MOVIE REVIEW: Teen Titans Go! To The Movies

My nieces were excited when I told them that I had screening tickets for this movie. I absolutely had no idea who and what the Teen Titans are except I saw them in passing on ads on cable TV. I brought the two girls with me and I was pleasantly surprised. Teen Titans Go! To The Movies is the most Marvel among all the DC films there is.

Led by Robin (voiced by Scott Menville) forever in the shadow of Batman (voiced by Will Arnett), the Teen Titans must prove that they are worthy to have a movie of their own and step out of the shadows of DC's most popular superheroes. The Boy Wonder is supported by characters such as Raven, Starfire, Beast Boy and Cyborg. The team each have their own unique superpowers but they are still in search for that big break for them to be popular. There is enough humor for all ages: from the physical slapstick ones for the kids as well as some deep pop culture references for the adults. I loved it when they make fun of themselves and was shocked when they injected jokes really intended for the parents. 

The animated film is full of color and it reminded me of the Powerpuff Girls and that is a compliment. Teen Titans Go! To The Movies ranks alongside with the Incredibles 2 as the best animated films so far of 2018.

MOVIE REVIEW: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

It's time to go back to the island of Kalokairi and find whatever storyline there is to continue the story of Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep), her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and her "three dads" Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgard). 

As shown in the trailer, most of us know that Donna has passed away and the sequel focuses more on flashbacks with Downton Abbey's Lily James as the young Miss Sheridan. The way Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again intertwines the flashback and the opening of Sophie's dream hotel honoring her late mom is pure genius. It's an ultimate summer escapist flick anchored by a great ensemble of well-liked actors and the addition of Cher as the grandmother of Sophie. The 70's icon number in the final act is the highlight of the film. The songs are rehashed but who cares when ABBA is well-loved worldwide plus an amazing cast singing and dancing to it. It is the film equivalent of going back to the karaoke bar with friends singing the songs and having a good time.

Just like when the first movie came out ten years ago when the US financial crisis is starting to hit the world, Here We Go Again provides great entertainment in a world of chaos.