Film Review - "Fatman"

My reviews for Soul and Wonder Woman - 1984 were on deck but we need to talk about this film.

Fatman

Directed by Esholm Nelms & Ian Nelms

Starring Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste

I think it's difficult to make new holiday films. Or at least new, original, holiday films. But by God...did the Nelms Brothers try, and you know what? Damn the Rotten Tomatoes critics Fatman is some kind of cinematic achievement and the surprise of the holiday season.

Chris Cringle (Gibson. Of all people) aka Santa Claus is pretty down on his luck. There are less good children in the world so his gift-giving business is declining. His wife Ruth (Baptiste) tries to keep his spirit up as best she can. The US government, who has a pretty significant share in his business, suggest a contract where he and his elves build components for a new jet-fighter. Chris reluctantly agrees because they could use the funding.

Meanwhile, a little brat (an understatement) named Billy Wenan (Chance Hurstfield) seeks revenge against Chris after getting coal for Christmas. So he hires his personal hitman (Goggins), who has his own vendetta against Santa, to take him out.

Okay first off...this concept and script is incredible. A kid hiring a hitman for revenge against Santa. It's brilliant. It's unique. I love it. You would think this film is absolutely bonkers, and it is, but also it isn't. It takes a more subtle approach and grounds the story in realism. It's kind of the perfect Santa story for 2020. He's bitter, older, and depressed with the state of the world. He has less influence than he used to. Kids, people, are meaner to one another. People (that aren't Tim Allen) are actually trying to kill him! Its like Logan but instead of Wolverine it's Chris Cringle. 

I also like how the film addresses the idea of where Santa gets the money to fund his business. I don't think any film or series has ever tried to answer that. Chris has got a line about how Christmas is the biggest economic stimulus in the world and that's pretty clever. This is kind of a nitpick, but I wish the film went more absurd with the concept. You don't see the classic red suit or the sleigh (He drives a red Ford pickup truck), and there isn't like this...big shootout in the sleigh mid-flight, as like...the reindeer dodge missiles. But I appreciate the filmmakers wanted to ground the story (The budget probably played a big factor in that, too) and I can respect that.

So Mel Gibson...we're just going to put all that controversy in a little box to the side for a second. I thought he was a really good Santa. At least this version of Santa. A grizzled, disgraced Santa who's been kicked down by life way too much. He fits, and he puts genuine effort into his performance. His deadpan delivery of the line "You think I got this job because I'm fat and jolly?" sleighed me (Sorry), and there's this really nice moment where he does see that his work still makes a difference, which was a smaller highlight of the film.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste does a great job alongside against Gibson and brings a lot of pathos to this grim, fictional world. Walton Goggins...is peak Walton Goggins. I'm convinced no one else could play this part. I only wish there was more of him in this. That's from a performance perspective and a story perspective, because we learn a little about his backstory, but not enough in my opinion. Chance Hurstfield is perfectly casted as Billy. He fits the mold of this nasty, over-achiever who will do anything to get his way, so well. He will probably be type-casted for the rest of his young career. It's ok, man. Own it. You were in a Mel Gibson-Santa Claus film.

So the story's not super tight but it's an amazing concept that honestly hits right where it needs to. The performances are on-point. There are a lot of jaw-dropping, hilarious moments. I would love to see what this film would've been like with a higher budget but it is what it is. Again, Fatman is kind of the perfect Christmas film for 2020. It's beautifully absurd. In a year where we didn't get a lot of new films, I don't think anyone should turn their nose up at this. It's really something. 

If you're still in the holiday spirit after New Years, give it a watch. If not I'll just remind you about it next year. 

Film Review Throwback - "Noelle"

Noelle

Directed by Marc Lawrence

Starring Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, and Shirley MacLaine

I suppose in a way, Christmas films are a dime-a-dozen. Quantity over quality, at least in the case of the Hallmark Channel. Netflix seems to be following suit nowadays, but I’ve heard good things about The Christmas Chronicles duology, and as I’ve said before Klaus is brilliant. 

Major theatrically-released Christmas films seem to be a thing of the past nowadays. And I’m not just saying that because movie theaters are on life-support right now. No, the last Christmas film that I can recall that was heading for theaters was Noelle, before Disney decided to make it an exclusive on their fancy new streaming service last year. Noelle received mixed reviews from critics, and sort of got lost in the shuffle in the first days of Disney Plus, overshadowed by Mandalorians, Goldblums, and High School Musicals. A year later, I was finally able to watch Noelle and I found it to be a simple and enjoyable holiday offering, that doesn’t completely live up to its potential.

Noelle (Kendrick) is the Christmas-loving daughter of Santa Claus (Jay Brazeau) who wants to be just like her father. Alas tradition dictates her older brother Nick (Hader) follow in his father’s footsteps. Flash forward to present-ish day and with their father passed away (Yeah Santa passes away in this film. Bold move, Cotton) Noelle helps her brother prepare for his first Christmas as Santa. Nick’s anxious and his training isn’t going super well, so Noelle suggests he take a weekend to breathe and relax. Instead, Nick vanishes a week before Christmas, and all of the North Pole blames Noelle (Because conflict?).

Disgraced, Noelle ventures outside the North Pole with her childhood nanny Polly (McLaine) to find her brother and bring him home. Along the way she befriends a private-investigator (Jake Hapman) and his son (Maceo Smedley), and learns a bit more about the true meaning of Christmas, and her own special gifts. Meanwhile, with Nick gone, their cousin Gabe (Billy Eichner) is nominated as the next Santa, but threatens to doom the holiday with modern technology and tighter “naughty and nice” guidelines.

Although I’m sure there’s some Hallmark or Lifetime film out there that’s tackled this idea to a lesser quality, I think the idea of a female, Santa’s daughter, taking over his job to be a rather unique concept we haven’t seen much of. I imagine if this film was released theatrically it would’ve been a modest hit. But release-methods aside, the film doesn’t seem very concerned with exploring that concept. 

Instead the film spends more time on searching for Nick, and going through the “fish-out-of water” routine with its protagonist as she explores the regular world, something that we’ve seen in film many times before. This makes Noelle a sort of Santa Clause/gender-swapped Elf hybrid. There are some genuine funny moments that come from this routine though. Additionally, there are some really nice scenes where Noelle is discovering her “Santa powers” for lack of a better phrase. A highlight in the film is where she meets a little girl who cannot speak and starts to sign with her, despite never knowing how to sign before (Santa can speak all languages and communicate in many ways with children apparently. It’s sweet.)

The character arc is so clear here. Noelle wants to get her brother home to restore the natural order of Christmas, but she needs to embrace who she is and take on the role as Santa. If the film was more concerned with following that path then silly side-quests, or focused more on the concept of a female Santa, Noelle could have gone from “good” to “great”.

What really sells the film is Kendrick in the titular role. She’s giving it her all. She’s funny, she’s charming, she’s full of heart. This is kind of a perfect character for her. Bill Hader has some enjoyable moments as Nick. I miss seeing him on a weekly basis. He plays the reluctant Santa with a nice balance of awkward and goofy. Shirley McLaine has a lot of nice moments as Polly. Billy Eichner is surprisingly subtle as Gabe Kringle, and a bit underutilized when you know what he’s capable of.

The visuals I would say are as nice as any you would see in any other live-action Christmas film. The North Pole sets are quaint, but you’ve seen better in say, The Santa Clause films. As a human with an affinity for elf culture, I must say the costume work in Noelle was very tasteful and festive.

Something that I wondered while watching was, is Noelle supposed to be a princess/Disney princess? Polly and other characters refer to her as “Princess”, but The Kringle’s aren’t royalty, but they get “family discounts” and there’s some old charter that says the oldest sibling must take over the role of Santa. She has a cute CGI reindeer sidekick named Snowcone, who probably was supposed to be plushy and covering shelves at the local Disney Store (The CGI on him was decent by the way). Anyway, just something the film left unclear.

 

Noelle is a sweet Christmas film that satisfies but leaves you wanting more than what it offers. But what we have is a reasonably entertaining film with a compelling premise and a wonderful lead performance. There are a lot worse films you can waste your holiday season watching, so I say give this one a chance before watching your 17th Hallmark film of the month...but also it’s good to support those films because they provide a lot of work for people in the industry. *The More You Know*

Film Review Throwback - "Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas In July"

Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas In July

Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. & Jules Bass

Starring Billie Mae Richards, Jackie Vernon, and Paul Frees

Y’all know me. I love this time of year. The holiday season. Every year I have a catalog of Christmas films and specials I watch, and a lot of them are from the Rankin-Bass Studio. 

If you don’t know who I'm taking about, they’re the people behind Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, The Year Without a Santa Claus, and so on. Their stop-motion ‘animagic’ specials have been ingrained into the DNA of the holiday season forever. Their popularity has never faded. So, it amazes me no one in Hollywood has tried to cash in on them and reboot a cinematic universe out of them (But please, Hollywood. Don’t...unless you can let me do it.)

You think I’m wacky but Rankin & Bass really did have this sort of cinematic universe with their holiday specials. Many of them existed in the same continuity. Events from one special were referenced in the next, several characters would appear across specials, often voiced by the same actor (Mickey Rooney was Santa for Comin’ To Town, Year Without, and the subject of today’s proceedings).

What I’m getting at is, Rankin & Bass did try to tie all these specials together in a major crossover event film, Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas In July, starring their two most popular characters as the title suggests. It was released theatrically (briefly, and not very successfully) before making its way to television, where it would re-air annually along with the rest of the Rankin-Bass Holiday Catalog. This would be the final time they would animate either Rudolph or Frosty, before other studios adapted their work.

But is this special one of Rankin & Bass’s greatest? One of their weirdest? One of their worst? I say, “Why not all three?”

The story opens with a prologue narrated by Santa (Rooney), who tells the audience once the North Pole was ruled by a wicked sorcerer by the name of Winterbolt (Voiced by Rankin-Bass veteran Paul Frees, and not to be confused with the other five characters with “Winter” in their name). Tired of watching his cruelty, the Aurora Borealis (Nellie Bellflower) takes human form to put a stop to Winterbolt’s rule by putting him in a deep sleep.

However, taking human form sadly puts an expiration date on Lady Borealis’s time and magic in the North. Winterbolt eventually awakens many years later, after Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves have set up shop. Seeing Santa as a threat to his rule, Winterbolt decides to get rid of him.

Now stay with me because I promise this is going to pay off in a second. Winterbolt’s plan is to create a horrible storm on the upcoming Christmas Eve, so Santa will become hopelessly lost in the fog, and Winterbolt can take his place as the Patriarch of the North and in the hearts of children everywhere (How this creepy bastard plans to achieve that second part is beyond any of us). So...with her time drawing to a close, Lady Borealis decides to leave behind some of her magic to protect Santa. She bestows it to a newborn reindeer, whose nose will glow a bright, blinding red whenever he thinks good thoughts.

Yes, dear reader. Rudolph’s shiny red-nosed glows with the light of the Aurora Borealis, and was a supernatural, preventative measure to protect Santa Claus “one foggy Christmas Eve” from a wicked warlock.

Winterbolt learns of Rudolph and turns his sights on getting rid of the red-nosed reindeer’s power. It’s kind of hard to explain how Frosty (Vernon), his wife and kids, and a struggling circus by-the-sea gets all intertwined into this story without flat-out summarizing the whole film. Perhaps there lies its greatest flaw. It’s needlessly complicated for a film about Christmas characters. Don’t get me wrong it’s very creative and I appreciate the idea of trying to give a mythology to Rudolph’s nose. But Winterbolt’s plan is way too convoluted, and relies far too much on coincidence. Think Luthor’s plan in Batman VS Superman or Zemo’s in Captain America: Civil War, but even less concrete. He’s almost making it up as he goes...no wait he actually is. There are scenes where he in fact is making it up as he goes.

I know Rankin & Bass probably weren’t setting out to make a cinematic universe when they made the original Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer or even when they made Rudolph & Frosty, but they inadvertently did and just for chuckles let’s comment on it a little bit on it. The continuity is good but it's weak. Like Rudolph grew up his first special, but every appearance afterward he’s a kid/young adult again. Also (Spoiler? It came out in 1979 deal with it) Frosty loses his magic hat and everyone acts like he’s lost forever but previous specials have shown that the hat is not the only method of reviving him. Such as a kiss from his wife. Who’s standing right there. Who did it the first night they met. Heck, even in this special itself there are plot holes, where they don’t follow their own rules. I don’t know. Maybe I just expect more from my Christmas specials…

Kids will enjoy these characters together on screen and working against some bad guys. Older viewers will understand it well enough to know what’s going on. Honestly the concept of this film has always fascinated me. I had a VHS of it when I was younger and I understood it, and watched it every season, despite it being darker than other Rankin-Bass fare. Now that I’m older as I watch it I perform like a mental creative-writing exercise on how to make this a better script (No I still haven’t figured it out but hey now I have the downtime).

The animation is great as we’d expect from this studio, some of the set-pieces are really impressive. You can see how far they’ve come from the original Rudolph. It is cool to see Frosty and his side of the universe translate well into stop-motion (Frosty is always in traditional animation). The voice acting is top-notch as always. Richards and Vernon are the definitive voices of the titular characters. Mickey Rooney is still a top-tier Santa. Paul Frees is great as Winterbolt and few other supporting players. Ethel Merman is fun as Lily Lorainne, owner of the circus. Shelley Winters returns as Frosty’s wife Crystal and she has this nice, sweet-but-firm maternal quality for the character.  Finally, Alan Sues (Whom I know nothing about but he sounds like Andy Dick) is positively grating as...Scratcher the Reindeer.

As one would expect with any Rankin-Bass production this is a musical. The reprisals of the titular character’s anthems are nice. The rest of the songs are just...pretty forgettable? None of them really do anything to move the plot forward but some of them are pretty nice. I mean if you have Ethel Merman I guess you should have her sing. There’s “I See Roses”, a nice love song that Santa sings to Mrs Claus which I always liked, and “No Bed of Roses” which is a touching (?) little lament when Rudolph (Spoilers. Again, 1979.) hits his low point in the film.

Those that are close to me have heard me hype Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas-In-July up in the past. But I really can’t say it’s good...or bad, really. It’s interesting to watch unfold. Like quality fan-fiction. There’s definitely a nostalgia factor to it. The animation is great. The performances are enjoyable. A lot of what you probably read here gave off a “You need to see it to believe it” vibe, and I’d say that’s accurate. If you like all the other holiday specials from Rankin & Bass, and are looking for something new to watch during the holidays, this might be worth a watch. Who knows? Maybe it’ll become part of your annual holiday watchlist...or not. Yeah, this film’s pretty iffy. Anyway, Merry December 27th everyone!!!

Film Review - "Palm Springs"

Palm Springs
Directed by Max Barbakow
Starring Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, and JK Simmons

Scoob! was the disease. Palm Springs was the cure. The film premiered at Sundance in January and made its worldwide debut on Hulu back in July. The film centers around Nyles (Samberg), and Sarah (Milioti), both attending the wedding of Sarah's sister in, where else, Palm Springs. The two hit it off at the reception, only to find themselves stuck in a time loop, repeating the day of the wedding over and over. The film then follows Sarah and Nyles as they try to navigate and make sense of their situation, while growing closer as time goes on (figuratively...because they're in a time loop...)

Obviously this film has gotten a lot of comparisons to Groundhog Day, and rightfully so since it uses the same concept of characters repeating the same day. But Palm Springs proves it's more important what you do with the concept than the concept itself, particularly in this case, there is more than one character caught in the loop. Naturally a lot of humor derives from the concept but this is a very character-driven piece.

Sarah can be very self-destructive in her behavior, and Nyles has a very devil-may-care outlook on life. On paper, being stuck in a time loop where nothing matters almost seem perfect for this pair. But as the film progresses it forces them to look inside, and revaluate how they operate. The ultimate question is, can these two survive together?

Samberg and Milioti play off each other really well. Samberg's already shown his comedic chops before, but I liked seeing him handle more emotional material as Nyles. Cristin Milioti, she's amazing. She's the heart of the film and undeniably charming. The way she handles both the comedic and dramatic...her career didn't take off after How I Met Your Mother but it needs to take off now (I mean, when it's safe for her to go back to to work). Additionally, JK Simmons has a lot of fun moments in the supporting role of Roy.

The filmmakers also do a nice job in varying up the cinematography so not every day looks the same (even though story-wise it is the same day), which gives off the sense that time (in a metaphorical sense) is passing, and these characters are on a sort of spiritual journey.

This review is a bit shorter than my usual ones. Normally if I don't have much to say on a film I won't do a write up, but we're not getting a lot of new releases right now and I truly enjoyed Palm Springs. It might not say much, but it's the best film I've seen this year. It's a sweet piece that may seem familiar but it's elevated by two wonderful lead performances and a fun, heartfelt script. Definitely head over to Hulu and shoot some cinematic positivity into your summer.

Film Review - "Scoob!"

Scoob!
Directed by Tony Cervone
Starring Frank Welker, Will Forte, and Mark Whalberg

Scooby Doo was never my favorite growing up. I mean, I must have caught some of every animated series when they aired on Kids WB or Cartoon Network. The direct-to-video films from the early 90's were like, peak blockbuster entertainment in the day. The live-action films...I saw the first one. Clearly they've had an impact on a generation because the meme representation is hard to ignore.
This is all to say, while Scooby Doo was never my first choice for viewing, I have seen enough to understand the franchise and what makes it work.

The filmmaking crew behind Scoob do not.

A month so so back, I was able to catch the new animated film starring the Mystery Inc. gang when it was released digitally on-demand (like many other films have chosen to do recently given the pandemic). After months of watching and re-watching favorite films from yesteryear, I was hoping to enjoy a new release. Instead, I found Scoob to be a clunky and absurd film that really has no understanding of its source material.

Scoob starts out promisingly enough, showing us how young Shaggy & Scooby met each other and Velma, Daphne & Fred. The film fast forwards to present day, where the team is meeting with potential business investor...Simon Cowell...alright quick pivot. Random celebrity cameos and appearances were never uncommon for Scooby Doo. There was a whole spinoff series dedicated to them. But of all the celebrities to cameo...you thought Simon Cowell would be the most fun-no, the most relevant? For younger audiences??? Anyway...Simon Cowell refuses to invest in the team because he thinks Shaggy (Forte) and Scooby (Welker) have no value, and bring nothing to the team.

This offends Shaggy and Scooby and they go to blow off some steam at a bowling alley (Because bowling is funny?) and they are attacked by an army of robots disguised as bowling pins (I don't know...) They're rescued by the superhero Blue Falcon (Whalberg), and his partners Dyno-Mutt (Ken Jeong), and Dee-Dee Sykes (Keirsey Clemons). If you're still with me I'm about to lose you. The superheroes reveal that the robots are minions of Dick Dastardly (Jason Isaacs), who is after Scooby because apparently, he is the last descendant of Peritas, the dog of Alexander The Great, and with only Scooby, can he unlock a portal to the underworld...guarded by Cerberus, the three-headed hound of Hades...

I wish I had a witty remark here but I'm kind of taken aback by what I just had to write.

So, for the few out there that don't know (like the people that made this film) Scooby Doo and the gang are all about solving mysteries, that normally revolve around some monster or phantom. Most of the time, the creature would be unmasked as some disgruntled character we met in the first act, but starting around the late 90's (By the way, Scooby Doo on Zombie Island? Scooby Doo & The Witch's Ghost? Easy recommendations.) they started facing real monsters and supernatural threats. So it's not unheard of but it's never been the norm. The point being, supernatural threat or not, there was always a mystery to solve at the heart of the story. There is no mystery to solve in Scoob.

No mystery to solve in a film where your main characters run a company called MYSTERY INC. That sounds good. I mean, they do uncover bits of information about Dastardly's plan/Scooby's heritage here and there, but it's only when they need to keep the wheels spinning on this lackluster, globe-trotting "adventure". Most of the film is focused on Scooby and Shaggy hanging out with the superheroes. That's another big mistake. Scooby and Shaggy are separated from Fred, Daphne and Velma for 3/4 of the film. We know barely anything about these characters or how they work together before the plot drives them apart. You can't just expect audiences to care about them because we know them from past iterations. This is a fresh start and you have to lay the groundwork.

Which brings me to my next point. This film was clearly meant to start a cinematic universe for Hanna Barbera characters (Ugh.) and like so many other failed cinematic universes, they put the cart before the horse. Dick Dastardly is the villain. Blue Falcon is a supporting player. Even Captain Caveman, voiced by Tracy Morgan, has a minor role. The powers that be weren't concerned with making a good Scooby Doo film, they were concerned with kickstarting a franchise, and honestly, a simple Scooby Doo film without all these other tacked on elements, would have done that on its own.

This film feels like it was crafted by a focus group. "Oh well kids like superheroes so let's put Blue Falcon in it and make it like a superhero...and make him dab!" "Kids love Minions, so let's give the villain an army of cutesy robots!!" "Let's put Simon Cowell in this because kids love-"No. Stop. Wrong. Anyway, said focus group came to all these conclusions and decided this would work for a film about a talking dog and his friends who solve mysteries...

Alright I should probably say something good about Scoob...the animation is nice. The first half-hour showed promise, and I like how they transition to present day by recreating the original series's intro. The voice acting is mostly good. Voice acting legend Frank Welker once again does a nice job of bringing Scooby Doo to life. Will Forte...I mean, most of the time he's fine as Shaggy. Jason Isaacs has a nice "mustache-twirling" villain voice for Dick Dastardly. Actually, I though Dastardly's motivations in the film were ok, and honestly just based on them alone, they could have reverse-engineered a better script and film.

Zac Efron as Fred is the worst. It's not his fault. This film has no understanding of the property so naturally they turn Fred into this clueless, cringe dude-bro. Ok one truly positive thing about this film, is Whalberg & Jeong as Blue Falcon and Dyno-Mutt. They did get some genuine laughs out of me (I think, I watched the film in late June...). I loved their dynamic and if there's any justice in this world the two of them would get their own film.

I don't know, Scoob! sort of low-key broke me. Pretty much everything wrong with animated films, and to an extent, just filmmaking in general these days, is on display here. It doesn't understand or care about the property it's trying to adapt. It's just a muddled, corporate mandated, mess. My recommendation to you is to watch some of the older Scooby Doo shows or films and just skip this junk. If you need a new animated film to watch this year, go back to Onward on Disney Plus...or give Trolls: World Tour a shot. I didn't see it but apparently it's VOD release was good enough to possibly kill movie-theaters as we know them. Cinema is dying...

Film Review - "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

...Well I liked it.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Directed by JJ Abrams
Starring Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, and Carrie Fisher

Star Wars - Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker concludes the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy that started with Episode VII: The Force Awakens four years ago, and the main storyline that began with the first film released over forty years ago. That's a lot to handle in one film. It's almost like the Avengers: Endgame of Star Wars films.

Perhaps it's not the "grand finale" many expected, but it's a captivating viewing experience, and a wonderful, flawed, film.

Rey (Ridley), alongside Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaacs), Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), embark on a mission for The Resistance, as they prepare to make a final stand against The First Order. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Driver) is on a mission of his own to secure his rule over the galaxy, operating under the guidance of the resurrected Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), who lurks in the shadows with a plan of his own...

A lot of the film plays out like an Indiana Jones quest/adventure as our heroes move from location to location. It definitely boosts the scope of the film and gives it that "cinematic road trip" feel. It's really nice to see Rey, Finn, and Poe finally work together, and I wish we had more of this in previous films.

As great as it is to see Ian McDiarmid on screen again playing Palpatine...bringing the Emperor back was a mistake. He's a big bad for characters that led a different trilogy. Not the ones that lead this trilogy (Rey, Finn, etc.). We know he's a threat because of his presence in past films, but his connection to these characters is flimsy. That said, everything they do with him his great. The scenes with him, the atmosphere, and Ian McDiarmid's performance is on point, and are enough to keep the audience engaged.

I put this review off for so long because of all the backlash the film received, and how vicious the Star Wars fandom can be not just to one another, but to the cast and crew that make these films. So I just need to say my piece and then we will resume normal review-talk.

Star Wars is a franchise unlike any other. It's Sci-Fi that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. It's like the gold standard of the genre, and to an extent blockbusters in general. Star Wars is also unlike any other franchise, in that no other film series has been so significantly affected by its fans, and not in good ways. The unrelenting hate of the prequel trilogy led to George Lucas selling his creation to Disney. Harassment from fans drove Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico) off social media, and almost destroyed Jake Lloyd (Young Anakin) and Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks).

So the flaws I see in The Rise of Skywalker, I know are 100% a result of the never-ending, grotesque hatred of The Last Jedi that ran rampant throughout the internet. So much of Rise of Skywalker feels like its course-correcting its predecessor, from Rose Tico's limited role, to the back-peddling of Rey's true parentage (It's been a few months. Mild spoilers are allowed.). But doing this doesn't hurt The Last Jedi, it hurts itself. A film should be an escape from reality into a fantasy world, and Rise of Skywalker is plagued by outside influences, and as someone who loves movies, that really upsets me.

If you didn't like this film, that's fine. We all don't have to like the same things. But if you're attacking and bullying people online about it, or bashing the people that make these films, I hate to say it but you have no one to blame but yourself. Disney, LucasFilm, and JJ Abrams heard your constant whining about The Last Jedi, and did their best to try and please you, and it backfired. It's nuts because people complained The Force Awakens was too much of the same, then they complained The Last Jedi was too different, and now this. There's just no pleasing some people I guess.

That said, the powers that be at Disney & LucasFilm need to take some of the blame. Episodes VII, VIII, and IX make for a very clunky trilogy. The puzzle pieces don't quite fit together. Was there a plan from the get-go? Maybe. Did they just make it up as they went? Maybe. Did plans change from film-to-film as a result of backlash from the public? I'd say smart money's on that. Anyway I'll just wrap this portion up by saying The Rise of Skwywalker, and the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, are a perfect example of A. Fans having too much power, and B. A lack of cohesive storytelling.

Alright. Back to our regularly scheduled review...

So yeah, despite all the nonsense, I like The Rise of Skywalker. I'm a sucker for the nostalgia. I enjoyed a lot of the callbacks to the older films. It's not like a Disney remake where the film is literally using nostalgia as life support. There are a lot of great action scenes, particularly a speedster chase through a desert and a shootout on a Star Destroyer. There's some really great lightsaber fights, of course between Rey and Kylo Ren. Rise of Skywalker has many sequences that will stay fresh in the memories of fans, and plenty of great character moments.

Out of all the characters Rey and Kylo Ren are served the best, as they're at the heart of the film's conflict. Finn and Poe have plenty to do, but by film's end their arcs don't feel as complete, although I'm sure we will see these characters again (Don't kid yourself there will definitely be a new trilogy in the future where these characters are the old guard guiding some new ones). Speaking of new characters, many of them feel underdeveloped, and merely plot points for the major players. Janna (Naomi Ackie) is just kinda there as support for Finn. Keri Russell as Zori Bliss is cool but is only there to develop Poe's backstory. Richard E. Grant is his typical great self as General Pryde but he doesn't have much to work with.

Daisy Ridley is wonderful as Rey, commanding every scene she's in. Her performance is absolutely charming and she shines whenever she's onscreen. I don't think this is John Boyega's best performance out of his three appearances as Finn, but he has a lot of cool, heartfelt moments that stand out in my memory. His chemistry with Oscar Isaacs's Poe Dameron is unmatched. Isaacs himself is great as Poe Dameron, showing Poe's suave confidence, but also his insecurities. Again I really hope we see these three again down the line. Adam Driver as Ben Solo/Kylo Ren is superb. Like Boyega, I don't think this is the best of his three appearances, but there are a lot of iconic moments.

Anthony Daniels is always top-notch as C-3PO. I do have to say Domhall Gleeson as General Hux was terribly underused in this film. He started out with so much potential in this trilogy and it goes all to waste. Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams get some great moments as Luke Skywalker and Lando Calrissian respectively.

We have to address how the film handles Leia, after the passing of Carrie Fisher in 2016. The film repurposes unused footage from the last two films to keep her character in the film, and conclude her story properly. Despite the circumstances, they handled the situation extremely well. It never feels choppy or forced to me, and it's a meaningful, poignant conclusion for the character. Leia playing a part in Rise of Skywalker boosts the emotional weight of the film.

One thing that is always on-point in a Star Wars film is the music of John Williams. His score brings the world to life, and elevates what's onscreen to new heights. So many iconic, key moments in the film are made that much better by the Maestro's work. Man, could you imagine if both John Williams and Alan Silversti got nominated for Best Original Score at the Oscars this year (They probably would have just cancelled each other out and it would still go to Joker anyway...)

The Rise of Skywalker is not what many expected, or wanted, but it's an enjoyable film with many bright spots, wonderful characters, and despite outside factors, a still-cohesive narrative. Episodes VII-IX, to me, are three good films that make a clunky trilogy, and I can live with that. I love The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi (I think it's the best of the trilogy...). Much like how The Prequel Trilogy has come to be appreciated over time, I hope the same will be true for The Sequel Trilogy in the future. Maybe years from now a new generation will be introduced to them and come to love them (Assuming their parents aren't still bitter Last Jedi trolls-Alright I'll stop.). Hey, I heard Return of The Jedi wasn't super well-received way back when!

Ok, that's enough Star Wars talk for awhile. May the Force be with us all...

Top 12 Films of The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Well, now seemed a good a time as any to tackle this daunting task. This month marks the one-year anniversary of Avengers: Endgame, which closed out the first twenty-three film saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Black Widow, which is set to lead us into the next saga of the MCU, has had its release date postponed, along with several other films. So now seems like a good time to revisit some of my favorite entries of the MCU.

Braver men then me have solidified their preferential rankings of the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I am well aware of the position I'm about to put myself in. However, like every Top Films lists, I'll reiterate that all entertainment is subjective, and my Top 12 might not necessarily be the same as someone else's. Also, unlike my Top Films of the Year lists, I'm going with twelve slots instead of ten. I'm not just going through a year of films. I'm going through a tight, twenty-three film franchise. As Dave Chappelle once said, "Modern problems, require modern solutions."

Alright let's take an extra shot of Super-Solider Serum, power up the Arc Reactor, and (those that are worthy) summon Miljonir. These are my Top 12 MCU Films.

12. Thor
Released May 6, 2011
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddelston (and Anthony Hopkins as Odin)

I've really come to appreciate the first Thor film more and more over time. There's just so many memorable lines of dialogue that I can recite so well. It really started to shape the cinematic universe on a larger scale, establishing the connections between Earth and Asgard, and our introduction to Thor (Hemsworth) is possibly one of the best origin stories in the MCU. The cast is full of MCU powerhouses, not just Hemsworth, but Sir Anthony Hopkins as the almighty Odin, and Tom Hiddelston everybody's favorite villain Loki. Really what else can I say about Loki?

The fight scenes are superb, but not because there's a lot of sword fighting and explosions, but because they're on a smaller scale, personal, and more integral to the character arcs. It's a good drama. It's a good fantasy film. Thor stands out among the MCU's earliest entries.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #4 in My Top Films of 2011)


11. Black Panther
Released February 16, 2018
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Luptia N'yongo, and Michael B. Jordan

Black Panther, save for a cliche' final battle, is a powerhouse film. Coogler is a master at world-building. He brings the country of Wakanda to life beautifully with every detail, from the set design and wardrobe, to the film's unforgettable score and soundtrack. It's a visually stunning production. The cast is amazing. Boseman is too cool as our lead. Danai Gurira as Okoye and Winston Duke as M'Baku are the definition of scene stealers. Michael B. Jordan gives us the best villain in an MCU since Loki, no question about that.

The script is so well-written, and is full of themes and messages that resonate with the world today. None of which are in your face, but are handedly in a strong but subtle way, that they can leave a significant impact on the viewer. Another great thing the film does is stand firm on its own ground, while connecting to the larger narrative of the MCU in a simple way. Black Panther is a compelling, ground-breaking film that is almost a masterclass in filmmaking on its own.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #7 in My Top Films of 2018)


10. Captain America: The Winter Solider
Released April 4, 2014
Directed by Joe & Anthony Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and Robert Redford

The second film in the Captain America trilogy took the Star Spangled Man with A Plan to brilliant places. After the end of The First Avenger brought him to the modern world, the Winter Solider puts Cap in a place where everything he knows is challenged. The lines between right and wrong are blurred, and when he is being forced to "get with the times", he stands his ground and tries to stay true to his beliefs. It's a thought-compelling film raising questions on morality, government oversight, and more.

This "political thriller" was the first real game changer in the MCU, with its intense and gripping plot regarding SHIELD and its role in the universe. Anthony Mackie makes a great debut as Sam Wilson/The Falcon. Samuel L. Jackson and Cobie Smulders get to play more as Nick Fury and Maria Hill. But the heart of the film is the relationship between Cap & Black Widow (Evans & Johansson). The two characters are almost complete opposites but have enough similarities to form a connection, and they play off each other incredibly well. That's in no small credit to the talents of Evans & Johansson, who's life-long friendship helps to build their on-screen chemistry and make a dynamic Marvel duo.

Edge-of-your-seat thrills with an emotional core, brought to life with wonderful performances, Captain America: The Winter Solider is one of the MCU's best sequels.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #2 in My Top Films of 2014)


9. Iron Man
Released May 2, 2008
Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jeff Bridges

The one that started it all. The character arc of Tony Stark (Downey) is one of the strongest, if not the strongest across the franchise, but if you just look at Iron Man, it set the standard for superhero origins. The story of Iron Man is one of incredible self-redemption, and one we hadn't seen in a superhero film at the time. Tony is a man who sees an evil in the world he has fed, and makes it his life mission to right those wrongs, and make the world a better place. Across nine films he goes from completely selfish to selfless, but right out the gate we get a strong sense of who this guy is. Favreau's amazing direction, and Downey's iconic performance created the stuff of legends.

I also think Jeff Bridges is often overlooked when people rank MCU villains. While the final battle is slightly underwhelming, Obadiah Stane is incredibly well written as this dark reflection of Tony. But the rest of the action is superb, there's lot of humor and heartfelt character moments. I don't think the MCU would be what it is today if they didn't come swinging out of the gate so strongly with Iron Man.



8. Captain America: Civil War
Released May 6, 2016
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, and Sebastian Stan

There's probably nothing harder to watch than some of the most-beloved characters of all time kick the crap out of each other, but that's what makes Captain America: Civil War such an enticing and impactful film. The airport sequence? Groundbreaking. The final confrontation between Cap, Tony, and Bucky? Heart-wrenching. The emotional stakes have never been higher.

The Russo's do an incredible job of keeping Cap (Evans) the centerpiece of the story, while also servicing every player on the Avenger chessboard (many have nicknamed this film Avengers 2.5). The performances in this film are top-notch, showing just how well this ensemble has learned to play off one another. Every scene and every bit of dialogue builds off what came before it, as this acts as a culmination of Phase One & Two, and sets the stage for Phase Three. Captain America: Civil War, with its high emotional stakes and unmatched action, is easily one of the best films in the MCU.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #2 in My Top Films of 2016)

Things are starting to get tricky now...

7. Avengers: Endgame
Released April 26, 2019
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson, etc.

As close to perfect as a finale gets I think. It wraps up The Infinity Saga while also leaving a few breadcrumbs to what could come next. This film was an unforgettable experience in theaters, and the laughs, cheers, and tears still hit home. The final battle is nothing short of epic. The time-travel sequence is (for the most part, RIP Natasha) a ton of fun. Alan Silversti's score is beautiful. The performances from the original six Avengers are some of their very best, but the supporting players turn in some great work too. Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man provides a lot of bright moments. Karen Gillan as cold but not totally-heartless-now Nebula really plays well against The Avengers.

As most finales do, Endgame is full of nostalgia, using the theme of time-travel to revisit some beloved locations and characters from past films, but never in a way that feels gimmicky. The true majesty and gravitas of the MCU is on display here for three hours, showcasing everything viewers have come to love for the past decade. Avengers: Endgame capped off The Infinity Saga incredibly well, and deservingly became the most successful film of all time.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #1 in My Top Films of 2019)


6. The Avengers
Released May 4, 2012
Directed by Joss Whedon
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth

The first time The Avengers assembled on screen was an unforgettable moment in cinematic history. After seeing all their stellar work in their solo films, it was amazing to see the natural chemistry between these actors. Brining Tom Hiddelston back as Loki for the film's antagonist was a good move, and solidified him as a franchise MVP.

The film does start a little slow getting the team together, but that start is full of standard, enjoyable character moments. Whedon's script services them all well, and the dialogue is beyond witty and truly memorable. The action, particularly in the final battle in New York, is epic. Little film nerd moment here...the cinematography in The Avengers is pretty great, with some really nice camerawork. Alan Silversti, again, is a true maestro with the music. The Avengers was the true beginning of the end, and promised big, beautiful things in the future of the MCU.
(Ranked #3 in My Top Films of 2012)


5. Thor: Ragnarok
Released November 3, 2017
Directed by Taika Waititi
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Cate Blanchett

Thor: Ragnarok marked a real turning point for The God of Thunder (and my second favorite Avenger). I think it's pretty safe to say that Ragnarok is universally accepted as the funniest film of the MCU, and I stand by that statement. Visually the film is one of the MCU's most unique, as we go on this "cosmic road trip", from Asgard to New York to Sakarr. It's always nice to get a sense of how big the universe of these films is.

As much as Waitit reinvented the Thor films, it brings the trilogy to a proper conclusion for the character and brings a wonderful script to life. Hemsworth gives some of his best work as Thor, and gets to show off his comedic chops. Mark Ruffalo gets a bit more to do as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, and Cate Blanchett is deliciously evil as Hela. Thor: Ragnarok is one of the MCU's funnest and most unique entries.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #1 in My Top Films of 2017)


4. Doctor Strange
Released November 4, 2016
Directed by Scott Derrickson
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

Man I was pretty harsh in my original review of Doctor Strange. I mean some of it I still agree with but obviously I've changed my tune if it's now in my Top 5. The introduction to the magical side of the MCU is a true spectacle. I love the visuals in the film, and Michael Giacchino's grand and fantastical score only immerses you in them deeper. Stephen Strange is a true fan-favorite, brought to life on screen perfectly by Benedict Cumberbatch. His origin story follows some similar beats to Thor and Iron Man but has its own unique flavors.

The supporting cast is stacked, from the fierce Shakespearean nature of Ejiofor's Mordo, to Benedict Wong's hilarious and stoic Wong, and Swinton as the material but powerful Ancient One (I love her final scene with Cumberbatch. It's one of my favorite scenes in the MCU. I just love the overall tone and feel of the film. It was nothing like the MCU films that came before it. Doctor Strange was a true feast for the eyes, and a "magical" introduction to a new corner of the MCU.
(Original Review)


3. Avengers: Infinity War
Released April 27, 2018
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Josh Brolin, Chris Hemsworth (and the rest!)

Infinity War was a cinematic experience unlike any other. The impact of that ending can still be felt to this day. It's like a true comic-book event come to life, sprung right from the panels. The Russo's perform the balancing act they did in Civil War, and like, quadruple it. Some cast members don't shine as equally as others, but their time is better used in Endgame. Downey, as always, is *the* leading man as Tony Stark. Josh Brolin feels truly menacing as Thanos, the saga's Big Bad, while also playing him with real pathos. Chris Hemsworth, right after Ragnarok, turns in even more spectacular work as Thor. It's also nice to see Doctor Strange and the Guardians join in on the big team-up this time.

While Infinity War is a ride, it is a lot to digest. However in the context of its sequel, it's setting the stage for The Avengers to come back from their greatest failure. And really it isn't their film, it's Thanos's. The Russo's structure it so he's a main character, which is the right call since the franchise had been building to him for ten years. But back to Infinity War being a ride. This as dark and intense as the franchise gets, and the action is some of the most thrilling in a Marvel film. "Calm" is not the word to use to describe Infinity War. Also, one more time...The music of Alan Silversti.

Infinity War shook audiences to its core. It's as devastating as it is entertaining.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #2 in My Top Films of 2018)


2. Guardians of The Galaxy: Vol. 2
Released May 5, 2017
Directed by James Gunn
Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Kurt Russell 

I really enjoy both Guardians films, but given a choice I'd take Vol.2 over "Vol.1". The comedy is turned up to eleven, but Gunn really doubles-down on the drama, and shows how as a writer he can seamlessly interweave between them. I love the story of family, and how the family we choose isn't always the family we're born into. Gunn brings these characters to the logical next step in their journeys. The Guardians of The Galaxy might look odd on the surface, but their story is universally touching.

Chris Pratt again proves to be one of the best actors in the business right now. Kurt Russell as Ego is absolutely amazing. Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon is the unsung MVP of the ensemble. Karen Gillan and Michael Rooker get more to do as Nebula and Yondu, and what they do with the material *chef's kiss*.  The design of the film is incredible, like Disney meets Flash Gordon. It's beautiful to look at. The soundtrack is once again stellar, but in this film I find the songs are more connected to what's on screen (particularly Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain).

I expected to laugh and have a great time. I didn't expect an attack on the feels in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2, but that's what we got. The film exceeded my expectations, and over time became one of my favorite MCU films.
(Original Review)


...Yeah...yeah we're here again...As them Thanos say, "I am, inevitable..."

1. Captain America: The First Avenger
Released July 22, 2011
Directed by Joe Johnson
Starring Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, and Sebastian Stan

I'm going to save some time and just copy-paste what I wrote when I made this film #1 in My Top 10 Films of 2011...

"Surprised? I knew you wouldn't be. This quickly became one of my favorite films of all time, as did Captain America become my favorite superhero of all time. Steve Rogers isn't motivated by say, revenge for a lost loved one, or some foretold prophecy. He's doing it because he knows what's right. He sees evil in the world, and as a person, feels compelled to do something about it. How can you not fall in love with a character like that, especially when he's played perfectly by my man Chris Evans? Honestly this is one of the best batch of supporting players in the MCU. Hayley Atwell is lovely and dynamic as Agent Peggy Carter. Sebastian Stan is too cool for school as Bucky. Hugo Weaving is deliciously evil as Red Skull, and by God can we please get more of Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Phillips in the MCU?? The film is not so much a superhero film, but a WWII action-adventure in the vein of Indiana Jones, which I love. I could keep going but you already knew Captain America: The First Avenger is my favorite film..."

Captain America, to me, embodies the spirit of the MCU, and shows why these films have become so beloved. The Marvel heroes portrayed on screen, all start out as regular people, be it a scrawny kid from Brooklyn, a gifted neurosurgeon, or a genius-billionare-playboy-philanthropist. They are put in extraordinary situations, and rise to the occasion to become something more. They take the chance to make the world a better place, by volunteering for a risky super-soldier program, joining a talking raccoon and tree to fight an intergalactic terrorist, or leading their people out of the shadows and onto the world's stage (That one's Black Panther). By showing their humble beginnings, Marvel shows that in some way, anyone can be a superhero. They make these characters accessible to the audience. As Stan Lee once said, "That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed, without a doubt, a real superhero..."

So (as it stands right now) those are my Top 12 Films of the MCU. Now, I finally rest, and watch the sun rise (from a secure location) on a grateful universe...

Well that's probably enough controversial opinions for now...for my next post, my review of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker!

Film Review - "Onward"

Onward
Directed by Dan Scanlon
Starring Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus

I firmly believe during this pandemic, it's important to not get caught up in all the news updates. There's so much being thrown out at once, and honestly it's not all equally accurate, nor pleasant. So you should take some time to escape into some positive media. That can be an unread book that's been sitting on your shelf for sometime, a new show to binge on Netflix, or just some films.

There's plenty of films to take in, either streaming or on your DVD shelf, but access to any new releases is going to be pretty limited for now. However through The Mouse's good graces, it released Pixar's latest film Onward, on Disney Plus early, for everyone to view from the safety and comfort of their home.

I recently watched it myself and let me tell you...this film was like a gift. Onward is top-notch Pixar.

Onward takes place in a world full of magic and fantasy, but nowadays magic has taken a backseat to modern technology. The film focuses on two elf brothers, Ian being the youngest (Holland), and Barley the oldest (Pratt). Ian is right in the middle of his teenage years, lacking self-confidence and struggling to find himself. Barley is a goofball lost in his roleplaying games and magic history.

On Ian's sixteenth birthday, their mother (Dreyfus) gives them a birthday present from their late father, whom Ian has no memory of. The gift is a "visitation spell", which when cast, will bring someone back to life for 24 hours. Unfortunately, they don't get the spell quite right, and they only bring back the bottom half of their dad (Think like a magical Weekend at Bernie's). However Barley believes he knows where they can get the magical items they need to cast the spell again. So the two brothers set on a quest to complete their spell and see their dad before time runs out.

Onward follows the basic Pixar film formula. There's two leads who don't quite see eye-to-eye, and they have to work together to get somewhere, achieve a goal, etc. But as the studio has proved time and time again, it's not the formula it's what you do with it. Dan Scanlon draws on his own personal experiences to deliver a real-life story, set in a fantasy world. The relationship between Ian and Barley is so well-written. Ian loves his brother but can be annoyed or embarrassed by him. Barley is all about fun and adventure, but is Ian's biggest cheerleader. It's as complex and layered as a brotherhood like this should be.

Ian and Barley are brought to life perfectly by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, who both have shown before they can balance comedy and drama seamlessly. Arguably I think Holland gets more of the drama and Pratt gets more of the comedy, but undoubtedly they both turn in killer Pixar performances. They play together incredibly well, and make you wonder if Star-Lord & Spider-Man will share more scenes together in the eventual Avengers 5. One thing I will say though is Pratt's Barley does take some time to getting used to, because at first he's all about his mythology and jokes, and embarrassing anyone sharing a scene with him. But much like another Chris Pratt character, Andy Dwyer on Parks & Recreation, he gets more dimension as time goes on, and it's not long before you're rooting for him.

As far as the supporting cast, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss has a lot of great moments as their mother Laurel, and plays a pretty active role in the story. Octavia Spencer is almost unrecognizable as Corey The Manticore, and you can tell she is having a lot of fun. Personally I really enjoyed Mel Rodriguez's Colt Bronco, the boy's centaur cop stepfather.

Pixar once again turns in some spectacular animation. It's amazing how much detail goes into the littlest thing that they end up actually looking real. Things that really stood out for me were like the lighting, especially in the sequences when they're driving on the interstate. The fantasy side of things are okay, like the character designs aren't groundbreaking or as "inventive" as the creatures in say Monsters Inc. but they're fine. Honestly it was really cool seeing Pixar tackle the fantasy genre. The quest is very enticing, and the film is entertaining from beginning to end. Some of the situations the boys get into are very creative. While I don't want a sequel to Onward, I wouldn't mind seeing more of this world in a future Pixar film.

That's really all I have to say about Onward. I had a great time with it. It's a very sweet, fun film, that in typical Pixar fashion, will have you shedding a few tears before the credits roll. It's a beautiful story not just about the relationship between brothers, but the relationships we have with the people who always support us, and the times when we have to support them. Pixar have always been master storytellers, but I think this story about brotherly love and being there for one another, came at the right time.

We're in a rough period right now. Life as we know it has completely changed, and we're cut off from one another. It's pretty grim out there, and I think Onward is a nice reminder of the love, and the "magic" that's still there. Even though we may not be able to physically be there for one another, we still can be in our thoughts and our actions. So yes, I am thankful Disney put Onward on Disney Plus a little early, and I hope everyone out there can take some time to share it with their family and friends from the comfort and safety of your home.

The Best Animated Films You (Probably) Haven't Seen

These are troubling, uncertain times. Everything is shut down, from schools to movie theaters. For weeks now we've all been stuck inside, undoubtedly running out of options on how to keep busy. What to read, what to do, and what to watch.

I'm sure many of you and your families are running out of viewing options, and really there's only so many times you can watch Frozen 2 with the kids without losing a touch of sanity. Luckily, there's a plethora of animated films out there that aren't from Disney or Pixar. So I wanted to present some options for you to consider, if you feel like venturing beyond the realm Disney Plus.

Here's, in my opinion, The Best Animated Films You (Probably) Haven't Seen!


The Road to El Dorado
DreamWorks Animation. Released March 31, 2000
Directed by Don Paul & Eric "Bibo" Bergeron
Starring Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, and Rosie Perez

El Dorado was one of the few traditionally animated films Dreamworks produced before Shrek-fever took over and they went full-CGI. It tells the story of Tulio & Miguel (Kline & Branagh), two con-artists in the 1500s, who after being locked up as stowaways on Hernan Cortez's ship, embark on a quest to discover El Dorado, the Lost City of Gold. Of course they do find the legendary city, and the citizens mistake them as gods. Thus begins their ultimate con, and test of their friendship.

It's a really fun film with gorgeous traditional animation. It's premise is akin to the Bob Hope & Bing Crosby Road To...series. It's a great adventure, and a heartwarming story of friendship. The script was also written by Ted Elliot & Terry Rossio, who's other credits include Aladdin, Pirates of the Carribean, and Shrek. The characters/performances are absolutely delightful. Kline and Branagh are such a great match as the leads. There's also music from Hans Zimmer and songs from Elton John. It's not Lion King level work but it's still pretty good. The Road To El Dorado is a fun ride, that definitely deserves more attention than it gets.


Megamind
Dreamworks Animation. Released November 5, 2010
Directed by Tom McGrath
Starring Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Jonah Hill

It's been ten years since two particular animated films came out. Despicable Me and Megamind, both of which tell a story of a super-villain turning over a new leaf, and with the benefit of hindsight, I'm just going to say it. I think the wrong one got a franchise. Megamind (Ferrell) is a supervillain constantly at odds with his nemesis Metro Man (A too cool Brad Pitt). Things take a turn though when somehow Megamind manages to defeat and kill Metro Man. Now without a superhero to fight, Megamind feels he has lost his purpose in life. So he sets out to create a new hero to battle with, and inadvertently ends up creating a villain worse than he ever was.

How much you enjoy Will Ferrell might factor in how much you'll enjoy this film, but I find Megamind to be one of his greatest performances. His voice and gravitas is perfect for the cocky, oddball antihero. The rest of the voice cast is pretty great, from Tina Fey as News Reporter Roxanne Ritchie, Jonah Hill as dimwitted cameraman Hal Stewart, and Brad Pitt as Metro Man. The animation is pretty good for Dreamworks, but visually it's not their most striking. I would say though it is one of their funnier films. It's a nice twist on the superhero genre, but at its heart is a story about self-worth and taking control of your identity. Oh and while there is a character named Minion (David Cross), he's not yellow, shaped like a Tic-Tac, and has actual dialogue...


Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Dreamworks Animation. Released June 2, 2017
Directed by David Soren
Starring Ed Helms, Kevin Hart, and Thomas Middleditch

Speaking of superheroes...School shutdown or not, I just know there are still kids out there reading Dav Pilkey's amazing book series. The first Captain Underpants film (and I pray not the last) is for true fans of the books, those reading them now or who read them when they were young. The script captures the imagination of Pilkey's world perfectly, but there's plenty of quirky humor and heartfelt moments for those new to Captain Underpants to enjoy. Also the animation is like the book illustrations come to life.

For the uninitated, Captain Underptants tells the story of two boys, George & Harold (Hart & Middleditch) who enjoy playing pranks and drawing comic books. When their principal Mr. Krupp (Helms) finally catches them in the act of a prank, he threatens to put them in separate classes forever. Refusing to accept their punishment, George & Harold hypnotize Mr. Krupp (with a mail-order 3D Hypno-Ring) to change his mind. The boys then have a little fun and turn him into their comic-book creation, Captain Underpants. Their trouble really begins when Mr. Krupp/Captain Underpants runs off to "fight crime", and they have to protect him from harm.

While this one might sound a little ridiculous, and more for the younger kids, it's a sweet look at the power of friendship, and how friendship can evolve over time. It will definitely trigger some nostalgia  in older viewers, and I'm pretty confident they'll end up chuckling at some of the gags. Captain Underpants is a silly, creative animated romp, and I'm really hoping for some sequels.
(Original Review)


Rio
Blue Sky Studios. Released April 15, 2011
Directed by Carlos Saldanha
Starring Jessie Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, and Jermaine Clement

I've already written down my thoughts about Rio a few times, so I'll keep it brief. It's the story of the last two Blue macaws left in the world, who are put together in hopes they will mate and save their species. Blu (Eisenberg) is house-pet from Minnesota who never learned how to fly. Jewel (Hathaway) lives wild and free in Brazil and wants to keep it that way. Naturally the two don't get along at first. But after being separated from their caretakers in Rio, they have to work together to find their way back, and slowly start growing closer together. It's a cliche' love story, but the characters are all lovable and Eisenberg's Blu is easy to root for. The animation is top-notch and the soundtrack is pretty great, with some real jams on it. Rio is a great watch for the whole family, and a nice reminder that Blue Sky can produce something other than a sub-par Ice Age sequel.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #8 in my Top Films of 2011)


The Pirates: Band of Misifts
Aardman Animation/Sony Pictures Animation. Released April 27, 2012
Directed by Peter Lord
Starring Hugh Grant, David Tennant, and Martin Freeman

If you've ever enjoyed Wallace & Gromit or Chicken Run, then you should definitely check out this swashbuckling, mad-cap comedy about a bumbling Pirate Captain (Grant) on a quest to win the Pirate of The Year Award. Along the way, he and his crew make a friend in Charles Darwin (Tennant), and a powerful enemy in Queen Victoria (Imelda Staunton). This film is Aardman at its best, from the animation to the humor. This film is so entertaining, and the cast is stacked. Hugh Grant is iconic as The Pirate Captain. David Tennant is adorkable as Charles Darwin. Martin Freeman is charming as Number Two, and Brendan Gleeson is hilarious as the Pirate with Gout. The Pirates: Band of Misfits is the definition of underrated. It's a true gem of stop-motion animation.
(Ranked #7 in my Top Films of 2012)


Corpse Bride
Warner Bros. Released October 7, 2005.
Directed by Tim Burton
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson

Tim Burton fans should definitely check out one of his best films. Victor Van Dort (Depp) lives in a small, dull village in Victorian England. He's shy, timid, and his family has arranged for him to be married to the lovely Victoria (Watson) whom he's just met. After a disastrous wedding rehearsal, Victor strolls into the woods to practice his vows...and unknowingly proposes to a Corpse Bride (Carter), who accepts and carries him off to the Land of The Dead.

Tim Burton has always been great at world-building, and he builds a fantastical one here, from the bland and grey Land of the Living, to the vibrant and color Land of the Dead (Such a good contrast). Stop-motion animation fans, this is a feast for the eyes. Lovers of Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas will definitely want to check this one out (Sometimes, I think Corpse Bride might be better than it...). The music by usual Burton composer Danny Elfman is beautiful, and the voice cast is full of regular members of Burton's troupe who help to bring this unique story to life (Heh...). Corpse Bride is peak Tim Burton. It's his usual blend of off-beat and gorgeous, and one of his more original and creative works. It's a must-see for animation fans.


Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs
Sony Pictures Animation. Released September 18, 2009
Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Starring Bill Hader, Anna Farris, and James Caan

The fact that this one was brought to life by the same guys who gave us The Lego Movie and Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse should be enough of a reccomendation, but I'll carry on. Based on the same named children's book by Judi Barrett, Cloudy focuses on Flint Lockwood (Hader) a struggling inventor and outcast in the town of Swallow Falls. One day his "Flint Lockwood Diatonic Super Mutating Dynamic Food Replicator" (FLDSMDFR) goes haywire, but ends up raining delicious food all over town, making him an overnight success. Fame starts to go to his head as he starts making all the town's culinary wishes comes true, and it isn't long before his machine starts creating problems...

This one's whacky but is chock-full of heart and laugh out-loud moments. The animation style is so unique and comical, only amplifying the comedy throughout. The voice cast is incredible. Not just Hader, Farris, and Cann, but Andy Samberg, Neil Patrick Harris, Mr. T (as like, the best character in the film) and even more than them. As entertaining as the film is, it also carries a nice message about being true to yourself, and never giving up on your dreams. Hilarious, endearing, and showcasing a spectacular cast, Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs is another great example of taking a simple children's book and expanding on it for the big screen (successfully).



Cats Don't Dance
Warner Bros. Released March 26, 1997
Directed by Mark Dindal
Starring Scott Bakula, Jasmine Guy, and John Rhys-Davies

Here's one I'd be surprised that a lot of people remember seeing. Cats Don't Dance is an animated musical taking place in the 1930s, focusing on Danny (Bakula), a personified cat who travels to Hollywood to make it big in the pictures (A cat becoming famous? Well looking at the internet nowadays that should be fairly easy!) Well in this version of the Golden Age of Hollywood, there's a sort of prejudice against animals, and they can only get bit parts. Ever the optimistic, Danny sets out to shake the system and help the studios see his and other animal performers' talents.

So think Zootopia meets Singin' In The Rain. It's actually a pretty clever premise. The animation is simple but personable, like old Looney Toons or Chuck Jones work. The music is pretty nice (It's by Randy Newman but don't worry he doesn't sing any of it). "Danny's Arrival Song" has been stuck in my head for twenty-three years. The characters are all likeable, but the one who stands out the most is the villain, Darla Dimple, a sadistic caricature of Shirley Temple. Cats Don't Dance is a little cheesy at times, but it's a fine animated film that's a clever send-up to the Golden Age of Hollywood. It's sweet and has nice themes. It might not become a new favorite, but I think you'll enjoy giving it a watch.


A Boy Named Charlie Brown
Cinema Center Films/Warner Bros. Released December 4, 1969.
Directed by Bill Melendez
Starring Peter Robbins, Pamela Ferdin, and Glenn Gilger

Charlie Brown, do you know who that is? I jest. Chuck, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have had a total of five feature films (The last one coming out in 2015, and I honestly debated putting it on here as well because that film was a treasure and deserves more attention), but I opted to go with their first. A Boy Named Charlie Brown has Charlie Brown (Robbins) struggling with his recent string of failures, feeling he'll never succeed at everything. One day, he reluctantly enters the school spelling bee, and ends up winning. That sounds like a happy ending, but it doesn't stop there. Now Charlie Brown must go compete in the National Spelling Bee Championship in New York City. He travels to NYC with Linus (Gilger) and Snoopy (Melendez) to prepare for the championship.

That's all I want to say on the story, because the ending is so bittersweet. I wouldn't want to rob new viewers of the experience, but the film is over 50 years old and I guess if you know Charlie Brown you could figure it out from there. The animation is typical Peanuts faire. It's simple but clever. There are extended, stylized, musical sequences that give off a Fantasia vibe. The film might not hold younger viewers attention too well.

Could I say this is the best of the Peanuts films...maybe? I honestly couldn't tell you if I ever saw Bon Voyage or Race For Your Life. But I do think it's the most important. Not just because it's the first, but because how powerful its message is. Failure is not final. Even in our darkest, most painful moments, it's not the end of the world. We still have the strength to get up, and keep trying. It's okay to fail, but it's not okay to give up. That's something kids and adults all need to be reminded of from time to time. Charlie Brown has stood the test of time because so many of us can relate to his trials and tribulations. We all have been in his position. We've all felt like we can't win and wanted to throw in the towel, but like Charlie Brown we have to dig deep, hold onto hope, and keep moving forward.

I didn't mean to go on a tangent about this old Charlie Brown film. This is the second time I've written a list that's dissolved into a rant about a Peanuts film. A Boy Named Charlie Brown is not a perfect film and I don't even think it's the best film I've listed here...but I do think it's one of the most important, because of what it teaches. It is a perfect representation of what Charlie Brown is, and while you can find that in other Peanuts films and specials, here I think it's at its strongest and most resonating.

...Alright, thanks for sticking around. I'll give you some deep-cut Disney recommendations as a bonus.

Fun & Fancy Free: One of the few package features Disney released during World War II. The first of the two shorts is "Bongo", which is like a spiritual sequel to Dumbo, about a circus bear who escapes to the wild, falls in love, etc.  The second is "Mickey & The Beanstalk" which as you know is "Jack & The Beanstalk" but starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck & Goofy. It's such an upbeat, positive film, with catchy music and appearances from Jiminy Cricket and Edgar Bergen.

The Aristocats: The last film Walt signed off on before his death. When a greedy butler learns his wealthy employer will leave her fortune to her cats before him, he kidnaps and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. They befriend a charming alley cat who offers to help them get home. It's light-hearted, a ton of fun, and features a couple of really great songs.

The Great Mouse Detective: Basil of Baker Street (Barrie Ingham), a mouse version of Sherlock Holmes, takes on the case of a kidnapped toymaker, uncovering a sinister plot to take over the country, masterminded by his arch nemesis, Professor Ratigan (Vincent Price). An exhilirating, top-notch myserty/adventure that set the stage for the Disney Renaissance.

That's all for now. Hopefully I got you interested in checking out some films on this list. Some you may have never heard of, or some you have heard of, and now want to give a second look. Happy Binging, and Stay Safe.

Top 10 Films of 2019

No I haven't seen Uncut Gems, or Hustlers, or Judy, or The Lighthouse, or Parasite…yet…

However with the Oscars come and (long) gone, I can firmly say these are my Top 10 Films of 2019…also maybe you can check some of these films out while we're all socially distancing ourselves amidst the pandemic.

10. Klaus
Directed by Sergio Pablos
Starring Jason Schwartzman, JK Simmons, and Rashida Jones

As someone who loves the Christmas season, and grew up on hand-drawn animated films, Klaus was a real gift. The animation? Beautiful. The story? Familiar but at the same time unique. The voice cast? Spot on, from Jason Schwartzman as the spoiled protagonist who learns to love more than himself, to JK Simmons as a pitch-perfect Santa Claus, or Klaus. I truly see Klaus becoming the next great holiday classic, and I'm sorry but it should have won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, not Toy Story 4.
(Original Review)


9. Frozen 2
Directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
Starring Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Josh Gad

Klaus getting nominated for Best Animated Feature, but Frozen 2 not getting nominated is almost like some tragic but necessary trade-off. Frozen 2 is wonderful achievement by Disney, in that it's truly a worthy animated sequel. It's not better or worse than it's predecessor but sits as a nice companion to it. It advances the characters in the right direction, which are brought to life with amazing vocal performances and stunning computer animation. I do wish they fleshed out the mythology a little more but still, it sticks the landing. Oh and the music is still stuck in my head. Not too hate on Toy Story 4 (Because I don't hate it) but Frozen 2 was definitely the better Disney sequel of last year.
(Original Review)


8. Shazam
Directed by David Sanberg
Starring Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, and Jack Dylan Grazer

Shazam was a ton of fun. It's part 90's film, part modern superhero film, and honestly it stars my hero Chuck Bartowski aka Zachary Levi so there was no way I wasn't going to end up loving this. But regardless of my subjectiveity Shazam is easily one of the most unique, fun, and heartwarming superhero films in recent years. Levi is his usual charming, hilarious self in the titular role, which was practically made for him. Asher Angel and Jack Dylan Grazer are amazing talents for their age. The script allows Angel, as Billy Batson, to carry the heavier, more dramatic moments while Levi handles the comedic, energized moments. Grazer handles both sides of the story well and plays off both of his co-stars with ease. As much as I enjoy it, the film does start to lose its pacing in the third act, and director David Sanberg's horror-film background does show up a little too much at times. I didn't write a full-review for Shazam so I went a bit more in-depth here, but it was another mark in the win column for DC. It's a special kind of movie-magic, like lightning (heh) in a bottle.


7. How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Directed by Dean DeBlois
Starring Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, and Cate Blanchett

I swear this is the last time I'm going to talk about the 2019 Oscar for Best Animated Feature category…but look. As the year went on, the already slim chances of the third How To Train Your Dragon film taking home the trophy dwindled and dwindled. That much was clear. Regardless, it doesn't sting any less, seeing another Toy Story film take the Oscar away from another How To Train Your Dragon film. They could have given it as like a "win for the franchise" Oscar like The Return of The King…Not the right year I guess. Alright, End Rant. The How To Train Your Dragon film ends the fantasy/coming-of-age story on a beautiful, resonating note. As the final film it hit all the notes it needed to, while giving viewers all that we expect from the franchise: Wonderful animation, lovable characters, and a story that sucker punches you right in the heart (I ugly cried). You fall in love with the relationship of Hiccup and Toothless all over again and my God it hurts so much but it's alright. Then of course there's the absolutely epic score from John Powell, who was also robbed of an Oscar nomination. The How To Train Your Dragon trilogy is one of the best animated film trilogies-no, one of the best film trilogies to ever grace the silver screen. The third film might not be the best but it wraps everything up in a perfect package.
(Original Review)


6. Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
Directed by Rob Letterman
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, and Kathryn Newton

As a Pokemon fan for the majority of my adolescence and kinda still to this day, Detective Pikachu was a gift. It was such a surprise. It's so simple, but so much fun. Adapting one of the spinoff games instead of the main ones was a gamble that paid off well, and Ryan Reynolds is perfect as the titular character. The big draw of course was seeing all our favorite Pocket Monsters on the big screen, and they look amazing. Come for the Pokemon, stay for the fun (sometimes silly) storyline. Detective Pikachu is just a fun time at the movies.
(Original Review)


5. Knives Out
Directed by Rian Johnson
Starring Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig and Chris Evans

I couldn't tell you the last time I left a theater feeling as "jazzed up" as I did when I left my screening of Knives Out. Rian Johnson delivers an instant classic of a whodunnit, as only Rian Johnson can. There's so many twists and turns along the way, I was locked in until the credits rolled. Along the way of course are plenty of amazing performances from a hella great ensemble cast. Ana de Armas is wonderful, Daniel Craig is a delight to watch, and Chris Evans gives an unforgettable performance that's a stark contrast to good old Captain America. Knives Out leaves a real impression on you as a modern-day, Agatha Christie-like mystery. It's unique, compelling, and I can't wait to watch it again.

4. Joker
Directed by Todd Phillips
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Robert DeNiro, and Zazie Beetz

I left Knives Out jazzed up. I left Joker shook up. That's right, Joker left me "shooketh". It's a chilling portrayal of a character that could very well exist in our world. Yes it's an origin story for Batman's greatest enemy, but this hardly feels like a superhero film. This is a character study with Batman elements peppered in for flavor. By taking issues of mental illness and social class and applying them to these iconic characters, it makes them almost more tangible, accessible. At the center of all of this is Joaquin Phoenix, playing a character we sympathize with, and slowly start to fear. Was there ever any doubt he was going to get the Oscar? The cinematography is great. The Academy Award-winning score is haunting. All the pieces were there to make Joker the memorable film that is, and why it resonated with audiences all the way through awards season.
(Original Review)



3. Jojo Rabbit
Directed by Taika Waititi
Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, and Taika Waititi

I love Jojo Rabbit and all its powerful, unique, beautiful weirdness. I think it's such an important film for our time, in that it shows us when we're being taught so much how to fear and hate, we can learn to understand and love instead. While there have been so many World War II films, this one takes it in a different direction, putting Nazi Germany through the eyes of an innocent child. While the cast is amazing, and full of old favorites, the two young leads carry the picture. Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Taika Waititi are all amazing. The film has such a beautiful visual style, and has got plenty of clever, offbeat humor. Jojo Rabbit makes you smile and breaks your heart at the same time. I stand by my belief that it's a must-see film.
(Original Review)


2. Rocketman
Directed by Dexter Fletcher
Starring Taron Edgerton, Jamie Bell, and Richard Madden

Rocketman is a biopic like you've never seen before, and it's a musical like you've never seen before, because it's a true, musical biopic. It's such a flashily, positive spectacle, which is perfect for the subject matter, the life of Sir Elton John. The new renditions of classic Elton John tracks are amazing, only adding to his already wonderful discography. Taron Edgerton gives a career-defining performance as Sir Elton, and he's backed by wonderful supporting performances from Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, and Bryce Dallas Howard. But what really gives Rocketman its lasting power is its story about a young man learning to love himself and be true to who he is. Again I think that's a really important message for our time. Sure Rocketman may follow the classic guidelines of a biopic, but it's heart, music, and message make it stand out above the rest.

Before we get to what I'm sure you already know is #1, some honorable mentions:

Yesterday: Quite possibly one of the most unique concepts we've gotten on film in a long time. Definitely an underrated gem that slipped under most of our radars.

Spider-Man: Far From Home: Even better than Homecoming, this film takes the MCU Spider-Man to exciting, emotional places. The film's packed with amazing visuals, and wonderful, hilarious character moments.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood: A heartwarming story that shows the true power Mr. Rogers had, not just on children but adults. No one but Tom Hanks could play that man.

The Irishman: Peak Scorsese. It's his usual gangsters/brotherhood faire, elevated with themes of legacy and mortality. Every scene captures your attention, and the performances from the three leads are truly some of their best work.

Marriage Story: Such a real, bittersweet look at love and how it can survive during and after a divorce. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson are amazing.

Ford V Ferrari: A great story about partnership/friendship. The racing scenes are incredibly well-edited, and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: I don't need to explain myself to you...

And some others I haven't seen yet but want to: Just Mercy, Richard Jewell, Us…

…So yeah.

1. Avengers Endgame:
Directed by Joe & Anthony Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and the rest!

The finale to the first saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was an unforgettable experience to witness for the first time on the big screen. I cheered…a lot. I cried…a lot. Well, it's what you would expect when one follows a series and its characters for almost half of your life. There was plenty of surprises, iconic visuals and moments. The cast members give some of their best work of the franchise. Alan Silversti's music is legendary (He deserved a damn Oscar nomination, and a win too.). It wraps everything up while also setting the stage for what could come next. We're approaching it's one-year anniversary and honestly the film is just as good as it was the first time I saw it. I only wish I could erase my memory and see it for the first time again. Avengers: Endgame was a near-perfect finale to one of the largest stories ever told in cinema, and was truly a defining moment for film in 2019.
(Original Review)

So if there's one big takeaway from all this is I guess that I think a lot of films deserved more from the Oscars this year. Klaus deserved more. How To Train Your Dragon 3 deserved more. Jojo Rabbit, Rocketman, Endgame all deserved more. But hey watch what you like and own it. All entertainment is subjective right? And hey maybe revisit some of these films while you chill inside and away from other people while the world falls apart? That's what I'm doing. And probably catching up on some films I missed. I mean I haven't done a review for The Rise of Skywalker yet…maybe when it's safer I'll go to the store and buy copy…