Mary Poppins Returns

"Mary Poppins Returns" is spectacularly magical. 

Mary Poppins is back in this thrilling sequel. This movie was so bright and colorful, and had such a positive message. It is a wonderful movie for everyone. It had exactly the feel that I wanted, so magical and carefree.

Emily Blunt was the perfect Mary Poppins. Her spunky attitude and wit was so delightful. Lin-Manuel Miranda's character, Jack the lamp-lighter, was so charming. There were grand musical numbers, balloons, and dancing penguins. The whole design of this film was enchanting. The colors in the sets and costumes were so vibrant, and really enhanced the story. It was such a wonderful movie.

Absolutely lovely. 

-Celia Boldizar

Hamilton

Last month I had the great privilege of getting to see the Broadway hit, Hamilton. I have been the biggest fan of this show. I've listened to the cast album countless times, and even learned to play the songs on the piano. When I got the opportunity to see the show, I was ecstatic! Everyone knows about this show. The hype surrounding it is huge, so I was interested to see what is was like to actually watch it. What surprised me the most was the sweetness.

Sitting in the audience the hype disappeared, and I felt like a was watching a small, intimate, show. It just felt good. 

From the cast album alone you can hear that Hamilton is a masterpiece. Lin-Manuel Miranda put his all into it, and it really shows. The lyrics are so thoughtful and fresh. Everything is connected and has a purpose. Most of all what drew me in is the energy. Miranda is a bright light, bursting with passion. Every line in Hamilton shines bright.

I saw the Philip Company, and they were absolutely incredible. Everything was perfect, the costumes, choreography, sets, lighting, and music. I laughed at parts I didn't think I would, it was so funny. It never missed a beat. 

From the moment it started, my idea of Hamilton went out the window.

I was technically watching Hamilton, but I didn't know it at all. I was really seeing it for the first time. It was completely new. The Philip company made this show their own. Each actor made their rolls their own. From the very first line of the show I was taken aback at how new it was. Nik Walker played Aaron Burr. He was the first to sing, and I was caught off guard. From his first line I could tell that he was telling his own story. He was silly, and quirky. It was so personal, and you could tell that he was really enjoying his part in this amazing show.

Throughout the show I feel in love with all of the actors. Kyle Scatliffe won over the audience as Lafayfette/Jefferson. He had this voice that was so endearing. Alexander Hamilton, played by Joseph Morales was so heartwarming, and so surprisingly soft. Shoba Narayan was the perfect Eliza, and Ta'rea Campbell was a badass Angelica.

Hamilton had the best use of an ensemble I have ever seen. After the lyrics, the choreography was the lead storyteller. There was never a dull moment. I wanted to have more eyes to watch everything that was happening onstage. Little stories were happening everywhere. 

I felt like there was no distance between the stage and my seat.

No separation, no boundaries, even though I was sitting high up in the balcony. I have never had a show take hold of me so strongly. I became a part of the show. The other audience members were no longer there. Every moment was new. I sat on the edge of my seat, I couldn't miss a moment. 

Most importantly, Hamilton made me appreciate the importance of time. Every moment was another one gone. I will never see those exact moments again, but they will be with me forever. It reminded me that I have so much to do, so much to give.

I wanted to be there watching "Hamilton" forever, but at the same time I felt restless. I felt like I needed to go home and write.

 -Celia Boldizar 

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" is the film that I have been waiting for.

After the first Fantastic Beasts movie was released two years ago, I have been so excited to see what happens next in the wizarding world. I was so looking forward to this movie, and it did not disappoint.

 From the intriguing characters, beautiful cinematography, deep connections the Harry Potter world, and the adorable beasts, I can say that this film surpassed my expectations. 

The cinematography in this movie was beautiful. My favorite parts were these close up shots of each of the main characters. When a character was introduced they went to a close up shot of their face. It made me feel really close to them. It was a beautiful way to capture each character in an intimate way. 

The characters were the heart of this movie. I fell in love with all of them. The familiar faces grew even more intriguing, and the new ones fit right in. Characters like Leta Lestrange, and Queenie Goldstein were fantastic to watch. Also, the romance was so sweet, like Newt's "salamander" line to Tina Goldstein. 

The plot tied right into the story of the wizarding world...

and what fans know from Harry Potter. Because the first movie introduced the new story, this one was able to jump right into the details. Fans can get excited about the new plot developments. My friend and I were talking long after the movie ended, trying to piece together ideas.

Overall this movie was incredible. 

Both old fans, and newcomers will fall in love with this magical world. 

-Celia Boldizar