Suddenly, that M.I.A. video makes a lot more sense: [link]

Jurassic World made me very happy. I love when a movie in a series understands the chapters that have come before and makes them relevant. So many times I got delighted chills, finding the old visitors center, like an ancient Dwarvish ruin, in the jungle, and the scientist from the original project. But most of all, Paddock 9. I feel so sorry for those who see this who haven't seen Jurassic Park, so much utter coolness will go over their heads.

Clair did not annoy me, though the dwelling on her and kids was grating. Despite her shoes she was competent, key to their survival, and quick to use her unique knowledge. Another moment of chills was when she pulled out the flare as the gate opened.

And the movie respected your intelligence, nobody said outright "The raptors have turned on us, they aren't acknowledging their training, oh, no!" The shot of the cameras all focusing on Owen after they talked to the hybrid told so much. I was getting nervous that Owen was going to have to shoot his own raptors, after yelling at people not to shoot them. Very Old Yeller. But the raptors responding to his cue to attack the hybrid, and, of course, the last one essentially saying "Good-bye, now leave before we have to eat you" was lovely.

It was more ensemble-y than I expected, there were enough character beats to give nearly everyone a little depth. Mostly I loved the confident story-telling, the placing of plot hooks and explication that paid off fairly naturally instead of having arrows pointed at them. I'll forgive a movie a lot for clever story-telling. (The movie Doom, based on the video game, was pretty sad, but I gave it a lot of points for having the male and female lead be brother and sister instead of romantically involved. Instant emotional relationship with decent stakes involved without all the complications.)

So anyway, I liked it. I don't know if I want to own it, though Chris Pratt is pretty and there are many cool bits. Maybe if I can find a DVD cheap. At any rate, I wasn't even rooting for the kids to get eaten.

So the new Mad Max passes the Bachdael (?) test like whoa!!! Also, it just fucking rocks.

Actually, as does SPY. That was SO much fun.

Spy was great fun. Not only does Melissa McCarthy freaking OWN the screen, Jason Statham looks like he is having the time of his life.

Went to see Inside Out. Thought through most of the movie, "Aha, Pixar, this time you have not made me cry." And then I lost that bet.

Spy was great fun. Not only does Melissa McCarthy freaking OWN the screen, Jason Statham looks like he is having the time of his life.

This. So much this. I haven't enjoyed his presence in a movie so much since the Guy Ritchie days. And Jude Law looks pretty much the same, although from the other direction. All bow down to MM!

Saw Testament of Youth (based on Vera Brittain's great memoir) and really liked it. Wonderful strong female lead and the film is really her story--what war is like for the women at home. It's a really gorgeously shot film as well.

Oo, I want to see Testament of Youth! I loved the BBC production of it so much that it made me read the book, so now I want to see how the new film compares. I also want to see Inside Out, as does Frances. However I suspect we will first be seeing Jurassic World, her brother's movie pick.

After Batman v Superman, Ben Affleck will direct and star in a solo Batman movie.

If he casts J-Lo as Catwoman I'm going to send mail bombs to Warner Bros.