The Circle of Life means that Every Old Movie is New Again!
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This is the summer of sequels and remakes with Disney jumping on the bandwagon with its remake of the cartoon hit- The Lion King. This time around the animals are “real” and the cinematography is outstanding. It will make you want to visit Africa to see the breathtaking area up close and personal.

​Featuring an amazing cast with the likes of Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver, James Earl Jones, Alfre Woodard, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogan and Beyonce and many of the original songs by Elton John, The Lion King has star power galore. However, the only returning cast member from the cartoon is James Earl Jones. 

​Since most of us have seen the original so many times that there’s little surprise or new entertainment value in this movie. Unlike The Jungle Book remake, The Lion King was a recent hit so it’s not really new to audiences. Most of the kids who fell in love with the cartoon don’t have children old enough yet to enjoy this new one. In fact, it’s one of the complaints from critics, this Lion King doesn’t feel fresh and lacks the sparkle of the original. Arguably it is hard to make the animals sing the songs. Their mouths just don’t move that way. Also contrary to what the cartoon showed, lion cubs don’t dance. Many of the songs feature animals walking around the Savannah rather than dancing. 

​Like with the original movie, the characters of Timon and Pumba steal the movie with their antics but additionally there are some pretty funny moments among a couple of the hyenas. With the real animals, the violence might be too much for young children. There were a few small children who left the movie before the movie was finished. As with any movie, know your children and what they are able to handle. Death is a part of the circle of life and seeing Mufasa die can leave a lasting impression.

​Directed and produced by Jon Favreau, the director of Ironman, The Jungle Book remake as well as the actor who played Happy in the Avengers’ and Ironman movies. Jon’s success with The Jungle Book made him seem like the perfect choice for this movie. And it’s been announced that he will direct and produce The Jungle Book 2. 

​The Lion King is a great family movie and one which will have you wishing you could travel to the Sahara and visit with some real lion cubs!

In a summer of sequels and remakes, Stuber tries a fresh approach.
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This buddy comedy pits a grizzled detective, Vic (Dave Batista) against an Uber driver, Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) who is trying to earn extra cash and keep a five star rating. Vic sets out to bring down the drug kingpin who murdered his partner, no matter what. Along the way, mild-mannered Stu must keep his wits and stay alive against international drug dealers.

​The comedy is a combination of raunchy slapstick intermixed with violence with Stu often the butt of jokes. Reminiscent of the old buddy comedies of the 80’s and 90’s, we have two very different people put together in a do or die situation, each learning to be a better person because of their team-up.

​Featuring Mira Sorvino, Natalie Morales, and Natalie Morales (who starred with Batista in Guardians of the Galaxy), but written and directed by relative unknowns, Stuber relies on the strength of Batista and Nanjiani to draw the viewers in. While it’s nice to see Batista doing comedy, many of the jokes rely on his physical appearance (tough guy, body builder, tats) rather than actual comedy. In some ways it feels a lot like his character from Guardians.

​With some laugh out loud moments, the movie is just okay. While we are hollering for Hollywood to come up with some new movies, rather than sequels or reboots, viewers want quality movies as well. If you are looking for a bit of humor with the action, or a chance to escape the heat, Stuber will have you laughing, just don’t spend the big bucks.

​Will Spiderman become the next Tony Stark?

​Peter Parker (Tom Holland) and his classmates are navigating a new reality after the snap. There’s a void left by the death of Tony Stark and the absence of the Avengers. However, Peter only wants to tell MJ about his feelings for her. He creates an elaborate plan to make it happen during a Science trip to Europe but things go wrong from the start, when elemental beings destroy Venice. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) enlists Spiderman’s help and hijacks Peter’s trip.

After the sad feelings of Endgame, Spiderman: Far From Home is a fun movie which reminds moviegoers about what’s important—doing the right thing. With the normal teenage angst of your first kiss to spending time with friends, Peter comes off as likeable and viewers will recall their own awkwardness.

​The key theme of the movie is that things aren’t what they seem. Surprises galore and two extra credit scenes. So be sure to stay to the VERY end. Jake Gyllenhaal’s character, Quentin Beck/Mysterio is a fan favorite. Without giving anything away, his story arc follows the comics but fits in as well with the larger Avenger storyline. I loved how Happy and Peter connect and hope that the two of them go forward together in future movies. 

​Spiderman: Far From Home is a movie that fans of all ages will enjoy, but there are a few more adult moments and violence. Just keep that in mind for younger children. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Peter and Marvel!