JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Lilo & Stich (2025)

Genre:

Adventure, Comedy, Family, Live Action, Drama, Science Fiction

Rating:

PG

Release Date:

May 23, 2025

Run Time:

1 hr 48 min

Directed by:

Dean Fleischer Camp

Screenplay by:

Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes

Produced by:

Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., Dan Lin

Production Co.:

Walt Disney Pictures

Rideback

Social Media:

    

Cast:

Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

Lilo & Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. Lilo & Stitch is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Okay... We already know live-action adaptations of Disney's animated movies have always been a hit or miss. That is why, I went in to the theatre with no high expectations. But... I would have to say all the teasers and trailer(s) that I have seen has gotten my hopes up... just a tad bit. 😆

Well, I walked out of the theatre satisfied. I enjoyed the movie. I was not disappointed. The casting was great. The casting was spot on, especially of Maia Kealoha as Lilo. Maia Kealoha definitely embodied the character Lilo. I absolutely loved that the voice actors from the animated movie was also in this live-action adaptation. Given that any adaptation will not be scene by scene exact, this Lilo & Stitch live-action adaptation is one of the best to date. I loved the story in the animated movie, and this live-action adaptation captured that feeling as well.

Of course, we already know there will always be a variation when it comes to any live-action movie adaptations. Yes, I was somewhat disappointed that Captain Gantu did not make it into this adaptation. I was also somewhat disappointed on the portrayal of Jumba and Pleakley. I was also disappointed with some scenes being omitted out. However, these were not, in no way, major disappointments that would deter me from loving this live-action adaptation. But, of course, I loved that other "major" scenes were included. I can see how that certain scenes were kept or omitted to keep that cohesive storytelling.

I get it though, any adaptations, be it a movie or a book, will always be a variation of the source material. What's important is that these adaptations stay true to the source material... Not skew so far off and away changing the heart of the story. In regards, to Lilo & Stitch, I still had that same heart-warming feeling I did with the animated movie. So... It is a win for me. 😆

This live-action adaptation of Disney's Lilo & Stitch is by far one of Disney's best adaptations thus far. This captured that heart-touching and heart-warming story of family. Like Stitch said, "This is my family. I found it all on my own. It's little and broken, but still good..."

Lilo & Stitch 2025 captured my heart, just as much as the animated movie did. 🤗

via GIPHY

My rating:

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Genre:

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Action/Adventure

Comedy

Rating:

PG-13

Release Date:

May 5, 2017

DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:

August 22, 2017

Run Time:

2 hrs 15 minutes

Directed by:

James Gunn

Screenplay by:

James Gunn

Production Co:

Marvel Studios

Distributor:

Walt Disney

Social Media:

   

Plot Synopsis:

Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

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Cast:

Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Baby Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullilvan, Sea Gunn, Tommy Flanagan, Laura Haddock, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell

Find the full cast & crew on IMDB

**My Thoughts**

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a bit deeper in terms of character development and unlike its predecessor, the main antagonists come with twists and turns. We think the story is straightforward because of Rocket or Peter Quill’s snarky and quirky attitudes getting on someone’s nerves in which case we wouldn’t be wrong. But Yondu, Ego, Nebula, and various new characters continue to create a colorful galaxy of stories and ideals. Quill searches for his birth father, sisters Gamora and Nebula continue their family feud, Drax meets Mantis and the two begin to bond, Yondu displays himself as more than a space pirate.

Not only is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 entertaining because of its comedy, different character designs, and adorable baby Groot, it continues to expand the Marvel universe and character’s relationships. The Guardians have become heroes for hire and remain a dysfunctional family. The movie begins where the Guardians are working for the Sovereign, a golden skinned alien race obsessed with perfection. Rocket being a technical genius, but not necessarily a saint, decides to steal from the Sovereign causing our Guardian’s first dilemma in the movie. The Sovereign target the Guardians for Rocket’s poor judgment and hire Yondu to search for the Guardians. And then Quill finally meets his birth father after having been born on Earth, watching his mother die, and being kidnapped by Yondu as a child. It’s all fun and games when you first meet someone as jovial and enthusiastic as Ego but it begins to create a rift between the Guardians. Gamora and her astute instincts tell her that Ego is not all that he seems to be. Nebula continues an antagonistic role to defeat Gamora and destroy her father but as mentioned before, the antagonists come with twists and turns. Yondu, Nebula, and Ego change the antagonist role and become father figures, new comrades, and a destroyer of worlds.

I remove half a star because of the video game-like visuals and bits of comedy. It added a youthful and energetic nuance of the movie to give it its PG-13 rating but it’s not personally attractive because it jumped over intense battle scenes or moments. If I had to comment on the movie's comedy aspect, I would say that it was there but not wholly memorable. I appreciate the comedy because it makes this a movie for the whole family but it didn't add to the story. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 receives the same rating as its predecessor at 4.5.

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Disney's The Jungle Book 2016

Genre:

Family

Action/Adventure, Drama

Rating:

PG

Run Time:

106 minutes

Theatrical Release Date:

April 15, 2016

Distributed by:

Walt Disney Studios

Format:

Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD

Release Date:

August 30, 2016

Directed by:

Jon Favreau

Plot Summary:

In an epic adventure directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), Mowgli, a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves, embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery when he's forced to abandon the only home he's ever known. Featuring an all-star voice cast including Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley and Scarlett Johansson, The Jungle Book is "stunning" (Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter).

Cast:

Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

Social Media:

   

*My Thoughts*
One advantage on long flights is the number of movies we can watch. And, I'm talking recent releases, too. Anyways, The Jungle Book was one of a few movies that I watched on my flight to the Philippines.

Well, it's been a while since I watched the Disney's animated version of The Jungle Book. I do remember that, as a kid, I did enjoy watching it. Well, what kid wouldn't enjoy watching Disney animated movies...right!?! Anyways, it has been trending making live-action films of these classic Disney animated films. So far, the only live-action adaptation I have seen is this one...The Jungle Book. I do have to say that I enjoyed it. This live-action version added a bit of drama to this little boy's story of his life in the jungle. The effects were well done...I thought. I'm in no way an expert. I'm neither a critic. However, I do have to say that the scenery and the jungle animals turned out realistic. Neel Sethi did a very good job of interacting with these CGI "animals." The expressions of these CGI animal faces were realistic. The voice cast was very fitting for their animal characters. Adapting to live-action created a dramatic realism to this classic story.

Disney continues to amaze me with their films and how they continue to bring about colorful realism in the film. I look forward to seeing more...

My Rating:

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Finding Dory (2016)

Genre:

Animation/Adventure/Comedy

Rating:

PG-13

Run Time:

97 minutes

Release Date:

June 17, 2016
Distributor:
Disney Pixar

Directed by:

Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane

Social Media:

   

Plot Summary:

“Finding Dory” reunites the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way. The all-new big-screen adventure dives into theaters in 2016, taking moviegoers back to the extraordinary underwater world from the original film.

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Cast:

Ellen DeGeneres (Dory), Albert Brooks (Marlin), Ed O'Neill (Hank), Kaitlin Olson (Destiny), Hayden Rolence (Nemo), Ty Burrell (Bailey), Diane Keaton (Jenny), Eugene Levy (Charlie)

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

*My Thoughts*

Dory alone is an interesting character. Adorable but not worth a family trip to the theaters. Clearly, since I can barely remember it while writing this review. The audience gets to see Dory as a tiny kid and her travel outward into the ocean, despite her parent’s desperate attempts to keep her safe. This builds a parallel to reality and for those who have loved ones with short term memory loss. Dory’s flashbacks maintain a hopeful mood to the movie. Finding Dory is slightly tragic but sweet to it’s very core.

The audience still maintains some of the original characters from its predecessor, such as Nemo, Marlin, Dory, and for a short time Squirt and Crush, but a plethora of new characters appear as Dory tries to find her parents. Some of them may take away the spot light, like Hank or Destiny the whale shark. Hank is cranky and curt, a contrast to Dory while Marlin and Nemo are not on screen. Despite trying to act as Dory’s sidekick, he has on occasion guided bits of the movie. The character’s personalities vary greatly, making a fun cast that the family will love.

This movie creates a heartfelt message for those that feel self-conscientious about certain qualities. To try and remove Dory’s short term memory loss as an annoying trait, she is kind, friendly, and perseveres throughout. By being herself, she made friends and reunited with some old ones in her journey to find her parents. Instead of scorning herself or others doing it for her, Dory is adorable and adventurous by always adapting and living in the moment. (Not like she has a choice, but it’s not like Dory’s just going to stand by all the time and wait for others.) Despite her short term memory loss, she is lovable and sweet with a complementary cast that helped push the plot forward.

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Genre:
Action/Adventure/Science Fiction
Rating:
PG-13
Run Time:
2 hrs 21 min
Release Date:
May 1, 2015
Distributor:
Disney

Official Site:
http://marvel.com/avengers

Based on comic book series:
Marvel's The Avengers

Written & Directed by:
Joss Whedon

Produced by:
Kevin Feige

Plot Summary:
When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth's Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the plantet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to the Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

The team must reassemble to defeat Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Wanda and PIetro Maximoff, and a meet an old friend in a new form in the Vision.

Cast:
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Claudia Kim, James Spader

Find the full list of cast & crew on IMDB



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*My Thoughts*
Note: This review contains NO spoilers

We finally watched it last night. Whoa! This epic follow-up to the first film was absolutely filled with action-packed scenes from beginning to end. And, boy, the action was intense. There was so much going on that even the subplots could easily be missed... So, you definitely have to pay attention...haha! Despite all the so-so reviews, I still enjoyed this film. I love the comaradarie the cast has in character; it makes their interactions with each other in the movie all the more believable. The characters' angst and banter worked well, and even the humor carried well at the right moments. We definitely got some laughs in. And...wow...James Spader brought Ultron to life! Plus, the introduction of new characters as well was...just awesome! To go any detail would spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet...haha! But, the film was filled with hints of another film...lol! I know...I'm gushing like a fangirl...but, then again, I am! So I will gush!

Avengers: Age of Ultron is yet another epic installment of The Avengers franchise that is action-packed and adventure-filled with a touch of drama and humor.

My rating:

    

  

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MARIAH'S THOUGHTS on Maleficent (2014) Movie

Genre:
Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Rating:
PG
Run Time:
1 hr 38 mins
Release Date:
May 30, 2014
Distributor:
Walt Disney
Directed by:
Robert Stromberg
Screenplay by:
Linda Woolverton
Produced by:
Joe Roth, Sarah Bradshaw, Matt Smith, Palak Patel,
Don Hahn, and Angelina Jolie

Official Site:
http://movies.disney.com/maleficent

Plot Summary:
Explore the untold story of Disney's most iconic villain in this wickedly fun twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty. In an unforgiving mood after a neighboring kingdom threatens her forest, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) places an irrevocable curse on the king's newborn daughter, the Princess Aurora. But as the child grows, Maleficent finds herself becoming fond of the girl. And as the conflict between the two realms intensifies, Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land.

Cast:
Angelina Jolie as Maleficent
Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora
Sharlto Copley as King Stefan
Sam Riley as Diaval
Lesley Manville as Flittle
Imelda Staunton as Knotgrass
Juno Temple as Thistlewit

View the full cast & crew on IMDB

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Maleficent Character Posters

 

 

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Review:

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

A review long time coming, the 2014 adaptation of Sleeping Beauty left me excited and content. For those who have seen the film congratulations, if not; “Why haven’t you?” 

Maleficent is the revision of Sleeping Beauty that tells it from the “villains” perspective, showing us that character development has become crucial in contemporary stories telling. I felt Elle Fanning who plays Aurora is not heavily focus on. She had strong relevance but not as dominantly as one would think. As Aurora, she’s an angelic girl you can’t hate, whether it’s because of divine magic or just the beautiful, princess personality. The main character would be Maleficent; not just the evil queen like in the 1959 Disney film built on malicious intent. Angelina Jolie conveys the essence of the queen’s heart down to the very microscopic levels: regret, pain, rage, sorrow, and love. The movie holds a dark aura and the attributes of action, a light touch of comedy, and romance. It’s not a high tension, pupils dilate from anticipation movie but it is very heart warming.

Maleficent showed twist that may have been predictable to some but is definitely a movie to show the kids. The select messages that I had perceived from the film would be “You don’t need a prince to be happy,” “The past does not define you,” and “Some mistakes can’t be undone but they can be guided to become right.” A major message I loved from this film is that everyone has a story and actions have reasons behind them. Unlike my childhood, where you knew who was good and who was bad, Maleficent takes a paint brush and mixes black with white paint and vice versa. The “baddie” may not be evil and the “righteous” may not be just anymore. It takes compassion yet logic to understand everyone and peace can be achieved.

I give a Maleficent a four point five out of five stars. It’s ominous, wicked yet beautiful and redeeming. I felt a sense of empathy and love that rarely any other movie has given me.

My rating:

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Maleficent on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital HD will be available for purchase November 4, 2014!