The Book of Life (9/10)
(Movie for children / available on Netflix)
Description: Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Bechdel Test: 8/10
Although the plot of this movie still is two guys fighting over a girl, throughout the film there are loads of comments and actions which show women as being intelligent and powerful. This movie is especially great for the specific reason that it shows women as being able to handle themselves in a very positive and blatant way which is comprehensible for children.
Character Development: 6.5/10
There isn't really much change to the characters throughout the movie apart from them learning the intended message of the film. Despite this the characters are still incredibly fun to watch and the little character development that there is, is the type that you knew would happen from the start but it is still sooooo satisfying to see.
Diversity of characters/Representation of Minorities: 8/10
This film does not outwardly include any LGBTQAI+ characters or anything similar, however, the entire plot is based on an old Mexican story which depicts certain aspects of their culture in a fun and digestible way for kids. (Within the first few minutes of the movie their is an explanation given for the day of the dead and why it is celebrated).
Acting Skills: N/A
It's an animated kids movie.
Visual Presentation: 10/10
The animation in this film is spectacular! meant to look like wooden dolls, each character is the perfect balance of 'believable' autonomy, and explosively alive characterization. The backgrounds, the colors, the beautifully crafted lighting, all come together to make this movie truly beautiful to watch, especially if you are someone interested in visual art/animation.
Story Line: 8.5/10
Fun and surprising, the first time I watched this film I thought it would be predictable and boring but I was happily surprised! This film breaks barriers that many other kid movies and shows do not, while still being entirely family friendly and heartwarming to watch.
Additional Comments:
I have pretty much been avoiding doing a review on any kids movies up until now as I am a huge dork for them and sometimes I just really need the promise of a happy ending. (P.S. Guess who just realized she could add GIFs)
Let me know what you think about this show and if there is anything you would like me to review next!
Bones (8.5/10)
(seasons available on Netflix)
Description: Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who works at the Jeffersonian Institution and also writes books, has an impressive ability to read clues from victims' bones. Consequently, law enforcement calls her to assist with investigations when remains are so badly decomposed, burned or destroyed that standard identification methods are useless. Brennan is teamed with Special Agent Seeley Booth, a former Army sniper, who mistrusts science and scientists when it comes to solving crimes but who has developed respect for Brennan, both professionally and personally.
Bechdel Test: 8/10
Women of color, queer women, intelligent women, artistic women, scientific women, bad ass women, etc... This shows does a really good job of having believable and solidified female characters who can be both; girly should they choose, and/or, someone willing to really get their hands dirty (often literally!). Loosely based on a real woman, this show has a really great way of showing equality among genders. It must however be said, that some of the women in this show do very occasionally have "save me I'm a girl!" moments, which are usually then explained to be a trick or a joke.
Character Development: 9/10
Everyone in this show experiences development. Even the interns get enough plot to seem like real genuine people. From season 1 to season whatever the hell they're on now, the changes and growth of each character is just noticeable as to be engaging but no where near drastic enough to look out of place. It is only when you go back and re-watch the first seasons (as I have done many times) that you really notice just how much you've learned about each character and exactly how much they've grown as people.
Diversity of characters/Representation of Minorities: 8.5/10
This show has a little bit of everything and for the most part it is all represented in a really respectful and/or realistic way as to the personalities of the characters. There is representation for POC and LGBTQAI+ amongst the main characters! There is talk of mental illness, sexuality, gender, race, disability, privilege, everything at one point or another throughout the show and a lot of it is experienced or represented by the actual main characters.
Acting Skills: 8/10
This show has been running for a long time which means that the actors have all settled into their characters completely and that they really just seem like people acting and reacting the way they naturally would, as opposed to actors playing roles and reading scripts. Along with the character development.
Visual Presentation: 7/10
This show has a really nice mix of your typical cop show settings as well as putting a lot of effort into the gory details of the forensics. Not the most fantastical in visual aesthetics but what is done, is done well and to the point.
Story Line: 9/10
The plot of this show is a perfect balance between; recipe tv (basically the same things happen each show only in different places), and continual character and overarching storyline development. One of the reasons I love this show so much is that you can watch any episode (out of order) and be perfectly entertained by the basic formula of the episode, but should you choose to watch it in order, you will see how each episode advances some part of the plot and adds just a little bit more to the development of the characters.
Additional Comments: Overall I am a really big fan of this show! Its calm enough to have on while you are doing something else, while also being interesting and engaging enough to have you watching for hours. The characters are loveable and complex, the plot is interesting and moves with the characters, this show is one of my all time favourites! (I am very bias and probably blinded by nostalgia)
Let me know what you think about this show and if there is anything you would like me to review next!
