Tag Archives: movie review

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Movie Review (MINOR SPOILERS)

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If you are looking for a great fictional movie to watch this Halloween, I would recommend the excellent movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This is a movie based on J.K Rowling’s book.

Basically, a boy named Harry Potter is 14 years old and is in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I like magic, so this was very cool. Harry’s name is put in the Goblet of Fire, which chooses the Triwizard Champions.

Since he was under the age of 18, he wasn’t supposed to get in, but Professor Moody, who later turns out to be a phony and has captured the real Professor, puts his name in the Goblet. I think that this is a very interesting turn of events, since he was an Auror, someone known for being good.

After the challenges, Harry is sent to a graveyard where the terrifying and evil Lord Voldemort returns. I found it very surprising that the evil and powerful Voldemort unexpectedly came back.

After this tragic incident, Harry begins a journey to finish the Dark Lord one and for all. His journey is continued into the sequel: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Extra: In the next book Half-Blood Prince, Harry has to find Lord Voldemort’s horcruxes, which each hold a part of the dark lord’s soul. Once destroyed, it will allow him to kill Voldemort.

All in all, this is an action filled magical movie with an amazing plot. (5/5)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Whiplash

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Whiplash is a 2014 movie about a drummer named Andrew Neiman, who studies jazz at Shaffer Conservatory in New York. Neiman has one goal in mind, which is to be the best jazz drummer in the world. While at Shaffer Conservatory he meets a man named Terence Fletcher, who has a very frightening teaching method but is effective towards the right person. Neiman can use Fletcher’s method of teaching to make him a better musician. This movie has one of the best endings I have ever watched and has very impactful scenes that will be some of the most entertaining things you will see.

Near the beginning of the film, Fletcher chooses Andrew Neiman to join his jazz band. Fletcher manipulates Neiman into becoming a good enough musician to be a core member of the band. As the film continues, the audience watches Fletcher use his odd teaching method to make Neiman the best. The audience is also able to learn what Terence Fletcher’s goal is. His goal is to bring out the greatness in all of his students, but he was never able to achieve this because his students usually get demotivated because of his teaching method. As the movie ends, Fletcher reaches his goal and Neiman gets closer to his.

Whiplash is easily one of my favorite movies that I have ever seen. What I enjoyed most was the mix of heartbreaking and thrilling scenes. Seeing how much Andrew Neiman was being affected by Fletcher, either in a good or bad way, was very entertaining. For example, as the viewer continues to watch the film, they can clearly see the effect that Fletcher has on Neiman. It was also fun to watch Neiman change throughout the movie. For example, the audience can witness Neiman do actions near the end of the film that he wouldn’t have done at the beginning. With this, Whiplash becomes a very meaningful and engaging movie.

Overall, Whiplash is a great movie to watch, which I recommend for anyone to watch when they have the time. My favorite part of the movie was the variety of scenes that can instantly change your mood throughout the movie. Some scenes will make you sad while others fill you with excitement. Another notable part of the movie that I enjoyed was the character development that the audience is able to see Andrew Neiman go through. I can assure anyone that this movie will not be a disappointment but instead will be a great experience.

-Matthew R.

Whiplash is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Jurassic Park Movie Review

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In the science fiction movie Jurassic Park, we are introduced to the protagonist: Alan Grand, his good friend Ellie Sattler, and another man named Ian Malcolm. The creators of the movie gave each a very interesting and unique personality, which I really like. There was also a lawyer coming to see if everything was legal.

They are invited to assess the brand new park called Jurassic Park, which is a dinosaur theme park. I think this was a very creative idea. This island is owned by John Hammond; he was the founder of InGen, the people behind the making of dinosaurs.

On the tour, the group meet Lex and Tim Murphy, John’s grandkids. Everyone gets in an electric Jurassic Park themed vehicle. They go to the Dilophosaurus enclosure, but sadly aren’t able to spot one. During this time, one of the men (Dennis Nedry) who were managing the tour disabled all the electricity in the park so that he could steal dinosaur DNA and give it to Biosyn. I think that this was a very smart way to incorporate a villain into the plot. While trying to escape, he is killed by a Dilophosaurus.

Meanwhile, the group is stuck next to the T. Rex enclosure due to the power gone. The T. Rex escapes since the fences aren’t electrocuted, and goes on a rampage. It manages to eat the lawyer, while the rest narrowly escape. The way they escape is something I find really cool. They escaped through traveling across the island to the main building where John came and drove them to safety.

All in all, I give this book a 5/5.

Jurassic Park, both the novel and film, can be checked out from the Mission Viejo Public Library. 

Twisters

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Twisters is a disaster film that came out on July 19, 2024. Since I hadn’t seen the first movie that came out in 1996, I didn’t fully know what to expect while starting this film. Twisters is about a girl named Kate Carter, who had a passion for tornados until disaster struck when many of her friends died while helping her chase a tornado. Until, one day when one of her old friends finds her again and brings her back to chase tornados. This film contains layers of emotions, which will have you on the edge of your seat. 

The film starts off with a group of five friends who are chasing a tornado for Kate’s research project of taming a tornado. While they’re chasing the tornado, it surprisingly turns into an EF5, which leads to the death of three of her friends. Years later Kate is living in New York when one of her original friends finds her and brings her back into the business of chasing tornados. Thanks to that, Kate meets people who can help her in her research on taming a tornado. Although hesitant to return to the job of chasing tornadoes, Kate uses her skills and the help of her new friends to tame a tornado successfully.

Twisters is one of my favorite movies to come out this year. The film had a perfect mix of action-packed scenes and emotional scenes. It was very intriguing to see the characters fight against a tornado and go through traumatizing events that made the movie even more interesting. I also enjoyed the tragic backstory of Kate Carter, which allows you to understand the protagonist. As you watch from the perspective of Kate Cart, you will be able to understand the struggles and challenges she faces throughout the movie. With these aspects, Twisters is turned into an easy and fun movie to watch on any occasion. 

Overall, Twisters is a remarkable movie to come out this year. The best parts of this movie were the well-thought-out scenes. With its mix of action and heartbreaking scenes, you will be able to be entertained for the entirety of the film. On top of all that, there is a main character that the audience is able to understand and like. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone. Even if you haven’t seen the original, like me, it will still be a great watch.

-Matthew R.

Twisters is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Movie Review: Lady Bird

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NO SPOILERS

Lady Bird is the perfect movie to cry to with a cup of tea and a candle at night

One of my favorite comfort movies, Lady Bird is about a girl in her senior year of high school. She struggles with the social class difference between her and her classmates, feeling ashamed of the house she lives in, and dreams of living in one of the bigger houses, opposite of the train track that divides the rich from middle class. She identifies with a different name, insisting that everyone refers to her as “Lady Bird”. She constantly argues with her mom, rejecting her religion, and neglecting her mom’s worries about going to college. I think this was one of the more accurate depictions of the high school experience of a (semi) religious girl that focuses on the relationship between mother and daughter. It humanizes both sides and although they were arguing constantly, they took solace in activities like touring open houses together.

Greta Gerwig, director, does such a great job depicting relationships between women and although this is not my favorite film from her collection, Lady Bird is a great introduction to her work. I would recommend if you liked the movies Perks of Being a Wallflower, Little Women, The Florida Project, Aftersun, 8th Grade, Mid 90s, and Little Miss Sunshine.

Lady Bird is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Sound of Music Review

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One weekend, my Mom had me sit down with her to watch the classic, The Sound of Music. I had put off watching it for a while and went in not really knowing what to expect. After watching it, I wish I had watched it sooner.

The Sound of Music is set in Austria during the 1930s, just around World War 2. The movie follows Maria from the nunnery who is asked to help take care of the children of an officer, Captain von Trapp. Maria heads to the von Trapp family home and tries her hardest to be accepted and show the family love. Slowly, she becomes a light of hope and happiness for them, bringing them back as a lively, close family. 

I loved The Sound of Music. Both the storyline was so sweet and the music was fantastic. The movie had so many different plots that all tied in smoothly together. One developed plotline was the love story between Maria and Captain von Trapp. Maria and the Captain were super cute to watch as they chose each other despite having other commitments. But while I adored the love story between the Captain and Maria, I can’t help but fall for the family trope. I loved to see the development of relationships between the kids and Maria and the renewed relationship of the Captain and his kids. The love between Maria and the Captain sprouted from their shared love of the children who also loved both of them. Their family dynamic was a beautiful development to watch, seeing them all overcome their own hardships and decisions. Additional points of the movie were Maria’s own insecurities and doubts and the uncertainty of the upcoming war and danger. All these plot points really helped to show how in depth and well thought out the movie was.

The Sound of Music of course had great music. It starred Julie Andrews who really brought a range of talent through her singing and acting. All the songs in the movie were super catchy. The two main songs I hear replaying in my head are ‘So Long, Farewell’ and ‘Do Re Mi’ which is why I find myself singing them randomly as I say good-bye to my friends or when I hear someone sing Do-Re-Mi. But while these are most prominent, all the other songs are also great, especially ‘Climb Every Mountain.’ Plenty of them made it onto my personal playlist.

Overall, The Sound of Music was a fantastic movie. It kept me engaged the entire time with the various storylines–some of which I hadn’t even mentioned–and especially with the awesome music. This classic is definitely a must watch, if not for the characters and music, for the historical significance; being placed during difficult moments of the world and seeing the effect it has (even if it was a smaller part of the movie). I highly recommend this movie to everyone, young and old; this movie has no age limit. It is definitely one I think anyone can enjoy.

-Nicole R.

The Sound of Music is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

The Best Coming-of-Age Films to Watch This Winter

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Looking for the best coming-of-age movies to watch this winter? As the weather gets colder and the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to relax with some movies that capture growth, change, and the ups and downs of growing up. Here are a few must-watch coming-of-age films this season!

The Holdovers, 2021 (R) 

Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is a thoughtful and entertaining story perfect for the season. Set against the snowy backdrop of Deerfield, Massachusetts, the film follows three unlikely companions “holding over” at Barton boarding school during winter break together: Angus Tully, a rebellious high school junior; Mr. Hunham, a rigid and strict teacher; and Mary Lamb, the school’s kind-hearted cafeteria manager. Through their time together, the trio experiences personal growth, connection, and healing in unexpected ways. 

Dead Poets Society, 1989 (PG-13)

Peter Weir’s Dead Poets Society is another winter-season classic. Set in the snow-dusted halls of a prestigious Vermont prep school, Welton Academy, the film follows John Keating, an unconventional English teacher played by Robin Williams, who challenges his students to embrace individuality and “seize the day.” As his wise lessons and passion for literature inspire his students, they begin to explore their individuality, going against the standards set for them to discover who they each truly are. Though not directly tied to the holidays, the scenic shots of Vermont’s fall and winter landscapes beautifully set the tone and enhance the film’s atmosphere.

Fantastic Mr. Fox, 2009 (PG)

Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, is a visually stunning stop-motion animated film that perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall and winter. With a color palette of warm oranges, deep browns, and vibrant reds, the film mirrors the crisp, autumnal landscapes of the season. The story follows Mr. Fox and his family as they navigate themes of self-discovery, alienation, and the importance of connection with one another. Anderson’s signature style and heartfelt storytelling make this a charming and thoughtful watch for the colder months.

Little Women, 2019 (PG)

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, based on the acclaimed novel by Louisa May Alcott, is a beautifully crafted film that captures the warmth and struggles of family life. Set against the snowy landscapes of Massachusetts, the story follows the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, ambition,personal loss, and womanhood. Gerwig’s fresh approach to the timeless tale, combined with stunning visuals and heartfelt performances, makes it a perfect watch for the fall and winter seasons.

With their wintry settings and themes of self-discovery, connection, and resilience, these films offer the perfect blend of warmth and entertainment for cozy winter viewing!

Top 5 Christmas Movies 🎄

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As Christmas is now right around the corner, here are some of the best christmas movies, ranked by my opinion and also ratings!

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The Grinch! | Birmingham Museum of Art

This live action family comedy is based on the “Grinch,” a big green monster who hates Christmas. He steals all the Who’s decorations and even gifts. Despite this, the people around him teach him Christmas is not just about gifts, and he joins in their celebration. This movie is PG and its rated a 6.3/10 by IMDb. It is very entertaining and carries a heartwarming message about the true meaning of Christmas.

4. The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express (2004) - IMDb

The Polar Express is all about family and adventure and follows a young boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Through his adventures, he learns about the true spirit of Christmas and also faces many challenging obstacles. This movie is the #1 most searched family programs today and its rated a 6.6/10 by IMDb. This movie really encapsulates childhood memories and the wonders of Christmas time.

3. Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone | 20th Century Studios Family

Home Alone is a family comedy and it takes place during Christmas. It’s about a young boy named Kevin who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation during the holidays. He goes through some challenges including fending off two burglars. He learns about self-reliance and the importance of family. This movie is rated a 7.7/10 by IMDb, and its definitely one of my favorite Christmas movies as it’s so intriguing and amusing.

2. The Santa Clause (1994)

This family comedy follows Scott Calvin, who accidentally becomes Santa after startling the original one off his roof. As Scott starts to embrace his new role, he learns the true meaning of Christmas and how lucky he is to have his family. This movie is just so heartwarming and playful and a true Christmas movie classic. It is rated a 6.6/10 by IMDb, but I truly recommend it so much if you love Christmas comedies.

  1. Elf (2003)

Elf is a family comedy that tells the story of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who travels to New York City to find his biological father. Along the way, Buddy’s childlike innocence and Christmas spirit bring joy to everyone he meets. This movie is so good as it combines humor and heartwarming moments making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. Will Ferrell’s performance as Buddy the Elf is both hilarious and endearing, spreading holiday cheer and emphasizing the importance of family and kindness. This is a movie I could binge-watch as it never gets old and reminds me of such good memories of Christmas. This is rated a 7.7/10 by IMDb.

These are my top 5 favorite Christmas movies, let me know if these are too or if you have any other favorites, and Happy Holidays!

A Wallflower, Not a Doormat

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As a coming-of-age person, fittingly, I’ve always been obsessed with coming-of-age movies. The representation of the teenage experience as a moment in time where any problem appears catastrophic and any personal achievement or bliss appears life-changing correlates with these movies as they accurately show the strength of teenage emotions and how teens resolve to cope with those emotions. The Perks of Being a Wallflower does just this and more.

I’ve been long delayed in watching this movie, but have finally got around to it and I regret not having watched this movie long before. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, directed by Stephen Chbosky, and based on the book also written by Chbosky, follows freshman, Charlie, as he navigates the territory of his high school, counting down the days until he graduates. Charlie displays an outward disinterest in voluntarily engaging in social interactions with his peers, but beneath his outright rejection, Charlie seeks a meaningful friendship with someone who truly understands him.

Throughout the movie, Charlie’s obvious social awkwardness makes it difficult for him to interact with others without feeling self-conscious; however, underlying mental health issues, not clearly stated by Charlie, linger in his behavior. Charlie soon joins a fun and lively friend group with Patrick and Sam. Through an array of days that they spend together, whether studying or going on joy rides, Charlie finally gets to experience what it is to fulfill his teenage experience with real friends. I can relate to this greatly, as during my freshman year of high school, I also felt like a recluse. This caused me to have a negative outlook on my classmates and reject talking to people entirely; however, I soon found the people that I knew I wanted to be surrounded by, which changed my entire outlook on the rest of my teenage years.

By the end of the movie, we find out that Charlie’s Aunt Helen, whom he claimed he was very close to and whom we assumed was a family member he really connected with, actually abused him which led to Charlie’s eventual mental health problems, consisting of emotional explosions followed by blackouts. After a major blackout, Charlie finally receives the help he needs and begins to open up about his Aunt Helen. Overall, Charlie learns to be a wallflower, but not a doormat. He builds the confidence he needs to take control of the reigns of his life and fully participate in the next years of high school.

This message really resonates with me, and most importantly, I believe it resonates with a large population of teens today. The idea that it is a waste to stand by and not do what you want to do with your life is something that I will carry with me throughout the rest of high school and into my future.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (DVD or book) is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. The book is also available to download for free from Libby.

Hard Miles

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Hard Miles is a PG-13-rated sports movie that came out to the United States on June 13, 2023. The film is based on a true inspirational story based on an unexpected group of juveniles. During the movie, the viewer gets to watch these juvenile convicts go on a long 1,000-mile bike ride to see the Grand Canyon. As you watch it, you will get an urge of motivation to push yourself past your limits.

At the beginning of the movie, the audience is introduced to the main characters. These characters include a social worker named Greg Townsend and four juveniles named Woolbright, Smink, Rice, and Atenico. As the viewer continues through the movie, they connect with the characters and start to understand them more and more. The audience gets to witness each character go through hardships and change for the better. The movie also includes a satisfying ending, which is the characters finally finishing their long journey and reaching the Grand Canyon, giving the viewer great motivation to do greater things.

Watching Hard Miles was a great experience. What intrigued me the most was seeing the character development each one of the characters goes through. It was very exciting to see how some characters went from constant troublemakers to people that you can respect. The movie is created in a way that will get you to really enjoy watching each character, making you want more of the characters once the film ends. I especially enjoyed the rewarding ending, which made me appreciate the memorable events in the movie. Therefore, Hard Miles has great qualities that will make you very fascinated while watching it and even when it is over.

Overall, watching this motivational film will give you the feeling that you can achieve anything. Using an unlikely set of characters, Hard Miles will definitely interest you. On top of that, you will be able to easily see how much the characters change for the better as the movie progresses. I highly enjoyed watching this movie and I urge anyone to watch it in their free time. You will have a great time watching this movie just like I did.

-Matthew R.