Billy Madison (1995)

The movie is the person, juvenile and silly in both tasteful (yum, glue!) and distasteful ways (yuck, masturbation porta-potty!), showing glimpses of genuine sweetness (“Everyone my age pees their pants. It’s the coolest!”) amidst the sloppy-like-Joes coming-of-age arc, and in the end getting a passing grade (but barely), thanks to consistent pops of good, goofy comedy (see the musical number; the O’Doyles’ fate) and one-liners galore (“You get your ass out there and you find that fucking dog”).

5

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

The crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. (IMDb)

The massive scope of the worldwide adventure plot and the monster lot is great and it’s pretty cool rooting for Godzilla as the film’s superhero of sorts–a reclusive and proud personality taking on all the big bads even when he seems down and out. The human side of things is a harder to engage; props for effort but the family drama is a bit convoluted, the environmental discussion is one and done, and overall it bloats the film. Dr. Serizawa’s emotional monster moment was a nice touch though.

6.5/10 (Alright)

 

Unicorn Store (2017)

A woman named Kit receives a mysterious invitation that would fulfill her childhood dreams. (IMDb)

A little unevenly constructed at points, and at others a bit too on the nose (horn?), but like quirky Kit and her krafty kaboodle, it’s mostly just wonderfully, colourfully odd, humourous, and heartwarming (see the fantastic vac presentation with her adorable two sidekicks), with an interesting ending that adds some nuance to the creativity/individuality/child-like-ness vs. conformity/uniformity/grown-up-ness theme throughout. Larson and Athie have lovely chemistry and the music’s great too.

7/10 (Good)