MR. PEABODY and SHERMAN (2014)

Synopsis: “Mr. Peabody is a business titan, inventor, scientist, gourmand, two-time Olympic medalist and genius who also happens to be a dog. Using his most ingenious invention, the WABAC machine, Mr. Peabody and his adopted boy Sherman hurtle back in time to experience world-changing events first-hand and interact with some of the greatest characters of all time.”

Review: “I’ll be doggoned if this film isn’t a refreshing ‘paws’ from the run-of-the-mill movies that often serve as family entertainment. A flawless, inventive, fascinating and endearing remake that maintains the eccentric tone and wit of the original animated shorts.”

Movieko: “Peabody and Sherman jump in the WABAC machine and end up in the future. In a 3D CGI cartoon! Will they finally answer the age old question, “If a boy can have a dog why can’t a dog have a boy?” The movie has the same ‘feel’ I remember as a kid. Thanks to Tiffany Ward, daughter of Jay Ward one of the creators of the original series, who made sure the film stayed true to the integrity of the characters even down to the voice quality of Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrell) and Sherman (Max Charles).
Peabody and Sherman dance in Egypt with King Tut. They end up in Ancient Greece with a Trojan horse. (Believe it or not, this Trojan has absolutely nothing to do with all the condom commercials you see kids!) Then it’s off to da Vinci’s workshop for a quick spin (out) on his flying machine. But when the space time continuum gets a tear, that’s when the real fun begins! Plus the “Peabody Puns” are so punny. (No pun in ten did.) Personally, I set the WABAC Machine for my childhood. I really enjoyed the trip.

RANGO (2011)

Synopsis: “Rango (Johnny Depp) is a chameleon on the lookout for action and adventure. He winds up in an old western town called Dirt. What this town needs the most is water, but they also need a hero and a sheriff. The thirsty Rango instantly takes on the role of both.”

Review: “Rango is a smart, giddily creative burst of beautifully animated entertainment, and Johnny Depp gives a colorful vocal performance.”

Movieko: It’s a Spaghetti Western for kids! Rango is a chameleon who’s just trying to blend in. But, “Ain’t no one gonna tango with the Rango.” It could have been called “The Good the Bad and the Chameleon.” There’s a Mexican Mariachi Band, of owls, who-who keep popping up throughout the film. (I won’t say, ‘What a hoot!” But I want to.) And that dang ol’ Rango is a real fandango! Yee-ha-ha-ha-ha-haaaaa!!!!!
PS: It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.

HOME (2015)

Synopsis: “When a lovable Boov, an alien creature from another planet, lands on Earth he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl who is on a quest of her own.”

Reviews:
The Good: “The combination of it’s layered message, fun score, and clever comedy make it a colorful choice for moviegoers of any age. It’s a moving tale of friendship and family, dressed up as an adorably frivolous sci-fi comedy.”
The Bad: “Colorful, silly, and utterly benign, it’s a passable diversion, heartwarming and harmless yet numbing in its simplicity and often rather annoying. There’s no shortage of superior animated alternatives.”
The Ugly: “A blithering mess, devoid of internal narrative logic, mired in obnoxious humor, and poorly paced. This failure is a little surprising given the celebrity voice talent involved, but it proves even great actors need a substantive script.”

Cartoonsko: It wasn’t really bad. It wasn’t really good. But it was really disappointing. The first thirty minutes I was hooked. The animation was terrific. The character design was really fun looking. Steve Martin was one of the main character voices for God sakes! Plus Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna too.
The plot was about these funny little “Boovs.” Colorful, friendly creatures from another planet who always run away from trouble, no matter how far they have to run. This time they ran away to Earth and peacefully “took over” the planet.
 One ‘lovable’ Boov sends out an e-vite to celebrate their new home. But he hits “send all” by mistake. The e-vite ends up going out to the entire galaxy, including the “bad guys” they were running away from. The Boovs soon find out, you can run but you can’t hide. (Aside: It’s just so far fetched that someone could send email to someone unintentionally. But it is just a cartoon.)
It hooked me, but it couldn’t reel me in. And I really wanted to be reeled in. Steve Martin’s performance didn’t even excite me. I hate to say it, but if you went to the theater to see this one, you would have been better off staying home.