Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Title: Gunpowder Milkshake
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Release Date: July 14, 2021
Genre(s): Action
Production Co.: StudioCanal
Director: Navot Papushado
Starring: Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino
 

Who would I recommend this to?
Do you like badass women? Yes? You.

What is this about?
Lady assassins kicking ass and taking names!

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

Where does it take place?
Somewhere...

Why did I decide to watch this?
I heard good things and I'm all for girl power movies.

How did I like this?
The best way to describe this is as Sin City for girls. Which is actually a terrible comparison because I'm a girl and I liked Sin City. But I hope you get the idea.

The first hour was a little rough, not bad, but just alright. After that it picks up and is really fun. I'm also a sucker for movies (and books) that take place over just one day, so that worked for me. And what's not to love about assassin librarians?!

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

 

Cinderella (2021)

Title: Cinderella
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: September 3, 2021
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Kay Cannon
Starring: Camila Cabello, Billy Porter, Nicholas Galitzine


Who would I recommend this to?
Someone who wants a slightly different Cinderella story.

What is this about?
Don't we all know this story by now...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you feel in the mood for a pretty good musical.

Where does it take place?
Whenever Cinderella is set...

Why did I decide to watch this?
I can't resist a fairy tale adaptation, especially a musical.

How did I like this?
I liked the mix of popular music and original songs, and Cinderella had ambitions other than just being kind. She wants to sell dresses and the one the godmother makes for her was her own (ugly) design! I hate her voice though.

My favorite character was probably the stepmother. I liked the changes they made to her character. The stepsisters were kind of lackluster though, like much of the cast, actually. I was most disappointed in Princess Gwen. I liked the idea of her, but all of her scenes wound up feeling awkward and forced.

I don't think this one was as bad as it's made out to be, but it definitely has some issues. I still enjoyed it over all, but it's one and done kind of movie.

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

 

Charlie's Angels (2019)

Title: Charlie's Angels
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: November 15, 2019
Genre(s): Action
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Elizabeth Banks
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska


Who would I recommend this to?
Girl power action flick fans.

What is this about?
Lady super spies kicking ass and taking names.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a boring evening that needs some action!

Where does it take place?
Hamburg and Istanbul.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I really liked the "older" remake movies, so why not?

How did I like this?
I was pleasantly surprised! I actually had no expectations, but I liked it. It's a fun, modern, girl power action flick. Even my puppy watched it for a bit, which was cute.

Have you seen Charlie's Angels? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

Title: Josie and the Pussycats
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Release Date: April 11, 2011
Genre(s): Comedy, Musical
Production Co.: Universal Pictures
Director: Harry Elfont, Deborah Kaplan
Starring: Rachel Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson, Tara Reid


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes girl power movies and cheesy fun.

What is this about?
Best friend girl band makes it big, but learns about the dark side of fame.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime you need fun and a great soundtrack.

Where does it take place?
Riverdale and New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because I was an 11 year old girl, so it was kinda marketed at me.

How did I like this?
Another movie (and soundtrack) that I was completely obsessed with as a tween. Sure, some of the jokes went over my head, but it was thoroughly entertaining. Some of those same jokes would probably not make it into a movie today but that's a common theme for '90s and early '00s movies.

But does it overall hold up 20 years later? YES! This movie is hilarious, the songs are great, and the message is as true...or even more true today! Subliminal messaging and blatant advertising is EVERYWHERE!

Have you seen Josie and the Pussycats? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Titanic (1997)

Title: Titanic
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 3 hours 14 minutes
Release Date: December 19, 1997
Genre(s): Romance, Drama
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
Star-crossed lovers on a ship destined to sink.

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

Where does it take place?
In the middle of the Atlantic.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because I got the VHS as a gift and then I became addicted.

How did I like this?
Top ten for sure. I am absolutely obsessed with this movie. I wasn't actually interested when it first came out, probably because I was 7, but after I watched it...OMG. Still, to this day, OMG. I always cry even though I know what's coming. It never hurts any less.

Have you seen Titanic? What did you think?
I not, would you watch it?

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Title: Tropic Thunder
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: August 13, 2008
Genre(s): Comedy, Action
Production Co.: Dreamworks
Director: Ben Stiller
Starring: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Are you easily offended? Yes? Not you!

What is this about?
Actors on location get pulled into real world conflict without knowing it's not in the script.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want to reminisce about the early 2000s.

Where does it take place?
The jungles of Vietnam.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I originally saw this in theaters because it looked hilarious. Now I just wanted to see how bad it truly was.

How did I like this?
This movie cracked me up the first time. It's so over-the-top and ridiculous and there's no way not to laugh. I totally know that this movie could never be made today though. People are too easily offended, even when something is clearly satire and showing how problematic these attitudes are. Do Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. think Black-face is acceptable? Most likely not, and I think the movie clearly shows that it IS a problem.

It's still funny though. And this is probably the only movie I like Tom Cruise in.

Have you seen Tropic Thunder? What did you think?
If not would you watch it?

 

Baywatch (2017)

Title: Baywatch
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Action
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Seth Gordon
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario


Who would I recommend this to?
Do you like action comedies?

What is this about?
Hot lifeguards saving more than just drowning victims.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime to recapture that end of summer fun feeling. Or just to stare at hot people.

Where does it take place?
Emerald Bay.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Zac Efron and The Rock.

How did I like this?
I waited way too long to watch this, mostly because I forgot about. But it was super fun! It's funny and action-packed and thoroughly entertaining. Full of good looking people, who can actually act. Yes, the plot is predictable, but who cares? I liked it.

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

 

iCarly - Season 1 (2021)

Title: iCarly
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: June 12, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Series
Production Co.: Awesomeness Films, Nickelodeon Studios
Starring: Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, Nathan Kress


Who would I recommend this to?
iCarly fans! This is for us!

What is this about?
Carly Shay is all grown up and rebooting her webshow!

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

Where does it take place?
Seattle, Washington.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I loved the original iCarly.

How did I like this?
This is A+ from episode one! It's the iCarly we all loved but with more mature content! Well...not "mature" content, but like adult jokes and life problems. Harper is the best and she is the source for lots of the sex jokes.

They did recycle a lot of the original running jokes though, and it was funny at first, but I would have liked a bit more...separation? But also, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

I do love love love how they tackle and comment on current issues with humor. I was dying during episode 5 when Harper and Spencer make a bet to get the most phone numbers at the wedding and he points out that she's pansexual and she says "I know you didn't try to say your at a disadvantage because you're straight." YES QUEEN!

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

Monsters at Work - Season 1 (2021)

Title: Monsters at Work
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 22 minutes
Release Date: July 2, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Animation, Series
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation
Starring: Billy Crystal, Ben Feldman, Mindy Kaling


Who would I recommend this to?
Monsters Inc fans.

What is this about?
Tyler wants to be a joker but he's stuck in maintenance.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need a bite-sized pick me up!

Where does it take place?
Monstropolis.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Monsters Inc and Monsters University are my favorites.

How did I like this?
It's so cute! And I love that the original cast is back along with new faces/voice! It's fun to see how Monsters Inc is continuing as a business after the ending of the movie.

Have you seen Monsters at Work? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo - Season 1 (2021)

Title: Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: August 31, 2021
Genre(s): Reality, Series
Production Co.: Alfred Street Industries
Starring: Marie Kondoo


Who would I recommend this to?
Everybody.

What is this about?
Tidy Queen, Marie Kondo, helps people tidy up their workspaces and homes.

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

Where does it take place?
All over America.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love Marie Kondo and I might have a small obsession with decluttering, organizing, and tidying.

How did I like this?
I adored this, but I did like Tidying With Marie Kondo better. I felt like she didn't spend enough time with each person and showing them the method. I'm sure we're all familiar with KonMari by now, but the episodes felt rushed.

Again, this makes me want to go through all of my stuff even though I've decluttered a ton. I still have a way to go though and could be more tidy.

Have you seen Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Cruella (2021)

Title: Cruella
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
Release Date: May 28, 2021
Genre(s): Drama
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry


Who would I recommend this to?
People who want villain origin stories, or who like '70s fashion and music...and dogs.

What is this about?
How Cruella became the villainess we all love to hate.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need nearly two and a half hours of chaos!

Where does it take place?
London, England in the 1970s.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney and I think Cruella is the most evil Disney villain (who wants to kill puppies??!!?)

How did I like this?
 First, I hated the beginning. It was like the writers just needed a way to kill of Cruella's mom and give her a reason to hate Dalmatians despite loving dogs. Check and check, in the most bizarre scene of the movie. Not buying it. Honestly, a lot of the Dalmatian connections felt forced, like they HAD to include them. But they never mentioned her obsession with fur...

The rest was pretty darn good though. I loved seeing chaotic, anarchist, wild Cruella. It perfectly explains how she became the crazy woman she was. That moth scene was most excellent.

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

He's All That (2021)

Title: He's All That
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: August 27, 2021
Genre(s): Romance, Comedy
Production Co.: Miramax
Director: Mark Waters
Starring: Addison Rae, Tanner Buchanan, Madison Pettis


Who would I recommend this to?
Those can appreciate today's youth culture and liked the original.

What is this about?
An influencer's friend bets she can't makeover a loser to be popular.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Slumber party! Or really any time.  It's a quick, easy watch.

Where does it take place?
Southern California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because 1999 was a great year for movies.

How did I like this?
Other than the gender swap, I also liked how the pretty popular girl is the poor one rather than the loser. And she's actually nice!

Of course, the plot is super predictable. We all know how this goes, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. It's really fun and charming.

Have you seen He's All That? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?