The Way Way Back

Summary:

Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.

Plot:

This is a cute story. It’s pretty simple and straightforward with no major twists or turns. It had it’s funny moments and it’s slightly sadder ones. It’s basically a comedy with a bit of a deeper message hidden underneath the jokes. Most of it is pretty predictable, but I don’t think the point of this movie was the story. I think it was the characters. So I’m not going to say anything else about the plot.

Characters:

When you first meet the main character you feel very sorry for him. Then he smiles at a random guy in a car behind theirs and you fall in love with him. He is basically a boy who is extremely shy, doesn’t say much, and is pretty awkward as far as social situations go. He is the most relatable character in the movie which was probably the filmmakers' intent. There are a couple of young girls who are also pretty normal, but most of the other characters are completely crazy. Only two of the adults can be described as sane, that would be Duncan’s mother (who is very damaged) and Owen’s love interest. The rest of the adults are completely insane, and most of them are pretty hilarious.

Cinematography:

Good, the colours change along with Duncan’s mood. When he’s happy there’s bright colours and lights, when he’s down it becomes more gray-toned and dark. It helps set the mood. It’s not Oscar-material, but you can tell that the directors and other film-makers put quite a bit of thought into it.

Who should watch this:

(PG-13) Some language, brief drug material and mild sexual content. The story might also be a little hard for some of the kids to follow and they probably won’t get most of the jokes. If you want a comedy that will make you laugh, but that will still be a bit deeper than just the jokes, this is a good one.

My rating:

I really liked this movie. I thought it was funny, the acting was pretty good and it didn’t bore me once. So 4/5

Quote:

Duncan: How long have you been working there?

Owen: Oh, the park? Um, I've always been there. Ever since I was a small Cambodian child. Of course, that was after 'Nam. I was in the sh*t. Then I joined the circus to become a clown fighter. I know about 46 ways to kill a clown. I hate clowns. I'm kidding except for the part where I really do hate them.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Summary: 
After a bitter divorce, an actor disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife.

Plot:

This is a great story of a father who would do literally anything to be with his kids. It’s hilarious in all the right places and yet serious when needed. The story is inspiring, funny and very entertaining.

Characters:

This movie shows of all of Robin Williams’ talents as an actor-his natural talent, humor and his incredible talent with voices and accents. The characters are generally very likable, although they’re not perfect. They’re relatable and yet not boring, and I thought they were all wonderful.

Cinematography:

Good, for a movie that was made in 1993. Actually very impressive if one keeps that in mind. It never distracts from the story.

Who should watch this:

(PG-13) mainly for some rude humor, references to mature content and language. Any fans of Williams should have watched this already. If you enjoy movies that are different, yet relatable I would definitely recommend this one.

My rating:

I really, really enjoyed this movie. It made me laugh, and I started to care for the characters. 5/5

Quote:

[Trying to get false teeth out of glass]

Mrs. Doubtfire: Carpe dentum. Seize the teeth.

Racing Stripes

Summary: 

An abandoned zebra grows up believing he is a racehorse, and, with the help of his barnyard friends and a teenage girl sets out to achieve his dream of racing with thoroughbreds.

Plot:

A very funny, heartwarming story about believing in yourself and chasing your dreams, no matter what other people (or horses) say. While there’s been many movies like this one, none of them centred around a zebra. This is a very sweet story with a great message.

Characters:

This movie has some great characters, funny, serious, sweet, you name it. The farm animals are the best, with the motherly goat ‘Franny’ and the little Shetland pony, Tucker (Dustin Hoffman) who is Stripes’ mentor. Then you get a pelican called ‘Goose’, a very stupid chicken, ‘Reggie’, and two very funny flies that sing. The main character ‘Stripes’ is great, not perfect, but self-assured. The humans, Channing (Hayden Panettiere) and her father are also very nice, you find yourself hoping they will make the right choices.

Cinematography:

Okay, the animals ‘talking’ weren’t handled as well as it could have been, although this movie was made a while ago, so it’s understandable. The rest was very well done.

Who should watch this:

(PG) for very mild rude humor, the content is quite clean. Fans of horse movies, or animal stories in general. If you prefer a deep, serious or ‘adult’ movie, don’t watch this. It’s quite immature, but fun and great for just relaxing.

My rating:

I really like this movie, it’s not perfect or my favourite, but I like it so…3/5

Quote:
Franny: What are you?
Stripes: I don't know.
Tucker: We can rule out "genius"

Ramona and Beezus

Summary:

The adventures of young Ramona Quimby and her big sister Beezus come to life in this all new film based on the best-selling books by Beverly Cleary. Ramona's vivid imagination, boundless energy, and accident-prone antics keep everyone she meets on their toes. But, her irrepressible sense of fun, adventure and mischief come in handy when she puts her mind to helping save her family's home.

Plot: 
This is a very cute movie that’ll have you laughing and crying. Funny and sweet, I really do like it. The story kept me interested and you start rooting for the characters. It’s colourful and playful and romantic, you almost feel as if you were in a little girl’s imagination yourself.

Characters:

The characters are great, especially the main character Ramona (great acting by Joey King), who is unintentionally funny and mischievous. She keeps getting into scrapes and just makes you laugh. Her older sister Beezus (or Beatrice, played by Selena Gomez) is slightly mean towards Ramona, but not a bad sister, all things considered. She’s quite sweet and just starting to fall in love and grow up etc. All the other characters are extremely likable.

Cinematography:

Good, very colorful. This movie has a happy atmosphere, almost like a theme park or something. It’s just colorful, slightly ridiculous and fun.

Who should watch this:

I think this is a  movie the whole family will enjoy. There are no mature content, and it’s just a fun, relaxing watch. If you want something serious or thought-provoking you probably won’t like this, but great for a family movie night.

My rating:

I really like this movie, it’s something I would watch when I just want something positive and uplifting to take my mind of things. 4/5

Quotes:
Beezus: Ramona, you're your own person. You don't care about coloring inside the lines.
Ramona Quimby: It really depends on the picture.