What to Watch in the Theater:
Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker (PG13) is in theaters now. No spoilers here. We’re fans of the Star Wars franchise, and have had our hearts wrenched so many times in the latest trilogy, that we don’t know how much more loss we can take. Although there’s a little disconnect between these last three films, and the storylines of our heroes didn’t cross as much as we’d like, we still really enjoyed the ride. We’ve become attached to the new generation heroes and villains, and this was a fitting (although emotional) end to the latest chapter in the saga. And we still want more.
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Spies in Disguise (PG) opened on Christmas Day. The casting for this animated spy story is perfect – Will Smith as Lance Sterling, a super spy with a giant ego and Tom Holland as Walter Beckett, the brilliant young scientist who accidentally turns him into a pigeon. There’s a bad guy who’s framed Sterling, so his agency is trying to capture him, while he’s trying to prove he’s right and nab the villain. The plot is complicated by Sterling having to adjust to the new skills (or lack thereof) that come with his transformation. This fish out of water spy story is both smart and funny, providing a fun adventure for the whole family.
Our rating: 4.17 out of 5
What to Watch at Home (Or Not):
6 Underground (R) is streaming exclusively on Netflix. Ryan Reynolds character, One, puts together a vigilante team to take down global criminals. Team members literally operate underground (by faking their own deaths) and go by number rather than name, to keep it from getting personal. Each has a special skill they add to the squad. This is like a caper movie, but with lots of violence and explosions (directed and produced by Michael Bay). Reynold’s Deadpool-esque humor comes through here, as we watch the team attempt to bond through their mission, despite some internal disputes. This was an enjoyable action film, and we’re on board if they choose to accept more missions.
Our rating: 3.75 out of 5
Togo (PG) is streaming exclusively on Disney+. This movie is based on the true story of the 1925 sled run to Nome and a dog that beats the odds and becomes an unsung hero. It’s a tear-jerker of a story, about a man who’s determined to be all-business with his sled dogs, and how one dog changes (and saves) his life. Not gonna lie – we’re mad about the Balto thing, but so glad we know the real story now. We’ll just be over here crying about all the good dogs…
Our rating: 4.33 out of 5
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