Hello fellow Cougars! I hope your summer has had a great start and you are enjoying the summer storms. They are a bit strange but that’s all part of the fun of Texas summers. Now let’s kick off your summer movie watch list with two movie reviews that will take you on an underwater adventure and to see what is lurking in your closets.
The Little Mermaid [PG]
Disney’s live-action remakes have often faced criticism for being money-making ventures rather than offering something original. However, there are a few exceptions, and The Little Mermaid is now one of them. Staying true to the essence of the beloved 1989 animated film, it expands the story and characters in a delightful way.
Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel is truly remarkable. She brings an ethereal charm and elegance to the beloved mermaid princess, infusing her with renewed vitality through a contemporary lens. Bailey’s captivating beauty and poise breathe new life into the role, while her voice effortlessly carries the enchanting tunes, immersing us further in the underwater realm. Jonah Hauer-King’s Prince Eric goes beyond mere handsomeness, with the film exploring his curiosity and yearning to understand the world, making him a compatible match for Ariel.
Although the film’s CGI could have been improved, the visual appeal remains undeniable, especially in the captivating underwater scenes. Melissa McCarthy delivers a captivating performance as the wicked sea witch Ursula, striking a perfect balance between charm and menace. Javier Bardem impresses as King Triton, commanding the screen with regal authority and evoking heartfelt emotions.
But it is the classic music from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken that truly shines, with beloved songs receiving a fresh and contemporary makeover. From the heartstring-tugging Part of Your World to the show-stopping Under the Sea, each musical moment is a delicious treat for the ears that will linger long after the credits roll.
Overall, The Little Mermaid remake is definitely worth a watch, capturing the essence of the original while adding its own magic.
8 paws out of 10.
The Boogeyman [PG-13]
The Boogeyman, directed by Rob Savage, is based on a short story by Stephen King that follows a traumatized family grieving from a recent loss who slowly start to realize there might be a monster lurking in their closet.
The film lacks originality. It follows a predictable and unoriginal plot, borrowing elements from other horror films. The story progresses slowly, resulting in few genuine scares.
While the film touches on themes of grief and trauma, it fails to delve deeply into them. While it aims for a dark and somber tone, the film doesn’t establish a sense of dread or suspense. Sophie Thatcher’s performance as Sadie is noteworthy, portraying her character well. And while the rest of the cast also did a good job, their characters remained undeveloped, making them forgettable.
The production design and special effects in The Boogeyman are decent, but they can’t save the film’s overall poor quality. The film is also poorly paced with the opening of the film having a very slow start, and then we’re thrown from scene to scene with almost no set up. At times, it felt as though the director randomly inserted scary scenes without any cohesive storytelling.
Overall, The Boogeyman is a forgettable horror film that fails to deliver genuine scares or explore emotional depth. Its predictability, underdeveloped characters, and slow-paced plot make it bland. Despite a few visually striking moments, it doesn’t establish a distinct visual style. Unless you’re a die-hard Stephen King fan, it’s best to avoid this film.
4 paws out of 10.