Movie Review: The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion
July 28, 2023
Directed By: Justin Simien
Stars: LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Danny Devito, Tiffany Haddish, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chase Dillion, Jared Leto, J.R. Adduct, Creek Wilson, Ben Bladon, Lindsay Lamb, Charity Jordan, Fedor Steer, Terence Rosemore, Mike Benitez, Erika Coleman, Christopher Winchester, Jo Kay, and many more. Winona Ryder, Dan Levy, and Hasan Minhaj will also appear in the new movie.
Distributed: Walt Disney Pictures
Running Time: 2 hour, 3 minutes (123 minutes)
Genre: paranormal, horror, comedy
Film Website: Haunted Mansion | Disney Movies
Official Facebook Page: Haunted Mansion | Facebook
Official Instagram: The Haunted Mansion (@thehauntedmansion) • Instagram photos and videos
On Twitter (X): @HauntedMansion
A single mom named Gabbie hires a tour guide, a psychic, a priest and a historian to help exorcise her newly bought mansion after discovering it is inhabited by ghosts.

Disney had a Haunted Mansion movie starring Eddie Murphy that came out in 2003. You can find out more about that one at The Haunted Mansion (2003) - IMDb But we are doing a review of the new movie. The 2023 movie opens with LaKeith Stanfield as astrophysicist Ben Matthias meets, Alyssa (played by Charity Jordan) who gives ghost tours in New Orleans. They marry and she dies not long after. Some time later, he works as a historical tour guide for New Orleans where tourists want to learn more about the ghosts rather than its history. Ben has developed a camera that can photograph ghosts, equipment you’d expect paranormal investigators might invent. (Which is funny, as Katie Dippold who wrote the 2016 female-led Ghostbusters, wrote the script for this movie.)

Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) has bought the mansion which she plans to turn into a bed and breakfast. She and her son, Travis (played by Chase W. Dillion) find out to their horror the place is haunted.  To find a way to live with the ghosts, she hires an exorcist, Father Kent (Owen Wilson) who fails. She also hires    Ben and his camera. Unable to get help, Gabbie and Travis, also hire a medium, Harriet, and medium, Madame Leota, stuck inside her crystal ball since the Hatbox ghost put her in it, and Bruce Davis, played by Danny DeVito.

Although not a 5-star or even 4-star movie, it still was enjoyable. My husband joined me and we recognized many Easter eggs from the ride in Disneyland (where I first did back after it opened in 1969 on a high school bus trip.) LaKeith seems a little stiff in a role for a horror comedy, while Rosario Dawson and the others strike the right cord for the movie. Jamie Lee Curtis is splendid as Madame Leota brought to life, ah, death. Still, I think this might have been better served as a movie for Disney+, with releasing on streaming afterward and DVD/Blu Ray instead of the theater first. Especially against Barbie and Oppenheimer. It might not be in the other two films leagues, but it is a popcorn movie that may work better once out on streaming and DVD/Blu Ray.


I gave The Haunted Mansion 3 ½ ghostly sheep.

Reviewed by Pamela Kinney

Movie Review: Hocus Pocus 2

Hocus Pocus 2

September 30, 2022

Directed By: Anne Fletcher 

Screenplay: Jen D’Angelo 

Based on characters created by David Kirschner and Mick Garris. 

Stars: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy

Music by: John Debney

Disney+

Three young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world. 

Two teenage girls light a candle given to one of them by Gilbert, owner of a shop of magic, for her 16th birthday. Thinking of using it to bring their other friend back to them, instead, it lights a black flame and brings back the Sanderson sisters. This time the three witches are out to destroy Salem, but most of all, the mayor as he is a direct descendent of the Reverend Traske, who banished them from Salem in the 1600s. This includes Becca’s and Izzy’s friend, Cassie, who happens to be the mayor’s daughter, also a direct descendent. 

At first, it started off a tiny bit bland to me, but once the three sisters are revived from death, the movie hits on overdrive. We even get to see Billy Butcherson once again. 

Stay after the end of the credits—there is an extra scene that might be a teaser maybe for another movie. 

I give Hocus Pocus 2 5 witchy sheep.

Reviewed by Pamela K. Kinney

Movie Review: Jungle Cruise (2021)

Jungle Cruise (2021)

Jul 30, 2021
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer: Michael Green, Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramírez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons
Runtime: 2h 7m
Walt Disney Pictures

Rating: PG-13 (Adventure Violence)

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure, Action

Join fan favorites Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney's JUNGLE CRUISE, a rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank's questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila--his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities--possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank and their fate--and mankind's--hangs in the balance.

I watched Jungle Cruise on Disney+ with my husband and 20-year-old daughter. We all enjoyed it.

 

We've all ridden the Disney World Jungle Cruise so it was fun to see all the references to the actual Disney attraction. So many silly puns. The movie is a cross between The Mummy, Indiana Jones, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The opening scenes are more chaotic than anything, but the action evens out and is more enjoyable.

The humor is geared toward a younger crowd, but there was a cool twist that I didn't see coming!

I wouldn't pay the extra $30 to view on Disney+. Wait for it to be free there or wait till it is at a regular price On Demand. If you are going to the theaters, this is definitely a big screen type of movie.

3.5 "punny" Sheep

SharonS

Book Review: Be Our Ghost Reviewed by Pamela K. Kinney By the Frightening Floyds (Jacob and Jenny Floyd

Be Our Ghost

By the Frightening Floyds (Jacob and Jenny Floyd)

June 3, 2019
Publisher: Anubis Press

138 pages
ASIN: B07SPC315W 

ISBN: 9781733548243
The Frightening Floyds invite you to be our ghost as we take you on a tour of the happiest haunted place on Earth! In this book, you will read about much of the alleged paranormal activity as well as urban legends spanning the various Disney theme parks around the world. From the haunted dolls of It’s a Small World to the real ghosts of the Haunted Mansion, there are many spirits here to greet you. And make sure to say “Good morning” to George at Pirates of the Caribbean. Enjoy the spooky and fascinating tales in Be Our Ghost! And don’t worry, there are no hitchhiking ghosts ahead…or are there?

Jenny and Jacob Floyd love Disney and they enjoy ghost stories, and it shows in this book. Besides photos of them at Disney World over the years, they learned of ghost stories and legends connected to the parks from online, books, and through employees working there. 

I knew of Disney haunting the apartment over the fire department at Disneyland since that was the first park I went to at one-year-old. Then Disneyland opened and I went many other times as a pre teen and teenager and as an adult, until the last time with my husband. One thing didn’t know was the one about the feral cats there. Somehow, I never saw any of the cats, although my husband said he has. So, I learned something new. Plus many of the stories were interesting too. I won’t go on, but let readers buy the book and discover for themselves.

If you love Disney, visiting the parks, and enjoy true ghost stories and legends, this book is the one for you. The Floyds show their love for Disney and don’t say the stories they learned are true or not, as they hadn’t had experiences, but they don’t put the tales down either. Before you head on that Disney vacation, maybe you should pack this book and keep an eye out while on the rides, because maybe that quiet gentleman behind you in line might be something otherworldly.

I give Be Our Ghost 4 ghostly sheep.

Reviewed by Pamela K. Kinney

About the Authors:

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Jacob and Jenny Floyd (also known as The Frightening Floyds) are paranormal authors, ghost hunters, and tour operators from Louisville, Kentucky. Jenny is a sensitive and an empath that has been around the paranormal for years. Jacob Floyd has been a writer and paranormal enthusiast for years and enjoys all things creepy and macabre. They recently began two tours in Kentucky—the Shepherdsville History and Haunts Tour and the NuLu History and Haunts Tour—and have been a part of numerous ghost hunts in graveyards, hotels, and other various buildings. They live in a home surrounded by pets and one possible ghost.

Sheep Movie Review: The Good Dinosaur

The Good Dinosaur

Directed By: Peter Sohn

Rated PG

Cast: Raymond Ochoa, Jeffery Wright, Sam Elliot, Anna Paquin

Plot:
"The Good Dinosaur" asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

I honestly didn't have much desire to see this film, for whatever reason it just did not look like one I would fancy. Maybe it was because the powers that be decided NOT to over saturate the market with constant adds. Kinda like the Star Wars film coming soon (Which I am totally going too see cause those trailers look amazing!), my personal reasons aside I was reluctant to sit through this animation.

Oh, how wrong I was! Talk about a heartfelt story, this one has tenderness and triumph in spades. Not only was this a story about dealing with great loss but finding the courage to face your fear. Real tangible fear and the fears of failure we each have inside us at times. I mean, life can just be scary! Kids and adults alike can certainly relate to this theme. The writers do an honest to goodness job of making it realistic and relatable to anyone.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried during the film. A few times, and by that I mean three. Three times I cried! I know it's just me, since any animated movie can bring me to tears. But I did see grown men getting a little choked up at spots. This just shows me that the heart strings of an audience were hit and a message was received.

I recommend this one to those of you who love a heartfelt story, with hidden moments of comedy and a tale for the ages.

Getting 4 'did you just rip that bugs head off?' Sheep

KD 

Sheep Movie Review: Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 

Directed By: Don Hall and Chris Williams 

PG

1hr. 33 min. 

Plot: 

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, "Big Hero 6" is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius-thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion-a robot named Baymax-and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery. 

Big Hero 6 is utterly overflowing with big helpings of heart, it touches all the gushy-gooey parts of any audience. No matter the age! 

Taking place in a mix of San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan I was visually blown away with the fantastical city-spectacle projected on the big screen. Captivating! 

Introducing my main squeeze Baymax, who is by far, one of the most touching and wonderfully addicting Disney characters I've seen in years. 

This film takes everything nerdy I love and makes it epic! Beyond epic! Fantasy and family fun for the ages. If you're not completely entertained by this one, you better check your pulse! I wanted to reach out and hug all these lovable characters. 

Many laugh out loud moments, had me grinning like a loon. You'll cheer for the nerds and get lost in the whole experience. LOVED this one and my 8 year old son did too. We'll be quoting this movie for years to come! 

Getting 5 "Baymax blowing it up" Sheep

KD 

Movie Review: The Lone Ranger and reasons you should see it!

The Lone Ranger
PG-13, 2 hr. 29 min.
Western, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family
Directed By: Gore Verbinski
Written By: Terry Rossio, Ted Elliott, Justin Haythe

Cast:

Johnny Depp ... Tonto
Armie Hammer ... John Reid (Lone Ranger)
William Fichtner ... Butch Cavendish
Tom Wilkinson ... Cole
Ruth Wilson ... Rebecca Reid
Helena Bonham Carter ... Red Harrington
James Badge Dale ... Dan Reid

In Theaters: Jul 3, 2013 Wide
Walt Disney Pictures - Official Site

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, comes Disney/ Jerry Bruckheimer Films' "The Lone Ranger," a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice-taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption. (c) Disney

I'm gonna cut to the chase. I loved it. Yes, it is just Jack Sparrow running around in the desert wearing war paint and a crow on his head instead of a tri-corner hat, but newsflash! I LIKED Pirates of the Caribbean and therefore I liked The Lone Ranger, and I won't apologize for being entertained by Disney/action/fluff meant to separate me from my money! The film makers knew Tonto would be compared to Jack and even added a famous Jack Sparrow scene into The Lone Ranger. All you over analyzing critics go watch the next Oscar contender and leave Johnny Depp alone!

she was awesome!

The only expectation I had was it would be pretty much what the trailers promised me. I know nothing about the Lone Ranger canon and have no idea if they mucked it all up. I liked the Native American mystical aspect of the story. When nature gets out of balance cool stuff happens like scary ass carnivorous bunnies, inebriated horses and heart eating bad guys. There are some heavy serious issues touched on, but well timed humor balanced out the levity. There is a lot of cold blooded killing in this movie and a little more realistic representation of life in the wild west. 

The famous Lone Ranger theme song is used near the end of the movie in a big outrageous and campy action scene. It was over the top and meant to be. I felt sad for the Lone Ranger's love interest. She kind of got a crappy deal at the end.

Reasons to see The Lone Ranger

brotherly love

carnivorous rabbits

angry birds

making trades

flying horse

Boom! goes the dynamite

why you wear the mask

why you wear a dead crow on your head

sinister pickles

duck foot violation

outlaw that likes pretty things

masks are freaking sexy!

hubba, hubba!

4 1/2 "spirit walking" Sheep

Sharon Stogner

Sheep Movie Review: Wreck-it Ralph

Wreck-it Ralph, directed by Rich Moore, and starring John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Sara Silverman, and Jane Lynch is a video game adventure packed full of nostalgic moments and visually stunning graphics. 

Plot: 

Ralph (John C. Reilly) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer), the "good guy" star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero. On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero's Duty. But it's the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it's too late?

As you can gather from the movie trailer, Wreck-it Ralph is based on the premise of a game villain wanting to be the good guy for a change. After 30 years of being the bad dude that every one hates he sets out to win his own medal of valor and find his place among the champions. But no hero's journey is ever easy, and Ralph soon realizes all the various challenges that lay ahead. John C. Reilly really helped bring his character to life with his pretty amazing voice acting. From tender to beastly, Reilly hit all the marks when needed. 

So many aspects of this film really spoke to me, ranging from the old school games to the characters themselves walking around game land and throwing back a few cold ones at the local tavern. But at the top of the list would be the almost lifelike quality each character had to its voice actor. Jane Lynch had maybe the funniest character of them all as Sergeant Calhoun! Wait 'till you hear about her backstory, had me laughing so hard my tummy hurt. 

Wreck-it Ralph is going to entertain you while at the same time getting across the message to both young and old that it's always important to know who you are. More then anything else, don't stop trying and always help when you can. It's a good life lesson but one that comes coated in sugar goodness! If you're not craving a sugar sweet by the end of the film you better check your pulse! 

Getting 4 'laughing taffy vine' Sheep

KD 

Sheep Movie Review: Brave

I'm a Pixar junkie. I should admit this up front... and since the very first Brave trailer was shown... I KNEW that I would go see this movie the weekend it came out. It's taken me a little while to actually digest the film enough to appreciate just what was accomplished here.

The plot here is sort of what you'd expect from a would-be disney princess tale. A headstrong young girl makes a rash decision with cataclysmic results. She and her allies must do their best to undo the unfolding disaster. Pretty formulaic.

The execution here is key though. Don't judge the movie totally by its trailers. The cut scenes we're teased with all occur early on in the film and really don't drop many hints about the meat and potatoes of the story.

Some things you CAN take from the trailer though... The casting is pretty spot on. Billy Connolly is insanely funny. He fits the over enthusiastic, but somewhat dimwitted King Fergus very naturally. Kelly Macdonald and Emma Thompson face off as a believable disagreeing daughter/mother pair. You totally feel the mutual frustration between the two characters through the voices. As an American, I dig all of the accents too.

Something to look out for if you decide to plunk down your cash to see the movie is the pacing. Brave was directed by not one... not two, but three distinct directors. I'm not sure how the directors themselves divvied up the work, but you can logically divide the film into three segments, each having a definite pace and flavor.

As far as overall atmosphere of the movie, I think that Pixar has definitely outdone itself with the shear beauty of the world they've created. Everything has a seriously earthy, organic feel to it. It's almost like this was a deliberate departure from the safer, more geometric shapes of Cars, Toy Story, or Wall-E.

I think that this film is definitely worth seeing on the big screen. I also predict that we'll see a sequel or two come out of this franchise. I hope the world is ready for a new Disney Princess!

I give this movie 4 CG sheep!

Sheep Movie Review: John Carter

Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot-tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.







Have you ever been to a movie where the audience claps at the end? John Carter is that kind of movie. Non-stop action, stuff blowing up, humor, smexy hero, beautiful heroine and romance. This movie has it all. Having never read any of the books in this series I went in with no expectations so maybe that is why I was able to enjoy it so much. 

this was a kick-butt scene!

If I had to describe it I would say it was a cross between Star Wars (yes, I went there!), Raiders of the Lost Ark, Thor, Avatar and Somewhere in Time (the awesome time-traveling romance that starred Christopher Reeve). Matter of fact, there were some scenes in John Carter that seemed like they were taken right out of these movies, almost like Easter eggs Disney put in for us. I thought the special effects were great, but then again, I am not a CGI snob <G>, and the story was fabulously clever (remember I haven't read the books and had never heard of John Carter before)

if anyone finds a breeder, call me!

I went with my husband and 10-year-old daughter and fun was had by all. Be warned, if you take your child they will want a Mars Pug dog (a term I got from author Dani Harper). Also, be warned your husband will want a Mars princess of his own.  To be fair, she was beautiful and great with a sword. But don’t worry ladies; there is enough John Carter to keep you satisfied too! Don’t let the Disney label scare you away. It may be family-friendly, but there is plenty of heart-stopping suspense and just the right amount of angst to connect you to the characters and have you rooting for them.

hey, look at those bodies...they work out!

Don’t listen to the nay-sayers, if you like this type of movie then you will leave happy. This is pure entertainment that everyone can enjoy. Yes, it is all that and a bag of chips

4.5 Sheep

SS

Sheep Movie Review: The Secret World of Arriety

The Secret World of Arriety, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Gary Rydstrom, with screenwriters Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa. Based on the book "The Borrowers" by Mary Norton.

Synopsis:
A family of miniature people find their existence threatened due to a forbidden friendshipin this Studio Ghibli adaptation of author Mary Norton's beloved children's book The Borrowers. Headstrong and full of energy, 14-year-old Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler) is just like any other adolescent girl -- except for the fact that she's only a few inches tall. Arrietty and her family are Borrowers: a race of tiny people who live among the regular-size humans undetected, and only emerge to scrounge minuscule amounts of essential living supplies from well-stocked cupboards and cabinets. Contact with the Borrowers' normal-size counterparts is strictly forbidden, but when Arrietty attempts to help her father stock up on necessities and meets 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), the pair develop an unlikely bond. Shawn has come to live with his great aunt, and should she find out about the Borrowers, it would be disastrous for Arrietty and her family. But perhaps by working together, Shawn and Arrietty can figure out a way for the Borrowers and humans to live together in harmony.

I am a big fan of Studio Ghibli so I had to go and see this. The movie takes place in Toyko, Japan, where we meet Shawn. He is brought to the house his mother grew up in to get away from the stress of the city. While Shawn's aunt goes into the house to talk to the housekeeper, Shawn sees the house cat staring intently at an overgrown patch of grass. Shawn heads over to see what is going on, and as he steps closer a crow comes out of nowhere to attack the cat. Shawn notices something moving through the grass from the corner of his eye and this is when he first sees Arriety.

Arriety returns home with a few leaves that she was able to get while on her outing, her mother Homily scolds Arriety for going out, until Homily notices that one of the leaves is a leaf of basil. That night, Pod (Arriety's Father) comes home and tells the family that a new "bean" has moved into the house. Homily is upset by this news, since their chances of being seen just went up and voices her thoughts on it, trying to keep Pod and Arriety from going out on Arrietys first night of "borrowing". However, Pod promises that he will keep Arriety safe and they leave.

From this point on in the movie, things pick up and the history of Borrowers and Beans unfolds. Arriety finds it hard to believe the "Old Wives Tales" that all beans are bad and no good will come from being seen.

There are no massive explosions, no CGI, no massive sound effects, no huge make-up effects, this is a simple animated film, not even in the PIXAR style. If you plan on seeing this and expect a "typical" Disney style artform, you are going to be disappointed. If the animation style is something you are willing to check out, I'm highly suggest you go and see this movie. Ghibli Studios does not disappoint when it comes to great story telling and using the art to help move the story along.

I'm ranking this one at a 4.5 sheep, this one is a great film to see, even if it is your first Ghibli movie

~DD~