Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Title: Spider-Man: Homecoming
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
Release Date: July 7, 2017
Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Marvel Studios, Columbia Pictures
Director: Jon Watts
Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Teen action movie fans.

What is this about?
A young boy with spider powers trying to save his city from evil.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On your next movie night.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's finally on Disney+.

How did I like this?
 Easily the best of the Marvel movies! It was so fun! And I honestly did not even think about the twist! What?!

But...why was Zendaya in this? I like her in general, but this role? Just...why? I mean, I guess they cleared it up at the end, but she still makes no sense.

Have you seen Spider-Man: Homecoming? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pineapple Express (2008)

Title: Pineapple Express
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Release Date: August 8, 2008
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: David Gordon Green
Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Gary Cole


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who appreciates 2000s stoner movies.

What is this about?
A dude and his weed dealer are on the run from hit-men and the cops.

When would be a good time to watch this?
4/20.

Where does it take place?
Clark County...it was on a bus sign...

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was 4/20 and I hadn't seen it since it was in theaters.

How did I like this?
I didn't have high (hehe) hopes that this movie would hold up all these years later, but I did find myself laughing. I was mildly stoned, but still. It has some hilarious quotes and is still pretty entertaining.

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

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (2022)

Title: Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Derek Drymon, Jennifer Kluska
Starring: Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Jim Gaffigan


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the other movies.

What is this about?
An experiment goes wrong (right?), turning Johnny into a monster and everyone else into humans. Now they must find the cure!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime really, or around Halloween.

Where does it take place?
South America and Transylvania.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I adore this series.

How did I like this?
Of course it's funny to see Dracula have to deal with being human and needing protection from Johnny. It's like Freaky Friday but on a Tuesday! And Frank?! That was glorious! Then the twist happened and it was quite touching.

It's definitely way better than the second movie, but it's still not as good as the first and third. But it's really hard to top the first one. It's very fun though and nice to see the family coming together.

Have you seen Hotel Transylvania 4? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bewitched (2005)

Title: Bewitched
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: June 24, 2005
Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Nora Ephron
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine


Who would I recommend this to?
Do you like cheese? Magic? RomComs? Will Ferrell? If yes, then you!

What is this about?
A witch tries to live a normal life but gets cast as a witch on a TV show.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Date night, girls night, October...

Where does it take place?
Southern California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw this when it first came out, because it looked cute. Now, I just wanted a cutesy witch movie.

How did I like this?
I think it's super adorable. It's a remake about a remake, very meta. I also think that's more fun than just a straight Samantha-Darren remake. Isabel the reformed witch and Jack the diva are a fun pair.

Have you seen Bewitched? 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?

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Title: Arthur Christmas
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: November 23, 2011
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Sarah Smith, Barry Cook
Starring: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy


Who would I recommend this to?
Kids and the kids-at-heart.

What is this about?
One child was missed on Christmas, so Santa's son, Arthur, sets out to deliver her present.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmas time, of course.

Where does it take place?
The North Pole and England and random stops along the way.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It popped up when I searched "Christmas" on Starz.

How did I like this?
I had zero expectations since I hadn't even heard of this movie before. It's definitely a unique and fun twist on the Santa Claus myth. The plot is very much not unique though and I feel like it's been done better.

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

Hotel Transylvania 3 (2018)

Title: Hotel Transylvania 3
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: July 13, 2018
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the previous two movies.

What is this about?
Dracula is lonely; perhaps it's time for him to start dating? Mavis thinks he's stressed from working too much so she plans a cruise!

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the second one, and not even during just Halloween. This is a feel-good summer movie!

Where does it take place?
The Bermuda Triangle, of course!

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I had just watched the other two.

How did I like this?
While the previous movie tried really hard to make kids laugh, this one had plenty of adult jokes! The witches and Vlad! The chupacabra! That said, the plot was really predictable, but it was super fun and cute.

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

Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015)

Title: Hotel Transylvania 2
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
Release Date: September 25, 2015
Genre(s): Fantasy, Animation
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Starring: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of wholesome family fun involving vampires and Adam Sandler.

What is this about?
Mavis and Jonathan got married, had a baby, and Daddy Dracula still doesn't want to let his baby go!

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first one, but before the third one. At Halloweentime.

Where does it take place?
Dracula's castle!

Why did I decide to watch this?
I originally watched it when it first came out because I liked the first one.

How did I like this?
Did they steal one of the triplets from Brave?! And I find the decision to make a children's movie about parenting questionable. Sure, it's good for a few laughs, but I just don't like this plot. It's not necessarily bad...I just don't care. Mavis trying Slurpees is hilarious, but Dracula trying so hard to make his grandson a monster was just...bleh bleh bleh.

Too many gags and forced jokes. That seems to be a trend in sequels for kids. BUT...I did like it better than I did the first time. It does have a special charm.

Have you seen Hotel Transylvania 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Title: Hotel Transylvania
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
Release Date: September 28, 2012
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Andy Samberg


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of silly vampires, or vampires in general.

What is this about?
Dracula's only daughter wants to go out into the world, but her dad is paranoid about humans. Especially when a boy shows up at the castle right before Mavis's birthday party.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Halloween, obviously.

Where does it take place?
Dracula's castle.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it was back in the day, because vampires. Duh. Now, it's time for Halloween!

How did I like this?
I seriously did not remember a single thing about this movie from the first time I saw it. But it's super cute! It's fun to see Dracula in a new way. Instead of being one of the most feared monsters, he's the most scared monster!

It made me cry?! I mean, most movies make me cry, but I didn't expect it from this one.

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

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018)

Title: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: October 12, 2018
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Ari Sandel
Starring: Wendi McLendon-Covey, Madison Iseman, Jeremy Ray Taylor


Who would I recommend this to?
The two people who liked the first movie...

What is this about?
Some kids are cleaning out an abandoned house and find the book...unleashing the evil within!

When would be a good time to watch this?
The title gives you a hint...

Where does it take place?
Somewhere in New York, I think.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I had just watch the first one. It couldn't get worse, right?

How did I like this?
First of all, if something is on sale as two-for-one, you buy TWO! It's the same price as the single. Especially if what you're buying is adult diapers for a nursing home...Random...I know, but not really.

Other than that, this one does have a more solid plot and better acting despite being all unknowns. It's still not great, but it was a lot more fun and engaging. It had more of a Jumanji vibe, which was cool.

Have you seen Goosebumps 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Goosebumps (2015)

Title: Goosebumps
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: October 14, 2015
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Rob Letterman
Starring: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush


Who would I recommend this to?
Those of us who didn't grow up reading Goosebumps and/or Fear Street.

What is this about?
The Goosebumps books are real! OMG! This movie is quite meta...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Halloween time, duh.

Where does it take place?
Madison, Delaware.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I was obsessed with the books and the show and the straight-to-video specials and just generally all things Goosebumps.

How did I like this?
First impression, I don't like Jack Black in this. It didn't feel like a good fit for him. The teen actors were great though.

It didn't hold my attention at all. It was missing the creepy factor that makes the books so lovable. The dummies in Toy Story 4 were more unsettling than this.

Now I want to read some old Goosebumps books...

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

The Craft (1996)

Title: The Craft
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Release Date: May 3, 1996
Genre(s): Drama, Fantasy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Andrew Fleming
Starring: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of dark teen movies and the '90s.

What is this about?
Teen girls using witchcraft against their enemies.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a dark, stormy night...

Where does it take place?
A catholic high school.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I know I saw this movie a while ago, maybe 10-11 years ago, because my boyfriend at the time like it but I don't remember it. So I watched it again for my 32 days of Halloween marathon.

How did I like this?
This is sooo '90s! Complete with vinyl clothing, a token Black girl, and blood oaths.

Things get real, weird, and real weird real quick! I would have been obsessed with this movie if I had seen it when I was younger. I'm surprised this hasn't been remade yet; I'd watch it.

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

Monster House (2006)

Title: Monster House
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
Release Date: July 21, 2006
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Gil Kenan
Starring: Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner, Spencer Locke


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like animated Halloween funtimes.

What is this about?
A house...that is...a monster...

When would be a good time to watch this?
As part of a Halloween movie marathon.

Where does it take place?
A typical American suburb.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I completely forgot this movie existed, but I've always wanted to watch it! Non-scary Halloween things are my jam.

How did I like this?
First, I don't like this animation style. It kind of made me dizzy looking at it. It's looks 3D without being 3D.

The story is a lot of fun though. It's the standard "no one believes the kids about supernatural occurrences" type plot, so lots of hijinks while they try to fight the house.

There were a lot more "adult" jokes and content than I was anticipating! That just makes it more fun.

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

Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

Title: Jumanji: The Next Level
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 3 minutes
Release Date: December 13, 2019
Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Jake Kasdan
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
Spencer and the gang return to the land of Jumanji after he tries to fix the game. There they learn the true power of friendship!

When would be a good time to watch this?
All the time, like my mom, who has watched it three or four times in the last couple of weeks.

Where does it take place?
Inside a video game...

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because the first one is one of my all-time favorite movies.

How did I like this?
I effing loved this movie. I don't know if I love it more than the first, but definitely at least as much. It's so freaking funny. Kevin Hart nailed it! My mom and I were dying every time he opened his mouth.

I don't even care that Jumanji magically transformed into a seven-player game, because the original was a magical four-player (then five-player) game to begin with. There are no rules!

Have you seen Jumanji: The Next Level? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Venom (2018)

Title: Venom
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: October 5, 2018
Genre(s): Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Starring: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed


Who would I recommend this to?
Marvel fans.

What is this about?
A guy gets infected by an alien and explosions happen.

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

Where does it take place?
New York, where everything seems to happen.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I actually saw previews for it when it was in theaters, which is rare for me, and thought it looked like what I wished Spiderman 3 was.

How did I like this?
I didn't. Honestly, I didn't pay much attention to it at all. It simply didn't grab my attention. I thought it was going to be a fun ride, but...not for me.

I thought it ended three different times. Awkward.

Have you seen Venom? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Title: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 59 minutes
Release Date: December 20, 2017
Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Jake Kasdan
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan


Who would I recommend this to?
Everybody who watches movies

What is this about?
That dangerous life-like game is back (in a new form!) to bring a new generation together.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately if you've never seen it. Also immediately if you haven't seen it in a while.

Where does it take place?
In the jungle you must wait until the dice read 5 or 8...

Why did I decide to watch this?
I love the original, so I was super excited for there to be a remake! Plus The Rock is pretty awesome.

How did I like this?
I loved it! This was such a smart and hilarious and adventurous update of a classic! I was laughing from beginning to end and my face hurts from smiling so much.

I'll say it....this is better than the original!

What you seen Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Ghostbusters (2016)

Title: Ghostbusters
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Release Date: July 15, 2016
Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy
Production Co.: Columbia Pictures
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones


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

What is this about?
Smart women doing science to prove the existence of ghosts!

When would be a good time to watch this?
I watched this alone on a quiet afternoon, but I think it would be really fun to watch it during a girls' night or a date night or with your mom or something like that.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
The future is female! It's all lady remake of Ghostbusters, so obviously I wanted to see it.

How did I like this?
This was so much fun! I was worried that it was going to be a repeat of Bridesmaids, but thankfully it wasn't. The humor was just spot on!

The cameos and nods to the original were also really well done without being ridiculous. I'm glad they mostly kept this as its own thing.

The special effects are questionable, but I think it fits the goofy feel of the movie. If that makes sense.

Have you seen Ghostbusters? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?