What to Watch in the Theater:
Frozen II (PG) is now in theaters. This sequel is breaking all kinds of records, including its predecessor’s. The story takes place not long after the first installment, with Elsa and Anna settling into royal life in Arendelle. We learn a bit more about their backstory, and when Elsa hears a mysterious voice, the gang is led into the magical mist, and discovers the secrets of their ancestors. Will the sisters be torn apart again? Will Kristoff ever propose to Anna? There are some great songs in this one, although none will ever reach infamy the way “Let It Go” has. (Thank goodness!). There’s a good mix of sadness and comic relief – this sequel follows sure-footedly in the iconic footsteps of the original.
Our rating: 4.67 out of 5
What to Watch at Home (Or Not):
The Mandalorian (TVPG) is streaming exclusively on Disney+. This Star Wars series introduces us to a bounty hunter whose life is changed when he accepts an assignment to retrieve a small being, and realizes he has a greater calling. Each episode is a new chapter in the journey, with new characters and locations (including some we’ve visited before in the Star Wars films). The look and feel is the same as the movies, but we’re given more time to develop feelings and opinions about the various characters, and the absorb how each step fits into the greater journey. This series may be especially meme-worthy (no spoilers here), but it’s also well worth the watch.
Not rating until we finish the series
Noelle (G) is streaming exclusively on Disney+. You can’t help but smile at Anna Kendrick as Santa’s daughter, who embodies everything that’s fun and whimsical about the Christmas season, all year round. When her brother is tasked with replacing the icon after his passing, and then goes missing, it’s up to Noelle to find him and save Christmas. In the process, she gets to see what life is like in the real world, and find her true calling. This is a fun movie that could become one of our family’s classics, alongside Elf.
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Booksmart (R) is streaming on Hulu. This coming of age movie tells the story of two high school seniors who have spent all of their school years studying, to the detriment of their social lives. They are determined to pack all of the craziness of a high school career into their final night before graduation, and their journey is pretty epic. There are highs and lows, but mostly they learn a lot about themselves and the other students they took for granted. This movie seems more well-grounded in reality than most teen movies, and reveals important life lessons in an entertaining and heartwarming way.
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Plus box office results, movie news, what’s new on DVD and Blu-Ray and what’s leaving Netflix.
Links we mentioned on the show:
See Daisy Ridley rap a Star Wars recap here.