Wreck-It Ralph

Wreck-It Ralph

Disney

November 2, 2012

Children's, Animation, Sports Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romance [for Felix/Calhoun]

DVD
B-

This was better than I remembered, including when I rejected Ralph Breaks the Internet on this blog.  It's sweet and funny, with a very creative design sense.  Also, the voice acting is good.  I still find Vanellope somewhat annoying though, so I can't go above a B-.

Director Rich Moore co-wrote, and voiced Sour Bill and Zangief

Moana

Moana

Disney

November 23, 2016

Animation, Children's, Fantasy, Historical Drama, Historical Comedy, Musical, Action

DVD
B

This is one of those movies where I wonder why I don't give them a B+ or higher.  It might be a little of the comedown from seeing the dazzling visuals on my TV instead of in the movie theater.  It might be that I think that there are two great songs ("You're Welcome" and "Shiny"), while the others are solid but less memorable.  It might be that, having seen the movie at least twice before today, the plotting feels not quite right, from the introduction of not one but two sidekick animals (with the pig disappearing for about an hour while the chicken affects the plot) to the formulaic departure and then return of Moana's demigod frenemy, Maui.  That said, the visuals remain lovely, the mix of emotional tones works, and the incorporation of Polynesian heritage is both respectful and playful.

The four directors are (in alphabetical order) Ron Clements, Don Hall, John Musker, and Chris Williams.

A Knight's Tale

A Knight's Tale

Sony Pictures

May 11, 2001

Historical Comedy, Sports Comedy, Romance

DVD
C+

While I liked the deliberate anachronisms and found the Chaucer character a scene-stealer, I don't think this movie sustains itself for the whole two-plus hours.  Also, it offers an odd blend of misogyny and feminism with its three main female characters.  That said, it's a tough movie to dislike.  Brian Helgeland wrote and directed.