The Grudge -- simplicity is not beauty, it's scary!

Title:
The Grudge (B)
PH Release Date:
October 27, 2004
Actors:
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, Bill Pullman, Kadee Strickland, Clea Duvall
Director:
Takashi Shimizo
Story:
Based on Shimizo’s “Ju-On: The Grudge”
Screenplay by:
Stephen Susco
Editor / Music:
Jeff Bedancourt
Design / Photography:
Iwao Saito / Hideo Yamamoto
Producer:
Sam Raimi
Studio:
Sony

“When someone dies in the grip of a powerful lust--- a stain is left behind—what a perv!”

Just when you thought there ain’t gonna be a movie chilling enough to make your hair curl this Halloween season, well I hate to break it up to you but you’re wrong! This adaptation of the Japanese thriller Ju-On is the perfect jerk off movie, I mean jerking off your seat movie, I mean yanking off your seat type of movie, whatever, you know what I’m trying to say.

Sarah Michelle Gellar leads an ensemble of white actors as Karen, an exchange student trying to land her first tending assignment. And finally she was called on to surrogate for another caregiver who strangely didn’t show up that day at work. She arrived at the house of Emma, gave her aid like she was supposed to and found a creepy boy named Toshiyo inside a taped closet. It will not take long before she suffers a series of supernatural events and uncover the clandestine behind the curse inside that home which slays everyone who encounters it.

I admit that I honestly didn’t like the original the Grudge that much. I wasn’t spooked enough by that movie, maybe cuz I saw it at home not in the cinema or maybe it just wasn’t scary enough. I expect this movie to be not much different from the first one, and as usual, I’m right. Expected changes in the plot were made just like its predecessor “The Ring”, but unlike its precursor it didn’t try to blend in much of the American culture and that I think is because of the irrefutable potency of this movie—it’s director.

From the very first scene, you just know this movie will be as haunting as you expect it to be. It was not much of an adaptation but more of a remake. It’s a remake wherein instead of having Jap actors, they interposed American actors. Having written and directed the original movie makes it much easier for Takeshi to remake it. He knows exactly how it will look like when he does the scenes and how beautiful it will appear.

Not much CGI and outlandish costumes but more of the usage of lights. I like that about this movie, it’s technically superb and finely paced. The editing and photography were all unfussy which is good. Story wise, it’s not as grounded as The Ring, a few glitches in the storyline but tolerable enough. The curse itself, although clearly described it s heritage, its extent was not clearly stated. But unlike the latter, it stuck with being Japanese. It’s not an American Film with a Japanese director but more of a Japanese Film with American actors.

Sarah Michelle Gellar appear as if she enjoys being in the spine-chilling genre so much (or maybe she won’t get anything else other than this sort of genre). Although we can hardly consider Scooby-doo frightening, it still has something to do with monsters of some sort. The only two movies I remember seeing her not doing a horror type of thingy was in Cruel Intentions (where she was still a little bit scary) and in Simply Irresistible (a girl with some sorta cooking powers? Still creepy). So you see, I’m beginning to think that she might be stuck doing the same roles over and over and not go back to being the “All my Children” type of genre, which will be such a waste of a good talent. Not that I don’t appreciate her acting but I think it’s time for her to give up the sinister roles and do something hardcore (porn? I hope so)—drama that is. Jason Behr, well after being in an Alien series, where else will you go? Such a pity cuz I think he’s a good actor. The rest of the actors did fine, it’s just weird cuz I sometimes confuse Clea Duvall with Hilary Swank, I dunno why, acting wise they kinda have the same style.

If you’re really looking for a movie strong enough to make you jerk off you seat, okay, jolt off your seat, this movie will be perfect. Even if you know when it’s coming you still can’t stop its force that pushes you to the edge of your seat. It is it’s creepiness that hides within its simplicity. Just proves that Simplicity is not beauty, it’s scary.

Feng Shui... way to overrated... way too overdue

Title:
Feng Shui (B)
PH Release Date:
September 15, 2004
Actors:
Kris Aquino, Jay Manalo, Lotlot de Leon, Ilonah Jean
Director:
Chito S. Roño
Story & Screenplay:
Roy Iglesias
Producer:
Charo Santos-Concio and Malou Santos
Studio:
Star Cinema

Sa inyo na lang po itong isang chunkee oh…… ulol mo GRRRRR!!!!!

It has been released more than a month ago and everyone’s been talking about it, but it was only a few days ago that I got forced to watch this movie and just like everybody else, I have so many things to say about it, the only difference is it’s sounder. From the very beginning you knew that this ain’t a usual Star Cinema, the perverted new logo says it all. And after watching it, you’ll realize it ain’t that unusual at all. The dismal promotion of one of Kris Aquino’s sponsors is just way too out of the line, c’mon do they really need to repeat the name of the product twice and be part of the whole conversation as if it’s a household name? Dah!

The story revolves around the life of Joy, the light of a middle class home (naks, ilaw ng tahanan) who’s starting a new life separate from her mother-in-law. Joy fortunately found a bagua left by a man sitting next to her in the bus. She keeps the bagua having known that it is believed to bring good luck and drives away evil spirits. Along with the abundant luck that came along after owning the bagua, a number of mysterious events started to transpire, from the multiple deaths of people she knew and the phantoms she and her family encountered. Joy is on the race against the evil within the bagua to find a way to stop the incessant deaths that came along after each mind-boggling good fortune, before it gives her all the luck she needs and take away all the ones she loves.

The concept of this movie is highly remarkable. Some may say after watching it that it’s stupid: inexplicably dying with accordance to the year you belong. But I believe that it takes a hell lot of a smart man to come up with such an exceptional idea. Roy Iglesias is without a doubt one of the best writers in our country today along with Jose Javier Reyes and the likes. The first part of the movie was very good that in fact I thought this movie might be something I’ve never seen before but then that “Chunkee” thing came along and I found myself on the verge of puking on the screen. Exaggerated yah, but that’s how disgusted I am! It was way too strained, categorically unacceptable!

The first half of the movie I truly liked, except for that chunkee part, forgive me my friends for repeatedly pointing it out. The second part had a lot of flaws most especially along the ending. There were a lot of questions that should have been answered and a lot of events that occurred without any explanation as to why such things ended up in such way. It leaves confusion with regards to the death of Ilonah Jean’s character and a lot more (though I know most of you have seen it I won’t spoil to those who haven’t)

I like Chito Roño and I admire his works especially Bata Bata, but in this movie, I kinda didn’t like the directing. During the first half it was fine and well executed except that chunkee thing (let it go!!!), but then in the second half the movie in general started to falter, story and direction in particular. The best shot and executed scene for me was the killing of Lotlot de Leon’s character. That was one hell of a scene. It was somewhat comical, yes, but man, the genuineness of that scene is just incredible. The editing was bad from the start, it’s really tough to find a well edited film in our country today so I let it slide. I have to say though that the editing and direction were good enough when it comes to the daunting scenes. The photography in this movie was appauling, it was the feast of the boom mike. The cinematography was fine and thank god there’s no grating recurring theme song in this movie.

I am guilty as charge of being a Kris Aquino aficionado; she’s my guilty pleasure. And I admit, she did extremely well in this movie. A lot of great acting feat that I never thought could come out from such a stuffing, pale, well-heeled woman (I love secretly mocking her from time to time just like every Filipino). It’s a pity though but I think it’s not really her fault, when I watch her I still can’t feel that she’s actually the character, for me it was still Kris Aquino. Once again sharing to the public one of her adversities. I still wonder how she pulled off extremely well that scene wheer a gun was aimed on her face, that’s her best scene, totally uncanny; I think we should ask Joey about it. Lotlot de Leon is a revelation in this movie. I never knew she could act that well, it was amazing, the red horse scene, ha just too good to forget. Ilonah was good as well and the only one I didn’t like was Jenny. It’s something personal, I just dislike her.

It’s a movie that will definitely impel the viewers to the edge of their seats. It’s a tough movie to get out of cuz it’ll keep you glued. Do not expect a movie that will make you scream at the top of your lungs cuz it ain’t like that. Go and see this movie for the very reason alone that it’s one the few good ones released this year and that re horse scene was just too perfect. Just contain yourself when the scene about the chunkee comes in. Besides seeing a gun aimed at Kris Aquino’s face is priceless. (Bang! I’m dead!)

Cellullar --- pls. try your call later

Title:
Cellular (B)
PH Release Date:
October 20, 2004
Actors:
Kim Basinger, Chris Evans, Jason Statham, William H. Macy, Jessica Biel
Director:
David R. Ellis
Story & Screenplay:
Larry Cohen / Larry Cohen and Christopher Morgan
Editor / Music:
Eric Sears / John Ottman
Design / Photography:
James Hinkle / Gary Capo
Producer:
Lauren Lloyd and Dean Devlin
Studio:
New Line Cinema

Once the ringing stops, everyone dies----- yeah right!!!

Ever been in a situation wherein you can’t get out of? I know you’ve never been in one cuz if you have been then you wouldn’t be here (how funny!!!). Ryan (Chris Evans) is a typical young American living in LA, a call from a timorous lady out of nowhere from his mobile phone will haul him to the most dangerous position he’s ever been—between a kidnapping caused by crooked police officers. Will he be able to have enough time to save the life of the feeble woman and her family who’s only chance of survival is her feeble connection to him, just in time before he gets killed with them?

It’s a good thing that I didn’t expect way too much from this movie cuz it made it more acceptable for me. The at times unique and at times awkward situations shown in this movie were truly successful in mixing my emotions. The beginning of the movie was something really unique and gave this movie a robust start. It was shocking, staggering and exciting. I even began to think that it could be something I never expected. But then the main concept came along.

The idea of being randomly called from one’s phone in such a condition is way way too whimsical to me. However, the funny thing is, you get convinced to accept it, it’s because the writer adds the ingredient of reality into it. Despite the implausible circumstance Ryan was in, the additives to it such as the scene when the phone battery’s about to go off made it adequate. I love that scene. And was starting to love the entire thing until the other half of the movie started, it became too Hollywoody for me.

Kim Basinger wasn’t like Kim Basinger at all. I found her acting rather atypical. It was really weird, I didn’t know whether I should laugh or feel for her. Chris Evans did surprisingly well. There’s more to that boy (as if I’m older than him) than meets the loins I mean eyes and he’s so good when he acts scared. The girls will definitely go gaga over him and you can continue doing that when he comes back on the big screen with Jessica Alba this summer on Fantastic 4. He plays the human torch, he’s hot enough to play it. William H. Macy was good too, and Jason Statham kinda reminded me of Woody Harrelson doing serious acting, I dunno maybe it’s because of the hair. Jessica Biel? I almost didn’t know it was she, she looked different.

Everyone did a fine job on the first half of the movie, but the other half was disappointing, too ordinary, and too nondescript. The editing was fine, the photography was good, the shots at times were brilliant and I like the sound as well.

It’s a movie strong enough to make you move to the edge of your seat. It’s strong when it tries to be strong and it’s weak when it tries to be so. A little bit more experimenting just like on the first half may have made his movie incontestably remarkable but it wasn’t. Girls can watch it to see more than an hour of Chris and guys would love the adrenaline rush. It’s your call to see the movie or not. It’s not a bad movie but definitely one that can be put on hold.

The House of Flying Daggers--- a moving canvass....

Title:
House of Flying Daggers (B+)
PH Release Date:
October 13, 2004
Actors:
Zhang Zi Yi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Anita Mui
Written and Directed by:
Zhang Yimou
Edited by:
Cheng Long
Design / Photography:
Huo Tingxiao / Zhao Xiaoding
Studio:
Sony

I’m like the wind, carefree and …. modess, charmee, whisper, confident and libresse.

Arguably the most beautiful woman in Asian cinema today takes on a role not so different from the one that upgraded her to supahstah status. Zhang Zi Yi plays the role of Mei, a blind dancer suspected by the police to be an affiliate of the house of flying daggers: an infamous group that terrorizes the crooked government. She met Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro), and in their journey to the north to find the reticent cluster they’ll unearth the secrets and deception that surrounds them both.

I was pleased when I found out that this film wasn’t dubbed. The last thing I needed to see are Chinese characters speaking fluent English hundreds of years ago. Unlike most Americans (as if I’m one), I prefer subtitles than dubbing. It feels more real when it’s in their native tongue; well at least I thought so….

Watching this movie was like watching a moving canvass. It was a painting more than anything else. The saturation of the colors was so flamboyant and harmonized, that there’ll be nothing else left for me but be amaze. Its shift from season to season, despite from its ridiculousness is very pleasing to the eyes.

The story sashays along with the portrait. The characters were well presented despite a little lack of characterization. This movie was a love story and it revolves around it mainly. It isn’t about the house itself, which I found not that applicable cuz it might have saved this movie from its ruinous ending. But the love story itself though was worth the watch; even if I honestly believe it isn’t really love, just lust.

Zhang Yimou’s direction and writing were both good, however, as a writer, he seemed to be very concentrated on showing how blithe love is that he pay no heed to the realness of the actions. When it comes to his directing, his totally determined on making this film so beautiful visually, that it seemed too fanciful. Some of the fight scenes didn’t appear like one, instead they look like dance numbers for the Chinese New Year. He was way too artistic that the reality was way too distorted.

Zhang Zi Yi and Takeshi Kaneshiro served their purpose very well. It’s as if the garish background ain’t enough, they added two more eye-candies for us to feast on. Zhang showed real emotions in this movie and unlike some skinny Chinese actress, she knows how to draw the audience into her without crying. Takeshi, though I found it odd at first why they chose him cuz he’s Japanese, did fine acting wise. He personified the player that he should be. In spite of this, I believe he needs to work harder with the heavy scenes cuz he kinda staggers a bit. And if you’re waiting for some steamy scenes, I don’t think so, it’s rated PG13 which means there’s nothing much to see, which is completely disappointing. C’mon it’s supposed to be an art film, you have the firmest excuse.

The strength of this movie is mainly on its visual part. Its lurid production design seduces you to be part of the movie. The cinematography was too artsy for my taste but definitely served the director’s purpose. The music was a bit outmoded but it’s highly inconspicuous. You’ll feel a tiny bit of nostalgia seeing some of the fight scenes that clearly resembles those of Crouching Tiger, specifically the bamboo fighting.

It’s a rare visual treat with rare real moments. The ending, as I usually put it--- sucks!!! And will definitely change your view of the film afterwards, it did for me. I was to give this movie an A but the ending was way too dreadful for me to ignore. It’s a good trip to the house but slit that flying dagger to your neck before the movie ends.

Sky Captain and The World of YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title:
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (B+)
PH Release Date:
October 13, 2004
Actors:
Jude Law, Gwyneth Palthrow, Angelina Jolie, Giovanni Ribisi, Bai Ling
Director:
Kerry Conran
Story & Screenplay:
Kerry Conran
Composer:
Edward Shearmur
Producer:
Jon Avnet, Sadie Frost, Jude Law and Marsha Oglesby
Studio:
Paramount

“the world is gonna tremble------ no worries, it’s just an earthquake ”

We’re back on the time when trench coats are like oxygen, when cars were as many as David Letterman’s hair and when colored TVs are considered uniquely owned.
Newspaper reporter Polly Perkins (Palthrow) is on the tail of Dr. Totenkopf, what she learned responsible for the killings of 7 scientists and the emergence of airborne steel robots. In search of the man, he came upon meeting her former fling Sky Captain and off they go in search for the enigmatic man. They sought the help of Franky (Jolie), the leader of the Amphibious squadron (but they don’t hop). Seemingly uncanny I didn’t notice that almost 2 hours has passed. What does that mean? Continue reading to find out….

This movie is one of the many releases for Jude Law this fall. I’m a big fan of his from the Wisdom of the Crocodiles to Cold Mountain. I think he’s one of the few bankable stars who’s also an excellent actor. This movie, though not as emotionally charged like most of his movies, is a refreshing move for him and I like it. Not to mention that Gwyneth and Angelina is also in it.

I never saw the trailer for this movie and I don’t know why but I’m glad I didn’t cuz it’s one of those rare moments that I get really excited and shock after seeing the first frame. The only thing I am aware of before seeing this one is that it stars the three and it’s all CGI. Besides that, I was like a kid in a birthday party, waiting for the bozo to show his trick.

It was nothing like I’ve ever seen before. It was indubitably one of the most unique films I’ve ever seen. At first, I couldn’t believe my eyes, I found it completely bizarre, eerie in some way. I was like watching a German Silent film only it isn’t taciturn.
And the moment I saw Gwyneth I thought this is for real and it just boosted my enthusiasm. It kept my eyes stapled on the screen, not wanting to miss any part of this amazing trick.

The photography and cinematography is way above great, it was pristine. And the direction though not as perfect was very impressive. The fact that Kerry Conran has no background or whatsoever with moviemaking when he nailed this $60M budget film is astonishing. I mean, what more can this guy do if he studied film in Oxford? Although I haven’t read the full story on exactly what he did to make the Paramount executives nod it definitely gave somebody hope...he…he…

However, despite the amazing visual works in this movie, it isn’t all that I look for. They are fortunate that this movie is vivid, visually entertaining and splendidly directed cuz the story, well, how will I put it, sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! C’mon, the story is as old as the movie’s color. It’s like a straight from the children’s book kinda movie. It was so predictable that I’m starting to think of putting up my own psychic stand in Quiapo. If this movie was not directed like it has been, this movie will go straight to cable, no video releases, just cable.

It was a good thing though that despite the banal storyline the chemistry between Jude and Gwyneth was so there. They’re able to make you laugh when they’re in those silly childish scenes. It was so funny. Angelina Jolie had a very short exposure but she was so good in it, it was kinda sexy actually.

It’s a good movie for everyone to see. It’s rated GP despite some violent scenes but I think kids can handle them because of it’s gloomy dreamlike effect. It’s a feast for the eyes and it’s something really new. It’s enjoyable up to the very last frame and I guess you’d be waiting for the FIN but there won’t be any. If you wanna see something really worth your money, see this movie, you’d be thwarted by how obsolete moviemaking is in our country. How I just hope that tomorrow can give us the chance to make something as good as Sky Captain.

Raising Helen (i've never been this nice..... unbelievable!)

Title:
Raising Helen (A-)
PH Release Date:
September 26, 2004
Actors:
Kate Hudson, John Corbett, Joan Cusack, Helen Mirren
Director:
Garry Marshall
Story & Screenplay:
Patrick J. Clifton et al.
Producer:
Mario Iscovich et al.
Studio:
Columbia

She had everything a girl could wish for… except what she needed most---me!!!

Helen is a beautiful 20-sumtin lady with a promising career and a happy family. She’s about to reach her goal in her career, to be an agent in the fashion world. Things were flowing smoothly right until her sister and her siz’s husband died of an accident. She was left with the surprising and tough task of raising her sister’s kids, and her normally more qualified sister definitely ain’t happy about it. She’ll learn that rearing a teenager, a barely teenager and a kid is not as easy as taking calls from Paris and Milan.

The Oscar® nominee Kate Hudson (Almost Famous) is back in the big screen after her divorce fiasco with Naomi Watts in Le Divorce. This time, she’s working her way to raising 3 ordinary kids and balancing her job as a fashion assistant. The movie delves into sibling rivalry, finding romance, death, career struggle and many more but what’s the most important thing is that it was a movie (unlike Sharky Taily) with a heart.

The Marshall’s magic is in this movie, unlike his latest release, PD2: The Royal Disaster, this movie of many different genres but of one distinct style delivers a story, a lesson and a heart. It was finely directed and the storytelling may not be as perfect as other people thinks, but it’s as smooth as I think it should be. This is the kind of Marshall movie that should not be missed, it may not be as fresh as Pretty Woman but it is as lovely.

I am disgusted by how US critics reacted to this movie. They say it’s so ordinary and clichéd and undeniably offensive. Well, I don’t think so!? It may not be as groundbreaking as some movies but it’s definitely good. Have they forgotten that most movies that come out today are customary? And that it isn’t just the inventiveness of the concept that is important but the storytelling as well? How come they find it offensive to both career women and stay-at-home moms if well in fact, they’re just portraying the reality of their culture? I think the truth is just too big for them to swallow, maybe chewing it first will help them to realize what the movie is really trying to say.

I fully acknowledge the fact that the movie ain’t that original and that some of its parts I’ve seen before, but I am not denying this movie from its right of being called innovative in way that this kind of concepts has finally been depicted with realness. It isn’t too good to be true. It is too real that it shouldn’t be ignored.

Some of you may be shock by how I am reacting but I know this movie deserves more than what others give it credit for. It may not be that perfect but it’s definitely respectable. The humor was simple and not strained that you’re laughing in that certain way that it really makes you feel good. The drama was so effective that (even if it’s hard for me to admit it) I cried twice! The wake scene was just seamless, excellent writing and direction, and it was so simple yet so real that you really feel the emotions.

Kate gave her best performance yet in this movie. It shows how good she really is and that she’s not just another daughter of a movie star with a pretty face. She’s way more than that and this movie discern that. Joan Cusack was also successful in representing a socially secluded potpourri mom. And John Corbett was just John Corbett, straight from Sex and the City.

It will not be fair though if I wouldn’t tell you that the photography kinda suck, take a good look on the screen and I’m sure you’ll see the boom mike making cameo appearances. The movie’s turn into the climax was not that great as well but it’s acceptable. But besides these two, the only thing you’ll notice is how touching this movie is.

It didn’t really ended as good as I hoped but overall it surpassed my expectations. I totally didn’t plan on seeing this movie and it’s good to know that I had the chance to change my mind (not to mention there’s nothing more to see that we both agree with). It’s the perfect movie for moms and career women and best friends. Although it is not mostly applicable to us culture wise, one’s role as a mother and an aunt is always the same. Take this movie as an example of how real life can get and how we should learn to live truly not just for our own but also for the ones we love (sob!).

Shark Tale (fun to watch but certainly not a catch)

Title: Shark Tale (B)
PH Release Date: October 5, 2004
Actors: Will Smith, Robert de Niro, Renee Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Jack Black and Martin Scorcese
Director: Rob Letterman, Bibo Bergeron, Vicky Jenson
Story & Screenplay: Rob Letterman & Michael J. Wilson
Musical Appearances: Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott
Producer: Bill Damaschke, Janet Healy & Allison Lyon Segan
Studio: DreamWorks

“A new school’s gonna rule… but not in this ocean…. "

Big Willy is back after a successful Sci-fi flick, and this time, he ain’t saving the world from sheer destruction, he’s saving his ass from getting fried--- literally. Will Smith is Oscar, the type who ends up working at the same place with the same job that your father used to and be second-rate in it, or in real world what we like to call a loser. He found the easiest way to the top together with Lino (I’m not sure what his name was) played by Jack Black. All reefs break loose when the Godfather tried to get even and Oscar needed to find a way to clean up the mess he started.

Mixed reactions are surrounding this movie and you ain’t getting any different from me. Everyone was effective. It’s like the characters were all written based on them and it was a blast hearing them all making a fool of themselves. But as much as I enjoyed it and it pull off that gangsta’ boorish attitude, the story just wasn’t that good enough to be with the likes of the ogre.

From the trailer alone, I was kinda skeptical bout seeing this movie, I thought I knew the whole story already and there might be nothing else left for me to enjoy when I watch it. I’m completely right and I’m totally wrong. I’m right because it was so predictable and ordinary that I started to think that Resident Evil 2 wasn’t that bad (but it was that bad, the urge is there to trounce this movie for life). I’m so wrong because the movie was far from dreary.

People will mostly compare it to Finding Nemo (which I didn’t love, but is a good movie, I love Dory though) but the only akin thing about the two is that they’re both happening below sea level and that sharks can be vegetarians. It’s far from Nemo cuz Nemo is a family movie; it rummaged into the love between the father and son. And this one, it delved into nothing but craziness. One thing this movie completely lacks is the tenderness; it was so concentrated on being a hilarious movie that they forgot to invest on the feelings of the viewers. They emerge no sympathy whatsoever from the audience. It’s all “yah that’s cool dawg! you go work that thang fishy, swim it right thurr, shake your tail scaly!!!”

As I’ve mentioned earlier, it’s funny how almost all of them, felt like them, and it’s crazy, but I love it. Renee was so cute I’d marry her even if she’s all scaly. Angelina was vehement from head to foot, rather tail. Jack Black was funny, De Niro was so analyze this, and Martin was so good that he should start considering just acting, it might just be where his Oscar will be from.

It was a really enjoyable movie, something your whole barkada will enjoy. It’s a good date movie cuz both parties will enjoy, there’s Agent J for the boys and the romance for the girls. But one thing it is not, is a family movie. The language is totally off for children. This ain’t no kiddie movie. The only lesson your kid will get from this one is that fishes have lives too. Plus, if you’re not that knowledgeable about black culture or even the American culture (really familiar), you might not enjoy it as much. Not a movie that you can tag as inspirational and moving, but undeniably enjoyable. So if you’re feeling like taking some “lansa” in you, go ahead, take the plunge.