Tag: disney plus

Secrets of Sulphur Springs

With my luck the last couple months (I’ve been in a real dry spell – nothing good to watch or listen too), I didn’t expect much from Disney’s Secrets of Sulphur Springs. At it’s best, Secrets of Sulphur Springs, was going to be a ghost story for kids; at it’s worst, it was going to be a dumb ghost story for kids. Imagine my surprise when it was neither.

Griffin, the main character, and his family are forced to move back to Sulphur Springs, Louisiana when his father purchases an old hotel. Apparently, this old hotel has a reputation – it is haunted. Why? Because years ago, a little girl disappeared from a nearby summer camp, never to be seen or heard from again. What happened? Well that is what Griffin and his new friend Harper try to find out.

Without giving too much away, all I can say is that while Secrets of Sulphur Springs presents itself as a spooky ghost story, things aren’t always as they seem. So if you aren’t one for ghost stories, don’t worry; this series is definitely worth checking out.

This is a TV series that adults and children can enjoy together. (In fact, I don’t remember hearing any profanity. WOW!) I binge watched the entire series in a day and a half. The writers did an excellent job perpetuating the mystery of the disappearance, and Preston Oliver (Griffin) and Kyleigh Curran (Harper) do an excellent job carrying the show.

This will definitely be added to my “Favorites” list.

Flora and Ulysses

Wow! All I can say is WOW!

Do you know how long it has been since I’ve seen a movie that emphasizes the importance of being there for your family even when things get rough?

On the surface, Flora and Ulysses appears to be a story about a superhero squirrel, but in reality it delves into something much more super – the importance of never giving up on your family.

Flora and Ulysses contains a message of hope, courage, and perseverance despite familial struggles. While the husband and wife are separated in this movie, their love for each other is evident. Divorce looks like it may be in their future, but you can tell it is not something either of them want. Furthermore, I was impressed by the fact the father actually tells his daughter “I love you!” You rarely hear that in movies. (In fact, you rarely see a father involved in his child’s life in movies these days.)

I’ll admit the action scenes and slapstick humor were painful (for an adult at least. Kids won’t have a problem with it), but if you can look past that, the values are what make the move good. They are why I kept watching it; I was expecting to be disappointed at any moment. But surprisingly, I wasn’t.

Safety (Disney+)

College is challenging enough, but it is even more challenging when you are struggling to provide for your younger brother.

Safety, recently released on Disney+, is based on a true story. Jay Reeves plays Ray McElrathbey, a young man with a football scholarship to Clemson University. What starts off as your average college experience quickly takes a drastic turn when Ray’s mother is admitted into a drug recovery program. Now, Ray must juggle caring for his 11-year old brother Fahmarr (played by Thaddeus J. Mixson) while maintaining his rigorous academic and athletic life. Ray’s devotion and care for Fahmarr ultimately jeopardizes his scholarship to Clemson, and Ray soon has to make a decision – football or Fahmarr.

With a talented cast and a good plot, this feel-good movie is definitely worth the watch.

Secret Society of Second-Born Royals

Ever wondered what would happen if our favorite princes and princesses had siblings? Well, wonder no more. Disney’s Secret Society of Second-Born Royals answers that question. They would be super heroes!

This movie is enjoyable for all ages. While adults my spot a few plot holes, they are not so egregious as to prevent you from enjoying the movie. The ending does imply a possible sequel, and quite honestly, I hope they make one.

Be sure to check it out! It is available on Disney+.

Also, fun fact, there was no profanity in the film, something my sister pointed out to me at the end. She was right, and I am still blown away. The show is rated PG, but I think it could have easily been rated “G”, even with the action scenes.

Aladdin (2019)

I saw this movie when it came out in theaters. Of all the Disney remakes thus far (with the exception of Dumbo which I haven’t seen), I like this one the best. I thought it stayed true to the original story*. Even though they added a solo for Jasmine, it fit the movie well, even if the style didn’t match 100%.

The actor who played Jafar did a good job. My only regret is that he didn’t get his solo. I was looking forward to hearing him sing Jafar’s song.

Overall, I was impressed, and while it is not one that I will buy. I will definitely watch it with my family now that it’s on Disney+.

*The Lion King remake seemed to follow the original movie as well; however, it was not one of my favorites growing up, and I was not as intimately familiar with it as I am Aladdin.