
Maricar Estrella
Movies reviews only
Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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Maleficent (2014) |
Undoubtedly, Jolie's performance will be touted as elegantly evil, but it's Elle Fanning's effervescence as Aurora that really makes this film glow. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Dec 13, 2018
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Hostiles (2017) |
The true standout is the achingly riveting Rosamund Pike. As Rosalie Quaid, Pike becomes a force greater than the script at hand. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jan 05, 2018
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Ferdinand (2017) |
But what really stands out are the themes of friendship, problem solving and learning to be true to yourself. Ferdinand does not back down to his bullies and stands firm in his beliefs. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Dec 13, 2017
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The LEGO NINJAGO Movie (2017) |
The storytelling is uneven and may be difficult to understand for the younger demographic. However, that target audience will still connect to the frenetic battle scenes, sophomoric humor (butt jokes, anyone?) and engaging characters. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Sep 27, 2017
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Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017) |
The film also inventively incorporates CG animation, live-action sock puppets and a flipbook to bring to life the pages of Pilkey's sentimental ode to boyhood. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jun 02, 2017
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The Boss Baby (2017) |
In the end, the only statement being made is that this is an adequate family film. Oh, and love conquers all. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Mar 30, 2017
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Beauty and the Beast (2017) |
The attention to detail in this film is exquisite, from the gold flakes on Belle's ballroom gown to the Fantasia-like theatrics of the Be Our Guest feast. All of the acting heavy hitters truly bring those inanimate objects to life. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Mar 14, 2017
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Sing (2016) |
The movie doesn't come close to the humor and heart of [Illumination's] summer hit, The Secret Life of Pets. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Dec 22, 2016
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Moana (2016) |
Moana pays homage to Pacific Islanders by introducing us to a strong female character unlike any we've seen in mainstream films - a hero who is both smart and sympathetic, strong and compassionate, independent yet belongs to a group. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Nov 22, 2016
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Trolls (2016) |
It's hard not to smile when watching Trolls, a sweet and humorous take on the pursuit of happiness. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Nov 02, 2016
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Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) |
From its captivating narration and first stormy scene, Kubo and the Two Strings lures the audience into its vivid storytelling and exquisite execution of stop-motion animation. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Aug 17, 2016
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Bad Moms (2016) |
If you're willing to dive deep into the dark side of parenthood, this is the film for you. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jul 28, 2016
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The Secret Life of Pets (2016) |
With all of the comedic stars, the film has a fair share of LOL moments. And while you won't find any revelatory insight into the mind of your pet, parents and children alike will fall for this fun, fast-paced furry tale. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jul 07, 2016
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Finding Dory (2016) |
Another huge improvement from its predecessor is the animation, from the way the kelp sways in the ocean to Hank's camouflaging metamorphosis. The filmmakers provide a dynamic, colorful backdrop worthy of 3-D viewing. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jun 15, 2016
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Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) |
Director James Bobin duplicates the visually stunning world he inherited from Tim Burton, who helmed 2010's Alice in Wonderland. However, the meandering pacing and convoluted storytelling make for a lackluster tea party. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted May 26, 2016
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The Jungle Book (2016) |
It's one of the few films in which the 3D enhancement is justified. Each scene captures the essence of each animal so vividly that children in the audience were reaching out to the screen to try to "touch" the fur. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Apr 14, 2016
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Miracles From Heaven (2016) |
The film adaptation tells the true-life tale of the Beams with such intensity and urgency that a box of tissues may not be enough to keep up with the water works. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Mar 16, 2016
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Zootopia (2016) |
On the surface, Zootopia is a witty, wondrous buddy-cop film... At a deeper level, the film allows parents to bring tough topics to the dining-room table, topics such as bullying, stereotyping and inclusiveness. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Mar 03, 2016
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Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) |
The main reason families enjoy the series is Po, thanks to Jack Black's frenetic and friendly approach. There's just enough huggable and HiYa! moments to keep the animated film's core audience chomping on their popcorn and glued to the screen. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jan 28, 2016
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Norm of the North (2016) |
Even the trait that should endear the audience to Norm, his infamous " Arctic Shake," in which the bear goes into uncontrollable fits of dancing and twerking, becomes unbearable to watch. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jan 14, 2016
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The Peanuts Movie (2015) |
The Peanuts Movie has all of the elements a true fan would want - the original characters, a nod to past TV specials, even a jazzed-up "wahwah" - but like its stalwart hero, it falls just short of completing the task at hand. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Nov 06, 2015
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Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) |
For a film without words, the story speaks volumes. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Aug 04, 2015
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Minions (2015) |
Parts of the story are quite dark and unnecessarily gruesome for younger audiences. Even a bedtime story is turned into a humorless plot point. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jul 08, 2015
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Inside Out (2015) |
Directors Pete Docter ( Monsters, Inc .; Up) and Ronnie del Carmen ( Dug's Special Mission) have created a masterful study of family dynamics. Like the Oscar-winning Up, Inside Out takes great care in weaving complex ideas into a children's tale. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jun 18, 2015
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Home (2015) |
Tim Johnson ( Antz) has capitalized on DreamWorks' proprietary animation platform, Apollo to create a rich, intricate setting...But the technology doesn't save the film from falling flat on other levels. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Mar 26, 2015
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Cinderella (2015) |
If you're looking for a tried-and-true telling filled with elaborate settings and beautiful ball gowns, this glass slipper is the right fit. However, if you're looking for a fresh, modern take on your average fairy tale, don't bother trying on this one. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Mar 12, 2015
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Paddington (2014) |
Paddington...comes off as a charming character. The kind of character that children around the world have fallen in love with...But even with all the bear's charm, a plodding pace and a questionable plotline leave the film version less desirable to watch. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jan 16, 2015
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The LEGO Movie (2014) |
The Lego Movie has enough wit and wisdom to send a recession-age message to families on the importance of thinking through problems with creativity. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Jan 03, 2015
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Annie (2014) |
Phenom Quvenzhané Wallis proves her Oscar nomination for Beasts of the Southern Wild was no fluke. As a modern-day Annie, Wallis shines with her sweet portrayal. However, her performance alone can't save the film from being a dim adaptation. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Dec 18, 2014
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Frozen (2013) |
Disney has another hit in its repertoire with this heartfelt story of sisterly love and one of the few films released in 3-D this year that splendidly incorporates the technology into the plot line. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Dec 08, 2014
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Penguins of Madagascar (2014) |
However, even with all of well-intentioned references and good humor, Penguins doesn't break new ground. The film is fun, light-hearted fare that could be watched in the comfort of a long car ride to Grandma's house. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Nov 25, 2014
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Big Hero 6 (2014) |
Big Hero 6 offers something for everyone: action, camaraderie, superheroes and villains. But mostly, Baymax offers a compassionate and healing voice for those suffering, and a hug that can be felt through the screen. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Nov 07, 2014
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The Book of Life (2014) |
The Book of Life's meticulous, eye-popping visuals alone would be reason enough to upgrade to a 3-D seat. But once you hear the inspired renditions of Radiohead's Creep and Biz Markie's Just a Friend...you will be hooked on this tongue-in-cheek tale. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Oct 16, 2014
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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014) |
While the laughs are predictable, this is sweet family fare. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Oct 09, 2014
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The Hero of Color City (2014) |
It's a fun, fantastical tale for the toddler set but may not translate to older children who are too tied up with heady video games. For adults, it may take you back to a time when crayons were king. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
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| Posted Oct 03, 2014
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