Author Archives: Jo Ann Schneider

Thor: Love and Thunder Movie Review

Tags : Movie Review

Thor enlists the help of Valkyrie, Korg and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster to fight Gorr the God Butcher, who intends to make the gods extinct.

Why did I come to this movie again?

Chris Hemsworth. And it looked funny.

Also, I needed a break. Life has thrown a couple of curve balls at us since the beginning of the year, and I wanted a little escape. So I went into this looking for silly humor and a lot of punching things.

5 of 5

Characters

Most of these characters are old friends, so they were pretty solid. Jane felt a little forced with the ultra silliness, but when you’re in that situation who knows how you’d act, right?

I thought Christian Bale did a great job as the bad guy. They gave him just enough back story that he didn’t seem ridiculous. Although I’m not sure I was totally on board with his final decision.

4 of 5

Did I care what happened?

Yes. I know most people don’t put much merit in Marvel movies, but Thor has lost a whole lot throughout the films, and I have a soft spot for the guy. And it’s not because he’s both super hot and funny. His character has gone through the ringer multiple times, and I’m always routing for him.

Although the other gods didn’t do much for me. There could have been more killing there. Just saying.

4 of 5

Plot Holes

It’s a superhero movie, so there are of course plot holes. You always have to suspend several layers of disbelief, but they did a decent job of covering the big issues. I don’t remember anything throwing me out of the story, so that’s probably good.

4 of 5

How many times did I yawn?

None. The hubby drifted off a few times, but that’s normal.

4 of 5

Cool Factor

This film felt extra CGI heavy, which I didn’t love.  Other than that, I enjoyed it.

4 of 5

The End

As I said above, I’m not sure I bought the bad guy’s final decision. Other than that, nothing surprised me.

Spoiler: Poor Thor can’t catch a break. He’s like Wil’s mom in Stranger Things.

4 of 5

Overall Enjoyment

I went in expecting to laugh and be entertained. I totally got that. I’d watch the film again, but couldn’t say I liked it more than Ragnarok.

5 of 5

Total: 34

That’s a Brown Belt!

White Belt: 1-10
Yellow Belt: 11-19
Purple Belt: 20-25
Green Belt: 26-30
Brown Belt: 31-35
Black Belt: 36-40

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Movie Review

Tags : Movie Review

A widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own.

Why did I come to this movie again?

I saw a preview for this film and was immediately drawn in. I had no idea it was a book that has been made into a movie before, so I had no expectations other than it looked delightful and fun!

5 of 5

Characters

Mrs. Harris is wonderful. A widow who is working as a cleaning lady after WWII in London, she’s doing everything she can to hold it together even after her husband is declared KIA. I just loved her spirit and her determination to help others even if they weren’t willing to help themselves. Her friends were perfect.

I really enjoyed everyone in Paris. The Dior employees, even the “evil” ones were believable and fun. The Marquis provided some much-needed perspective, and the young kids were awesome.

Hearing that accent come out of Jason Issacs threw me off for a second!

5 of 5

Did I care what happened?

So much yes! While I often immerse myself in tales of superheroes and consequences of apocalyptic proportions, I’m always cheering for the average Joe. Or in this case, the average Lesley. An older woman past her prime who wants something new. I wanted her to succeed as much or more than I wanted the Avengers to save the world!

5 of 5

Plot Holes

There’s one moment near the end that I felt could have had a better lead-in to it. Other than that one thing, I didn’t get pulled out of the story.

4 of 5

How many times did I yawn?

The film was, as I expected, delightful. Each scene was cute and fun with some good-old-fashioned backbone and heart. I didn’t yawn once.

5 of 5

Cool Factor

I’m not a student of fashion, so seeing the world of high fashion in the mid 1900s was cool for me. The filming was fun, and the world beautiful.

5 of 5

The End

For a few minutes I was mad about one thing that happened in Paris, but in the end I was happy it did. Lesley came full circle, a changed woman, but still her kind, wonderful self.

Also, the Dior people were awesome! I might have cried.

5 of 5

Overall Enjoyment

I came away from this film feeling amazing and wanting to see it again. Not from an adrenaline high, like the action movies that I love, but from an emotional journey that seemed so real that I thought I might be able to reach out and touch it. If you like feel-good movies that hit you in the heart and mind then go see this film!

5 of 5

Total: 39

That’s a Black Belt!

White Belt: 1-10
Yellow Belt: 11-19
Purple Belt: 20-25
Green Belt: 26-30
Brown Belt: 31-35
Black Belt: 36-40

Persuasion: Movie Review

Tags : Movie Review

Eight years after Anne Elliot was persuaded not to marry a dashing man of humble origins, they meet again. Will she seize her second chance at true love?

Why did I come to this movie again?

I’m a Jane Austen fan, but have only read and seen Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. When I saw this on Netflix I had two thoughts: first, I can watch it without having to read the book, and second, I can torture the hubby with a girlie movie! Both solid reasons for watching.

5 of 5

Characters

Remember that I haven’t read the book and I love snark. In my opinion the portrayal of Anne is brilliant. She’s strong, loves her family despite all of their short comings, and does her best to find happiness despite her circumstances. The fourth wall breaks are hilarious and helpful for the story. The one moment I didn’t appreciate was when she blurted out at dinner that her brother-in-law had preferred her first. That was weird and I’m not sure it helped the story at all.

Captain Wentworth was, for me, a bit flat. Not sure if he’s like that in the book, but I thought he was boring. Love struck and honorable, but dull.

I liked the rest of the cast.

4 of 5

Did I care what happened?

Oh my goodness, yes. The snark and flighty tone kept me totally engaged and I wanted to know what would happen. Even the hubby was mildly interested, which is saying something.

5 of 5

Plot Holes

I felt like a few things were rushed. Like the letter at the end and basically every scene with Mr. Elliot. I could have used more background on a few things, but I’m sure none of that is in the book. The fourth wall breaks helped me understand the plot.

4 of 5

How many times did I yawn?

Jane Austen is always a slow burn. I didn’t get bored, which is good.

4 of 5

Cool Factor

Regency movies are always fun. This one did a good job entrenching me into the time period, which was great. I liked the diversity in the cast, even though it’s not “period appropriate.”

4 of 5

The End

Because I wasn’t enthralled with Wentworth the end was a little flat. Also rushed. However, it was a satisfying HEA and I’m good with that.

4 of 5

Overall Enjoyment

Jane Austen purists hate this version. It portrays Anne as a bit of an alcoholic, but frankly with her family I can hardly blame her. I thought it was brilliant. I’ll probably watch it again. If I were to put my own spin on a classic Jane Austen tale, this is exactly how I’d do it!

5 of 5

Total: 35

That’s a Brown Belt!

White Belt: 1-10
Yellow Belt: 11-19
Purple Belt: 20-25
Green Belt: 26-30
Brown Belt: 31-35
Black Belt: 36-40