wliia Reviews

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)

An amazing conclusion to a fantastic trilogy!

[9/10 · 10 March 2019]

It's amazing how far we've come since the beginning of this trilogy back in 2010. The first film was a wonderful story of a boy and his dragon, and how their actions changed their world forever. The second film was a worthy sequel with a great moral about not all people can be changed for the better. Both films have amazing animation and fantastic sequences of flying and action. And this final film is no different.

Anyone who's seen the trailers will know what's coming, but even if you do know that it's coming, it's still an emotional moment that really gets to you. The epilogue that follows it, however, was absolutely beautiful and a worthy end. As for the animation and action sequences, nothing short of brilliance. I sadly didn't get to see this film in 3D (like the previous films) so I don't know how great it is, but even without the 3D, they are still lots of fun and an absolute joy to watch. I have heard some criticism regarding the villain, but I can look over them. Voiced by F. Murray Abraham (The Grand Budapest Hotel), he still provides a chilling performance.

How to Train Your Dragon is nothing short of a fantastic trilogy (with a great TV series to match), filled with amazing animation, great action sequences, the most beautiful music ever composed, and a great cast of characters that you really get to warm to. In the end, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is a worthy conclusion to a great animated trilogy.

The Founder (2016)

A rags-to-riches story that only Donald Trump could love.

[2/10 · 21 December 2016]

I really don't get why some people think this is a great movie. Besides Michael Keaton's great performance as Ray Kroc, the guy himself seems to be one big bastard. It was hurtful seeing the McDonald's brothers suffer through this franchising business, and the lengths Ray goes through to turn McDonald's into a franchise is nothing short of cruel and awful. If this film was supposed to make us feel sympathy for Ray when he fails, then it failed spectacularly. It instead succeeds in making us feel bad for the McDonald's bros when they get the short end of the stick. In conclusion, only see this film if you want an excuse as to why McDonald's is bad for us, besides how unhealthy it can be.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

My All-Time Favourite Movie

[10/10 · 1 November 2013]

What is it about this movie that hasn't already been said? It's funny, sad, wonderful and all around brilliant. The film follows Woody (Tom Hanks) being stolen by a greedy toy collector (Wayne Knight). What Woody doesn't know is that he's a valuable collector toy and that he was part of an old 1950s TV show. The rest of the gang must rescue Woody, but Woody finds himself in a difficult position: go back to Andy, knowing he'll outgrow him, or stay with Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the Prospector (Kelsey Grammar) to be looked at for generations.

This film includes in my opinion the best song ever written for film: When She Loved Me. A very sad and beautiful song that really gets to you. It's an ABSOLUTE CRIME that it didn't win the Oscar. Almost as bad as the Twilight Saga existing.

Toy Story 2 is not only the best sequel ever made, it's also my all-time favourite movie.

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Just as fun as the first one!

[8/10 · 23 June 2013]

Despicable Me 2 is just as fun and as hilarious as the first film. With great voice performances and a wonderful story to boot.

Gru (Steve Carell) has now settled down as the father of three daughters (Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher), trying to run a jam business. However, he soon finds himself back at work when a woman named Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) recruits him to join the AVL, and track down a villain (Benjamin Bratt) who plans to rule the world with an experimental compound.

The Minions are just as hilarious as they were the first time around. You'll be laughing at everything they do in this film, and I mean EVERYTHING! The only thing that disappointed me was how Margo and her new boyfriend was dealt with. I was hoping for something more out of it.

But in the end, Despicable Me 2 is still a great fun ride for all ages, and will provide endless laughs for all to enjoy.

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

A fantastic film!!

[9/10 · 14 January 2013]

It's rare that a Walt Disney Animation Studios film is considered better than a Pixar film, but this is such an example. It's almost like Disney's answer to Scott Pilgrim in terms of how it uses video games, but a great story and cast prevents this from being a copy of said film.

John C. Reilly voices Wreck-it Ralph, a villain of a 8-bit video game where he gets no respect for his role since the hero of the game, Fix-it Felix Jr (Jack McBrayer), gets all the glory. When a new First Person Shooter game named Hero's Duty arrives, Ralph sees this as an opportunity to prove himself as a hero, but in the process, he ends up causing a catastrophe that could mean game over for the arcade!

While gamers will love the various audio and visual gags in this film, the story and characters (including Sarah Silverman as Vanellope von Schweetz) really shine. One of my favourite things about this film is the interactions between Felix and Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch). They were brilliant together. In the end, this is a highly entertaining movie and one I truly recommend to see, gamer or not!

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

A VERY hysterical animated movie!

[9/10 · 15 October 2012]

Don't let the casting of Adam Sandler put you off seeing this movie. It's one of the funniest animated movies you'll see this year.

Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of Dexter's Lab and Samurai Jack, the film tells of Dracula (Adam Sandler) who turns his castle into a 5-star hotel in order to protect her daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez) from humans. However, when a human named Jonathan (Andy Samberg) enters the hotel, Dracula finds himself in big trouble when Jonathan falls for Dracula's daughter! There are some great lines and moments in this film that will have everyone laughing, and despite the inevitable 'eventually-everyone-finds-out-and-gets-isolated' scene, there's still a lot to love about this film. It's brilliant!

Argo (2012)

A sure-fire contender for Best Picture

[9/10 · 15 October 2012]

I've had the great pleasure of seeing this movie before the rest of Australia, and it was such a great film. A mix of thriller, drama and satire, Argo is a sure-fire contender for Best Picture at the Oscars.

Taking place during the Iran Hostage Crisis, Ben Affleck plays a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist who finds out that 6 Americans from the US Embassy have escaped and are now sheltering at the home of the Canadian Ambassador. After watching TV, he comes up with an improbable plan: make a Canadian fake movie and disguise the 6 Americans as members of the Canadian film crew doing location scouting.

The film has lots of tension and some hilarious moments as well. Fantastic acting from the cast and great direction, and the last 30 minutes will have you fearing for their lives. It's one of the best films of the year, and my pick for Best Picture at the next Oscars.

The Three Stooges (2012)

A wonderful and hilarious tribute to a great comedy trio

[9/10 · 16 August 2012]

To me, The Three Stooges is the best adaptation film since Speed Racer. You really have to give credit to the Farrelly Brothers for truly bringing to life one of the greatest comedy acts of all time and doing it right. The three actors that play the Stooges (Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes and Will Sasso) are also one of the best things about this film.

The plot is simple enough: when their orphanage is being threatened of being closed down, the Three Stooges makes it their life's mission to raise enough money to save the orphanage, their only home.

Great performances from the supporting cast well. My only complaint would be the beginning with the Stooges as kids. But that's only a minor complaint. Everything else (including John Debney's fantastic music) is done well to really appreciate the Stooges' legacy. A wonderful and funny movie for the fans.

Tangled (2010)

Hands down the funniest Disney movie ever made

[9/10 · 25 January 2011]

If you thought The Emperor's New Groove was the funniest Disney movie ever made, then wait till you see Tangled. It has brilliant comedy and very sweet moments.

In this film, Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy) has been keeping Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) in a tower due to Rapunzel's magic hair, that allows Mother Gothel to stay young. When Rapunzel is left alone, a man named Flynn (Zachary Levi) enters her life. They leave the tower to discover the world she never experienced.

What's so great about this movie isn't just because of the music of the relationship between Rapunzel and Flynn, it's the comedy, and this has one of the best comedy characters ever made... Maximus the horse. I won't give away what he does, but you'll be laughing your butt off over his adventures as he searches for Flynn.

It's a fantastic movie, a great ride for both young and old, and some of the best comedy I've ever seen.

Despicable Me (2010)

Funny and sweet

[9/10 · 25 September 2010]

Despicable Me is an animated movie that delights in its sweetness and humour.

Gru (Steve Carell) is a super villain who meets his rival Vector (Jason Segal) when he steals a shrink ray. Determined to get it back so that he can pull off the true crime, Gru meets three orphaned girls (Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher) selling cookies to Vector. Suddenly, Gru has an idea: use the three girls as pawns so that he can retrieve the shrink ray. But soon, he discovers that the girls see something in him that no one has ever seen in him: a dad.

Throughout the movie, we see some great humour from the girls' innocent curiosity and the minions' outrageous antics. The film does get sweet as it goes along, and this isn't a bad thing. When it does get sweet and cute, it pays off, as Gru becomes more attached to the girls, especially during the climax.

Overall, while it's not as brilliant as Toy Story 3, Despicable Me is still a great animated film to take the kids to. It's funny, cute and sweet.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

An outstanding piece of work

[9/10 · 13 August 2010]

Edgar Wright is without a doubt one of the most creative directors working today. Having already done Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, he proves that he's still got the touch with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, an adaptation of the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. In this film, Scott (Michael Cera) has found the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). But unfortunately for him, in order for Scott to date Ramona, he must defeat seven of her evil ex-boyfriends who want him dead.

This film is a visual feast. Filled with awesome gags and video game music cues, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is one outstanding piece of work, and that's saying something. The cast was awesome. Special props to Kieran Culkin who stole the scenes as Wallace Wells. He was hilarious. I never thought a film like this would make me smile, but it did, and I loved it. Highly recommended!

Toy Story 3 (2010)

The best film of the year

[10/10 · 24 June 2010]

This is, without a doubt, the best film of the year. Don't get me wrong, How to Train Your Dragon is an excellent film as well. But Pixar have managed to become the animated equivalent of The Lord of the Rings: a trilogy in which all three films are awesome in their own right.

In this film, Andy is going to college, and Woody's (Tom Hanks) not happy. But through a series of mistakes, the gang end up at a daycare center, where they meet Lotso (Ned Beatty), a cuddly teddy bear. But they soon realise that it wasn't what they thought it was going to be.

The film has incredible callbacks to previous films, hilarious moments, and one very touching ending. Pixar have continued to provide epic film after epic film, but this will be their very best, along side the second Toy Story.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

A great film with humour and heart

[9/10 · 25 March 2010]

This is one of the best animated films of the year. It's great to see in 3D as well. With amazing visual sequences and funny humour, How to Train Your Dragon delivers them wonderfully.

Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is a boy who wants to be a viking, like his dad (Gerard 'THIS IS SPARTA!' Butler). But when he finally captures a dragon who he calls Toothless, he soon realizes that they might not be so bad as they think.

This is a great film with wonderful visual sequences and great characters. Astrid in particular became my favourite by the end of the film. In conclusion, I recommend this film, especially in 3D. Wonderfully made.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

A fun, thrill-filled movie

[9/10 · 31 December 2009]

Director Guy Richie (Snatch) breaks the gangster mold to bring Sherlock Holmes to the screen, and he achieves it well. In this film, Robert Downey Jr (in one of his best roles) and Jude Law are Sherlock Holmes and Watson. They learn of a man named Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) who has risen from the dead, and is willing to destroy all of England. With the assistance of Irene Alder (Rachel McAdams), Sherlock and Watson go on an adventure to stop Blackwood from achieving his goal.

Robert and Jude are brilliant. Their chemistry together provides some great comedy and the action sequences are really well done. Most of the film I was really surprised at just how brilliant Sherlock really was: noticing the tiny details, re-telling a person's life, I was really amazed by it.

The only complaint I have (and this is a MAJOR SPOILER WARNING!!!) is what happened to Irene Alder at the end. That's all I'm going to say.

Despite this, Sherlock Holmes is a film that entertains, and provides great comedy to keep the laughs coming! 9/10

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

Loads of fun!!

[9/10 · 28 November 2009]

I loved this film. I think its one of the funniest, most creative animated films I've ever seen. The jokes and colourful scenery were just brilliant. Bill Hader and Anna Faris were wonderful together, as was the supporting cast including Mr T who was brilliant as the over-protective cop! The best thing about this film was that it was never boring! When there wasn't any comedy, there was action scenes that were awesome. There were also some family moments, but they're really short. It's a great film with great comedy and action, and the 3D works great as well. I definitely recommend this animated classic. It's a hilarious film!

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (2009 Video)

Another great adventure for Tinker Bell

[9/10 · 13 November 2009]

This is another great film from the world of Pixie Hollow. I've always loved Tinker Bell, and I think this film is another great addition to the adventures that she gets involved with.

This time, Autumn is coming, and Tinker Bell is chosen to create a scepter to hold a precious and fragile blue moonstone so that blue pixie dust can be created to restore the Pixie Dust Tree. But when her friend Terence creates annoyance by trying to be too helpful, she not only gets into an argument with him, but accidentally breaks the moonstone. Hoping to repair the moonstone, she goes on a quest to find a magic mirror which grants wishes.

The voice cast is great, the music is wonderful and it's just a wonderful film, even if, like the first one, it only goes for a short time. However, the return of Rob Paulsen and Jeff Bennett as Bobble and Clank provide great laughs for the film with their fireworks launcher! It's a fantastic film, and another great addition to the world of Tinker Bell.

Astro Boy (2009)

Lots of fun

[9/10 · 27 October 2009]

This was a really good movie. I really enjoyed this. Granted I'm not a fan of Astro Boy, but I still enjoyed this film. The voice actors delivered great performances. Nathan Lane was brilliant as Ham Egg, as was Kristen Bell as Cora. Freddie Highmore did great as Astro, and as much as everyone groans whenever Nicolas Cage is mentioned, he did a wonderful job as Dr. Tenma. The action in this film was great. I was never bored during the film. It had a lot of great stuff, and some funny moments. It's a great animated film that delivers on action, great performances and awesome sequences. I had a great time with Astro Boy. I hope it does for you too.

The Spirit (2008)

No doubt it will become a cult classic

[8/10 · 13 August 2009]

At first glimpse, it looks like a Sin City copy-cat, and you know what? I can't argue with that. For one thing, this is written AND directed by Frank Miller, the creator of Sin City and 300. I can also tell by the fact that this is another all-green-screen-movie that it wasn't going to do well at the box office, and I can't blame them for that. I've never read the comics that this is based on, but I still enjoyed it. There were some funny moments ('Come on, toilets are ALWAYS funny!'), and some great scenes. The stars were great as well. Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Sarah Paulson, even Samuel L Jackson was great. It was also great to get a first glimpse of young actress Seychelle Gabriel (who played Young Sand Saref in this film) who will soon be seen as Princess Yue in M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender. Overall, I can see why it didn't go well at the box office, but I do know that this film (along with Shoot 'Em Up) will become a cult classic. No question about it.

Ghostbusters (1984)

Now I know why it's entered the pop culture world

[9/10 · 13 August 2009]

It was no surprise as to why Ghostbusters has entered the pop culture world (and it's not just because of the theme song!). I've heard about it, I've read some of the quotes, heck I've listened to the theme song LONG before I heard about this film.

But enough about beforehand. This is a funny film. Bill Murray really shines here. His dead-pan humour and smart-ass remarks are really great. The rest of the cast are great as well. Dan Aykroyd as the smarts of the group, Harold Ramis as the intelligent scientist, and Ernie Hudson as the smart-talking new recruit. But there are ghost in this film, and as unrealisitic as it is compared to today, they are still really good, and I can say that I've now got one quote from this film that has become one of my all-time favourites ('We came, we saw, we kicked its ASS!!').

This is a funny film, and I can really see why it's entered the pop culture world. It's become one of the most memorable comedies thanks to it's effects, theme song and humour.

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Lots of fun!

[9/10 · 13 August 2009]

I was a bit skeptical at first. I wasn't sure if this was going to be a good film. But when I saw parts of it when it aired on TV, it got me interested. So, one rental later, I watched it, and it was a lot of fun. I know this has probably already been said LOADS of times, but it really is like Back to the Future if it was made as an animated film. The colours are bright, and the visuals are wonderful. The Robinsons themselves are a lot of fun to watch (especially Franny. She's awesome!), and the music by the always brilliant Danny Elfman was wonderful. The ending was also really lovely with a great song to go with it. It's a great film that really deserves to be called a classic.

Frost/Nixon (2008)

A very interesting look at political history

[9/10 · 21 February 2009]

Very rarely do I see a drama film, because I'm more into comedy films like Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Airplane, but this film really surprised me.

It's kinda like one of my favourite Australian films, The Night We Called It a Day, in that we have America and another country clashing with each other. In the case of Frost/Nixon, it's America and Britain as David Frost prepares to interview former US president Richard Nixon, in what would be history in the making.

Frank and Michael are really great in their roles, and this film is very deserving of its Oscars it's nominated for. It features great camera work and wonderful dialogue from Peter Morgan, the writer of The Queen and the stage play that this film is based on.

I recommend this film to anyone who's interested in political history, or who wants to see Richard Nixon's final defeat from David Frost via the interviews done in a really great way (the film is directed by Ron Howard).

Oh, and by the way (and this is my Australian self saying this!), I love how they got to mention David Frost's time in Australia!

Tinker Bell (2008 Video)

A very sweet and funny film

[9/10 · 30 January 2009]

I admit, I am a fan of Tinker Bell (something a 22 year old MALE wouldn't approve of, like me), and I've always wanted to see this enchanting but short film. It's magical in every way.

Tinker Bell is born as a tinker, a fairy who makes teapots out of nuts. She does not approve of this and wants to be like the other fairies that travel to the mainland. But when she tries to be something that she isn't, she creates disaster. She soon learns that being who you really are can be useful if you just believe in yourself.

What really surprised me in this film was the cast. Most of these cast members you'll already know, like Mae Whitman (best known as Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender), America Ferra (TV's Ugly Betty), Rob Paulsen (Danny Phantom) and even Steve Valentine (TV's Crossing Jordan).

Overall, this is a very sweet and funny film that, despite its short running time, will leave its magic mark of pixie dust with you forever. It certainly did it on me! ^_^

Airplane! (1980)

The original that started it all!

[9/10 · 27 June 2008]

There's no doubt that Airplane! (also known as Flying High!) would become such a classic comedy. It all comes down to the fact that it's one big gag-fest. There wasn't one scene with no gags. The ZAZ team (Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams and David Zucker) really worked together to bring this movie to life.

This tells the story of a man named Ted Striker (Robert Hays) who wants to reunite with his girlfriend, but in order for that to happen, he has to conquer his fear of planes and go on board a plane ride to Chicago. What follows is that he must pilot the plane when the pilot falls ill to cooked fish! Again, this film is a gag-fest. Nothing but laughs all the way to the end. This would become the comedy that started the spoof genre (since this film spoofs the airplane disaster films, mainly Zero Hour!) that would go on for years to come! Highly recommended!!

Get Smart (2008)

A brilliant spot-on adaptation!

[10/10 · 26 June 2008]

This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Filled with great action and comedy, Get Smart is the TV adaptation that everyone's been waiting for.

Steve Carell steps into the shoes of Don Adams as Maxwell Smart, who dreams of becoming an agent. When he's given the job, he teams up with Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) in order to find out what's happening with Siegfreid (Terrence Stamp).

Everything about this movie is spot-on to the original, even the famous opening! There are two great cameos as familiar characters from the show, and it just gets better. This is the best adaptation of a TV show that movies like Bewitched missed out on!

Speed Racer (2008)

Mind-blowing and hilarious!

[10/10 · 12 June 2008]

This was unbelievable! I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Larry and Andy have truly done it again! I have never seen anything like it. But of course, there has to be a story.

Emile Hirsch is Speed Racer, a driver born to race. When he turns down a tempting offer from the head of Royalton (Roger Allam - V for Vendetta), he discovers that some of the racers are being fixed. He must find support from his family and his girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) in order to beat Royalton at his own game.

The film delivered awesome action sequences, brilliant comedy (mainly from Paulie Litt and Kick Gurry), and one heck of a finale! If you don't like this movie, you're missing the point of this movie, and that it's a great thrill ride that I was extremely happy to be a part of.