Q-Tips Reviews

8/13/22 – Finney, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to Finney.

Q-tips say: We did like it. It works at combining supernatural elements with a story of survival.

Mrs. Q says: For some, “The Black Phone” is a horror-thriller whose ring might be worth answering.

A thousand degrees different from the “kind of feel good musical” – The 13 Musical.

8/22 – Following his parents’ divorce, 12-year-old Evan Goldman (Eli Golden) uproots from New York City with his mother Jessica (Debra Messing). With his Bar Mitzvah fast approaching, Evan is devastated that he must leave all his friends, his father (Peter Hermann) and his rabbi behind. But upon arriving at his grandmother’s (Rhea Perlman) house in small-town Walkerton, Indiana, he hatches a plan to win new friends by turning his Bar Mitzvah into the coolest party ever. As an outsider navigating the complicated social circles of his new school, Evan quickly finds out he’s not the only one grappling with the all too familiar anxieties of eighth grade. While his new friends Patrice and Archie fret over the fate of the planet and unrequited love, respectively, popular cheerleader Lucy desperately plots to stave off a first kiss between her crush Brett and best friend Kendra . To make matters worse, Evan invites the popular kids to his party–who aren’t fans of Patrice. With these competing interests in play, Evan faces the impossible task of bringing everyone happily together in time for his party, or else risk social ruin. Suddenly, turning 13 isn’t looking as good as it’s cracked up to be. 13: THE MUSICAL is a coming-of-age journey through the unforgettable ups and downs of preteen life.

Q-tips say: We did enjoy it. The Musical features an all teen cast, with 19 talented young performers carrying the show from start to finish. 

Mrs. Q says: If life would only be this way as in this movie for the kids nowadays. In most cases, it is not. This musical makes being 13 a little too safe. 13 is a funny at times & high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that ‘cool’ is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.

8/8/22 –

Two young sisters band together to save a magical baby unicorn from a group of cowboys.

Q-tips say: Yes, we did enjoy it. Cutesy, corny and little-kid friendly & mindless & gets your mind off the stupid headlines of everyday life.

However, parents need to know that Wish Upon a Unicorn is a kid-oriented comedy-fantasy designed to appeal to kids ( probably for kids over 10 years old +) who may display skepticism about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, but still want to enjoy and believe in the fantastic. Be aware that this family-centric story has a foundation in tragedy: Two young girls move from Chicago to the country with their dad after the death of their mother. A few mildly scary moments arise as a unicorn-napper tries to sacrifice and drink the blood of the mythical creature in his quest to gain eternal youth. Kids too young to see over the wheel and reach the gas pedal drive a truck off the road. No one is injured. Bullying at school. Language includes “hell,” “crap,” and “suck face,” and two tweens kiss. Grandma Rose is caught sitting under a blanket kissing her boyfriend Bud. 

8/22 – When a mysterious doctor arrives in a small Midwestern town, her therapy horse, Adeline, quickly gains a reputation for ‘healing’ those with special needs. Not used to this alternative form of healing, some begin to question the authenticity of Adeline’s methods and tensions arise. But one day during an equine therapy session, a destructive tornado descends upon the barn. Adeline leaps into action and corrals her students, pushing them against the founding wall of the stable. Although Adeline saves the lives of 12 people, she takes the brunt of the storm’s destructive force and suffers a shattered leg. With the town’s people now convinced of Adeline’s amazing spirit, they band together to raise the funds necessary to fix her leg and save her life. Based on an inspirational true story, Adeline teaches all those she encounters the same powerful lesson: miracles happen when you let go of the reins.

Q-tips say: YES! SEE IT! You will enjoy! A feel good movie – not only because of the horse but the children Adeline reaches & helps.

Mrs. Q says: Get away for an hour or so from the BS of the daily politics, etc. & enjoy a “feel good” movie. Don’t forget your popcorn & favorite libations. Best part you can view this movie in the comfort of your own home.

7/22 – A series & all of them are ready to view.

Catherine Bell reprises her role of Cassie Nightingale in this series based on “The Good Witch” franchise of made-for-TV movies. Nightingale, the titular sorceress, embarks on a magical journey with teenage daughter Grace, who shares her mother’s intuitive charm. When divorced Dr. Sam Radford and his teenage son move next door, they are quickly drawn to the Nightingales’ unique prowess. Sam realizes that Cassie’s signature charm is more than just a magic touch, ensuring the quaint town of Middleton is in for big surprises.

Q-tips say: Yes, Watch it! You know that positive uplifting experience you need after watching today’s news. This will do it! No spoilers. Watch this to forget about current .events. And these stories are all “good feel” stories.

Anything’s Possible is a delightfully modern Gen Z coming-of-age story that follows Kelsa, a confident high school girl who is trans, as she navigates through senior year. When her classmate Khal gets a crush on her, he musters up the courage to ask her out, despite the drama he knows it could cause. What transpires is a romance that showcases the joy, tenderness, and pain of young love.

Q-tips say: Yes, see it! A lighthearted teen romantic comedy with a message: it’s okay to be yourself. There is so much to love about this film. Not only is it a contemporary and youthful film about living your life proudly, but it also doesn’t shy away from real questions and conflicts that arise from that truth.

Mrs. Q says: Some topics in this movie are topics/issues that the older crowd might never had to experience when they were teens. She wonders how difficult it must have for someone years ago that were gay, etc. which is more accepted now. See this movie, bet you will like it!