This week, Anthony reviews a Disney movie and a cop comedy.
Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
Director: John Lee Hancock
Writers: Kelly Marcel, Sue Smith
Genre: Family, Drama, Biography
Stars: Tom Hanks as Walt Disney, Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers, Colin Farrell as Travers Goff, Paul Giamatti as Ralph
Rating: PG-13
Grade: B+
For 20 years, Walt Disney made an offer to purchase the rights to his daughters’ favorite book, “Mary Poppins.” Unfortunately, the author, P.L. Travers, would not budge, for she imagined her beloved character being ruined by the movie Disney would create. Older and down on her luck, Travers decides to give the movie a chance, but only as long as she gets a say in every aspect of the movie. She begrudgingly flies out to Los Angeles to read the script and listen to the direction the movie is taking. She hates everything about it and will not sign off on the rights until she is completely satisfied. In the midst of all of this, Travers has various flashbacks to her childhood giving an insight to not just her rough life, but the root of her books as well. Now, Disney has the seemingly impossible task of pleasing this prestigious author so he can produce what would become one of the biggest movies in history.
Moving away from their usual animated films, Disney created a fantastic movie telling the unknown story behind one of their greatest productions, “Mary Poppins.” From start to finish, the movie is interesting. Tom Hanks plays a fantastic Walt Disney while Emma Thompson brings out the stubbornness of P.L. Travers. This movie has all of the usual “magic” being able to make viewers of all ages smile and enjoy it. However, it lacks in showing the full production of the actual movie and focuses a little too much on the author. All and all, it is a must see, especially for “Mary Poppins” fans. Watch how the beloved movie came to be and see how one nanny could change the world.
Ride Along (2014)
Director: Tim Story
Writers: Greg Coolidge & John Mantzoukas
Genre: Comedy
Stars: Kevin Hart as Ben Barber, Ice Cube as James Payton, Tika Sumpter as Angela Payton, John Leguizamo as Santiago
Rating: PG-13
Grade: B
Ben Barber, a security guard for a high school, has little prospects. Although, he is set to marry his fiance, Angela. There is only one catch: he has to win over her overprotective police officer brother, James. Ben mentions that he is soon to enter the police academy in order to seem “good enough.” Unfortunately, James has another idea, to bring him around on a ride along to give him the chance to prove his worth. Ben accepts the challenge, but he realizes he may just not be good enough for neither the academy nor Angela.
“Ride Along” will make you laugh, but it is not one of Kevin Hart’s best. He and Ice Cube both play their roles terrifically, but the script was missing a couple of key humorous scenes to make it as great. Nevertheless, it is worth the watch, especially if you are a Kevin Hart fan. The movie does a good job getting the viewer involved and rooting for the main character. It does not meet the expectations left from the past cop comedy, “The Other Guys.” All and all, it was enjoyable, but nothing to rave about. If you are looking for a good comedy, give it a watch, and follow the “Black Hammer” on his crazy ride along.
Movies to Watch:
Non-Animated Disney Movies: “Holes,” “Mary Poppins,” “Pirates of the Caribbean”
Cop Comedies: “21 Jump Street,” “The Other Guys,” “Beverly Hills Cop”
Anthony Micalizzi is a second-year student majoring in history. He can be reached at AM787857@wcupa.edu.