Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)

Title: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Release Date: December 18, 2020
Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Musical
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: George C. Wolfe
Starring: Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Glynn Turman


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone interested in the blues or Black history.

What is this about?
The mother of blues!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have an hour and a half for entertainment.

Where does it take place?
1927 Chicago.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked interesting after listening to some podcasts about Ma Rainey.

How did I like this?
This was more focused on Levee than I expected. I didn't know much about him, so at least I learned something new. I did want to watch this for Ma and really enjoyed her scenes. She was a feisty lady! But I did not see Levee's meltdown coming at all...holy crap.

I loved how this whole movie was one wild day. I'm a sucker for one day movies and books.

Have you seen Ma Rainey's Black Bottom? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Canada's Next Top Model Cycle 1 (2006)

Title: Canada's Next Top Model
Rating: NR
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: May 31, 2006
Genre(s): Reality, Series
Production Co.:  Temple Street Productions
Director: D'Arcy Butler, Grant Greschuk
Starring: Brandi Alexander, Ylenia Aurucci, Jeanne Beker


Who would I recommend this to?
Next Top Model fans.

What is this about?
Ten young women compete to be Canada's next top model.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you feel like having a Top Model marathon. It's a short one.

Where does it take place?
Canada.

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

How did I like this?
I liked that the girls were diverse, especially after the boringness of Asia. I did not like how they showed them being measured and were talking about how some of them need to "work hard" on their bodies. And the focus on Natalie being "bigger" and wrapping her butt in Saran wrap?! I know this is old, and that would not air today, but still.

In fact, this whole cycle was pretty gross in the way they spoke about the models. Like when they said it doesn't matter if you're sick, just do the job. The girl wasn't complaining or anything, but it was just a point that they felt they needed to make.

The only bright spot of this one was Stacy. I've always liked her when she guest judged on ANTM.

Have you seen Canada's Next Top Model? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Soul (2020)

Title: Soul
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Release Date: December 25, 2020
Genre(s): Animation, Drama
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who needs to find their spark.

What is this about?
Joe dies and is tasked with helping an unborn soul find their purpose.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime really.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Pixar, duh.

How did I like this?
It reminded me a lot of Inside Out, which isn't one of my favorites, but both movies are really interesting and innovative. They go way deeper than the typical kid movie.

Having a spark does not equal a one-track-mind though. I get that they had to simplify a bit for the target audience, but I think they could have given Joe other interests outside of just Jazz.

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

Julie and the Phantoms - Season 1 (2020)

Title: Julie and the Phantoms
Rating: G
Run Time: 30 mins
Release Date: September 10, 2020
Genre(s): Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Musical
Production Co.: Brightlight Pictures
Director: Dan Cross, David Hoge
Starring: Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Joyner


Who would I recommend this to?
Every who likes teen musicals.

What is this about?
A dead boyband appears in Julie's garage and help her rediscover her love for music.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately, if you haven't seen it already.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
A friend recommended it and I love death and boybands.

How did I like this?
It is absolutely adorable! And the music is amazing! Julie and Luke are...just ahhh!

Does Booboo Stewart age? I actually had to look him up to see if this was him or someone who looks like him.

Have you seen Julie and the Phantoms? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 2 (2014)

Title: Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 2
Rating: NR
Run Time: 45 minutes
Release Date: January 8, 2014
Genre(s): Series, Reality
Starring: Nadya Hutagalung, Joey Mead, Todd Anthony Tyler


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Next Top Model.

What is this about?
Sixteen young women compete to be supermodels!

When would be a good time to watch this?
This second lockdown is good.

Where does it take place?
Malaysia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I watched the first season and it was fine. I wanted to give it a second chance.

How did I like this?
Unlike the first cycle, this one actually had some diversity, which was nice. I'm sick of this Caucasian standard of beauty even in Asian countries.

I really liked their challenges though. They're useful and make sense, not the chaos of ANTM.

This one has the same problems as the first season. The judges just seem disinterested in what's happening and sound very scripted. Also, why were there six judges?! That is excessive. Three or four is fine. That way they can actually get some screen time and say something useful.

Have you seen Asia's Next Top Model? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Minimalists: Less Is Now (2021)

Title: Less Is Now
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 53 minutes
Release Date: January 1, 2021
Genre(s): Documentary
Production Co.: Booklight Productions
Director: Matt D'Avella
Starring: Joshua Fields Milburn, Ryan Nichodemus


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of The Minimalists and those who are looking for a lifestyle change.

What is this about?
How the accumulation of stuff is not making us happier.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately. It's short and may give you that mindset shift you need.

Where does it take place?
Dayton, Ohio and other locales.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm a fan of The Minimalists and am on a minimalist journey myself.

How did I like this?
It's certainly an improvement over their first one, which I still also enjoyed. Although this does just feel like a remake. It's the same basic story of how Josh and Ryan found minimalism, but it does go more in depth on just how much stuff we own and how the world is changing.

Have you seen Less Is Now? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bridgerton - Season 1 (2020)

Title: Bridgerton
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: December 25, 2020
Genre(s): Romance, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Shondaland
Director: Chris Van Dusen
Starring: Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Jonathan Bailey


Who would I recommend this to?
Romance lovers everywhere!

What is this about?
The Bridgerton family and their neighbors on the prowl for advantageous marriages and SCANDAL!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have 8ish hours to see and enjoy.

Where does it take place?
Regency England, of course.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I enjoyed the books and the preview was so colorful!

How did I like this?
I adored it. It's as simple as that. I think they did a great job bringing the Bridgerton family to life. I just wanted to climb into my TV and raid their wardrobes.

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

Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 1 (2012-13)

Title: Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 1
Rating: NR
Run Time: 45 minutes
Release Date: November 25, 2012
Genre(s): Series, Reality
Starring: Nadya Hutagalung, Joey Mead, Todd Anthony Tyler


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Next Top Model.

What is this about?
Fourteen young women compete to be supermodels!

When would be a good time to watch this?
This second lockdown is good.

Where does it take place?
Singapore.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I grew up on America's Next Top Model and wanted to check out the other country's editions.

How did I like this?
It was fine. It was quite different from America, and even more subdued than Africa's. I'm sure this is a cultural thing, so it's not bad or good. I did like how the girls were generally more friendly and supportive of each other--with one notable exception. The judges were also more serious and no-nonsense, which was great for giving useful advice to the girls, but doesn't make for entertaining television.

For some reason I had thought each season was focused on a different Asian country, but was pleasantly surprised that it was a pan-Asian competition. I was expecting very diverse girls. Sadly, I was disappointed on that front. A lot of the girls looked Caucasian or at least half. They're beautiful, but boring. It makes me sad that whiteness is the beauty standard almost everywhere.

Have you seen Asia's Next Top Model? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Mulan II (2004)

Title: Mulan II
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
Release Date: December 17, 2004
Genre(s): Animation, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Darrell Rooney, Lynne Southerland
Starring: Ming-Na Wen, BD Wong, Mark Moseley


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who enjoy straight to video sequels.

What is this about?
Mushu tries to break up Mulan and Shang so he can remain her guardian.

When would be a good time to watch this?
If you need some background noise for an hour.

Where does it take place?
Ancient China.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I felt like it.

How did I like this?
I don't remember what I thought the first time I saw this when it originally came out, but clearly it was forgettable. It's cute in places, but it was missing the charm of the original.

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

Mulan (1998)

Title: Mulan
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: June 19, 1998
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook
Starring: Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong


Who would I recommend this to?
If you haven't seen it already, dishonor on your cow!

What is this about?
A young woman disguises herself as a man and saves China!

When would be a good time to watch this?
All the time.

Where does it take place?
Ancient China.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney, duh. This time because my mom suggested watching it after we watched the new one.

How did I like this?
It's one of my all-time favorites. It has my ALL-TIME favorite Disney song, it's my second favorite overall Disney soundtrack, and it has one of my all-time favorite animated scenes (Mulan cutting her hair).

Shang is also the hottest Disney "prince." And definitely bisexual. This whole movie is hella gay and I love it. It's also incredibly quotable.

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

Tiny Pretty Things - Season 1 (2020)

Title: Tiny Pretty Things
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: December 14, 2020
Genre(s): Drama, Series
Production Co.: Insurrection Media
Starring: Brennan Clost, Barton Cowperthwaite, Damon J. Gillespie


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes overly-dramatic teen dramas and ballet.

What is this about?
Ballerinas behaving badly.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have nothing else to do and want to binge something new.

Where does it take place?
Chicago.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I read the books a few years ago and really liked them.

How did I like this?
I'll admit that I don't remember much from the books, but it's no secret that they changed quite a bit. For one, it's a lot sexier. Like...plenty of gratuitous teenage nudity, because sex sells. It seems inappropriate though since they're suppose to be 16-17 years old. Despite that, I was still bored as heck during the first two episodes. And I don't like any of the characters, not even in a love-to-hate kind of way.

Two episodes was all I was willing to watch. Perhaps I'll revisit it sometime, but I doubt it.

Have you seen Tiny Pretty Things? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Africa's Next Top Model Cycle 1 (2013-14)

Title: Africa's Next Top Model Cycle 1
Rating: NR
Run Time: 45 minutes
Release Date: November 10, 2013
Genre(s): Series, Reality
Production Co.: Lulu Productions
Starring: Oluchi Onweagba, Opeyemi Awoyemi, Aamito Lagum


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the Top Model franchise.

What is this about?
12 girls from across Africa compete to become Africa's first next top model.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Pause your repeat binge of Friends or The Office or Big Brother or whatever boring show you're watching.

Where does it take place?
Cape Town, South Africa.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I've been obsessed with America's Next Top Model my whole life and wanted to try out an international version.

How did I like this?
I loved it! Yes, it looks a bit low budget, much like early seasons of ANTM, but who cares. This was good, wholesome fun! It's low drama and the photo shoots are realistic. The girls were funny. Oluchi is gorgeous and seemed to really care. Plus, my favorite won!

Have you seen Africa's Next Top Model? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Mulan (2020)

Title: Mulan
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Release Date: September 4, 2020
Genre(s): Drama, Action
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Niki Caro
Starring: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Li Gong


Who would I recommend this to?
Um...anyone who isn't obsessed with the animated version.

What is this about?
A young woman disguises herself as a man to go to war in her father's place.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have two hours for an action movie.

Where does it take place?
Ancient China.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney. That's it.

How did I like this?
I had zero expectations going into this because of the mess surrounding its development, and then the not-so-great reviews after its release. I suggest you do the same, you'll enjoy it more. It's a fine movie. Solid story, and good action sequences. But it has no heart. It's just a straightforward war movie. The witch story-line felt forced just to have a foil for Mulan.

I did appreciate the few nods to the animated version, such as quoting my jam since there were no songs.

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