a little bit more than it's predecessor. Maybe because there was a little bit more emotion and emphasis on the philosophy/morality theme. But there is WAY more exploding and shooting and destruction in this one. I do really like the concept of a cyborg programmed to kill that is "taught" not to kill. Again, I had so many questions about causality that it became ridiculous...so don't try to figure the logic out--there isn't any. 

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The Favourite

The Favourite (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2018)

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Rating: Q=8, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

1700s, Biopic, Queen Anne, Complex Relationships, Historical

Incredible film artistry--the striking deep color, fantastic lighting effects, details, acting, balance. Just everything. I was thoroughly impressed. Queen Anne has a tragic and terrible story, which I didn't know much about but quickly researched after watching this. Love and grief are both so complicated and personal emotions and this film tackles them both realistically and beautifully. The three actresses--Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone--gave performances of a lifetime. And I'm giddy with anticipation for more films from Yorgos Lanthimos!

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SPECIAL: Top 15 Disney Animated Features

If you regularly read this blog, you'll know that I love animation. I have watched cartoons and full-length animated films since before I could speak. There is video proof of me watching cartoons, eyes wide and unblinking. I recall obsessively watching many animated films multiple times a day.

Now, I have favorites that I continually go back to--like My Neighbor Totoro and The Twelve Tasks of Asterix--and I look forward to discovering new animation from around the globe. My collection of animated films is continually growing.

Disney cartoons and films were a huge part of my childhood, like most people born in the twentieth century, I suppose. So, I thought it would be fun to revisit the full-length features from 1937 until today. Since there are hundreds of films produced by Disney, I considered only the 57 films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios--using the list found here. Then I created a new rating scale specifically for animated films, since I realized through this process that nostalgia and personal style weighs very heavily when I rate animation, more so than other films.

(Also, I am fully aware that each of these films has faults--films are made by humans so the ideologies and prejudices of the day find their way into the stories. Those moments should not be censored, but they should be learned from.)

The result is Elizabeth's Top 15 Disney films. Why 15 and not 10? Well, I had so many films with tied ratings I just couldn't decide between some!

#15 Aladdin (1992)

I probably watched this film 50 times the year it came out--I was obsessed. I remember reciting the lines and singing the songs constantly. Now, I still enjoy it but more for the story and timeless performance by Robin Williams.

#14 Make Mine Music (1946)

I adore Disney animated shorts and this collection has two of my favorites: All The Cat's Join In and Casey at the Bat.

#13 The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

As a true Sherlock fan, it's no surprise that this film made my list. Mice versions of Holmes and Watson? Yes, please. This has so many of my favorite things: Mystery, London, fun animation scenes--like the toy store--clever escapes, beautiful animation.

#12 Peter Pan (1953)

This was a favorite when I was growing up, especially the songs. Who doesn't love the fantasy of flying away to a magic land with mermaids, pirates, Indians, and fairies? And what ample material for illustrators!

#11 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

The first and most critically acclaimed. It's still astonishing how gorgeous the animation is and how powerful and emotional the story. Disney put so much into this one and it will forever be one of the best films (not just animations) of all time. I especially love the jolly dancing and singing dwarfs.

#10 Bambi (1942)

Oh, the beauty of this one. Falling snow on tall trees, new spring grasses, fields of flowers, mossy trees...everything is gorgeous. Pause the film at any time and you'll have a perfect image.

#9 The Sword in the Stone (1963)

I never saw this one until I was much older, but I have a fondness for King Arthur stories, so it soon became one of my favorites. The artists that worked on Disney films in the early 1960s match my style. I've always liked their sketchier-style backgrounds. There is also a warmth in the color tone that I associate with my childhood, for some reason. I like the quiet, calm pacing and narration, too.

#8 One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

Even more than The Sword in the Stone, the tone and feel of this one is exactly my style. It also has plenty of beautiful landscape scenes. And dogs, of course. Such a heartwarming story.

#7 Robin Hood (1973)

I've studied Robin Hood stories and films and hold this version in high regard. Roger Miller's Alan-A-Dale rooster alone is enough to make this list! I like the creativity, music, goofiness, and just all the different animals.

#6 Fantasia (1940)

It's hard to rate this film because it is really multiple films in one. But it ranks highly for me, mostly because I can watch it all the time and never be tired of it. I love the concept, the musical choices, and the themes: Beethoven and Greek mythology = brilliant. Tchaikovsky and fairies = this seems obvious. Incredibly nostalgic for me.

#5 Pinocchio (1940)

Critics and historians often site Pinocchio as the most perfect, complete animated film that Disney created. It's clear why when you look closely at the editing techniques--this was made in 1940! This story is remarkable--inspiring but filled with truly frightening moments. I'm still disturbed watching the Lost Boys sequences. And this film has--in my opinion--the best Disney song: "When You Wish Upon A Star."

#4 Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Artistically unlike any other Disney film, Eyvind Earle's magical backgrounds makes this film. This animation is the most fully fairy-tale-like. And the most like a painting. I feel transported into the pages of an illuminated manuscript. Arguably, Sleeping Beauty has the most expressive color and lighting of all Disney films.

#3 Cinderella (1950)

When I was little, this was my favorite animation. The songs made it for me, and still do--have mice sing and sew and I can't resist. It's a timeless story and Disney captured it so well. The conflict between the evil stepmother (truly evil) and Cinderella gets harder for me to watch every time. And the fairy godmother's entrance is so magical. Fantastic storytelling.

#2 Alice in Wonderland (1951)

This story is one of my favorites in literature so it's hard not to love this animated version. I used to think the film's pacing was too fast--suddenly the movie finishes right when I was just getting into it! But, like the book, it is supposed to match the attention span of the main character. I love everything about this animation--bold, crisp, clean, beautiful.

#1 Dumbo (1941)

The perfect animated film. Seriously, nothing can compare to this gem. The story has humor, sweetness, emotion, conflict, lovable characters, and meaning. The animation is gorgeous--bright, bold, fluid, familiar and at the same time experimental. I will always love this film and it will always be my favorite of Disney.