Finding Dory

Hey everyone, back again to dive into some of these animated movies of the summer. One in particular for me, because it has that nostalgia feel for me is this one from Disney and Pixar. Lately, animated movies more and more follow the formula making everything for all ages, which has bright colors, flashy things, and cute characters for the children, and hidden adult jokes that fly over children's heads. Now did this one movie hold up to the original, or did I want a refund so I can buy a fish filet from Mickey Ds? Lets find out:

Finding Dory- The big animated genre has moved on from the typical hand drawn style, and full on computer animations. The companies have really focused on story lines to appear to all genders and ages. "Finding Nemo" was a story about a dad who lost everything in a blink of an eye, and became an over protecting father to hold onto what he had left of his family. Once again in this film it's the search of a sense of belonging, and finding ones parents for Dory. Weird, why its called "Finding Dory" when she's trying to find her parents, I dunno, doesn't matter.


Plot- Dory begins getting flashes of her past, even though she has the worst memory of all time. She, finally, can recall something from her past, and its about her parents and past. Dory is overcome to go and find her parents, and asks her buddy Marlin to come help her.

Ok, the movie does many things right. First off, it got the original cast to voice act the fish we remember and adored. Second, the movie really plays at the heart strings so much, by making you laugh one minute, and really sensitive the next. The new character Hank voiced by Ed O'Neill was hands down my favorite of the film. I hope they make a movie called, "Finding Hank". I just love these types of feel good stories, because nowadays we just need them more than ever.


Final Verdict- 8.8/10- Go see this movie with your kids or date night.


Many more titles coming out this summer, and your favorite reviewer will get the scoops for you. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Kung fu Panda 3

Your favorite reviewer is back, this time I am taking a crack at the newest installment of the Kung fu Panda trilogy. Lets face it, when it comes to animated movies created for all ages, Dreamworks really gets it right. Unfortunately, they do go a little too far with their movies such as, "Shrek 4". Did this movie franchise suffer the same fate? lets find out:

Kung fu Panda 3-

I absolutely loved the first movie, the voice actors were perfect for their characters, and each one was lovable and stood out. All kinds of emotions were felt watching that film, and when the second one was released, again I felt all of the same things I did as the story continued. To be honest, I felt the same thing again with this newest installment. All of the same voice actor return, with newer actors to the mix. The animation is suburb and it hits all the right things for a successful trilogy.

The plot- Po has taken his final test under Master Shifu as student, where Master Shifu instructs Po, he must now become the teacher, so he can reach the next level of Kung fu. Po has an incredibly difficult time taking on the role as teacher. Continuing from the second movie, a new panda arrives in Po's village, which turns out to be his biological father, Li Chan, voice acted by Bryan Cranston. Po leaves with both Li and his adopted father, Mr. Ping, to the secret village of the remaining pandas. Meanwhile, a villain has emerged from the spirit world, known as Kai, played by J.K Simmons. He is obsessed with defeating all the masters of the world and the pandas to gather their Chi, so he may become the most power kung fu master ever. Now, Po must step up as the Dragon Warrior to teach the pandas to defeat Kai.

The movie has everything you could want in an action animated film. The humor is still there, as the first two films, and the emotions are there between father and son, and between biological father and son. All of the pandas are just as likable as Po. The film really pulls the trilogy together as it comes full circle. The movie suggests this will be the last one, and it should be, as much as it pains me to say this.... because it ended so well. I hope Dreamworks doesn't become greedy and do a fourth one. Perfect example of beating a dead horse is "Shrek 4".

Final Verdict- 7.5, Definitely worth seeing on a date or taking your kids to see it. Beautiful animation and great characters for everyone to enjoy.

More movies coming along, as I near my 50th review.... more reviews to come. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Hey, everyone and welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and today I am here to review the animated genre of movies. Probably a tad late on this one, since its been out for about 3 weeks already, but I figured I would still give my 2 cents. Nowadays, animated movies are becoming more and more for all ages with their hidden adult jokes, which seem to fly over all the youngsters heads, and the adults get to enjoy the movie on a different level. Well, lets get on with the review shall we:

 How to Train Your Dragon 2-  The first movie was incredible, with loveable characters, and a pretty straight forward, solid plot line. It became an instant favorite of mine, and if it is on TV, I always make sure I watch it. Now the second movie has come out continuing the story, a few years later, with the viking village continuing their lives with their new dragons. All the same voice actors return getting the movie onto the right start.

The plot is the chief of the village, played by Gerard Butler, wants to name his son, Hiccup played by Jay Baruchel, the future chief. Hiccup has other plans for himself, as he wants to discover the world with his dragon, Toothless, and continue creating new inventions to better the villager's lives. This of course causing friction between Hiccup and his father. One day, Hiccup learns there are new enemies capturing dragons for their own personal gain. These men are working for the villain, Drago played by Djimon Hounsou, and he plans on building a dragon army to rule to the world. During a brief scuffle with the villains Hiccup is rescued by a mysterious stranger whom lives amongst the dragons. Enter the new character of the movie, Hiccup's mother, which is revealed in the trailer, so no I didn't spoil anything.

The movie overall had the same chemistry with the characters, and I enjoyed them greatly. The visuals were bright and basic eye candy! The story line was a little weak, and seemed to start to fall flat when the mother was introduced. I mean, really she has been gone for 20 years, and she couldn't return to her family in that time. It was revealed there was an alpha dragon, so I'm pretty sure they could've survived fine without her. Plus, Hiccup and his father were so easily forgiving to her for pretty much choosing her love for dragons over her family. That's whole another can of worms, I will stay away from, because I could on an on about how ridiculous that plot appeared.


Final Verdict- 7/10, It was a good movie, but I felt the first one was much better. The visuals alone are worth seeing in theaters.


Thats it for now, loyal readers! More summer movies to conqueror as we are half way through this summer blockbuster season.... This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!