“The Emperor’s New Groove”
If you haven’t seen this less-popular Disney movie, you’re missing a good one. “The Emperor’s New Groove“ is by far my favorite. It’s a little quirky, but the characters are terrific, voiced by David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt (for heaven’s sake!) and – the best – Patrick Warburton of Seinfeld fame. It never takes itself too seriously and bucks the new trend in movies by not killing the bad guy in the end (I like that SO much). I can watch it over and over again, and I can’t say that for many kid’s movies. Rated G.
“Fly Away Home”
“Fly Away Home” stars Anna Paquin as a young girl who goes to live with her estranged father (Jeff Daniels) when her mother dies. They end up befriending a flock of orphaned geese who don’t know how to fly south for the winter. Once you get past the killing off of Mom (like a million Disney movies!), this is pretty child-friendly. Based on a true story, this is a great film for any child who dreams of flying. Rated PG.
“The Iron Giant”
“The Iron Giant” is a great animated movie, especially for boys. It’s set in the ’50’s during the cold war, which might need a little explaining. It’s a little morality tale involving a big robot and a young boy. It should spark good discussion after. Rated PG.
“Les Choristes”
This French film, translated “The Chorus“, is about a new teacher in a school for troubled boys and his efforts to help by teaching them to sing. It’s touching & honest, but the best part is the singing. The voice of a good boy soprano can only be compared to angel song. Once you watch the movie, you may run out and get the soundtrack! Don’t be intimidated by subtitles! The beautiful French language enhances the movie. You will laugh & cry. Rated PG-13
“Elling”
Here is a simple, sweet film from Norway that we just watched last night. Who has ever seen a Norwegian film? Certainly not 98% of Americans! Well, their loss. “Elling” is the main character’s name, a man who has been sheltered by his mother for 40 years and now must make his own way in the world with a little help from social services. Luckily, he makes a friend and they become the Odd Couple of Oslo. It’s funny without being mean; we never lose sympathy for these characters even if we laugh at their situations. Beautifully written and acted. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Foreign Language Film in 2002. Rated R.
“The Dish”
Another lovely, little movie from down under, The Dish is the true story of the radar dish in Australia that received the signal for the broadcast of the first moonwalk. And how things almost went very wrong. Sam Neil leads a wonderful cast of eccentric, but not stereotype, characters in a small town thrust into world importance. You cannot dislike this film..it’s just too sweet (but not sicky sweet!). Rated PG-13.
“Eagle vs. Shark”
Eagle vs. Shark is the movie that made me finally follow through with my idea to post my own movie reviews. We watched this small, New Zealand film last night and just loved it. Great characters, simple story, wonderful writing, good camera work. This is a movie for anyone who has ever felt like a nerd, had unrequited love, or dealt with sibling rivalry. The writing is full of subtext, which I am always so impressed with. You love these people even as you laugh at what they do. This embodies what a little, quirky, independent movie should be. Rated R.
Intro to lizflix
I see movies of all types, from big studio productions to small independents. My opinions don’t always follow those of the general public; it will be up to you to decide if you like the types of films I do or not. If so, you can use these reviews to find something new and different to watch. If not, use it as a guide for movies to avoid. We subscribe to Netflix, which is about the only way you will have access to some of the smaller, more obscure movies I talk about. I hope this site helps you find a great movie you may have otherwise missed.
