Mean Girls (2004)

Title: Mean Girls
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: April 30, 2004
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Mark Waters
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried


Who would I recommend this to?
The universe.

What is this about?
The complicated world of teen girl friendship.

When would be a good time to watch this?
October 3rd.

Where does it take place?
North Shore High School.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's October 3rd.

How did I like this?
This movie is an absolute classic and will go down in history as one of the greats.

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

Zootopia (2016)

Title: Zootopia
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Genre(s): Animation, Drama, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba


Who would I recommend this to?
THE WORLD!

What is this about?
The first bunny cop takes her first case and tries to prove that predators aren't all bad.

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

Where does it take place?
Zootopia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because it's Disney. Now, because it's awesome.

How did I like this?
 I love this movie! The themes of stereotyping and prejudice are not subtle, but done in such an accessible way. And everything makes me cry!

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

Tangled (2010)

Title: Tangled
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: November 24, 2010
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Romance
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
A young woman isolated in a tower finally leaves to see the mysterious lights that only appear on her birthday.

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

Where does it take place?
The Kingdom of Corona.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally because it's Disney. Now because it's Valentine's Day.

How did I like this?
I've always been team Tangled over Frozen, so yes, I love it. Rapunzel is adorable and Eugene is the best! I can't hear "I See the Light" without crying though... Lots and lots and lots of tears.

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

Barbie (2023)

Title: Barbie
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Release Date: July 21, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Warner Bros.
Director: Greta Gerwig
Starring: Margo Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera


Who would I recommend this to?
THE WORLD.

What is this about?
Fighting the patriarchy. And what makes us human.

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

Where does it take place?
Barbieland and Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Barbie is epic.

How did I like this?
I loved it! I smiled so much! And it had my kind of humor! And heart! And was part musical! And I have that dress! I'm a Barbie girl, unfortunately in the Real World.

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

Cruel Summer - Season 2 (2023)

Title: Cruel Summer
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: June 5, 2023
Genre(s): Drama, Suspense, Series
Production Co.: Freeform
Director: Bill Purple
Starring: Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who likes DRAMA and INTRIGUE and CHAOS!

What is this about?
A small town is shaken up when a local teen winds up dead.

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

Where does it take place?
The pacific northwest. "Chatham."

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Season 1 was excellent.

How did I like this?
I am deceased! I was worried this one wouldn't hook me like the first, but I was IN IT! I only partially figured out whodunit, and a couple of other reveals, so I was SHOOK! I knew a huge twist was coming, but that didn't keep my jaw from dropping.

I love millennium music.

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

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 8 (2023)

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 7
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Genre(s): LGBTQ+, Reality, Series
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews


Who would I recommend this to?
Drag Race fans, or even those who are new and need to experience it for the first time.

What is this about?
12 previous contestants compete to be in the Drag Race Hall of Fame!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something fun to binge.

Where does it take place?
The workroom and main stage.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I always watch Drag Race.

How did I like this?
I adored this season! I was so happy to see Jimbo again! And even though I still haven't seen Season 2, I fell in love with Jessica Wild! And it was fun to have LaLa Ri back! This was just a fun cast! I especially loved having all of them back to get ready for the finale together. That was just so sweet and fun.

"Wha-ha-happened to Lil Poundcake" has been added to my list of favorite challenges. I was dying!

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Title: Moulin Rouge!
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hour 7 minutes
Release Date: June 1, 2001
Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

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

Where does it take place?
Paris.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I grabbed the DVD at Costco when it came out and watched it everyday while we didn't have cable.

How did I like this?
Obviously, I am obsessed with this movie. The music is A+, the story is engaging, it's funny, and sad, and I cannot stop! El Tango de Roxanne is the bestest.

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

The Last of Us - Season 1 (2023)

Title: The Last of Us - Season 1
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: January 15, 2023
Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Series
Production Co.: Naughty Dog
Creator(s): Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who can handle end of the world chaos.

What is this about?
The collapse of civilization after a fungus turns humans into zombies.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately. Clear your schedule.

Where does it take place?
Boston and across the US.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Honestly, a favorite podcast was talking about episode three.

How did I like this?
It is so good. Like, I was upset I didn't know about it sooner. Episode 3 nearly killed me. It was like its own movie set in this universe, which is already fascinating enough. At least half the episodes make me cry at some point, which was not something I'd expect from a dystopian action show.

Have you seen The Last of Us? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Enchanted (2007)

Title: Enchanted
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: November 21, 2007
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Kevin Lima
Starring: Amy Adams, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
An animated soon-to-be princess is sent to real world New York and finds love!

When would be a good time to watch this?
As soon as possible.

Where does it take place?
Adalasia and New York City.

Why did I decide to watch this?
The first time because it's Disney and looked adorable. Now, because the sequel is here!

How did I like this?
I never get sick of this movie. It is easily one of Disney's best live-action movies. It makes fun of all the princess tropes while also fully embracing them. It's cheesy and adorable and clever and makes me cry.

This movie is criminally underrated. I swear only me and my BFF remembered it existed before the sequel was announced.

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

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 7 (2022)

Title: RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars - Season 7
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: April 13, 2022
Genre(s): LGBTQ+, Reality, Series
Production Co.: World of Wonder Productions
Starring: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews


Who would I recommend this to?
Drag Race fans, or even those who are new and need to experience it for the first time.

What is this about?
Eight previous winners come back to become the Queen of All Queens!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something fun to binge.

Where does it take place?
The workroom and main stage.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I always watch Drag Race.

How did I like this?
This was such a fun season! I really liked this twist of no eliminations; it added some good strategy to the competition. And it's always nice to see some of my favorites again (Monet, Trinity, Yvie, and Viv). Was I happy with the winner? No. Again. But it was a great season overall.

Fairytale Justice is now one of my all-time favorite challenges! That was hilarious and so much fun! And the TRL flashback challenge...so good!

Honestly, I just love seasons where the queens are getting along and you can tell they're just having a good time. Yes, they know it's a competition, but they don't get catty and mean for no reason.

Have you seen RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Canada's Drag Race - Season 1 (2020)

Title: Canada's Drag Race - Season 1
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: July 27, 2020
Genre(s): Reality, LGBTQ+, Series
Production Co.: Blue Ant Digital Studios
Starring: Brooke Lynn Hytes, Stacey McKenzie, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman


Who would I recommend this to?
Drag Race fans.

What is this about?
Twelve queens compete to become Canada's first drag superstar!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need some wholesome entertainment.

Where does it take place?
The main stage, Canada.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Drag Race...in Canada!

How did I like this?
I adored it from the moment the first queen walked in. It's just so fun! Definitely different from the US edition, but still comforting and familiar. It's been a long time since I cried during DR, but this one hit me in the second episode! My all-time favorite runway theme was also from the second episode! Then I cried again during the first ever Drag Race pageant, but from laughing so hard. Holy crap!

It's weird to not see Mama Ru at the judges panel, but I like all three of the judges a lot. And I definitely appreciate that Brook Lynn Hytes isn't trying to BE RuPaul. She's being her sweet poised self. And I've always loved Stacy from ANTM, and feel like she was perfect here! Jeffrey is just adorable; that smile!

Team Priyanka!

Have you seen Canada's Drag Race? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Title: Big Hero 6
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: November 7, 2014
Genre(s): Animation, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams
Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung
 

Who would I recommend this to?
The universe.

What is this about?
A health care robot helps his young patient exact revenge..while also saving the world.

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

Where does it take place?
San Fransokyo.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney and I have a thing for robots.

How did I like this?
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Disney or otherwise. It's just so freaking cute. I cry like a baby and laugh out loud. Baymax is just the greatest robot companion ever. The rest of the cast is great too!

Just trust me. Watch this movie, especially if you haven't already seen it. And if you have seen it, watch it again. And again...

Have you seen Big Hero 6? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Baymax! - Season 1 (2022)

Title: Baymax!
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 10 minutes
Release Date: June 29, 2022
Genre(s): Comedy, Animation, Series
Production Co.: Disney Television, Animation
Creator: Don Hall
Starring: Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Dichen Lachman


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
Puffy healthcare companion helps random people with their problems.

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

Where does it take place?
San Fransokyo.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Big Hero 6 is one of my all-time favorite movies.

How did I like this?
This had no reason to be that good. Every single short made me cry, and that last one had me losing my freaking mind.

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

Ron's Gone Wrong (2021)

Title: Ron's Gone Wrong
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: October 22, 2021
Genre(s): Animation, Comedy
Production Co.: 20th Century Studios
Director: Sarah Smith, Jean-Philippe Vine, Octavio E. Rodriguez
Starring: Jack Dylan Grazer, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
A boy gets a best friend robot, but it doesn't work as advertised.

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

Where does it take place?
Animationland.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I'm a sucker for robots.

How did I like this?
I loved this from the moment B-Bot was choking the chicken. WTF is going on!? That little robot is crazy! And I was crying 40 minutes in, because OMG RON YOU ARE SO CUTE!!! I can't even.

Silly hijinks aside, this movie is ultimately about acceptance and being who you are and connection, of course. It's so cute.

Have you seen Ron's Gone Wrong? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

PEN15 Season 2 Part 2 (2021)

Title: PEN15 - Season 1
Rating: TA-MA
Run Time: 30 minutes
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Series
Production Co.: Awesomeness TV
Starring: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkel, Melora Walters


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who was young in the early 2000s!

What is this about?
Best friends finish seventh grade and it's not going quite how they anticipated.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need a laugh and some nostalgia after the first season of laughter and nostalgia.

Where does it take place?
Franklin County, somewhere in America.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because this show has been excellent thus far.

How did I like this?
This season has more touching moments. It's still done with humor, but we really go deep into these characters now. Particularly Anna and Maya's families. The show really hit its stride here with amazing content.

Have you seen PEN15? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

A Very Boy Band Holiday (2021)

Title: A Very Boy Band Holiday
Rating: NR
Run Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: December 6, 2021
Genre(s): Musical
Production Co.: ABC
Starring: Joey Fatone, Wanya Morris, Christ Kirkpatrick


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who loved '90s and early '00s boy bands!

What is this about?
Has-been boy band members come together and sing Christmas songs.

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

Where does it take place?
On an ABC stage somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Boy bands.

How did I like this?
This made me ridiculously happy within the first five minutes! I was obsessed with boy bands and this brought back so many fond memories. Sure the guys are old and their voices are shot and they can't dance, but who cares?! This was sooo good!

Have you seen A Very Boy Band Holiday? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Title: The Phantom of the Opera
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 23 minutes
Release Date: December 10, 2004
Genre(s): Musical, Drama, Romance
Production Co.: Warner Bros.
Director: Joel Schumacher
Starring: Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson


Who would I recommend this to?
Musical lovers.

What is this about?
Stalking, but make it sexy.

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

Where does it take place?
Paris.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I love musicals. I saw this twice in theaters.

How did I like this?
Obviously, I love this movie since I saw it multiple times in theaters, constantly listened to the soundtrack, and watched the DVD obsessively. I have no other version to compare it to, but I don't need to. I love this one.

Have you seen The Phantom of the Opera? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Forrest Gump (1994)

Title: Forrest Gump
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Release Date: July 6, 1994
Genre(s): Drama, Comedy
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
A simple mans lives an anything-but simple life.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a long flight, right now, tomorrow...

Where does it take place?
All over, but mostly Greenbo, Alabama.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because everyone was watching it.

How did I like this?
I absolutely love this movie and have seen it countless times! The story is super weird if you think about it, but it's just so charming and entertaining and you can't help by get swept up in the many coincidences of Forrest's life.

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

Clueless (1995)

Title: Clueless
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: July 19, 1995
Genre(s): Comedy, Romance
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Amy Heckerling
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone needs to see this at least once, or twice.

What is this about?
A rich girl and her rich friends and their rich people problems, but they're just like us!

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

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, I saw this countless times! It's a classic!

How did I like this?
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Watching it as an adult, I pick up on more of the jokes and references and makes me enjoy it even more! And the clothes! I always wanted to dress like this.

Even though this is about rich white girl problems, it's still mostly relatable and fully entertaining.

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

Toy Story of Terror (2013)

Title: Toy Story of Terror
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 26 minutes
Release Date: October 16, 2013
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Angus MacLane
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack


Who would I recommend this to?
Toy Story fans!

What is this about?
The toys have to survive the night in a potentially haunted motel!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season, or when you need a quick Toy Story fix.

Where does it take place?
A random motel somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Spooky Season and I love Toy Story.

How did I like this?
I loooved it! I can't believe I hadn't seen this until now! I think it's great that we got to explore Jessie's trauma and see her overcome it! Plus, I loved seeing more of Trixie! Mr. Pricklepants is the absolute worst in the best possible way! And meeting Combat Carl was a total treat! This was just an all-around great short about our favorite toys.

Have you seen Toy Story of Terror? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?