Z-O-M-B-I-E-S (2018)

Title: Z-O-M-B-I-E-S
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: February 16, 2018
Genre(s): Romance, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Disney Channel
Director: Paul Hoen
Starring: Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Trevor Tordjman


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes cutesy movies.

What is this about?
After 50 years, zombie teens are finally allowed to attend human high school. There, Zed meets Addison...

When would be a good time to watch this?
During lockdown.

Where does it take place?
Seabrook, a perfectly planned community.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed a Z for Blogging From A to Z and this seemed like the logical choice.

How did I like this?
Easily one of Disney Channel's best movies. It is sooo cute and every single song was crazy catchy! Yes, the plot is cliche and predictable, but it was fun and cute and kept me smiling.

Have you seen Z-O-M-B-I-E-S? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Year Million: Season 1 (2017)

Title: Year Million
Rating: PG
Run Time: -
Release Date: May 17, 2017
Genre(s): Series, Documentary, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: National Geographic
Director: -
Starring: Negin Farsad, Laurence Fishburne, Miklós Bányai


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone interested in the future or technology.

What is this about?
Speculation on where various technologies are going.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you're in the mood to think too hard about what the future will be like.

Where does it take place?
Everywhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed a Y for Blogging From A to Z and this looked interesting.

How did I like this?
This mini series was a very interesting mix of current technology, projections, Science Fiction, and dramatization. It totally reinforced my recurring thought of "What if none of this is a real? What if we're living in a simulation?!"

Have you seen Year Million? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

X-Men: Evolution: Season 1 (2000)

Title: X-Men: Evolution
Rating: TV-Y7
Run Time: -
Release Date: November 4, 2020
Genre(s): Series, Animation, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Marvel Enterprises
Director: -
Starring: Scott McNeil, Meghan Black, Christopher Judge


Who would I recommend this to?
X-Men fans. Or cartoon superhero fans in general.

What is this about?
A group of gifted teens come together to learn how to use their powers for good.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need something light to entertain you.

Where does it take place?
Bayville High School and the surrounding areas.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed an X for Blogging From A to Z, and this was it. Luckily, I like X-Man.

How did I like this?
I was actually surprised how into this I was. I know I watched the older cartoon when I was little, but totally missed this one when I was in middle school. It's nothing spectacular, but the episodes are fun and engaging.

Have you seen X-Men: Evolution? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

The World According to Jeff Goldblum: Season 1 (2019)

Title: The World According to Jeff Goldblum
Rating: PG
Run Time: -
Release Date: November 12, 2019
Genre(s): Documentary, Series
Production Co.: Disney+
Director: -
Starring: Jeff Goldblum


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Jeff Goldblum. People interested in learning about random topics and pop culture.

What is this about?
Jeff Goldblum picks a topic and goes on a journey to its past, while also exploring the current social significance.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have a spare moment.

Where does it take place?
All over the country.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like Jeff and I like learning about random topics.

How did I like this?
It's very entertaining! Although at times, Jeff's quirkiness seems forced for the camera. But I love his enthusiasm for each random quest he goes on and how he gives it his all!

Have you seen The World According to Jeff Goldblum?
What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Viking Warrior Women (2019)

Title: Viking Warrior Women
Rating: PG
Run Time: 44 minutes
Release Date: 2019
Genre(s): Documentary, Biography
Production Co.: National Geographic
Director: -
Starring: Ella Al-Shamahi, Leszek Gardela, Charlotte Hedenstierna Jonson


Who would I recommend this to?
History buffs.

What is this about?
Archaeologists find a female skeleton in a viking warrior grave.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have an hour to learn something.

Where does it take place?
Northern Europe.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed a V for Blogging From A to Z and this seemed interesting.

How did I like this?
I'm super glad and impressed that they didn't just immediately assume that this skeleton meant women fought alongside the men. They actually said maybe this skeleton belonged to someone who identified as a man, especially since the grave contents suggested this was a commander. Either possibility is interesting.

Have you seen Viking Warrior Women? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Unlikely Animal Friends: Season 1 (2012)

Title: Unlikely Animal Friends
Rating: G
Run Time: -
Release Date: 2012
Genre(s): Documentary, Series
Production Co.: National Geographic
Director: -
Starring: Mark Keller


Who would I recommend this to?
Animal lovers.

What is this about?
Animal friendship and companionship between species that you wouldn't think go together.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now.

Where does it take place?
All over the world.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love cute animals.

How did I like this?
It's so cute!!! My heart is exploding from the adorable pureness that is the animal kingdom! My favorite pairings were the Panther/Bunny, Baboon/Bushbaby, Fox/Hound (yes!!!), Human/Goose.

Have you seen Unlikely Animal Friends? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Titanic: 20 Years Later With James Cameron (2017)

Title: Titanic: 20 Years Later With James Cameron
Rating: PG
Run Time: 46 minutes
Release Date: November 26, 2017
Genre(s): Documentary
Production Co.: National Geographic
Director: Thomas C. Grane
Starring: James Cameron, Jacqueline Astor Drexel, Robert Ballard, Harold Bride


Who would I recommend this to?
Titanic superfans. History buffs.

What is this about?
James Cameron and team does extra research to see what was correct in the movie and what was just a product of his imagination.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now.

Where does it take place?
Somewhere...

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I am obsessed with Titanic.

How did I like this?
I was hooked from beginning to end. It was really interesting to see all the work behind the scenes, and I was impressed with how much time and money James Cameron went into continuing his research of Titanic after the movie. There's been a lot of advances in the 20 years since they filmed the movie, so of course we're able to learn more about what really might have happened.

Have you seen Titanic: 20 Years Later With James Cameron? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Stargirl (2020)

Title: Stargirl
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: March 13, 2020
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Disney+
Director: Julia Hart
Starring: Grace VanderWaal, Graham Verchere, Giancarlo Esposito


Who would I recommend this to?
Uhhh..

What is this about?
Loser guy falls for quirky new girl. It's based on a book that I haven't read.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Some high school somewhere in Arizona.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed an S for Blogging From A to Z.

How did I like this?
I didn't? I was super confused at the beginning because I thought it was set in the 70s or something until I saw a smartphone. Stargirl has no personality other than quirky since she's just there to serve as the object of Leo's obsession. There is a pretty good "be yourself" message here, but it got lost in the nonsense that is the school's reaction to Stargirl.

Have you seen Stargirl? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

Title: Ralph Breaks the Internet
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: November 21, 2018
Genre(s): Animation
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Phil Johnston
Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Gal Gadot


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who uses the interwebz.

What is this about?
Advertising for Ebay (and other mega corporations). Or Ralph inadvertently breaks Sugar Rush, and must enter the internet to find the missing part so Vanelope can go home. On Ebay.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a boring evening.

Where does it take place?
In the internet.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I liked the first one well enough, and needed and R for A to Z Blogging. Disney princesses.

How did I like this?
The internet portrayal is extremely accurate. The Disney princesses made me LOL, for real. Stare at water and sing about dreams. Definitely case where the sequel was way better than the original.

Have you seen Ralph Breaks the Internet? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Queen of Katwe (2016)

Title: Queen of Katwe
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Release Date: September 30, 2016
Genre(s): Biography
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Mira Nair
Starring: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of true stories, sports films, movies about overcoming adversity.

What is this about?
Phiona, a girl from the slums, becomes a chess champion!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have 2 hours to spare.

Where does it take place?
Uganda.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed a Q for A to Z Blogging Challenge.

How did I like this?
I liked it better than I thought I would. I don't know anything about chess, but I do sometimes I enjoy underdog stories. I definitely found myself cheering for Phiona and the other kids from Katwe, even if I wasn't always interested in the story.

Have you seen Queen of Katwe? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Pick of the Litter: Season 1 (2019)

Title: Pick of the Litter
Rating: PG
Run Time: -
Release Date: December 30, 2019
Genre(s): Documentary, Series
Production Co.: KTF Films
Director: Don Hardy, Dana Nachman
Starring: Matt Fowler (narration)


Who would I recommend this to?
Dog lovers.

What is this about?
The series follows a group of puppies as they go through training to become seeing eye dogs.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have a spare moment and want something adorable and heartwarming.

Where does it take place?
Mostly in California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love puppies!

How did I like this?
I loved this docu-series! The puppies were adorable, and it was interesting to see the training process. It's easy to get invested in each puppies' journey and want to see them succeed!

Have you seen Pick of the Litter? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Onward (2020)

Title: Onward
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: March 6, 2020
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Dan Scanlon
Starring: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus


Who would I recommend this to?
Magic fans.

What is this about?
The Lightfoot brothers go on a quest for magic, after Ian has a bit of a spell mishap.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now, since it's on Disney+ instead of in theaters.

Where does it take place?
In a "suburban fantasy world."

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's a Disney/Pixar film, so duh.

How did I like this?
I was disturbed and delighted by the beginning of their quest. LESBIAN COP!!! YES!!! I also have a thing for books/movies that take place over one day, so that was fun. And Disney is really getting into these darker, more mature themes which is great.

Have you seen Onward? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Noelle (2019)

Title: Noelle
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Release Date: November 12, 2019
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Disney+
Director: Marc Lawrence
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Shirley MacLaine, Bill Hader


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone. Particularly anyone who likes Christmas movies.

What is this about?
Noelle has to leave the North Pole to find her brother, since he's suppose to be the new Santa, but couldn't take the pressure.

When would be a good time to watch this?
July?

Where does it take place?
The North Pole and Arizona.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked cute and it was the holiday season...

How did I like this?
It was super cute and funny! This is one Christmas movie that spoke to my soul (Santa running away to start a yoga studio!). Plus adorable baby reindeer. And yes, it made me cry. The only thing that annoyed me was all of the product placement. We definitely know who funded this one...

Have you seen Noelle? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Muppets Most Wanted (2014)

Title: Muppets Most Wanted
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: March 21, 2014
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: James Bobin
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
The Muppets are on tour when they run into an evil Kermit lookalike. Hijinks ensue.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a rainy evening much like this one...

Where does it take place?
Europe.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I was obsessed with the first one.

How did I like this?
There's no way they can top the 2011 movie, but this one was still full of typical Muppet humor and charm. Sam and Jean Pierre were my favorite part though.

Have you seen Muppets Most Wanted? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

The Lion King (2019)

Title: The Lion King
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Release Date: July 19, 2019
Genre(s): Animation
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: James Earl Jones, Donald Glover, Beyoncé, and Seth Rogen


Who would I recommend this to?
Disney fans. Fans of The Lion King (1995). Animal lovers. The world.

What is this about?
If you don't already know....

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now, if you haven't already. I'm super late to the party.

Where does it take place?
Africa.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love The Lion King (1995) and Disney in general.

How did I like this?
I loved it. Not as much as the original, but I freaking adored it! They kept it pretty close to the animation, while making it more realistic. I still cried, because obviously.

Have you seen The Lion King? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Kim Possible (2019)

Title: Kim Possible
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Release Date: February 15, 2019
Genre(s): Adventure
Production Co.: Disney Channel
Director: Zach Lipovsky, Adam B. Stein
Starring: Sadie Stanley, Sean Giambrone, Ciara Riley Wilson


Who would I recommend this to?
Umm...I don't know actually...

What is this about?
High school secret agents.

When would be a good time to watch this?
During lockdown.

Where does it take place?
Middleton High and remote secret islands.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I loved the animated series when I was young.

How did I like this?
First impression: the special effects are bad, even for a Disney Channel movie. And it did not go up from there.

Have you seen Kim Possible? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Journey to Shark Eden (2010)

Title: Journey to Shark Eden
Rating: G
Run Time: 47 minutes
Release Date: 2010
Genre(s): Documentary
Production Co.: National Geographic
Director: -
Starring: Salvatore Vecchio




Who would I recommend this to?
Nature buffs.

What is this about?
Sharks and coral reefs.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Tahiti.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed a J for A to Z Blogging and I like sharks.

How did I like this?
Too many shots of humans, not enough sharks and pretty corals until toward the end. There are some really pretty scenes, but I was bored, and still too many shots with the divers ruining it. I didn't learn anything new or interesting. I just hope that a bunch of stupid humans didn't head out to these islands after this aired.

Have you seen Journey to Shark Eden? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

The Incredibles (2004)

Title: The Incredibles
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Release Date: November 5, 2004
Genre(s): Sci Fi, Animation
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brad Bird
Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter


Who would I recommend this to?
Pixar fans. Super hero fans. Millenials.

What is this about?
Super heroing becomes illegal after the supers start getting sued for damages they cause during their rescues, until...

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need an action packed pick-me-up.

Where does it take place?
Retro America.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm way late to the party!

How did I like this?
I really wish I would have watched this years ago! I was surprised by how mature this one felt compared to other Pixar films. I mean, Mr. Incredible gets sued for stopping someone from committing suicide. It definitely showed the darker side of super heroes and humanity. It was still fun though, without being cheesy. Also, can Samuel L Jackson be in everything, please?

Have you seen The Incredibles? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

The Haunted Mansion (2003)

Title: The Haunted Mansion
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: November 26, 2003
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Rob Minkoff
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Marsha Thomason, Jennifer Tilly


Who would I recommend this to?
Umm...weirdos like me...

What is this about?
A workaholic real estate agent gets a bit more than he bargained for when he delays a family vacation in favor of a sale when a huge, yet creepy manor goes on the market.

When would be a good time to watch this?
During Halloween season.

Where does it take place?
At the haunted mansion.

Why did I decide to watch this?
To be completely honest, it was an accident. I forgot this movie ever even existed. But it came on during an afternoon rest during my birthday trip to Disney World. Then since I missed the beginning, I watched it again on Disney+.

How did I like this?
I actually really liked it. I wouldn't say it's a good movie, but it was a good one for me. The plot makes zero sense, and the connections to the ride are forced at best. But I laughed and found myself smiling a lot. I did roll my eyes really hard at the "They were different worlds" line because, obviously, historical racism.

Have you seen The Haunted Mansion? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Geek Charming (2011)

Title: Geek Charming
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Disney Channel
Director: Jeffrey Hornaday
Starring: Sarah Hyland, Matt Prokop, Sasha Pieterse


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who enjoy teen romances.

What is this about?
Dylan is popular and wants to be crowned Blossom Queen. Josh is a geek and wants to win the film festival, but needs an interesting subject. Maybe these two opposites can help each other out...or fall in love.

When would be a good time to watch this?
During a girls night, a date night, on a rainy afternoon during shelter-in-place orders...

Where does it take place?
A typical American high school.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I need a G for the A to Z Blogging Challenge and it looked cute.

How did I like this?
It was so freaking cute! Of course, it's the typical "popular girl isn't what she seems" type plot, but it felt fresh and new. Josh's film made me cry!

Have you seen Geek Charming? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Frozen 2 (2019)

Title: Frozen II
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad


Who would I recommend this to?
Frozen fans.

What is this about?
Elsa is being called by a mysterious voice who can reveal the truth of her past.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever. Or right now, since Disney released it early.

Where does it take place?
Arendelle and the cleverly named, Enchanted Forest.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked Frozen and I'm a slave to the Disney machine.

How did I like this?
It was good, but...definitely nowhere near as good as the first one. Olaf continued to crack me up. Anna caught Elsa's emo and took it to whole other level. Kristoff's solo song was amazingly epic though! And you cannot tell me that Elsa is not into women! Disney did an A+ job with the themes in this sequel, but they definitely overshadowed the story.

Have you seen Frozen II? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Evermore: Season 1 Episodes 1-4 (2014)

Title: Evermore
Rating: PG
Run Time: -
Release Date: October 17, 2014
Genre(s): Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: Disney Channel
Director: -
Starring: Alex Starke, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Clive Rowe


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of magical mysteries.

What is this about?
Tara's blended family moves into an old family mansion her mother inherits, and gets sucked into weird magical happenings.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a dark and dreary night...Or whenever you're in the mood for some mystery and magic.

Where does it take place?
England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed and E for the A to Z Blogging Channel and it seemed like something I might like.

How did I like this?
The first two episodes were a bit questionable, but after that I was super into it! I'd totally binge it if Disney+ had the rest of the series. I love how to magic is handled. It's more subtle rather than IN YOUR FACE MAGIC.

Have you seen Evermore? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

The Descendants (2015)

Title: The Descendants
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: July 31, 2015
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Disney Channel
Director: Kenny Ortega
Starring: Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Disney Channel and cheesy teen movies.

What is this about?
Four offspring of the villains are allowed to attend school with the heroes children. But Maleficent has other plans for her daughter.

When would be a good time to watch this?
If you're under lockdown like me, then...

Where does it take place?
Auradon, where all of the fairy-tale characters live (minus the villains, of course).

Why did I decide to watch this?
I love Disney villains.

How did I like this?
I was expecting it to be cheesy, but holy rusted metal Batman, the beginning is beyond! But once the kids settle into school, I really enjoyed it! It's a pretty typical "change of heart" type plot, but fun nonetheless. I do have to wonder who their other parents are...

Have you seen The Descendants? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Cars 3 (2017)

Title: Cars 3
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: June 16, 2017
Genre(s): Animation
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brian Fee
Starring: Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper


Who would I recommend this to?
Cars fans!

What is this about?
Lightning McQueen must deal with being an aging race car and adapt to the changes or get washed up.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a rainy afternoon.

Where does it take place?
An alternate America where technology got rid of all the humans. Or California and Florida.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I loved the first one! But let's pretend the second one doesn't exist.

How did I like this?
I thought it was super fun! WAY better than #2. It's been interesting to see Lightning go from cocky rookie to unsure near-retiree to confident mentor. Cruz was also a delightful addition to the cast!

Have you seen Cars 3? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bears (2014)

Title: Bears
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Release Date: April 18, 2014
Genre(s): Documentary
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director:  Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Starring: John C Reilly


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like nature documentaries that are more story driven than purely observational.

What is this about?
The first year of life for two brown bear cubs, Scout and Amber. And salmon migration.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now, while you're probably in isolation or at least social distancing.

Where does it take place?
Alaska.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I generally love these Disney Nature documentaries.

How did I like this?
Baby bears are absolutely adorable. However, while I like John C Reilly as an actor, I did not enjoy his narration. His voice wasn't engaging and didn't have that emotional pull these films require. Thankfully, this one was more uplifting than the others.

Have you seen Bears? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Aladdin (2019)

Title: Aladdin
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
Release Date: May 24, 2019
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott


Who would I recommend this to?
Aladdin fans, but not the purists. Disney fans in general.

What is this about?
A "street rat" named Aladdin who stumbles upon a genie, and Princess Jasmine who dreams of being a strong leader.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have two hours to be entertained.

Where does it take place?
Agrabah!

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Aladdin is my fourth favorite Disney movie, and I basically watch all things Disney.

How did I like this?
I really enjoyed it! I love how they fleshed out all of the stuff glossed over in the animated version (but still didn't fix Aladdin's second wish). Jasmine is a strong woman without being the stereotypical kick-ass variety. Dahlia adds another feminine touch to the screen. I am still conflicted over finding the villain hotter than the romantic lead, but oh well. The only thing I'm disappointed in was Will Smith's "singing." I certainly didn't expect Robin Williams levels of epicness, but Will could have put some more OOMPH and pizazz into it.

Have you seen Aladdin? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?