Category: Film

REVIEW: Disney’s Snow White

Sappy Leave a comment

In this 2025 live adaptation of Disney’s 1937 film Snow White, Rachel Zegler plays the part of Princess Snow White, a young woman who is mistreated by her evil stepmother, known as the Evil Queen. The Evil Queen is jealous of Snow White for her beauty and kind heart, and thus sends her outside the castle to be killed. However, Snow White escapes and goes on an adventure in which she meets seven dwarves and a group of thieves led by a young man named Jonathan, and eventually confronts the Queen herself.

One aspect that I admired about this film was Rachel Zegler’s musical performance. The emotion she puts into performing is captivating, as one can clearly tell she puts her heart and soul into singing to really bring Snow White’s character to life. Gal Gadot also does a good job portraying the evil queen. Her subtle facial expressions and movements really convince the audience of the queen’s evil nature.

Although this film had many endearing parts such as the cute forest animals that Snow White befriends and the characteristic catchy Disney songs, there were some aspects of the film that I thought were lacking. The overall pacing of the movie felt very inconsistent. Some scenes were drawn out and felt almost boring, while others felt choppy and rushed. There were some key moments that felt a lack of buildup in emotional intensity, leading to abrupt scene changes. However, this could be due to the director wanting to market the movie towards more younger audiences, and so they may have decided to cut out any scenes that would be too intense. I enjoyed how there were a couple instances in which the Seven Dwarves made jokes more catered to adults but were innocent enough that it could be included in a children’s movie.

I also noticed that the costumes on both Snow White and the Evil Queen were noticeably tacky and looked out of place from the film. They looked similar to the Halloween Costumes found in retail stores for children to wear. However, I realize that this is not that important to the overall plot of the film, and is just something that I noticed.

The film kept to the original in some parts but strayed from the original in others. For example, the seven dwarves and their iconic personalities were kept in, as well as the Evil Queen’s magic mirror and poison apple. However, they added the young thief Jonathan and his group of bandits as a replacement for Prince Charming. I thought that made a lot of sense to do because in the original, Prince Charming does not have much of a role in the film.

Although Snow White (2025) was not a tear-jerking, awe-inspiring film, it also was not terrible. The two main actresses did a phenomenal job and the movie still kept its feeling of having Disney magic. However, the film lacked a more deep and thoughtful plot and had an inconsistent flow to it, and so would likely be more enjoyed by young children and their families for a light-hearted movie night.



REVIEW: The Wild Robot

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Directed by Chris Sanders (best known for How to Train Your Dragon), The Wild Robot stands out for its gorgeous animation, rich worldbuilding, and a touching yet humorous storyline. It’s no surprise that Forbes ranked The Wild Robot among the top 10 best-reviewed computer-animated films of all time. While it isn’t packed with action or major plot twists, its heartfelt, compelling narrative draws the audience deeply into its world.

The Wild Robot is an animated adaptation of Peter Brown’s novel. The story takes place on an island untouched by human life, yet thriving with animals and lush vegetation. The protagonist, Roz, is a service robot who crash-lands on the island after a shipwreck. Though the island’s animal inhabitants fear her, Roz’s programming makes her endlessly kind and selfless. Soon, Roz discovers and cares for an orphaned gosling, which marks the beginning of her emotional development that sheds her of her robotic nature.

I was surprised that this film was only 1 hour and 42 minutes long because the pacing felt natural and never rushed. That said, I personally found the opening a bit jarring. The film begins in a violently chaotic, almost overwhelming way that makes it hard to settle into the story right away. In retrospect, I understand why the filmmakers chose this approach—it fully showcases Roz’s sudden and disoriented arrival—but at the same time, it felt slightly off-putting. Thankfully, once the film found its rhythm, I became fully immersed. I grew incredibly attached to the characters and was deeply moved by their evolving relationships. In the latter half, I even found myself tearing up several times.

My favorite voice performance came from Pedro Pascal, who voiced Fink the fox. I was surprised to learn this was his first animated voice role—he sounded incredibly natural and perfectly captured the sly, sarcastic charm often associated with foxes. In fact, his portrayal reminded me of Nick Wilde, the clever trickster fox from Zootopia. Meanwhile, Kit Connor gave Brightbill, the gosling, a wonderfully youthful charm that embodied the innocence and curiosity of a child. Lupita Nyong’o’s performance as Roz became particularly powerful toward the end. As Roz’s emotional intelligence deepened, so did the rich texture of Nyong’o’s voice, further strengthening the robot’s compelling emotional arc. 

Overall, I would give The Wild Robot a solid 9/10. The only reason it doesn’t earn a perfect score is the rocky beginning, which personally made it a bit difficult to get into at first. Still, this is a touching and worthwhile film. It’s perfect for anyone looking to unwind from the stresses of daily life and enjoy a story rooted in nature, empathy, and personal growth.While its emotional depth resonates with adults, its clear storytelling and themes of kindness make it equally appealing for children.

REVIEW: A Minecraft Movie

Maeve Ricks Leave a comment

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

“CHICKEN JOCKEY!!!!!” A family with young children screams behind me. Filled with joy and elation, they celebrate the iconic moments of A Minecraft Movie starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa. When a mysterious portal pulls four misfits into the cubic world of Minecraft, they’ll soon discover that all they’ve imagined can come true with the help of a pickaxe, a crafting table, and a man named Steve.

Now, let’s be very clear: A Minecraft Movie isn’t great. It’s not even good. It’s bad… very bad. It’s so bad, you can’t stop watching. In fact, it’s so bad that I want to go back to my local Ann Arbor Cinemark and pay to see it again. And seeing movies nowadays is expensive! A Minecraft Movie may be a bad movie, but it’s a movie worth paying $20 dollars and then some to see.

I’d argue that it may be the new Rocky Horror Picture Show, or at least it should be. Every spring, gamers should come together to scream out signature movie phrases, dress up, and throw popcorn at the screen. If Rocky Horror fans can throw toast at the screen once a year, let the minecrafters do the same. (Don’t twist my words and be a jerk though while it’s still in theatres this season.)

The movie doesn’t have a lot of bad elements. It’s actually well-constructed, and incredibly designed, but, unfortunately, there are a few glaring issues that take all the attention away from the good things happening in this movie. (1) The ridiculous plot lines; the worst one that comes to mind is when a Minecraft villager enters the human realm and falls in love with Jennifer Coolidge. It’s a type of relationship that feels like it should be illegal, but then again, it’s fiction; thank goodness. (2) The female characters are poorly written. If A Minecraft Movie passes the Bechdel test, it does so on a technicality. The screenwriting team consists of 5 men, and it shows. The most prominent female characters, Natalie and Dawn, serve only to support Henry, the young boy who is the movie’s catalyst. It’s unfortunate because Minecraft has such a diverse player base, with over 40% of those players identifying as women. I wonder how the movie would be rated if it had taken the time to invest in a more complex, diverse cast of characters that better aligns with the diverse players who actually play the game. 

Still, there’s a lot to love about this movie: the random songs that come in at unexpected times (thank you, Jack Black), the playful, cubic animations, the deep-cut game references, and odes to the people that built Minecraft’s platform (for example Technoblade’s memoriam, and using Minecraft YouTubers as extras). It’s a great movie to see with your friends. You’ll laugh; you’ll cry; you might even pee your pants; or you might accidentally fall asleep like I did. No matter, it will always be a bad movie, and you’ll always have fun watching it.

So, purchase your overpriced and oversalted popcorn, slather it in butter, and eat alongside Jack Black as he makes his infamous lava chicken because he sure isn’t making a cake.

REVIEW: Paddington in Peru

Maeve Ricks Leave a comment

Gather ’round, marmalade enthusiasts and curious movie-goers: Paddington is back! This time, our favorite conscious, talking bear trades in the drizzle of London for the vibrant hues of Peru. Paddington in Peru is pretty much a fluffy, cinematic hug, and don’t we all need that every so often? 

When a mysterious letter arrives at the Brown family’s doorstep, it whisks Paddington and company off on an adventure across the Atlantic, landing them in the lush and dynamic landscapes of Peru. 

From extravagant natural vistas to the bustling streets filled with vibrant culture, Paddington in Peru offers plenty of visual delights. The cinematography expertly transports the viewer into the jungles of Peru. You’re not necessarily sweating in the Peruvian heat alongside Paddington, but you are definitely in one of those Disney World rides where they spray water and various smells to pretend you’re there. And, of course, the humor is as charming as ever. Paddington’s knack for both unwittingly causing chaos and saving the day never fails to elicit laughs, especially alongside Antonio Banderas (who looks as handsome as ever).

Now, let’s address the furry elephant in the room: the recasting of Mary Brown. Sally Hawkins played a beautiful Mary in the first two movies. It was sad to see her go. Emily Mortimer, who you may recognize from Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom, attempts to bring her own into the role. Although her portrayal brings a bright sharpness to the character that affirms she’s more complex than the stereotypical “mother of the house”, her Mary fails to land as sweet as the orange marmalade that Paddington eats. 

Paddington, for all his bear-related antics, continues to be a paragon of kindness and reminds us of the beauty in community and friendship. One of the most memorable quotes from the film reminds us that, “on your search to help others, you’ll find yourself.” Even if you find yourself in an unfamiliar land, you can still help others in both unprecedented and everyday ways: in marmalade sandwiches and simple acts of kindness.

It’s hard not to leave the theater with a sense of hope, even as the credits roll. In a world that sometimes feels upside down, Paddington brings solace and delivers powerful lessons wrapped in simple bear-sized packages. Muddling through life with a sense of optimism and a love for marmalade sandwiches isn’t the worst way to cope with the chaos around us.

So, as you drive to your local cinema, whether you’re 5 or 95, prepare for a bear-y good time. Just remember to pack your own marmalade sandwiches.

REVIEW: The Dark Knight

Sappy Leave a comment

Director Christopher Nolan truly outdid himself with his gripping film, “The Dark Knight.” This action-packed movie takes place in Gotham City, where despite the system of law and order, various mobs are running the city and causing havoc. Batman helps to keep crime at bay with the help of Gotham City Police Department’s Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent. However, things take a turn when the Joker disrupts the crime scene, causing chaos for both the law-abiding citizens and the criminals of Gotham City. 

I really enjoyed this movie as it was not the typical hero vs. villain action movie that is so common in the movie industry, in which the characters are all either good or bad. Instead, this movie dives deep into the complex emotions of humans and how many will make ‘unethical’ choices depending on what is at stake for them. When successful and morally righteous characters who have always followed the rules have to deal with a traumatic loss, they may end up making cruel choices, but to them these choices are what is ‘fair’. The movie is riddled with scenes in which characters must make a choice, but both choices are cruel and cause suffering to someone/some people, causing the person making these decisions to really think about which choice is the most morally correct. This movie makes you think hard about what is really considered ‘fair’ when making difficult decisions, how nothing is completely black or white.

I thought that the character of the Joker was very well developed, as the Joker is portrayed as different from the usual criminals of Gotham City that are in it for the money. Heath Ledger did an amazing job portraying the Joker as someone that was truly misunderstood by society, causing him to rebel against people that are rule followers. His facial expressions and abrupt mood changes portray a disturbing depiction of an antagonist misunderstood and mistreated by mainstream society. The Joker tries to convince characters that are seen as ‘good’ that they are actually similar to him, and he is constantly trying to push people over the edge to going against the rules and following chaos instead, arguing that ‘chaos is fair.’ 

Aaron Eckhard, who played Harvey Dent, did a marvelous job portraying his character who went through one of the harshest changes I’ve seen throughout the movie (both physically and mentally), and it was interesting to see how he developed as a character. Christian Bale, who played Batman, also captures the essence of how a superhero fits into the rules of society, and whether that makes them a true hero or a vigilante.

Overall, this emotional rollercoaster of a movie with its several twists and turns, paired with intense action shots and thrilling fight scenes kept me gripping my seat in anticipation throughout its entirety. The actors did an amazing job bringing to life the characters that many know from its comics, which really helped to make the viewer feel like they were a part of the adventure. I feel as though this film would be enjoyed by both long time DC comic fans as well as anyone looking for a thrilling action movie with iconic characters.



Review: The Music of Studio Ghibli

Sappy Leave a comment

Photos are provided by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

On Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra gave their highly anticipated performance of The Music of Studio Ghibli under guest conductor Wilburn Lin at the Michigan Theater. The program consisted of music all composed by Joe Hisaishi, including the Symphony Variation: Merry-Go-Round/Cave of Mind (from Howl’s Moving Castle, 2004), Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Spirited Away. 

Howl’s Moving Castle is one of my favorite Ghibli films, so I was delighted that its music opened the night. Because Merry-Go-Round of Life is an incredibly iconic piece and so well-known, I was a bit afraid that the performance would deviate from the original score or lack the same musical satisfaction. However, the orchestra’s rendition was beautiful. The canonic melody seamlessly weaved between the different string and wind instruments, and I particularly liked the pizzicato variations from the strings. My only complaint is that it could’ve gone longer, though I might be biased because I love the piece so much. Though the next part of the variation, Cave of Mind, is a piece I don’t often listen to, I got goosebumps because the brass solo makes it a hauntingly beautiful piece, and I could vividly recall the exact scene where this soundtrack is played during the concert.

The performance of Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro was interesting because the orchestra decided to add Japanese narration, spoken by Momo Kajiwara, to further enhance the storytelling. To be honest, I don’t love this movie because I don’t find the plot to be that engaging, but this addition made me see the film in a different light. The narration was splitinto eight different sections that summarize the movie’s plot with an English translation provided in the program, and it helped paint the innocent and mystical atmosphere of the movie for those who were unfamiliar with it. Furthermore, I love Totoro as a character, so I found it endearing that there was also someone dressed as Totoro to take pictures with.

The next feature was Kiki’s Delivery Service. I was taken aback by how short the piece was (or maybe I just found it so enjoyable that I got lost in time). Nevertheless, the performance of Kiki’s Delivery Service stood out to me among the rest of the program because of the concertmaster spotlight. The violin solo’s melody differs from the main theme, making it a fun addition to the piece as a whole, and the concertmaster played with a beautifully pure and clean tone.

The night then concluded with the Spirited Away Suite. Spirited Away is one of my favorite Ghibli films alongside Howl’s Moving Castle, so I was blown away by how similar the orchestra’s rendition of Spirited Away was to the original soundtrack. Furthermore, the gorgeous and somber piano melody further enhanced the quality of the music. 

Overall, I loved this concert. It was my first time getting to see the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra perform The Music of Studio Ghibli, and it will most definitely not be my last.