Gladiator II Review

Ready to re-enter the Colosseum in ancient Rome? In 2000 Gladiator was released, the historical epic won five Academy awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. Twenty-four years later director Ridley Scott has given us a sequel - Gladiator II. Scott had a mammoth task at hand, how do you create a sequel to one of the greatest films of all time? Gladiator II is a four-star exhilarating historical epic. It fails to live up to its predecessor, but that doesn't not mean it is a bad film or even an unworthy sequel. I greatly enjoyed the cinematic experience that is Gladiator II, in all its historically epic style! Read on for my full review, there will be minor spoilers.  Set two decades after the events of Gladiator, you may expect to find a free Rome ruled by a senate that answers to the people, as was the dream of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. a Rome that Maximus fought and died to reform. However, Rome is now ruled by young and cruel twin Emperors Caracalla (Fred He...

My Favourite Animated Films

So last week I did a poll asking you my readers what youd like me to write next, the options were the Evolution of Batman or my Favourite Animated Films. As the post is called my Favourite Animated Films I'm sure you can work out who the winner was. I will be honest I was a little surprised by the outcome as I had expected the results to look at little different so thank you to everyone that voted if you missed out on voting this time make sure you like my facebook page for all future votes etc... So for this post I decided to write about my top 10 animated films and then I realised that I loved animated films and I had to make the list longer so here is my top 20 Animated films. Keep reading to find out which films made the list!
20. Brother Bear (2003, Disney)
This film is the heart-warming and rather funny tale of a man who becomes a bear. The reason Brother Bear makes the list is due to the DVD feature called 'Moose Commentary', basically there are two Moose's in the film and they give a running commentary in this feature. They talk about a salmon run ride and even order pizza at one point so make sure you check it out because it is hilarious. 

19. Secret Life of Pets (2016, Universal)
This film is great for anyone that has a pet and spends their time wondering what it gets up to when you are not home. This is a rather original movie that plays upon animal characteristic's. It is my go to watch after I've watched anything scary which is why it makes the list. 

18. Sleeping Beauty (1959, Disney)
Aurora was my favourite Disney princess for a long time and she's still number 2 on that list. As a child I used to love this film whilst being terrified of Maleficent. Considering Sleeping Beauty was classed as a box office flop at the time, it stands the test of time. 

17.  Corpse Bride (2005, Warner Bros) 
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is a dark musical that's main character is in fact dead. This film is beautiful, the songs are catchy and the narrative is interesting. If you have not seen this film I would highly recommend it, even if you are not a Burton fan. 

16. Madagascar (2008, DreamWorks)
'I like to move it move it, I like to move it!' Madagascar is a great film from start to finish. What makes this film for me is the diverse character personalities and distinctive voices. I also rather enjoy Madagascar 3 (2012), where the animals join a circus. These films are enjoyable and easy to watch over and over. 
15. The Lego Movie (2014, Warner Bros) 
A film about Lego - what could be better? Honestly think this film is pretty amazing, its foundation is in imagination and escapism which are the functions of cinema. Plus lead Emmett is adorable, happy and so pure. Not forgetting the incredibly catchy song 'Everything is Awesome' (Dont pretend that song wasn't stunk in your head for weeks when this movie first came out). 

14. Zootopia (2016, Disney)

A fox + a rabbit = the perfect team. This film took my breath away, from the animation to the creation of each environment. Also I found out recently that the newsreaders in different versions of the film are different animals which I think it a pretty neat detail. 

13.  Anastasia (1997, 20th Century Fox)

I would be lying if I didn't say that the Blue glitter dress in Anastasia wasn't my favourite animated outfit as a child I used to dream of owning it and if I am honest I still do. The songs are great and 'Once Upon A December' is one of my all time favourite musical songs. I would love to see this on Broadway and honestly if I could adapt one animation into a live action this would certainly be in the running. I think this film is great. 

12. Treasure Planet (2002, Disney)

I only realised recently that a lot of people don't really like this film, I personally love it. I think its a clever story about growing up and becoming responsible. I liked this film as a child but I think I probably find it resonates with me more now. If you've not seen this film yet its the perfect cross between pirates and space so make sure you check it out.  

11. How to Train your Dragon (2010, DreamWorks)

Now I actually prefer the second film to the first. But both are great and Toothless is the most adorable dragon. The relationship between Toothless and Hiccup is priceless. I cannot wait for the 3rd film which comes out next year especially as it looks like Toothless might find romance.  

10. Big Hero Six (2014, Disney)
Baymax - need I say more really?

9. Shrek (2001, DreamWorks)

Shrek, Fiona and Donkey make the perfect trio. I remember when Shrek came out and everyone loved it and most still do. Its a fun story, full of jokes, fairy tale references that at times point jokes at the Disney versions. The second film is great and I love Puss in Boots. Lets not mention the next 2 films.... 

8. Frozen (2013, Disney)

So many great songs! I mean if I want a sing-a-long then Frozen is my go to film. I think we all remember Frozen fever, I admit to going to a sing-a-long performance. I just love this film, its characters, its songs, the story, Olaf, the dress change scene, everything. I loved both the shorts that have be released and cannot wait for the sequel. 

7. Cars (2006, Pixar)

I thought Cars was a great original film and it is one of my favourites because of this. I don't find it overly childish and I think its a great ride from start to finish. Plus the animation is so clever, I love how the landscape is made to look like cars. It is such a creative film and the song 'Life Is A Highway' suits the film perfectly. The second one really let the first down and I liked the 3rd a lot until the end. I think they should have the left the franchise with Lightning winning and then hand the baton to the younger car. 

6. Mulan (1998, Disney)

Mulan holds a special place in my life as it was the first film I saw at the cinema and I vaguely remember going to see it. Mulan is such an inspiring character, she literally goes to war to protect her father. My favourite scene has to be the haircut scene - it is possibly one of the greatest moments of cinema history. Plus Mushu is a great and hilarious side kick.

5. Despicable Me (2010, Universal)

Minions - I love minions!! What is so great about this film is that the lead character is a villain, which is so rare, plus the minions are so violent. Have the sequels maybe lost some of the originals magic? yes, but you have to admit that the first film is so great. my Favourite line: ITS SO FLUFFY!! Plus I love unicorns. 

4. The magic Round about (2005, Pathe)

This is my go to film whenever I dont feel well, it just makes me feel happy. The voice cast is on another level and the soundtrack is great. 

3.  Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001, Disney)

An animated adventure action film. I think this is a massively underrated film. Personally I love it and I think it would make a great live action. The music is magical and the montage sequences are something you dont normally get in animated films. Milo is a great lead and Kida is a Queen that deserves more recognition. If you haven't seen this recently I would highly recommend it. 

2.  Toy Story (1995, Pixar)

I grew up with Toy Story which is probably why I love these films. All 3 are amazing, Toy Story 3 made me cry like a baby. Buzz and Woody are the ultimate besties and the emotion and personality these characters have is outstanding. Toy Story is by far Pixar's finest work. I honestly cannot find a fault. Plus I love that Barbie pops up in each movie (especially in the 3rd where we are shown she is super clever). 

1. Tangled (2010, Disney)

My number one is Tangled! I just love love this film. Rapunzel is bar far my favourite Princess and it is probably due to the fact that I see myself in her, plus I want her hair so much. Flynn is the perfect prince and has really created unattainable expectations. The songs are beautiful, Gothel  is a scary villain and she is actually the first Disney villain to recognise herself as the villain. There are also so many clever moments like when Gothel tells Rapunzel that she loves her she is actually looking at the hair. I have even watched the animated Disney channel movie and tv show both of which I really enjoy. I must watch this film at least every week. I have seen lots of articles asking if Tangled is better than Frozen and personally I think that Tangled by far is the better film. This film is simply amazing. 

I found this really hard to write in the end because I found that I just enjoy far to many animated films. Whoever thinks animated films are just for children could not be more wrong. Please let me know what animated films would make your list. 

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Thank you for reading x


Comments

  1. Moviewatcher69/7/18

    I love this list but you didn't include Inside out!!

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