Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure (2022)

Title: Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure
Rating: PG
Run Time: 16 minutes
Release Date: August 25, 2022
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: dwarf
Director: Masahito Kobayashi
Starring: Mikako Tabe, Reina Ueda, Atsushi Miyauchi


Who would I recommend this to?
Cuddly stop motion fans.

What is this about?
Rilakkuma and friends spend a day at an amusement park.

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

Where does it take place?
Nakasugi Park.

Why did I decide to watch this?
The first season was really cute and I wanted more.

How did I like this?
It was so cute! I'm also just a sucker for any story that takes place on a single day, and this day was chaotic and fun for everybody!

Have you seen Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Rilakkuma and Kaoru (2019)

Title: Rilakkuma and Kaoru
Rating: PG
Run Time: 11 minutes
Release Date: April 19, 2019
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: dwarf
Director: Mashito Kobayashi
Starring: Mikako Tabe, Mai Kanazawa


Who would I recommend this to?
Those looking for cute stop-motion animation, or cute things in general.

What is this about?
A woman going through life's ups and downs, except she has adorable bears to teach her life lessons.

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

Where does it take place?
Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked seriously adorable and I wanted to find out about Rilakkuma.

How did I like this?
It's super cute and cozy and wholesome! I was not expecting horror though?! But cozy horror, and just one episode.

Have you seen Rilakkuma and Kaoru? What did  you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Wish (2023)

Title: Wish
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn
Starring: Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever.

What is this about?
A king holds onto wishes and a girl wants to take them back.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you run out of other Disney movies.

Where does it take place?
Rosas.

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

How did I like this?
It's fine. Mostly, it just has no direction. Like, it has no idea what it wants to be. For example, the double animation style. I love them both, but not together. It made it hard to know where to look, and at times kind of gave me motion sickness. Then there's this awesome ballad, but why is sung between the king and Asha?!?!? Asha thinks everyone should be able to have the chance to see their wish fulfilled, but the king points out that some wishes could wind up badly, but this dichotomy is never explored. There's a lot of little things like that, which are great, but don't fit.

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

A Little Snow Fairy Sugar (2001-02)

Title: A Little Snow Fairy Sugar
Rating: PG
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: October 3, 2001
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: J.C.Staff
Director: Shinichirou Kimura
Starring: Masumi Asano, Tomoko Kawakami, Kaori Mizuhashi


Who would I recommend this to?
Kids.

What is this about?
A little snow fairy (named sugar) finds a girl who can see fairies and wrecks havoc on her life.

When would be a good time to watch this?
While babysitting?

Where does it take place?
Japan, somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded kind of cute.

How did I like this?
I didn't really. A few episodes caught my attention and made me feel things, but for the most part I was either bored or severely annoyed. One of my least favorite tropes is someone determined to help but just makes things worse and can't seem to grasp that it's NOT the thought that counts, which is sadly Sugar's entire personality.

Have you seen A Little Snow Fairy Sugar? 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?

Home on the Range (2004)

Title: Home on the Range
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: April 2, 2004
Genre(s): Animation, Comedy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Will Finn, John Sanford
Starring: Judi Dench, Jennifer Tilly, Cuba Gooding Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Umm...whoever is already interested.

What is this about?
A trio of cows set out to save their farm by catching a yodeling bad guy!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have nothing else to watch.

Where does it take place?
In the old west.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'd never seen it and am on a mission.

How did I like this?
It's not bad, but it's definitely not good. There are cute and funny moments, but this is not up to the usual Disney standards. It felt like they just wanted to do a Western, for the sake of it.

Have you seen Home on the Range? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Belle (2021)

Title: Belle
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 1 minute
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Drama, Musical
Production Co.: Studio Chizu
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Starring: Kaho Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Shota Sometani


Who would I recommend this to?
You?

What is this about?
A shy girl finds her voice in virtual reality and saves a user known as the beast.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need an emotion release.

Where does it take place?
U.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked pretty and I love Beauty and the Beast.

How did I like this?
Tears. More tears. Great songs. Beautiful animation. Crying. Emotion. So pretty.

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

Pokémon Concierge - Season 1 (2023)

Title: Pokémon Concierge
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 20 minutes
Release Date: December 28, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: GAME FREAK
Director: Iku Ogawa
Starring: Karen Fukuhara, Eita Okuno, Fairouz Ai


Who would I recommend this to?
You!

What is this about?
A young lady starts working at a resort for Pokemon.

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

Where does it take place?
The Pokemon Resort.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked effing adorable.

How did I like this?
It's effing adorable! We need more shows done in this style!

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

The Santa Clauses - Season 2 (2023)

Title: The Santa Clauses - Season 2
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 30 minutes
Release Date: November 8, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: Disney Branded Television
Creator: Jack Burditt
Starring: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Eric Stonestreet


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever liked the first season.

What is this about?
Mad Santa is on the loose!

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

Where does it take place?
The North Pole.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I really liked the first season.

How did I like this?
I love Mad Santa! He's great! This season was really fun!

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

The Santa Clauses - Season 1 (2022)

Title: The Santa Clauses - Season 1
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 33 minutes
Release Date: November 16, 2022
Genre(s): Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: Disney Branded Television
Creator: Jack Burditt
Starring: Tim Allen, Eilzabeth Mitchell, Devin Bright


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes Christmas stuff.

What is this about?
Christmas is changing, so must Santa change too...

When would be a good time to watch this?
The "holiday" season.

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

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I like the original movie.

How did I like this?
Am I allowed to say I liked this better than the movies? Well, it's not hard to be better than the third movie, but I genuinely enjoyed this more than all of them. It's so fun! As someone who no longer celebrates Christmas, I loved them poking fun at what the holiday has become, without being cynical.

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

Good Burger 2 (2023)

Title: Good Burger 2
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2023
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Phil Traill
Starring: Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson, Kamaia Fairburn


Who would I recommend this to?
'90s kids who grew up with Kenan and Kel.

What is this about?
Revenge with a side of burger sauce. And the friends we made along the way.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime you need something goofy.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because the first movie is a classic.

How did I like this?
 It certainly has the spirit of the original! Gang's all here! And the plot feels very reminiscent of the first, not a direct copy, but it feels real for these characters.

I do have to say, I feel like they were trying too hard with some of the jokes, but that seems to be common across most adult reboots of kids' stuff.

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

Elemental (2023)

Title: Elemental
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Release Date: June 16, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Peter Sohn
Starring: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou, Ronnie Del Carmen


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Inside Out.

What is this about?
Fire and Water come together.

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

Where does it take place?
Element City.

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

How did I like this?
They tried to tell a story about the struggle of immigrants and discrimination, much like they did with Zootopia, but it didn't totally work. This was more like another Inside Out, but if Anger and Sadness started dating. I didn't get it at all. 

It was still pretty cute though.

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

The Little Mermaid (2023)

Title: The Little Mermaid
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Release Date: May 26, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
A young mermaid longs to be part of the human world.

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

Where does it take place?
Under the sea. And the palace.

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

How did I like this?
I am crying. I cried. Crying. It's so cute.

The first few minutes did give me motion sickness though. That underwater CGI is rough.

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

Paddington 2 (2017)

Title: Paddington 2
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: November 5, 2017
Genre(s): Comedy, Fantasy
Production Co.: StudioCanal
Director: Paul King
Starring: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
A talking bear goes to prison.

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

Where does it take place?
London, England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I adored the first one, and it was available on my flight home.

How did I like this?
It's so cute! I'm still shocked I hadn't seen these movies before. I was absolutely not prepared for Paddington to go to prison and have grand adventures there!

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

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Title: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: December 21, 2022
Genre(s): Animation, Comedy, Adventure
Production Co.: Dreamworks Animation
Director: Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
An adventuring kitty is on his last life, so must hunt down the Wishing Star to avoid death!

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

Where does it take place?
The Dark Forest.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I like the first one, and heard amazing things.

How did I like this?
What was that animation style?! OMG! It's so good! It's like a 3D storybook! The story is really good too. Totally fitting for Puss to want to avoid Death at all costs. It made me cry multiple times.

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

The King's Daughter (2022)

Title: The King's Daughter
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Release Date: January 21, 2022
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Production Co.: Lightstream Pictures Australia
Director: Sean MacNamara
Starring:  Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, William Hurt


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever needs brain candy for 98 minutes.

What is this about?
King Louis XIV wants to use a mermaid to become immortal, but his estranged daughter befriends her.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have nothing better to do.

Where does it take place?
Versailles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
My mom told me to.

How did I like this?
It was fine. The second half was waaay better than the first. The beginning was framed super awkwardly. Like, Louis' actions toward Marie had a romantic edge to them which I don't think was intentional, but it was very weird. I mean, if this was suppose to be some taboo movie, then fine, but it's not. But after he confesses to being her father, things were more normal and kinda fun.

Have you seen The King's Daughter? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Title: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Illumination, Universal Pictures, Nintendo
Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc
Starring:  Christ Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day


Who would I recommend this to?
Nintendo fans.

What is this about?
Bowser's proposal to Peach goes terribly wrong.

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

Where does it take place?
Brooklyn and the Mushroom Kingdom.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I've been a Mario fan since forever. Peach and Bowser forever!!!

How did I like this?
It's so fun! It felt exactly like what a Mario movie should be like. Although it did really feel like a special episode of Bridezillas, where the groom is out of control. I am an unapologetic Bowser-Peach shipper, so I was loving it.

I did have two annoyances though. One: shouldn't the blue shell have hit Peach? Two: The Donkey Kong games have the BEST soundtracks, so why replace the music?!

Have you seen The Super Mario Bros. Movie? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)

Title: Peter Pan & Wendy
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: David Lowery
Starring:  Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Jude Law


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like to hate-watch things.

What is this about?
Nothing.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
Neverland and London.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney and I always have hope.

How did I like this?
I did not. To be fair, I don't like Peter Pan in general (except Hook), and the original Disney animated film is one of my least favorites of all-time. But I had hope. False hope, but still hope. I liked Tinkerbell and Smee and that is it. Which is sad, because I've always loved Captain Hook, but I don't think Jude Law was given much to work with here. Just let him be evil! He doesn't need to be sympathetic! Just entertaining!

Have you seen Peter Pan & Wendy? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Paddington (2014)

Title: Paddington
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Release Date: November 23, 2014
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: StudioCanal
Director: Paul King
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
A small bear from Peru finds big adventure in London.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now. The world needs light.

Where does it take place?
London, England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Every now and then it pops up, so I watched it.

How did I like this?
I'm kind of annoyed that I never saw this before! I knew it existed, but just forgot about it. It's so freaking cute! There is no way to not love Paddington; he's just so sweet! Sure, the plot is kind of predictable, but it has heart! So much heart! Yes, I cried.

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