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Warning: Wholesome content ahead. You can always count on a well-written story to lighten your mood or touch your heart. And, darn it, sometimes you really need it. Here are a few films out in the past year that can give you an hour plus of escape into a better, more heart-touching world.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (PG) – Inspired by real life and written about a real-life inspiration, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is a loving biopic of Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks). His story is told through the eyes of an emotional skeptic, Esquire magazine writer Lloyd (Matthew Rhys), who is assigned to write a short article on Rogers as a hero.
“Jumanji: The Next Level” (PG-13) – Spencer Gilpin, home on a college break and missing the confidence boost of being the buff Bravestone of Jumanji, jumps right back into the game. His squad (Bethany, Fridge and Martha) hatch a plot to go after Spencer, but Spencer’s grandpa Eddie (Danny Devito) and Eddie’s estranged business partner Milo (Danny Glover) are sucked into the game, too. With mixed-up avatars and some fun new additions (Awkwafina joins as new avatar Ming Fleetfoot), this fantasy comedy delivers a racing pace, some rollicking good laughs and a surprisingly sweet ending.
“Little Women” (PG) – This treasured classic tale of the March sisters has been brought back again by director Greta Gerwig (“Ladybird”), adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s novel and writings. It’s a simple coming-of-age tale, from the perspective of Jo (Saoirse Ronan), the family writer, who chronicles her and her sisters’ journey to independence. An all-star cast deliver performances that keep this Civil War-set tale as relevant and endearing as it ever was.
Scene from “Secret Life of Pets 2” (Universal Pictures photo)
“Secret Life of Pets 2” (PG) – Just when the neurotic Max (now voiced by Patton Oswalt) was getting used to another dog in the family, along comes a baby to look after! When his family sets off for a visit to the country, a sheepdog named Rooster (Harrison Ford) teaches Max to find his inner courage in the face of change. Snowball the bunny (Kevin Hart) pairs with a Shi Tzu named Daisy (Tiffany Haddish) to rescue an adorable white tiger named Hu. These and other storylines converge in a chuckle fest of an ending that the kids will mightily enjoy.
“Frozen 2” (PG) – Queen Elsa’s magic has always been a source of wonder. A mysterious force beckons her from a shrouded forest, threatening Arendale itself and sending Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) off into the unknown for answers, with Kristoff (Jonathon Groff) and Olaf (Josh Gad) in tow. They find out more than they bargained for, including revelations from the past and the rediscovery of some forgotten people. The showstopper songs – “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself” – are every bit as powerful as Frozen’s “Let It Go.” You’ll be singing it for days.
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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