movies Archives - Page 2 of 2

“My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls: Friendship Games”

My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls: Friendship Games is a full-length adventure movie. The ponies come to life and share the magic of friendship with silly humor that kids can enjoy. There is a storyline, too, adding a little drama when the girls magically gain pony-like ears, tails, and wings.

Directed by Jayson Thiessen and Ishi Rudell, the story begins with Twilight Sparkle because she can only go from the human world to the pony world. It has been quite some time since she was in contact with any of her human friends. When she comes in contact, it isn’t the Twilight they know. Simultaneously, all six human friends are getting better control of their hidden magic powers. This is good because they must learn to control their powers for the Friendship Games at Canterlot High School—an athletic and academic competition between rival schools.

What is fun about this movie is that it reinforces the idea of developing a positive reputation for My Little Pony Friendship. The storyline keeps the characters in exciting circumstances, with twists and turns, while conveying essential messages, such as that when help arrives, it is best to accept it.

The animation looks very doable in 2-D. Sen and Rudell took a creative turn, including 3-D camera shots. The voice talent for the characters works well. Tara Strong is the voice of Twilight Sparkle, who really sparkles, while one can pity her flaws and intolerable behavior.

An impressive scene that comes to mind is where they are on a dirt bike course, and the two main characters compete with the enemy high school. It includes Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. The race starts well, but Twilight Sparkle inadvertently casts a strange magic spell, and the entire race goes whacky.

Following the TV show will help you understand the characters, but it is not truly necessary. The first movie, My Little Pony: Equestrian Girls, is quite popular, and you should watch that one first to help you understand the overall story.

“Zarafa”

People told me about this film when it was shown at the New York International Children’s Film Festival, and they were blown away. They described the movie as one of the most beautiful animated cinema experiences in storytelling. Zarafa captures suffering at the hands of slave traders. Human beings are treated as property to the edge of monstrous fixation.

Sincerely, I enjoyed this movie and hope everyone sees it as a work of art.

Directed by Rémi Bezançon and Jean-Christophe Lie, Zarafa is a charming animated adventure story with French and English subtitles. We meet an orphaned African boy who sets out on a journey to find his place in the world. His other purpose for the journey is to protect a young giraffe that he considers himself responsible for.

The movie is packed with cute and hilarious moments with offbeat and curious characters, while the boy visits many exotic global locations. It is also exciting, with narrow escapes, rescues, and the threat of capture. The movie’s tear-jerking moments might be tough for some kids to watch. The moments include the deaths of beloved characters that the audience has grown to love.

The movie has its highs and lows and several scary, suspenseful scenes. For example, the two children find themselves in danger with a ferocious dog and an evil villain. The villain is a slave trader who pursues them relentlessly. He even holds a dear little girl in chains while he attacks the boy with the intent to shoot and kill. Another tragedy is when parents of a young child are captured, and their village is burned to the ground.

The movie is fine for older kids, who understand the difference between imaginary and real violence and can put up with the English subtitles.

“Pups United”

Directed by Guy Distad, who is known for working in television, cut his teeth on Disney TV shows as a first and second assistant director, including Wizards of Waverly Place and Hanna Montana. The movie is made for kids to enjoy. If you are up for a silly, non-committal adventure with puppies who talk, then Pups United on DVD is what you want your kids to watch. Being awarded the Dove Seal of Approval means it is safe for kids to watch, with the film described as “a fun family movie that everyone will enjoy.”

In the manner of Air Bud, this live-action movie features the voice talents of Rob Schneider (Grown Ups) in a familiar story of and quest to rescue the World Cup. A rag-tag gang of international talking dog mascots must save the day and foil the plot of villains planning to sabotage the Youth World Cup soccer finals.

The laughter erupts when the two villains try to cover up their identities to find the trophy. The story will never get monotonous as Rex and his canine mascots unite to stop the thieves. By helping to stop the thievery, the canines also help Ryan and the coach return to the game and go for the win.

The DVD includes a behind-the-scenes featurette, “The Making of Pups United,” and minuscule bonus episodes. It is something to consider for your library to help keep your kids entertained as the wintry season approaches.

“The Seventh Dwarf”

After appearing in select NY and LA theaters, The Seventh Dwarf is available on Blu-ray and DVD. The animated movie is an adventure story that unites all your favorite fairytale characters in one kingdom and stars the voices of Peyton List, Norm MacDonald, Nina Hagen and Joshua Graham. There are great messages for kids to learn, like friendship, problem solving, accepting differences and working as a team. The humorous scenes are really fun to watch, as well as the action and suspense scenes.

The story begins with the characters celebrating Princess Rose’s (Sleeping Beauty) 18th birthday. Everyone in the kingdom has come to Fantabularasa Castle, including Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood. But just before the stroke of midnight, Bobo, the youngest dwarf, accidentally pricks the finger on the cursed needle and sends the kingdom into a century-long slumber. Bobo decides to take the matter into his own hands by finding Rose’s true love, Jack. Jack must save her with a kiss, Bobo and the other six dwarfs go on a treacherous journey. They face a fiery dragon and outwit the jealous, scheming and evil witch, Dellamorta.

The puns may go over the kids’ heads, but they are there for the adults to enjoy. The animation is well done, even though this is not a big movie; it’s fun entertainment.

I am sure kids will want to rewatch the movie because it has some cute scenes and silly songs. The story features a mash-up of fairy tales with a few obvious changes that add a bunch of fun. The writers are quite imaginative with the changes they add to the stories, creating a bit of spark in the old fairy tales.