JASMINE's THOUGHTS on How To Train Your Dragon 2025

Genre:

Family

Epic Action/Adventure

Fantasy/Drama/Comedy

Rating:

PG

Release Date:

June 13, 2025

Run Time:

2 hrs 5 min

Directed by:

Dean DeBlois

Written by:

Dean DeBlois, William Davies, Chris Sanders

Based on the book by:

Cressida Cowell

Production Co.:

Universal Pictures, Dreamworks Animation, Marc Platt Productions

Distribution Co.:

Universal Pictures

Social Media:

     

Cast:

Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Well, from all that was said about the making of this live-action adaptation, I was expecting much of the scenes from the animated film to come to life in this live action. Of course, I kept an open mind... with a side of high hopes. 😄

I would have to say that this live action adaptation definitely lived up to the hype. Luckily, the animated film showed on HBO the night before... haha! So... How To Train Your Dragon was definitely fresh in my mind. 😁 From beginning to end, this live action followed through. Of course, there were some changes and/or additions to the development of a few characters and scenes which worked with the cohesive and well-rounded story development and flow.

However, there is a particular scene that did not make it to this live action adaptation. Although the story flowed, this particular scene would connect another scene which would explain a particular action in another scene. 🤔🤔🤔 Now, if you watched it, and if you caught it, then you know what I mean. 🤣 I even liked that omitted scene in the animated film.

As for the CGI, I really liked how it worked. The dragons looked realistic. As for Toothless, they absolutely captured the realism in his animated facial expressions. The cinematography was breathtaking, especially during Toothless' flying scenes. It was beautiful. 😍

All in all, this live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon, was spot on when comparing it to the original animated film. We already know that no live-action film adaptation is ever going to be scene to scene exact. But, as long as the live-action film can capture that same feeling and stay true to the story, then I would say they did a good job. I would have to say that this live-action adaptation of How To Train Your Dragon was almost flawless, but I whole-heartedly enjoyed watching this. 😄

My rating:

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 Wendell & Wild (2022)

Genre:

Family

Animation/Adventure/Comedy

Fantasy/Horror

Rating:

PG-13

Release Date:

October 28, 2022

Run Time:

1 hour 46 minutes

Directed by:

Henry Selick

Screenplay by:

Henry Selick, Jordan Peele

Based on the book by:

Clay McLeod Chapman

Production Co.:

Artists First

Gotham Group

Monkeypaw Productions

Netflix Animation

Netflix

Distribution Co.:

Netflix

Social Media:

Cast:

Lyric Ross, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Angela Bassett, James Hong, Sam Zelaya, Tamara Smart, Seema Virdi, Ramona Young, Ving Rhames

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

Two scheming demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, enlist the aid of 13-year-old Kat Elliot to summon them to the Land of the Living.

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*My Thoughts*

Wendell & Wild is a film that deals with loss, grief, and healing with bits of comedy thrown in. The characters are people of color in a bankrupt town that is threatened by a big money company and it all seamlessly blends in a fun and spooky themed film. The main character is Kat Elliot, a teenager who had lost her parents in a car accident when she was a child. After spending years in foster care and juvenile detention, she is brought back to her hometown where the car accident happened to attend an all-girl Catholic school. While attending the school, demons Wendell and Wild visit Kat in her dreams and convince her to summon them from the underworld so that they can create the amusement park of their dreams and away from their controlling father. Meanwhile, Kat’s hometown is on the verge of collapse as the private prison company called Klax Korp threatens to bulldoze the entire town and all its residential homes. To fight off her demons and Klax Korp, Kat must come to terms with her parents’ deaths and learn to accept the help that her new friends offer.

Wendell & Wild covers plenty of coming-of-age and acceptance motifs as Kat learns to move on from her parents’ deaths and accept that the accident wasn’t her fault, but the film all comes together with the help of Kat’s new friends. At first, Kat is incredibly withdrawn and standoffish to keep others safe from herself, such as her new friend Raul and Sister Helley, but they refuse to let Kat deal with her demons alone. Raul is a rather shy and artistic boy with a big heart and Sister Helley is a strong-willed woman who cares for her students and understands how Kat feels. Raul and Helley often act as the voice of reason when Kat is negotiating with the demon brothers who promise to bring her parents back to life and stops her from contracting with them. It is with their help and persistence that Kat also faces Klax Korp.

With heavy topics on the surface, Wendell & Wild doesn’t forget to take a break. It is the horror and comedy film that we deserve with a good balance. This world accepts zombies and demons almost as if they were a daily sight. Klax Korp forces the demon brothers to resuscitate long dead town council members that would vote in favor of their private prison and the destruction of Kat’s hometown. No one alive bats an eyelash at the fact there are dead bodies walking around or a goat roaming freely everywhere. Every factor in Wendell & Wild is an accepted part of their world without being over the top.

My rating:

BLOG TOUR: Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace 2020

Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace (2020). To celebrate the coming DVD release of this holiday film, we have a press release AND a tour-wide giveaway to share! So... Be sure to check it out, watch the trailer, and order your DVD now!

Genre:

Family

Holiday/Contemporary/Drama

Release Date:

November 15, 2020

DVD Release Date:

November 15, 2020

Rating:

TV-G

Run Time:

1 hr 27 min

Directed & Written by:

Rob Diamond

Producers:

Rob Diamond, Cal Nguyen, Gay Lynn Smith, Nathan Steve Smith, Vincent Vargas

Executive Producers:

John Stevens, Kim Stevens

Produced by:

Future Movie Productions, Rob Diamond Films

Distributed by:

Bridgestone Multimedia

Cast:

Scarlett Diamond, Vincent Vargas, Adam Hightower, Florencia Contreras Stevens, Shawn Stevens, Tara Berrett

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

Second chances start when a hardened criminal crosses paths with a precocious little girl who is helped by an angel to change hearts during the holiday season.

   

Film debuts on Amazon Prime on Black Friday, Nov. 27 and on Living Scriptures on Dec. 4

Press Release

ROB DIAMOND’S NEW FEATURE FILM LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE ANNOUNCES RELEASE

Salt Lake City – Writer, Director and Producer Rob Diamond announced today that his new film, LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE will be released on Amazon Prime on Black Friday, November 27 and then on Living Scriptures on Friday, December 4. 

LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE is Diamond’s 15th feature film and was produced completely in Utah early in 2020. “I can truly say that this is my favorite film I’ve ever made,” said Diamond. “The inspiration for the film came from a dream I had and then the story and the entire production came together absolutely seamlessly.” 

LUCY SHIMMERS tells the story of five-year-old Lucy and the incredible influence she has on those around her, especially hardened criminal Edgar. Lucy, with the help of her guardian angel, create miracles that change his heart and inspire a second chance in his life. 

The film features mostly local talent, including Shawn Stevens as Grandpa Jackson, Adam Hightower as James Shimmers, and Florencia Stevens as Isabelle Shimmers. In addition, the film stars well-known actor Vincent Vargas (THE MAYANS) and newcomer Scarlett Diamond in the title-role of Lucy. 

 Scarlett Diamond just so happens to be the granddaughter of filmmaker Rob Diamond.
“Granted I’m biased, but Scarlett was absolutely incredible. She is only five-years-old and this was her first major speaking role and she proved she’s a natural!” proclaimed Diamond. 

In addition to writing, directing and producing, Diamond also operates an acting studio and many of the actors in the film are current and former Diamond students. The film was shot entirely on location in Salt Lake City and Heber, Utah early in 2020. “Our last day of filming was literally the day before Utah shut down in March because of the pandemic,” said Diamond. 

For more information on LUCY SHIMMERS & THE PRINCE OF PEACE, visit its IMDB page at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11916254/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1. 

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***The Giveaway***

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on The Addams Family (2019)

 

Genre:

Animated/Comedy/Family

Rating:

PG

Release Date:

October 11, 2019

DVD/Blu-Ray Release Date:

January 21, 2020

Run Time:

1 hr 26 min

Directed by:

Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon

Based on the Characters by:

Charles Addams

Executive Producers:

Kevin Miserocchi, Andrew Mittman, Joe Earley, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth

Producers:

Gail Berman, p.g.a., Conrad Vernon, p.g.a., Alex Schwartz, p.g.a., Alison O’Brien

Production Co.:

MGM

Distribution Co.:

United Artists Releasing

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll, with Bette Midler, and Allison Janney

(For full cast and crew on IMDB)

Plot Summary:

Get ready to snap your fingers!

 The first family of Halloween, the Addams Family, is back on the big screen in the first animated comedy about the kookiest family on the block. Funny, outlandish, and completely iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbor.

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*My Thoughts*

The Addams Family (2019) animated film revels in the kooky and creepy atmosphere originally presented in Charles Addams’ comics, the 1960’s, and 1990’s films, but it adds a modern popular culture twist to incorporate fans from newer generations. The beginning of the film starts with Morticia and Gomez at their wedding night and before the iconic family came together. At the wedding, they have Thing, Grandmama, Uncle Fester, and the rest of the Addams clan, but their happy night is interrupted by an angry mob. Fester, Morticia, Gomez, and Thing escape for a new home, find Lurch who would become their butler, and settle in an abandoned New Jersey asylum. It is a sweet and quick introduction. Now, skip thirteen years later, Wednesday and Pugsley are introduced going through their deadly morning routine including axes, guillotines, and living trees. This is where the film turns from just the Charles Addams’ caricature to another coming-of-age story.

 

Wednesday is not only iconic with her gloomy atmosphere and murderous attempts on her brother, but she now shows a desire for something new and rebellious. She desires entertainment away from her family. Pugsley is a mischievous and explosions expert going through the expectations of family tradition, perfectly executing the saber mazurka. After the fog and marsh around the old asylum clears away, the town below is revealed. It’s bright and happy appearance is different and strange to the curious Wednesday. While Morticia is skeptical of these new people, the new neighborhood of Assimilation piques Wednesday’s curiosity causing her to enroll in the local junior high. Wednesday chooses to start wearing pink and sparkly clothing. She seemingly assimilates into the neighbor’s lifestyle, much to Morticia’s chagrin. Pugsley, still at home with his family, is stressed because of the upcoming mazurka. Unlike Wednesday, Pugsley tries to embrace the Addams family tradition but still feels stifled. He is unable to be himself and express his passion for demolition. Altogether Gomez and Morticia struggle to raise their children instead of accepting them and their quirks, By the end of the film and after battling a mob of angry citizens from Assimilation, Wednesday and Pugsley learn to wholly be themselves and return to their kooky and death-defying lives.

 

The Addams Family (2019) enjoys the novelty of its predecessors but turned into a trendy retelling and lost its original allure. The 2019 film makes references to the recent adaptation of IT, inserts pop music, and makes the Addams seem more curious of others than a curiosity themselves. It also makes references from across the Addams Family history with Pugsley collecting road signs and incorporating a dance number like in the 1991 film, but it all felt so cliché when tied together with the pop culture from today. As the Addams family and townspeople learn to coexist with each other and the film includes references every few minutes, but it leaves behind the feeling of kooky and weird that made the Addams family so enjoyable. Nonethe ess, the The Addams Family (2019) film is entertaining and cute.

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (2016)

Genre:

Family

Fantasy/Adventure

Rating:

PG-13

Run Time:

133 minutes

Release Date:

November 18, 2016

Worldwide Release Dates

Distributor:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by:

David Yates

Written by:

J.K. Rowling

Social Media:

   

Synopsis:

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them takes us to a new era in J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World, decades before Harry Potter and a half world away.

Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) stars in the central role of Magizooligist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates. who helmed the last four Harry Potter blockbusters.

There are growing dangers in the wizarding world of 1926 New York. Something mysterious is leaving a path of destruction in the streets, threatening to expose the wizarding community to the Second Salemers, a fanatical faction of No-Majs (American for Muggles) bent on eradicating them. And the powerful, dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, after wreaking havoc in Europe, has slipped away ... and is now nowhere to be found.

Unaware of the rising tensions, Newt Scamander arrives in the city nearing the end of a global excursion to research and rescue magical creatures, some of which are safeguarded in the hidden dimensions of his deceptively nondescript leather case. But potential disaster strikes when unsuspecting No-Maj Jacob Kowalski inadvertently lets some of Newt's beasts loose in a city already on edge -- a serious breach of the Statute of Secrecy that former Auror Tina Goldstein jumps on, seeing her chance to regain her post. However, things take an ominous turn when Percival Graves,, the enigmatic Magical Director of Security at MACUSA (Magical Congress of the USA), casts his suspicions on both Newt...and Tina.

Now allied, Newt and Tina, together with Tina's sister, Queenie, and their new No-Maj friend, Jacob, form a band of unlikely heroes, who must recover Newt's missing beasts before they come to harm. But the stakes are higher than these four outsiders - now branded fugitives - ever imagined, as their mission puts them on a collision course with dark forces that could push the wizarding and No-Maj worlds to the brink of war.

source

Cast:

Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, Ron Perlman, Carmen Ejogo, Jon Voight, Samantha Morton, Jenn Murray, Faith Wood-Blagrove

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMBD

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Wow... The Wizarding World in the U.S.A.! It seems to stay true to J.K. Rowling's vision. Well, it did help that she wrote it...haha! She continues to bring to life this world of magical beings, including the beasts. Of course, the magical world is different in the U.S.A. This film makes it very aware that the community and the laws are completely opposite of where Newt is from. I already fell in love with this world J.K. Rowling created with the Harry Potter films, but now, she has expanded this world to the U.S.!

Yes! It does seem reminiscent of the Harry Potter films/world... But hey! It is the Wizarding World! It is the world that we all fell in love with! All these characters live in the same world ... just different generations and different parts of the globe. The magical and whimsical feel/atmosphere of these characters and beasts continues to be present in this new film.

The story flowed with its fair share of humor, then there's the plot twists. Well done! I was definitely surprised with the storyline twists with these characters. Loved the cast!! I was definitely drawn into their magical world... in New York City, no less! But, the mystery and conflict that these characters had to face was intriguing enough to keep me guessing... and definitely amazed at how well these twists played out...to the end!

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an enjoyable and fun film that got me watching it in awe with all the magical beasts in all its colorful and fantastical splendor. I think... Fans of the Harry Potter franchise will fall in love with this branch of the Wizarding World that J.K. Rowling created. This magical world has just gotten bigger... and it is worth exploring!

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: