Pink Heart Jam 3: Beat 1

Pink Heart Jam 3: Beat 1 by Shikke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This skips a lot of Haiga's high school time, though that makes some sense given the focus is still his relationship with Kanae, who's already graduated. Somehow, Haiga is rather popular with other club members, though he never seems to have a clue about it. Fortunately, the only time jealousy seems to be a factor is when Kanae's brother visits and shares some assumptions that make Haiga start to wonder. Despite their crazy busy schedules, it seems like they truly do have a good life together and make the most of what they can. Now that they're both in the workforce, it will be interesting to see if future volumes bring in more of their families and other activities. 

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Pink Heart Jam 2

Pink Heart Jam 2 by Shikke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Kanae is unintentionally sending mix messages, which has Haiga spinning as he wants to tell Kanae what he's discovered of his own emotions, but alternately feels like there is some hope or no hope given they have very little time together and Kanae seems to be withdrawing given his instructions not to come see him at work anymore. Time is running out with the end of the school year looming and Kanae oddly reaches out to one of their fellow club members for more information. The night is rather hilarious given how drunk Kanae is, but his memory is oddly clear and he certainly doesn't waste any time once he gets the answers he wants from Haiga. Guess the way their relationship started, it would be little to no surprise that it would seem like there are no restraints remaining once they're on the same page and know they want the same things.

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Pink Heart Jam 1

Pink Heart Jam 1 by Shikke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Haiga seems to be rather innocent, but also very open and honest. Probably not the type of guy Kanae thought he would end up involved with on any level given his line of work. Haiga seems drawn to Kanae though, and with his own feelings slowly becoming clearer to him, it'll be curious to see just where this relationship goes. Even Kanae seems to realize there's more to Haiga than just another customer at this point, but not much beyond that given the story is from Haiga's point of view.

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Wicked 2: For Good

Wicked 2: For Good (2025)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The producers set a high bar with the first installment, and this conclusion delivers. Fans of the musical may be surprised as we have 3 new musical numbers and, of course, a few small adaptations to the film (like Glinda joining in Wonderful). The changes flow very well with the story, though on a whole there isn't as much non-stop action as there was in the first installment. This is expected given the timing of intermission in the musical, yet they still manage to keep emotions high and drive the story even with the slower pace. Definitely one you'll want to see at least once. Now I'm waiting for it to come out on streaming so I can watch it again. 

Jealousy Blinds Love

Jealousy Blinds Love by Eiji Nagisa

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


There's an unintentional music theme between this and the last book I read, though this one is a much smoother read over all. Kirino was once considered a child-prodigy, but now can barely stand playing the piano after losing his mother, as she was his inspiration and reason for playing for so long. The last thing he expected when he returned to Japan was to find a new prodigy, Takase, handing him flowers and telling him that he's the reason he started playing piano. Kirino is a bit of a cynic at this stage, but it seems like Takase has the patience and desire to get them through several unusual obstacles as he waits for Kirino's walls to come down. Not that it's all smooth sailing once they get together, but a voice of reason and a heavy dose of yearning, with some guilt and love in the mix, can do a lot to change a course.

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In Love's Key, Reprised

In Love's Key, Reprised by Guri Nojiro

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This one was hard to get into given how rough and depressed Kiri is through the series, not that it's stopping Osamu from fawning over him. Kiri is more than a little confused and put off by Osamu's adoration and seemingly blatant disregard for doors or privacy if he thinks someone is in need.... or at least when it comes to Kiri as this behavior isn't observed with anyone else, though he is a bit like an obedient puppy when someone calls for help or his little sister needs something. Kiri is desperately trying to hold onto his career while fuming over being replaced and struggling to play anything on his own. Meanwhile, the town is thrilled to have such a well known conductor back home in time for the holidays, and has no issue putting him to work even if he's supposed to be resting. More than a few misunderstandings and assumptions cause some hiccups along the road, but somehow, these two polar opposites are still drawn together, all because of a song long ago.

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Descendants 4: The Rise of Red

Descendants 4: The Rise of Red (2024)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I remember Red was a popular costume choice the year this came out, putting this at nearly a year later that I'm finally getting around to watching this. There was some apprehension about the film given the majority of the original cast is barely even mentioned and largely off screen for this film, leaving the story in the hands of a new generation. The majority of the tale is actually in the past as Red and Chloe set off on an unexpected adventure to try and fix the future before it's too late. As with all of the Descendants movies, the narration at the end leaves the story open to continuation should the creators choose to keep it going. There is a bit of an ominous vibe at the end as well with the warning to essentially be careful what you wish for, though at least for the moment, it would appear that there are many more positive options now open to the future.

Wicked

Wicked (2024)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Admittedly, I went into this a little cautiously optimistic and skeptical at the same time as I'd heard mixed reviews and love the musical, so it could have been great or a total disaster as an on screen adaptation, especially once the announcement was made it would be split into 2 separate films, with the second part coming out the end of next year. While it's not absolutely perfect, this does a pretty grand job with the story, and the stopping point actually makes a lot of sense for the split story, matching with the natural intermission break in the musical. For those who are fans, or even just like a bit of nostalgia, watch closely and you'll see a few easter eggs that really add a bit of extra fun to the show. It's rather impressive the way this has been filmed as well, with most of the sets actually being built and CGI used more as an enhancement than the overall production with everything on a green screen. It gives everything a touch of more realism while still being fantastic in entirely unique and different ways that really only make sense for a world of fantasy like this one. The main songs from the musical have mostly also been kept true to their original forms, with adaptations where they fit the actresses' voices better, which makes sense really. It's rather impressive that the majority of the singing was done on stage and not just in a studio for production on this one, especially with how popular the soundtrack is (yes, I totally realize that's one of the songs too 😉).

While I expected my daughter to at least enjoy the movie as she had recently gone with me to see the musical on stage, I did not expect my younger son to be interested in seeing this one as he'd had no interest in the play. Short of the monkey scene, which a friend had warned me avoiding any spoilers might be rather intense for those who are more sensitive or empathic (which my daughter is pretty big time) they both also said they loved the film and would definitely watch it again. The music was familiar as well, even to my son who didn't join us for the musical as it's part of my driving playlist, so he's heard the songs growing up even if he hadn't seen the show and didn't know the story itself. He's certainly not old enough to have read the books (neither one of them are, though my daughter is getting close if she wants more of the background and details to the tale later on). This will be one we'll look forward to the digital release and plan to see the sequel when it comes out. Hopefully it will be just as enjoyable.

Wonka

Wonka (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is very much a musical telling of Willy Wonka's childhood and early adventures trying to create is dream chocolate factory, including how he first meets an Oompa Loompa. While it seems the rest of the Oompa Loompas are back on the island, would have to imagine some sort of contact is made to bring more over and work in the factory given how many are there in the later films and story. Willy is a bit of a dreamer and idealist, to the point that he can't imagine someone meaning ill or doing wrong by another person. As a result, his own kindness is taken advantage of and it's only thanks to some unlikely friendships, a lot of creativity, and a bit of magic, that things turn out so well in the end. It's also rather bemusing that you can literally see the chief of police fattening up through the entire movie with all of his bribes. More than a few new relationships come out of the adventure though, both friendships and romance, and the dream takes flight. 

Descendants 3

Descendants 3 (2019)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Mal may contradict herself a bit in this one as she previously claimed she was half VK (villain kid from the Isle of the Lost) and half Auradon, but it turns out perhaps she's all VK as far as blood as along with her known mother, Maleficent, her father is none other than Hades. They've kept that relationship under wraps pretty well, especially given the fireworks at the start of the movie when Hades tries to escape the Isle. He does have a pretty good point though when he comes to help at Mal's request at the end and notes that when the good guy's make a mistake it's just that - a mistake - but when the villains make a bad choice, they're locked away forever. So what truly should define a villain then? Audrey learns some hard lessons, though perhaps in a bit of a backwards slide as Audrey and Mal at least seemed to respect and acknowledge each other in the second film. Ben and Mal once again are challenging the status quo after a few bumps along the way, resulting in stronger friendships and more diverse alliances as the barrier is finally brought down for good. Hades may even have a better seat at the wedding than Maleficent given her current lizard status.

Descendants 2

Descendants 2 (2017)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


It turns out choosing to be good may not be as easy as it first seemed. Mal especially is having a bit of an identity crisis as she tries to find her own true self in the midst of expectations being Ben's girlfriend or from the Isle of the Lost and how to reconcile the two halves together. This adventure and crisis brings us back to the Isle of the Lost where we meet Uma and her pirates. Turns out there are a few more challenges to find their happily ever after, but perhaps some communication would a be a good place to start.

Descendants

Descendants (2015)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Descendants follows the children of some of Disney's classics, including Ben (son of Belle and Beast), Audrey (Sleeping Beauty's daughter), Jay (Jafar's son), Mal (Maleficent's daughter), Evie (Evil Queen's daughter from Snow White), Carlos (Cruella de Vil's son), Chad Charming (son of Cinderella), and Jane (daughter of Fairy Godmother). Ben is preparing for his coronation and decides that one of his first acts will be to bring a select few of the villain's children from the Isle of the Lost to Auradon for a second chance. Things don't go entirely as planned on either side as this quartet has their first taste of freedom, friendship, and all the things in between. There are more than a few bumps on the path as they decide if they truly are villains like their parents, or if perhaps choosing good is really what they wanted all along.

Lion's Speedy Sauce

Lion's Speedy Sauce by Carrie Grant

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This is most engaging for small children to sing along with the CD or follow along in the book to the disc. If the disc is lost or broken, it might not be as engaging. It's a bit of a silly collection following the music tracks and the Lion's marching band.

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Animal Serenade

Animal Serenade by Susan James Frye

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


As a storybook, this overly simplified. It is cute in that simplicity, however, and includes piano music with each page so you can either read the tune or sing it. Even the piano part is simple as well, sticking just to the beat and actual notes for each part without any embellishment.

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Isn't It Romantic

Isn't It Romantic (2019)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not my usual type of movie pic, but when trapped on a 9+ hour flight, why not?! I was pleasantly surprised with how I enjoyed this film. Plenty of clinches; the whole story is basically one joke after another all rolled into a big cliche sandwich. Still, it's enjoyable for all it's predictability, and the music is entertaining.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the story of how Queen came to be and the making of their hit song, Bohemian Rhapsody. It goes beyond this to when the band broke up and ultimately comes back together just in time for a big show. Beyond their music, I hadn't actually known anything about the band itself, so it was interesting. Documentaries aren't usually my thing, except apparently when dealing with music.

The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman (2017)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I love music, I enjoy a good show, and Hugh Jackman is one of my favorite actors. All this added together to put this movie on my to-watch list when I saw the trailers. The story itself is somewhat predictable and lacking overall, as well as not really historically accurate despite using real history and people as the cast for the story. That being said, it is riddled with catchy music that pulls you in and is beautiful to listen to. Much of the movie itself felt rather predictable and anti-climatic. Regardless, I still enjoyed the ride a lot. The soundtrack may end up being a bigger hit with me for longer, but it's still worth seeing.

Pitch Perfect 3

Pitch Perfect 3 (2017)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This was painful in a lot of ways. Of course it ends up revolving around a music competition of some sort despite nearly all the girls being graduated already. We even get a very weird backstory for Amy that makes her seem even more unusual, if that were actually possible. Becca once again manages to turn things around for the group even when she continually gets singled out overall. Her loyalty is commendable at least and the group really does sound good together. The ending concert is, once again, the overall highlight. The movie itself is a downgrade, but it still is rated at least decent because the music is great and the riff off combinations are a lot of fun.

Pitch Perfect 2

Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Wow. This starts off on a very embarrassing note. The show does indeed look more like a circus than an A'Capella performance. The Bellas are basically forced to sit out of nearly all competition and only get one new member by the grace of her being a Legacy. Even then, they've largely lost sight it seems of what they were as a singing group. If anything, perhaps facing DSM forces them to re-evaluate a bit culminating finally in the performance you keep hoping for the entire movie at the very end. Took long enough to get to that point. In the meantime, there's some very awkward moments with Fat Amy and Boomer (who should not be involved at all but seems to keep popping up and inserting himself in the Treblemakers business despite being graduated already).

Pitch Perfect 1

Pitch Perfect 1 (2012)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I wouldn't rank it a favorite, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this film. The music mixes are especially entertaining. Each of the characters seem to have something they need to learn or overcome as they go from being awkward individuals (even when they feel more confident/popular originally) to being a real group. The ending may seem a little cliche in some respects, but works well as the group finally comes together as a whole. Can't say I was sad to see the lead Treblemaker leave; he got on my nerves a lot. I'm actually curious about and looking forward to watching the sequels now.