Marmaduke (2010) Movie Review

At the end of an especially grueling day recently, I went in search of a movie that would offer the much needed dose of levity.  Passing right over my normally preferred romantic comedy section, I moved on to the kids movies and came across Marmaduke.  

I can't say that I ever really thought about a dog looking quirky before, but that is exactly the word that came to mind when I spotted Marmaduke.

As I started watching this lanky, socially awkward, kind canine with exaggerated facial expressions and floppy ears, I felt the stress of the day start to evaporate.

Marmaduke is a beautiful Great Dane whose large size might make him look dominate in the world of dogs, but his sweet and easy going disposition actually makes him unprepared for bullies.  However, unprepared or inexperienced does not mean incapable, which is a reminder we all need to hear.

Oh, and perhaps I should tell you, in the movie "Marmaduke" all dogs talk and are quite animated! 

Marmaduke - Movie Synopsis

 Marmaduke [Blu-ray]Check PriceWhen Marmaduke hears that they are moving from Kansas to California, he isn't too thrilled to leave his yard full of buried bones. But, he will be with his family and his only animal friend, Carlos the cat, so he goes along without fuss. Little does Marmaduke know, the world of ocean waves, unfamiliar neighborhoods and the "pedigrees" await him.

Upon arrival, he loves the new house, especially the big doggie door and his new "bathroom".  Plus, his new friends; Maisie, Raisin and Guiseppe, are adorable. I had to laugh when Guiseppe states that he is afraid of pumas aka mountain lions.  That is a reasonable fear for anyone, but he is so cute with his constant reminders about them throughout the show.

I laughed  until I cried watching the Great Dane surf!  I totally forgot that I was having a bad day and enjoyed the movie.  I think you will too!

Where to Watch Marmaduke

I cut the cable years ago.  As a prime member on Amazon, I watch a lot of movies for free, but I also subscribe to a few streaming services.  I watched Marmaduke on Peacock.  It is also available to rent or buy on Amazon.

Now that I am finished sharing this fun movie, I think I go watch it again.  See you there!

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Paddington (2014) Movie Review

If you are seeking a fun and entertaining movie for the whole family to watch, kids included, I recommend Paddington (2014).  The movie was inspired by the book, "A Bear Called Paddington",  written in 1958 by Michael Bond and illustrated largely by Peggy Fortnum.

The movie follows the foundation of the book, which makes a beloved bear from our past, an adored bear in our present.

Through fabulous film animation, the developers have taken the lively bear from our minds and created a very life-like replica of the enchanting Paddington bear.  He is so sweet and respectful that you wish you could snatch him from the screen and give him a hug.

Paddington is joined by Hugh Bonneville (the father in Downton Abbey) and Nicole Kidman to recreate this children's literature masterpiece into a delightful comedy film for all.  I should warn you in advance, it might make you wish to paint trees in the entry of your home and slide down a banister.

Lesson learned: if you invite a bear to stay in your home, you will want to personally introduce him to indoor plumbing and teach him how to properly use it.  Otherwise, you might need additional home insurance.

Paddington Movie Synopsis

 PaddingtonCheck Price When Paddington's uncle is killed and his home in darkest Peru is destroyed by a storm, he and his aunt decide to move to London, which is the home of a dear explorer friend who previously delighted them with stories of his glorious homeland.  Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo never really expect to accept the explorer's open invitation to visit London, but now it seems the best option.  

When they reach the cargo ships, Aunt Lucy tells Paddington that she will be going to the Home for Retired Bears and that he will travel alone to London where she is certain he will find a new home. After all, it is not time for him to retire.  She places a tag on a string around his neck as she explains how, in the past, Londoner's took in children in railway stations during wartime and provided a safe and loving home.  After placing his uncle's red hat on Paddington's head, Aunt Lucy kisses him goodbye and leaves the little stowaway in a covered lifeboat with a suitcase full of marmalade.

In the London train station, the Brown family is returning home when they pass a bear.  Mrs. Brown turns around and goes back to check on the little bear.  After talking to him and reading the note on his tag, she decides they should help him find a safe place.  That safe place ends up being their home and that is where all the fun begins!

 

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This is a movie everyone should watch!  Take the time to fall in love with the little bear in the red hat & blue coat.  You may wish to bring him home too!

Paddington on Amazon Prime, Blu-ray, or DVD - Plus, a Plush You Can Hug and the Original Book 

 Paddington [Blu-ray]Check Price YOTTOY Paddington BearCheck Price A Bear Called PaddingtonCheck Price PaddingtonCheck Price

 

 

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Disney Zootopia Movie Review

Disney Zootopia is a really cute animated movie that features all animals.  As you can see in the photo on the right, the main characters are Judy Hopps, a rabbit, and Nick Wilde, a fox.  In addition to Judy and Nick, there were several other animal characters in this movie that I loved.

I really like the story line and the message that "you can be anything you wanna be".   The movie doesn't make light of the reality though that it often takes hard work and real commitment to achieve your goals.  It also touches on how preconceived opinions or past experiences can influence your thoughts when you first meet someone.  I really liked the way each character faced and dealt with their prejudices and negative attitudes to overcome them.

The characters are adorable and the animation is fantastic!  I also enjoyed the music.  Overall, it was a great way to spend 108 minutes.

The DVD cover quotes Germain Lussier, "The Best Film Disney Animation Has Made in 20 Years", and I would agree.

The Plot of Zootopia

 Zootopia (Plus Bonus Features)Check PriceJudy Hopps, the leading bunny, wants to be a police officer when she grows up.  That is not really a job most would believe is appropriate for a  bunny rabbit.  Even her parents try to dissuade Judy.  However, Judy is determined.  After she gets through the police academy, she is sent to Zootopia, which is appropriately named.  It is an animal utopia.  Predators and prey coexist without the natural desires to hunt or the natural fear of being the prey.

Judy finds herself surrounded by fabulous large beasts who are her fellow police officers.  On her first day, assignments are handed out.  There are a dozen missing animals that don't seem to have any obvious commonalities.  However, Judy is not assigned to find any of the missing animals.  She is assigned to parking duty to hand out tickets.  It seems like a safe place for a bunny officer.  Of course, that assignment does not make Judy happy at all.  However, she strives to make the best of it.

While writing parking tickets on her very first day, Judy sees a fox (Nick) and his "child" enter an ice cream shop owned by an elephant.  Nick wishes to buy a treat for his "son", but the owner refuses to serve a fox.  That is, until Judy comes to their defense.  Later that day, she finds that she was duped by the sly fox.  However, it turns out that the fox is just who she needs to help her find Mr. Otterton.  

As you have probably already guessed, Mr. Otterton is an otter that is missing, but he isn't one of the individuals the police are most worried about finding.  But, Judy willingly takes the case!  And that is when the real action begins.

My Recommendation of Zootopia

As an adult and animal enthusiasts, I really enjoyed the movie.  I especially loved the scene that included the sloths, who work for the DMV.  

The movie is rated PG and for good reason.  I do recommend that parents watch the movie first to determine if it is suitable for your own children.  Most notably, there are a few crude words that a parent may not want their very young children hearing and definitely not repeating.  Otherwise, I would say Zootopia is a fun movie to watch for both children and adults.

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