Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013)

Overview: Flint's childhood idol is Chester V, the CEO of Live Corp. After the events of the first movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Live Corp comes to Swallow Falls looking for the FLDSMDFR.

Sam Sparks (Anna Faris), Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader), Tim Lockwood (James Caan), and Steve (Neil Patrick Harris)

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Instant Comments:: 1a: Ada started this movie. I might have missed the first minute or so but I think it was all just a summary of the first movie.
1a: Hehe, "just give it a second, he's buffering"
1a: Oh, it's Kristen Schaal [Barb the orangutan]
1a: Wow six months have passed.

Chester V (Will Forte)

1a: Paused when he said I'm gonna cut the cheese. And he does but also farts.
1a=20220113

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloudy_with_a_Chance_of_Meatballs_2

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Overview: Steve Roger spends time serving S.H.I.E.L.D., but during a mission it seems Nick Fury is hiding something. During the movie, Roger befriends Sam Wilson who is able to assist Rogers with government technology (Falcon).

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20220117:
Today was my first time watching this movie. Of all the MCU movies released to date (Phase One to present), it's the last one I had yet to see!

Steve Rogers / Captain America (Chris Evans) and James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes / Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)

Instant Comments:
His list: I Love Lucy (Television) | Moon Landing | Berlin Wall (Up + Down) | Steve Jobs (Apple) | Disco | Thai Food | Star Wars / Trek | Nirvana (band) | Rocky (Rocky II?) | Troubleman (Soundtrack)
No parachute... I imagine it still hurts...
"Last time I trusted someone I lost an eye."

Sam Wilson / Falcon (Anthony Mackie)

Who would be after Fury, that isn't fully prepared to take him down? Why did they even fire on the vehicle when they probably should have just started with the battering ram. If there were resources for four cop cars, why not more to really pin him down? Seems like a real half-assed effort.
Oh, it's Sharon Carter.
Huh. How did he get it back there...

Rogers and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)

"It kind of feels personal."
Smile. Chuckle. "Bye-bye bikinis." Rogers sarcastically responds, "Yeah, I bet you look terrible in them now."
Nice. "If you guys need anything, I've been Aaron." As opposed to a joke I heard by Demetri Martin, "'If you need anything, I'm Jill.' [...] I've never met a woman before with a conditional identity. [...] 'If you don't need anything, I'm Eugene.'"

Rogers and Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)

"Shall we play a game?"
The folder is titled "EXO-7 FALCON"
Why did the guy hand the grenade launcher to Bucky? It seems unnecessary for him to use it.
Although they only need three ships, maybe making back-up chips would be more reasonable.
Chuckle. "Don't look at me. I do what he does. Just slower."

Winter Soldier

Haha! That's a good Stan Lee cameo. Steve stole the uniform from the museum. Stan Lee comes in as a security officer as see the missing uniform and says, "Oh man. I am so fired."
Ha! "You need to keep both eyes open." (Proceeds to use his other eye to bypass whatever was done)
I didn't even notice them change the first two controller chips (because I wasn't paying that close attention) [the first happens right after Black Widow says, "Are you?"; the second happens before the scene switches to Bucky destroying the air support]

Sharon Carter / Agent 13 (Emily VanCamp)

That's a sick helicopter turn to catch Sam
Hahahaha. "41st floor. 41st floor." "It's not like they put the numbers on the outside of the building."
Gets rid of the patch.

Credits:
Mid credits. Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch

left to right: Nick Fury, Sam Wilson, Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rogers, and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders)

[There's a weird bug or behavior on Disney+ where the credits shrink and I'm not allowed to bring them back to full size]
Post credits. Bucky goes to visit the museum to see himself.
"Captain America will return in AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON"
1=20220117

Eternals (2021)

Overview: The Celestial Arishem has sent Eternals to Earth to protect it's inhabitants from creatures called Deviants. However, all is not what it seems.

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left to right: Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Gilgamesh (Don Lee), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Ajak (Salma Hayek), Sersi (Gemma Chan), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), and Druig (Barry Keoghan)

20220119 Comment:
Beside the movie lacking much of the humor which positively contributes and balances the action, I have trouble looking past the plot revolving around an energy source generated by intelligent life. One plausible explanation is that, similar to screams or laughter in Monsters, Inc., intelligence is a massive source of energy that far exceeds the energy required to create a solar system.

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Instant Comments:
They talk about the Avengers

Ikaris

Some of their powers don't necessarily surpass various heroes on earth... except perhaps that they don't age.
It seems like Druig is controlling these people... I don't necessarily think that's a better alternative [he only sometimes controls them]
Haha. "I've directed some internet content."
Smile. (Not a) Vibranium table
Wasn't there someone who ran fast?
Hahaha such as cowardice

Sprite, Ikaris, Gilgamesh, Thena, Kingo, Karun (Harish Patel), Sersi

Oh the fast one was on the ship.
Excalibur
Twinkies
"I'm not who you think I am" oh true we never heard his confession.
Quite an end for Ikaris (sun)
It is explained how they connect without bracelet: Hehe forced to connect as a property of the emergence
Signs "the kid is 10 not stupid"

Kingo, Sprite, Sersi, Ikaris, Thena, Gilgamesh

If the Celestials are so powerful, I feel like they could farm species more efficiently... like they're after energy... so... just transplant an advanced species capable of energy production. Why reinvent the wheel over and over. Of course the idea that humans can harness more energy than the sun, and that a celestial can create entire galaxies... honestly too far fetched.
If Areshim was able to come why didn't he just stop their meddling to begin with.
Precredits, someone named Eros and Pip.
I don't know who is Mr. Whitman. It almost seemed like the symbiote was on the sword. [Apparently a character named The Black Knight]
1=20220112

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternals_(film)

My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021)

20220111:
Today I came downstair and this movie was playing. Soon after, every pony except the protagonist was running away from a threat which turned out to be a unicorn. At first I didn't pay too much attention, but I eventually watched through to the end of the film.

[20220113]

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20220113:
I went to look and apparently I came in about 17 minutes into the movie. I went ahead and watched those first 17 minutes.

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Watched last 73 minutes 20220111 (Netflix, Instant)
Watched first 17 minutes 20220113 (Netflix, Instant)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Little_Pony:_A_New_Generation

Happy Feet (2006)

Overview: An emperor penguin named Mumble is different from all the other penguins. While unable to sing, a trait necessary in obtaining the traditional "heartsong," Mumble has the ability to tap dance. Unfortunately, this unique ability is not a welcomed trait throughout the community, but that's not going to stop Mumble.

Mumble (Elijah Wood)

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20250214:
Today I watched the first part of Happy Feet. I walked away at where he's escaping from the seal but before he meets Ramon (possibly around the 34 minute mark).

---

Instant Comments:
1: It was Gloria that helped with Mumble hatch.
1: And named him!
1: Lose my head!

Baby Mumble (E.G. Daily; center) tries to sing and everybody laughs, including baby Seymour (Cesar Flores; right of Mumble). However, baby Gloria (Alyssa Shafer; left of Mumble) tries to tell everyone it's not funny

1: His dad didn't mention the egg part
1: Mumble actually the first in the water.
1: Even without the lovesong, Gloria and Mumble already have a connection

Mumbles insists that Gloria (Brittany Murphy) take the fish.

1: Hahaha. "Here he comes, you better move in half an hour."
1: "This kid is so accidentally cool."
2b: "Man, this guy is so accidentally cool."
2b: Smile. "I like big tails, and I can't deny it."
2b: I don't think I ever realized how Mumble's "dance" helps inspire Gloria to complete "Boogie Wonderland." Her song prior to this scene is just the first two verses
1: Oh, I never realized (at least I don't think so) the religious themes (with the older penguins being conservative); I also get some themes reminding me of Footloose

Mumble and a group of Adélie penguins, The Amigos. The group consists of Ramón (Robin Williams; front and center), Nestor (Carlos Alazraqui), Raul (Lombardo Boyar), Lombardo (Johnny Sanchez), and Rinaldo (Jeffrey Garcia).

1: He finally reveals that the egg rolled away from him
2b: Smile. He tricks himself into jumping down
2b: "Try the water, Dave" (the way it's spoken makes it a reference to 2001: A Space Odyssey)
2b: Not sure what the old penguin would have reason to keep the old ways. It doesn't do anything to bring back the fish. Like desperate times call for desperate measures.
2b: Smile. What a happy moment when Memphis gets his groove back
1: Lol. Holy flock
2b: I didn't catch Noah say "Holy flock." I turned back to the scene and I can see the statement in the caption, but it's barely audible compared to the helicopter
1: Ah the old guy joins in at last. Nice.
2b: the old guy, I believe his name is Noah, starts beatboxing and getting into it

Lovelace (Robin Williams)

1=20220107, 2a=20250214, 2b=20250323

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Watched once before
Watched 20220117 (Netflix, Instant)
Watched first third 20250214, remaining two-thirds 20250323 (Netflix, Instant) (Last day to watch 20250331)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Feet

Hawkeye

Overview: Hawkeye is spending the holiday season with his family but something important comes up and his path intertwines with that of Kate Bishop, a young aspiring hero who idolizes Hawkeye. Will Hawkeye and Kate Bishop team up and save the day? Can Hawkeye make it in home for Christmas as promised?

---

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawkeye_(2021_TV_series)

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S1E1
A definite focus on Kate Bishop.
Hehe, finally enter Hawkeye
"You're Hawkeye!" "And who the hell are you?"
1=20220107

S1E2
1a: Only watched half of this episode
1b: Finished the episode. The mom seems like the bad guy. At least, that's what the writers want people to think.
1a=20220107, 1b=20220108

S1E3
The caption showed the door noise. And I figured probably he'd find his sword.
1=20220108

S1E4
Now that I think about it, holding a sword up to someone coming in is silly. What if they ran into it. Also why would he have chosen the Ronin sword?
I suppose it doesn't quite explain why they came home when Kate thought no one would be home...
She gets a notification. Why does her daughter have her password? She's the head of a security company and has an insecure laptop password?
Oh wow. What a reveal... Natasha's sister [Yelena]
1=20220109 AM

S1E5
That's pretty cool to see a person disappear and appear from the blip from his/her point of view.
hahaha. sense of humor. are you really not hungry, that fight was so long?
haha. no weapons in my hand. that's a lie
"my sister is gone because of him" (I wonder how Yelena came to that conclusion)
haha. all those messages
Royal Tenenbaums
interesting conversation between Clint and Maya regarding an informant and wanting her father killed...
nice. Yelena tracking Kate's mother.
ooo Kingpin.
1=20220109 AM

S1E6
ah in the recap, "the big guy"
that one arrow said PYM?
lol she wanted to hi all the buttons or something. "No."
hehe. she manages to hit all the buttons.
hehehe "Timber"
lol. the Pym arrow!
haha, what happens to them now? "I don't know, I'll have to ask Scott about that one"
he caught the arrow!?! is it possible? [doing some non-exhaustive reading, in the real world, an arrow fired from a fully-drawn, height-weight bow can not be caught; but the possibility of catching a slower arrow in the real world does lend to the suspension of disbelief that a fast bow can be caught in the comic book world]
Why would her mom try to leave?

What kind of question is that? "Is this what heroes do, arrest their mothers on Christmas?"
oh wow, for reals? the end of Kingpin? I doubt it [I suppose it's possible that a gunshot did go off, but Maya was killed... That would be upsetting. I suppose the "better" alternative is he got shot but manages to survive.]
Smile. "Oh balls, I got some blood on my tie"
I see... (I suppose while she was communicating with him, I asked in my head what her role was that makes her so useful in assisting him) [apparently the symbol on the watch indicates she's a heroine named Mockingbird]
haha. this Avengers musical number. I guess only parts of this were shown in the first episode and this would be the number in full.
1=20220109 AM

Up (2009)

Overview: After a run-in with the law, a retired old man named Carl Fredricksen attaches balloons to his house in an attempt to fly to Paradise Falls in South America, fulfilling a dream to travel there with his late wife Ellie.

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20220117 Comment:
While writing this post, I wondered why the balloons didn't lift the house before they were released. Apparently, my mistake was in thinking that the ballons came from inside the house. Upon review of scene via screenshots, they are instead kept under a tarp behind the house and the string simply runs from the ballons and down through the chimney. With that being said, the balloons supply a lifting force that causes the house to fly, and so whatever was tying down the tarp had to have exceeded that force.

Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner)

But apparently Pixar already bent the laws of physics with respect to how many balloons it would actually take to lift a similar style house in real life. Check out this video by the Corridor Crew where they talk about physics, realism, and give the viewers what it might look like if the animation with actual physics (e.g., the size and number of ballons required).

Russell (Jordan Nagai) stays close to the side of the house as it soars through the air.

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Instant Comments:
"That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most." - Russell to Mr. Fredricksen
Hehe when his hero drops I feel the sensation in my lower body [similar to when I dream about dropping and then my body jumps from the bed]
A little teary as he says old man coming through. Not as much as some movies and more predictable, but still touching.

Kevin, Russell, and Carl

Credits:
Star Wars
Hehe Russell wins bingo
1=20220103

Carl, Dug (Bob Peterson; golden retriever), and Russell

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Watched at least once before.
Watched 20220103 (Disney+)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_(2009_film)

Alpha (Bob Peterson; Doberman Pinscher), Gamma (Jerome Ranft; English Bulldog), Beta (Delroy Lindo; Rottweiler)

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

20220102:
Ada and Ben were watching Raya. I was only partially paying attention.

Raya (Kelly Marie Tran)

[20220103]

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20220105:
Today I decided to watch Raya from the beginning and apparently I missed a lot of important details. Perhaps "only partially paying attention" is overshooting the estimate how much attention I paid. In any case, the theme of trust and the resolution of the film made more sense from all the scenes I missed out on.

With respect to the protagonist, I wasn't a fan of Raya. Though to be fair, her character is not likeable by design, because she loses her father and has her trust in others shattered by a would-be best friend. Note that Sisu is another protagonist. After all, she's the other half of the movie's title. The only difference is that Raya is the narrator, which places her more central to the movie's story compared to Sisu.

Namaari (Gemma Chan)

One plot point I didn't understand is why Namaari decided to pull the crossbow on Sisu. By that time, she was already attempting to propose a solution that involves talking in a direct confrontation with her mother. From what I recall, her mother continued to apply pressure on Namaari, but otherwise did not implement any ultimatums. Furthermore, she was a fan of dragons and an even bigger fan of Sisu, so the action seemed out-of-character. The writers could have adjusted the plot to better motivate Namaari's action, because the second betrayal does make for a more interesting ending.

Overall, the story was promising but fell through in several ways. Ending on a positive note, I did like the aesthetics of the dragons.

Raya and Sisu (Awkwafina)

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Instant Comments: 2: Oh, Sisu's voice is clearly Awkwafina; I find it interesting that some famous voices are so distinct.

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Watched bits and pieces 20220102 (Disney+)
Watched 20220105 (Disney+)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raya_and_the_Last_Dragon