Legacy

Legacy (1993)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a very sentimental piece about the Mormon pioneers and the trek to Zion. Filmed on location, it was interesting to have seen these places myself when on a family trip one summer during High School. It was especially interesting to learn that the mudslide scene, one of the most emotional and well known in the film, was not actually scripted, but in fact was a result of the actors staying in character when bad weather and a realistic accident on screen resulted in a real life struggle to save the wagon and passengers just as would have happened on the trail back then.

Loveless

Loveless (2005)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


While this series is nice in that it's different from most and not too long (only 3 discs total), it is awful in that it really doesn't conclude anything so you're left feeling like the story barely begun when it ends. Good thing this is just a brief snip out of the full series published as manga. Still a confusing story there, but at least it goes into more detail and you get more answers a the story unravels.

The Adventures of Milo & Otis

The Adventures of Milo & Otis (1986)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I used to love this show as a kid. Can't remember how many times we must have rented it from the local video shop growing up. Not sure why my brother enjoyed it so much as he's not nearly into animals as much as I am, but the main characters being a cat and dog likely had a large part in my love of the film. Watching it now, it's highly amusing as the narrator changes his own voice to different pitches and speeds to differentiate the animal's tones. Rather different from more recent animal films where each character really does have their own voice and it isn't so much narrated as acted out. Still, brings back a lot of memories.

MirrorMask

MirrorMask (2005)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This is a very strange movie filled with twists, turns, and odd costumes. Pay attention or it will quickly be very confusing. I can sort of see why it's included in the Jim Henson collection with Dark Crystal and Labyrinth given the puppets and odd mixed world stories, but it sadly is not one of the better films. Somewhat disappointing considering how much I love Labyrinth.

Brave

Brave (2012)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This seems to be an interesting combination of a story like Pixar's How To Train Your Dragon and a Disney princess story. It falls short as a princess story, but it is well done on Pixar's scale and an entertaining film overall. Rather than focusing on the love story for the princess, it focuses on her relationship with her mother and what she goes through learning the truth of her clan's past as she rediscovers how important family truly is. I doubt it's of any surprise that I like her horse too.

Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge

Mirage of Blaze: Rebels of the River Edge (2005)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This OVA is a little on the confusing side. Takaya is obviously more in touch with his earlier identity as Kagetora, evidence by the glowing tiger eyes when he gives orders. He is also obviously more capable of controlling and using his powers in different ways. On the other hand, he appears to be the same grade in school with his friends, same age, and same rebellious attitude as from the original series. So time has passed enough that he's connected with his past and learned to control his powers while accepting his position as Kegetora, yet no time has passed in relation to his school or physical appearance. Naoe is still a sore spot as he's gone AWOL in the beginning of the series and happens across Takaya's path by chance, resulting in yet another confusing reunion and more glimpses of their past together. These two just can't seem to get things straight.

Mirage of Blaze

Mirage of Blaze (2002)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Another very different type of anime. You'll still see some action in the form of exorcisms and unusual powers as the series continues. For the most part though, it's core is more based on the relationship between Naoe and Kagetora as, past lives of the current Naoe and Takaya. A very confusing tale that is left sadly hanging and inconclusive at the end of the anime.

The Hobbit

The Hobbit (1977)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Done in an older animation style, this was one of my husband's favorites growing up. I can see why between his love of the series and the catchy tunes, which would likely grab any child's attention at least for a while. Overall not my favorite, but still interesting to watch. Looking forward to the live adaptation that is currently being filmed.

My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady (1964)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This musical features very correct English as Professor Higgins takes on the challenge of turning Eliza Doolittle into a proper lady. He just didn't expect to become so attached to his little experiment. Serves him right learning a bit of emotion after all of his indifference from day one.

Marmalade Boy

Marmalade Boy (1994)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not as good as the manga it's based off of, but it's still fun to see the characters come to life and actually act out what is seen in the original story and more. Some of the characters don't exist in the original story, but that doesn't mean this adaptation isn't filled with just as much mixed signals and intrigue as the original. Lower rating due to the slow pace as they really drag it out as much as possible. Can make it get a little old, though overall still cute.

Mission: Impossible

Mission: Impossible (1996)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


For some reason I remember this movie as being very engaging and exciting when it came out. This time however it barely kept my attention. Sad as I truly do enjoy the series. Also have memories of my mother telling me about the TV series when this came out and I first learned how to play the theme song on the piano thanks to one of her old music books. Either way, Ethan is definitely a character that stands out.

Miracle of the White Stallions

Miracle of the White Stallions (1963)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The history of the Spanish Riding School, specifically during World War II, leading up to it's current standing as a school for the public is told in this film. Being a horse lover and having seen the Stallions perform when they were here two years ago, this is a fascinating film for me that brings back good memories of my last birthday before getting married - another surprise that was thanks to my wonderful husband who got the tickets for us. Slower paced and more low key as this film may be, it's a lovely story with a wonderful focus that I enjoy watching time and time again.

Mulan II

Mulan II (2004)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


As with most Disney sequels, not as good as the original, but still highly amusing. It really helps that they got all the original voice actors back and did a better job being more consistent with the art despite it being a sequel. Torn between amusement and annoyance that they recycle the melody for "A Girl Worth Fighting For" as a new song for this film. While it does create a nice tie-in to the original film, especially as it's sung by the same three characters as the original, it also begs the question if they couldn't be more original as there's only really one other song in the entire film that has lyrics and is rather catchy, though still not as popular as the well known "Reflections" from the original. Still, overall I'm glad this is one they chose to do a sequel to.

Mulan

Mulan (1998)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


One of my favorite Disney movies, this takes place in a traditional China. Mulan will go against rules and tradition to save her father's life and her own true identity, at the risk of her own life. Amusing how the movie starts with failing her meeting with the matchmaker and ends with her finding her own happiness through serving in the war in her father's place, against the Middle East's own laws. Catching music and lovable characters make this story come to life in a very memorable and entertaining way.

Batman 3: The Dark Knight Rises

Batman 3: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


They did an excellent job of keeping things going and making the audience stay on the edge of their seats waiting to see what would happen next. The humor was a little off however as it seemed to have random one-liners scattered throughout the film when humor didn't always seem the most appropriate response at the time. The ending is also very rough for the film - not at all what most fans likely wanted or expected. Also somewhat confusing as it frames the story perfectly for yet another sequel despite the fact that this is supposed to be the last movie in this reboot trilogy. Guess we'll see if it stays a trilogy or ends up adding more in the future.

Tomb Raider 2: The Cradle of Life

Tomb Raider 2: The Cradle of Life (2003)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


As with most sequels, not as good as the first. Little surprise that the shooting range on horseback is my favorite scene of the movie - I want that horse, though I'd go without the sidesaddle. For being tough as nails, Lara can't seem to help getting involved with exes in each movie and somehow once again getting her heart hurt along the way. One of the most amusing lines of the film - "oh, well now that I have Her Majesty's permission."

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider (2001)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Not one of my all time favorites, yet I don't seem to tire of it. Jolie seems to have been tailor made for the role of Lara Croft, fitting the films and images of the Tomb Raider to a T. A catchy soundtrack, tons of action, and a serious attitude that keeps her on the top of the game make this an entertaining and exciting film from start to finish every time it plays.

Merry Gentry 8: Divine Misdemeanors

Merry Gentry 8: Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Takes a lot longer to read a book when taking care of a newborn too. Even without that delay, this has always been a harder series for me to really get into. Sadly, this was another hard one to really get into. Hamilton has gotten very repetitive in her descriptions, even within the same book. I lost count of the number of times fey magic is explained along with the differences in Merry's mixed blood, especially how it allows her to wear metal directly against her skin when it could hurt most of her guards. Hate to admit it, but I miss her earlier writing when everything was new and moved forward to actually develop the characters. Her more recent books are just repetitive, slow, and lack real development on a lot of levels.

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Treasure Planet

Treasure Planet (2002)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not my favorite Disney film, but still a good one. Admittedly did not see it when it came out as I didn't think I'd like it. Can't remember how I ended up getting the DVD now, but I remember being pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the film when I finally did watch it. A nice variation from the usual Disney themes.

Transformers: Beginnings

Transformers: Beginnings (2007)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This was an extra short film included in the special 2-disc release of the first Transformers live-action movie. Done in cartoon stills, this is a narrated story of the beginning of the Transformers film, including the discovery of NBE1, aka Megatron, the governments cover-up and watch for future visitors and the set of the search for the All Spark, including Bumblebee losing his voice and finding his way to Sam.