Double Review: Frozen 2 & Klaus

Two animated movies that take place in a winter wonderland. One is a juggernaut that is taking the world by storm, the other is an underdog looking to brave the storm.

Cinema Spotlight VI - Jon Favreau (Part 3): "Elf"

Will Ferrell as Buddy.

Swingers gave Jon Favreau a taste of working behind-the-camera. With Made he had full control, and applied all he had learned from watching other directors. With one movie down, Favreau proved that he could direct and appeal to the adult audiences, but could he do the same with the younger crowd? That's why for his next film, Favreau wished to do a family-friendly project; a Christmas movie to be exact. It came down between two comedies: one was about an obnoxious millionaire who pays a family to spend Christmas with him or a human who is raised by elves in Santa's workshop who searches for his real family. You can guess the rest.

Cinema Spotlight V - David F. Sandberg (Part 3): "Shazam!"

Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) marveling at the new powers of Billy (Zachery Levi) in Shazam form. 

James Wan and David F. Sandberg got their start with a popular horror short. They adapted it into a feature film, premiered with positive results, and commenced their frightening filmography. One of their films, included a creepy doll from a horror franchise that earned them more recognition. Their partnership with Warner Bros. added to that, and with the DC Extended Universe trying to recuperate, both were brought on board. James Wan's Aquaman became a success but could Sandberg deliver the same results?

How Illumination Saved The Grinch (Sort of)

When it comes to Hollywood and the works of Seuss
only one comes to mind that isn't obtuse.
Blue Sky Animation who did Ferdy and Scrat,
kept Horton the elephant well and intact.
The Lorax got wrapped in its own thneed thread
and Myers as The Cat, lets not talk of that dread

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Gives Viewers the Cold Shoulder

Six Things I Enjoyed about The Nutcracker and the Four Realms:

1. Young actors Mackenzie Foy and newcomer Jayden Fowora-Knight have bright futures ahead of them. 

2. Helen Mirren

3. The look and design of the four realms and the denizens are colorfully creative. 

4. Helen Mirren

5. Less embarrassing than The Nutcracker in 3D and gave Richard E. Grant a better role. 

6. Did I mention Helen Mirren?