Tag Archives: Kristen Bell

FROZEN 2 (2019): The Things I Liked…

Frozen 2 (2019), Walt Disney Pictures
Frozen 2 (2019), Walt Disney Pictures

As a non-enthusiast when it comes to musical films, the main reason I wanted to see Frozen 2 had zero to do with the music. I was curious because of the animation style – especially when it comes to Elsa and her beautiful outfits. It turns out that both her style and the way she’s animated are favourite things overall about Frozen 2.

Directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck’s film became most engaging for me approximately one hour in. This is precisely at the point when Elsa’s ’water action’ sequence begins. A time when I finally felt like something truly exciting to watch was actually happening. Before this point, I was being disappointed and a tad annoyed. I lie. I was more than a tad annoyed by the seemingly unexciting musical numbers and Anna’s ability to jump to conclusions when Kristoff was trying to ask her ‘the question.’

Frozen 2 (2019), Walt Disney Pictures
Frozen 2 (2019), Walt Disney Pictures

There are a few somewhat pleasantly moving moments here and there, especially in regards to Elsa and Anna’s sisterly relationship. Yet some of these moments ended up feeling a tad forced.

I’d definitely say that it’s after the one hour mark that Frozen 2 becomes fun. Unsurprising since my two favourite moments happen after the one hour mark. One of them being the one musical moment that grabbed my attention in a good way – at precisely one minute into Iduna’s Scarf.

Disney and musical fans will have the best time with this. I’m only one of those things. I therefore find myself glad that Elsa and Iduna’s Scarf were there to get me through.

Watch it if you’re curious.

Happy Film Loving 

G

FROZEN 2 (2019): New Official Trailer Starring Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown…

Frozen 2 (2019), Walt Disney Studios
Frozen 2 (2019), Walt Disney Studios

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Frozen 2 (2019).


In Frozen 2, the goal is for Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf is to learn the truth about an ancient mystery of their kingdom. And so begins an adventure far in the forest…

Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, key cast includes Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown…

I think I’ve seen Frozen (2013) but there’s a chance I only think I have because so many people talked about it a lot post release.

What I know for sure is that this trailer has me curious about the idea that Elsa may have to ‘save the world.’ On second thought, that probably sounds too super hero-ish, so chances are I’m completely wrong.

One more thing, I really like the vocals in this trailer. The results would be completely unrecordable, for sure; yet I wouldn’t mind trying to sing the featured song while backed by what sounds like a fantastic orchestra. Step aside Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)!

Evan Rachel Wood and Jonathan Groff also star.

Frozen 2 Release Dates: November 22nd, 2019 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving

G

FROZEN 2 (2019): New Trailer Starring Kristen Bell, Evan Rachel Wood, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff…

Frozen 2 (2019)
Frozen 2 (2019)

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Frozen 2 (2019).


Kristen Bell, Evan Rachel Wood and Jonathan Groff are back for the Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee directed sequel to Disney’s Frozen (2013).

This time an adventure awaits Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf as they go far in the forest to learn the truth about an ancient mystery of their kingdom….

I actually think I’d forgotten how much I appreciated the animation style of the first Frozen movie. The adventure / story will be engaging, no doubt but these visuals, I’m quite excited about.

Sterling K. Brown and Josh Gad also star.

Frozen 2 Release Dates: November 22nd, 2019 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving

G

LIKE FATHER (2018): The Things I Liked…

Like Father (2018), Kelsey Grammer, Kristen Bell
Like Father (2018), Kelsey Grammer, Kristen Bell

Like Father, a Netflix comedy / drama about a workaholic woman who goes on her honeymoon with her father after being ditched at the alter is a good movie.

Directed and co-written by Lauren Miller Rogen, I particularly enjoyed the writing and not just because I found the script funny. Whilst simultaneously moving and amusing me, Like Father did a good job of portraying an example of a challenging father / daughter relationship. The story also  helped confirm some of the necessary elements for any kind of reconciliation to even be possible.

If I had to choose, my overall favourite moment in Miller’s movie is the fun Newlywed / honeymooners game. Like father really helped further solidify my general ‘deep like’ for Bell I also love that Like Father reminded me of the beautiful bass of Kelsey  Grammer’s voice.

Watch this one if the story intrigues you and especially if you like the cast. As you do that, I’m going to take a few moments to consider when my next New York trip might be. I may also  begin to plan my Royal Caribbean Cruise itinerary; just a couple of possible side effects of watching this movie.

Happy Film Loving

G

LIKE FATHER (2018): New Trailer From Kristen Bell, Kelsey Grammer, Seth Rogen…

Like Father (2018), Kristen Bell, Kelsey Grammer
Like Father (2018), Kristen Bell, Kelsey Grammer

Directed by Lauren Miller Rogen, Like Father stars Kristen Bell, Kelsey Grammer and Seth Rogen.

Bell plays a workaholic who gets ditched at the alter but ends up going on her honeymoon trip anyway with her estranged father…

I like Bell so I’ll give this a chance, much like the same way I gave Bad Moms (2016) a chance. Granted, Bad Moms and it’s sequel turned out to be major disappointments for me. Nevertheless, I have higher hopes for this one. Plus, I can’t give up on Bell, especially since there’s always the memory of my favourite of her movies (Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) to cling to. It’s one of the best movie ‘pleasant surprises’ I’ve ever had.

Brittany Ross, Zach Appelman, Danielle Davenport, Ejyp Johnson and Elisabeth Ness also star.

Like Father Release Dates

Happy Film Loving

G

RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET – WRECK-IT RALPH 2 (2018): New Trailer From John C. Reilly, Kristen Bell, Mandy Moore, Sarah Silverman…

Ralph Breaks the Internet - Wreck-It Ralph 2 (2018) Sarah Silverman, John C. Reilly
Ralph Breaks the Internet – Wreck-It Ralph 2 (2018) Sarah Silverman, John C. Reilly

In Ralph Breaks the Internet – Wreck-It Ralph 2, Ralph and Vanellope discover a wi-fi router in their arcade, leading them into a brand  new adventure.

Directed by Phil Johnston and Rich Moore, the film’s stars include John C. Reilly, Kristen Bell, Mandy Moore, Sarah Silverman…

Random thoughts that entered my mind as I watched this trailer…

‘Wow, that’s a lot of colour in one shot.’ ‘There’s plenty going on in each shot.’ ‘I want to use the Internet, not see its colourful, super crazy-busy inner workings.’ Am I feeling dizzy? I’m pretty sure the visuals are making me dizzy.’ ‘That little girl in the car looks so much like baby Moana; I love baby Moana because I AM baby Moana!’ So good is the animation, I nearly through up when the bunny ate its last pile of pancakes.’

There you have it. I’m both ready and not ready to watch Wreck-It Ralph 2.

Kelly Macdonald, Auli’i Cravalho, Alan Tudyk and Taraji P. Henson also star.

Ralph Breaks the Internet – Wreck-It Ralph 2 Release Dates: November 21st, 2018 (US); November 30th, 2018 (UK)…

Happy Film Loving

G

HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER(2017): The Thing I Liked…

How To Be A Latin Lover (2017), Eugenio Derbez, Rob Lowe
How To Be A Latin Lover (2017), Eugenio Derbez, Rob Lowe

Starring Salma Hayek  Eugenio Derbez and Rob Lowe, How To Be Latin Lover is a movie I watched because I adore Salma Hayek, I was curious about Eugenio Derbez and the trailer amused me.

How To Be A Latin Lover centres around Derbez’s character – Maximo; a man who’s forged a career out of seducing rich older women. Unfortunately for him, however, his 25 year marriage just ended and with nowhere else to go, he finds himself living with his estranged sister.

Quite early in the movie, I realised precisely how the story was going to go. A lot of what I realised could have been guessed during the trailer; only, I was far too busy being amused. I stayed with the movie until the end because of the reasons I already mentioned – but additionally, I happened to be in the mood for a film that didn’t require too much from me. The often silly humour was OK. Though, the ending did seem to come about quite abruptly – and in a way I wasn’t fully expecting. Overall, I can say I regret nothing because I knew what I’d signed up for. My love of Hayek remains and Derbez… He’s OK.

I can’t say that I picture myself telling people ‘you simply must see this,’ but I do see myself at some point in the future, referencing the scene in the trailer with the shoe dye and the pool. 

Happy Film Loving

G

CHiPs (2017): The Thing I Liked…

CHiPs (2017), Michael Peña, Dax Shepherd
CHiPs (2017), Michael Peña, Dax Shepherd

I tuned in to ChiPs because of the trailer. I also happened to be in the mood for laughs in a movie with actors I already like. Michael Peña I appreciate because of End of Watch (2012) and Dax Shepherd for his recent appearance in an Interview on Hot Ones, a very popular YouTube series I enjoy.

With additional cast that includes, Kristen Bell, Maya Rudolph and Vincent D’Onofrio, CHiPs also has Shepherd occupying the director’s seat. The good news is that the thought, ‘that wasn’t a bad opener’ did cross my mind by the end of the first seven minutes of ChiPs. I enjoyed the shenanigans of the two Los Angeles Highway Patrol motorcycle officers played by Shepherd and Peña. I can therefore say that I found ChiPs adequately entertaining, story-wise. Another highlight with this movie is the beautiful imagery of Los Angeles plus Peña and Shepherd’s chemistry, however awkward at times. 

I see ChiPs as an answer to the question ‘what’s the name of Dax Shepherd and Michael Peña’s movie?’ It’s certainly that for me more than it’s an answer to the question ‘which buddy / cop movie do you highly recommend?’

With that said, watch ChiPs if you’re really curious. I was, so I did. Luckily for me, I regret nothing.

Happy Film Loving

G