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Fantastic

Posted : 1 year, 2 months ago on 4 September 2023 07:22 (A review of Spy x Family)

Warning: Spoilers
I love everything about Spy X Family. The characters are so lovable. The Father Loyd Forger is the stoic spy. The kid's name is Anya she acts like a normal little kid, except that she was experminted on when she was younger and now has telepathy. There is Yor Forger. She is the wife who is an assasin. The kid doesn't want to tell that she is telapathic because she thinks he will send her away, and the Mom isn't ready to tell the Dad that she is an assain yet. The dad needed a daughter because an enemy orginazation meets up at the school, and he needed a wife because the school wants to interview both parents.


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Are you ready for more Freddy?

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 3 September 2023 12:51 (A review of Dylan's New Nightmare: An Elm Street Fan Film)

Warning: Spoilers
Dylan's New Nightmare is an impressive fan made short film with New Nightmare actor Miko Hughes reprising his role as Dylan Porter. Dylan is now an actor and his mom is in a mental hospital. He's trying to put past trauma behind him, but everyone's favorite worst nightmare, Freddy Krueger, is back to haunt his dreams. Voice actor/filmmaker/YouTuber Dave McRae does a fantastic job as the iconic dream demon. McRae should be cast as Krueger in any future official Elm Street films. This film should have been longer, but it ends in a way that leaves the audience wanting more, which is always a good thing for a film.


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Horrendous

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 August 2023 06:08 (A review of Wonder Woman 1984 )

Warning: Spoilers
First off, I loved the first movie and was looking forward to the sequel. That being said, this was a disappointing convoluted mess. It's like a train wreck and a dumpster fire had a baby, then the baby puked and that puke became this movie. Seriously, what were they thinking with this script? So many talented actors and so much wasted potential.

So, because the script says so, Diana can make things disappear at will? She can swing from lighting with her lariat? She can block and catch bullets with her lariat? She can attach and swing from airplanes that are at cruising altitude while she's on the ground?! All of these exaggerated abilities while she's supposedly losing her powers? Another thing, her suit was supposed to be powerful, yet it crumbled like tinfoil during her five minute fight with Cheetah. What was the point of her wearing it then if she was back at full strength?

Max Lord's character was laughable. The stone wasn't crumbling with every wish, so why was he getting sick after granting wishes even though he became the stone? None of this lunacy made any sense whatsoever.

This movie was so bad that I walked out of my own house. Seriously, skip this and watch the first movie.


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Yet another watered down bastardisation

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 15 August 2023 02:51 (A review of Black Adam)

"The film initially received an R rating due to several gruesome death scenes and many cuts had to be made to the film to receive the lower PG-13 rating"

^ That is all you need to know about this movie. A team of executives, producers, writers a director, an entire team of absurdly over paid people pitched an idea for a movie based on a comic character.

They then hired writers to take certain elements and plot lines from the characters long history and make a movie out of it.

They then hired directors, the highest paid yet most one dimensional "actor" in history to front it.

They spent months having re-writes and changes. Spent months filming scenes over and over again. When they were happy with it it was sent to post production where a team of very highly paid people plastered the movie in special effects.

They had it in a studio for weeks to months with music being composed, overlayed, sound lines being re-recorded, foley's producing sounds for movements and atmosphere. Then all of the audio was mixed and overlayed in a way they were happy with

And then what happened? They took a finished product that they were content was a good vehicle to tell the story and completely buthcered it. Removed any scene that had the character acting like the character he is supposed to be, removed any and all scenes that could possibly be deemed as "too much" for a child by the ridiculous american MPAA. They watered down and hacked chunks out of their own product to sell more tickets, even though it was already guaranteed to be a financial success since it has the rocks name attached to it. They destroyed a story that they themselves had concocted and the end result is a completely different end product than what was pitched and even different from what was originally filmed it's dumb it is completely and utterly moronic. If you don't want to make an R rated movie and want to make yet another generic child focused brightly coloured, pun filled movie that has about as much depth as an episode of peppa the pig then do that. Don't take a character who historically has had stories revolving around adult themes, shoot an entire movie retaining the essence of the character and then proceeding to intentionally destroy any semblence of that character or the themes you were part of creating in the first place.

I don't care for the rock personally, zero acting ability and a selfish attention seeker in real life, but this movie could and should've been good, he can't act at all but he already has the ego and arrogance that could fit this character, instead we get the most generic, predictable and low effort childish movie that DC has ever churned out.


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Sheer excitement and grand adventure

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 12 August 2023 04:46 (A review of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe)

"He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" were and still are, to me, one of the best cartoons ever made.

This is a classic tale of good vs. evil, where each single episode was a story in itself and it always had some morale to tell.

The characters in the cartoon were colorful and very well fleshed out, both the good guys and the bad guys. You had strong heroes, wise heroes, those who ended up in bad situations because of bad luck, you had devious villains, plotting henchmen, and so on and so on. Every character brought something unique to the series, and it worked out very well.

Even the re-make of the cartoon series around 2002 proved quite impressive to me as well.

I grew up watching He-Man on TV, and I loved the show, I loved the toys, and I am still quite fond of "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe". This is a series that I return to ever so often for good old times and for the good entertainment. And it is something that I will pass on to my son.

If you were born before the 80's, chances are that you know the He-Man cartoon, unless you were living under some isolated rock in a galaxy far, far away. If you were born after this glorious decade, you might not be familiar with "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe", and that is a tragedy. So you should do yourself the favor of actually purchasing the original 80's series on DVD or BluRay, and also get the 2002 series as well while you are at it. "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" is a timeless classic cartoon that is fun and exciting.

Definitely one of my top favorites ever!


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Worst Peter Pan adaptation ever made.

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 3 July 2023 09:02 (A review of Peter Pan & Wendy)

Warning: Spoilers
There's so much to say about this movie, I don't even know where to start. But, long story short, the movie is terrible. The acting is bad, the visual effects, the plot, the characters, everything. The idea of replacing the old plot for a more modern and critical one is actually well-intentioned, but the way it's done is superficial and it lacks meaning. For example, Tinker Bell, this time portrayed by a black actress, no longer has any romantic interest involving Peter, and, therefore, has no spite towards Wendy. This change makes room for a new role for Tink, a role that could've given her even more highlight, but that's not what happened. Instead, she can't make herself heard for the majority of the film, because no one understands what she's saying. That being said, in theory, her purpose is to communicate through expressions, but she was not able to do so, since the acting missed every emotion she was supposed to express (for example: the actress would do a confused face to express sadness, or a happy face to express confusion, which did not make sense to me). So, I think her character was not really useful to the story, because she didn't add anything to it, which is a shame considering she could've had a more complex role, since she holds the main black representation of the movie. The same thing can be said to the leader of the Lost Boys, whose actor has Down Syndrome, and, before the movie was out, I was excited because I thought he would've had a major role, but he barely had lines or screentime. Tiger Lily is also a victim of lazy writing. On the one hand, I was happy to see an indigenous character having a non problematic role, more screentime and meaning. On the other, even with more participation, she's still not that relevant to the story. But, she does save Peter from death and fights fiercely at the final battle, so I'll give her that. Now, Wendy. Even though her character's actress had probably the best acting of the film, that does not make her acting good at all. It felt overacted, too dramatic and she was not really likeable even when she tried hard to be. However, the way this Wendy Darling was written is what bothered me the most. I liked the idea of giving her character more depth, focusing on her personal goals and independence rather than motherhood and marriage. But that was not well developed, so her character ended up being bland, too grumpy, defensive and meaningless, since she expresses no real willing to stay or leave Neverland, to grow or not grow up, etc. Also, Wendy was supposed to be, regardless of the misogynistic conotation of her original role, a kind, gentle yet brave, strong, feminine and caring character, and she's none of that in this new movie. That not being bad enough, Wendy is known to be a storyteller, that is the trait that draws Peter to her, because she's a good narrator, her gift is to tell stories. Yet in the movie, instead of telling stories, she sings, more specifically, one lullaby to the Lost Boys, and that's it. Now that I mentioned the Lost Boys, I should say that it was a bit pointless to have girls in this particular group and it still be called "Lost Boys". I guess they added girls to the group to be more inclusive (and I love the idea), but the point of the Lost Boys being boys is because girls were too smart to be lost, so this is, by itself, an empowering plotline, with no need of alteration. Besides being pointless, there's no real problem in including the girls, the thing is that they have almost no screentime or lines, which makes, again, their inclusion pointless. If you're going to add women characters in a male predominant story, you need to give them voice and representation for it to make sense and have meaning, which was not what happened in this movie. Changing the subject, let's talk about Capitain Hook. I personally am a fan of Jude Law's acting, but not even that was enough to save the movie. This new Hook is not terrifying at all. He, at the end of the day, seems a bit pathetic. His storyline was basically his former friendship with Pan and the fact that he missed his mother, how he was a victim of Peter's selfshiness and resents how things ended with their relationship. Although this gives a deeper reason to empathize with the villain, it eliminates his misterious aura and makes him more of a whimpering tall child than a scary man who's disappointed and bitter with life. And now, the worst part: Peter Pan himself. The actor, poor kid, is just a really bad actor. He does not understand Peter's personality and charisma, nor does whoever wrote the script. He's completely apathetic, he shows no real expressions or feelings, making it hard to feel bad for him or to understand his reasons. He's chill, conformed and unlikeable, his lines - even tho most of them are references of the original material - have no impact when he delivers them. He's supposed to be charming, energetic, fun, cocky and joyful. These traits are mentioned in the film as if Peter has them, but the acting shows the opposite. The movie is called "Peter and Wendy", but the two barely have scenes together, and when they have, they lack both romantic and platonic chemistry. The relationship between Hook and Peter is the focus of the movie, with backstory, climax and a possible forgiveness by the end of the movie, knowing the fact that Hook was not killed by the crocodile in this new version. All of that makes me think the movie should be named "Peter and Hook", it would've been more coherent. The cinematography is flat and lifeless, Neverland is like a bunch of green hills and a beach that could've been filmed at literally any part of planet Earth (and it was, but the point is that it shouldn't look like it was). Neverland was supposed to be magic, the landscapes were meant to be fantastic, unreal, with vivid colors and breathtaking visual elements. The scenario was too normal for a fantasy tals: beaches, hills, woods, a cave. The pixie dust did not shine, the fairies weren't bright. The color palette was opaque, the sword fights were poorly choreographed, the filming angles and editing transitions looked lazy and cheap. The overall plot was rushed and full of holes (for example, Peter losing his ability to fly and falling at a thirty feet height and not dying because of the fall, but for the cut in his chest made by Hook before he fell). Anyway, all of this to say I had great hopes for the film, and ended up entirely disappointed. I rate this 1/10 for the one good thing that is the attempt of representation and inclusion, but that's all.


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Near-perfect film, about the boy who never grew up

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 30 June 2023 04:03 (A review of Peter Pan)

This film is amazing. I also really like the Disney film, but I was really unimpressed by its sequel. Both this and the Disney film are superior to the sequel Return To Neverland, and I also recommend the animated TV series Peter Pan and the Pirates, with Captain Hook at his most complex.

I have only two flaws with this film. First, it isn't as complex and meaningful as the book by J.M.Barrie, which I think is one of the best children's books ever written. Secondly, likewise with Bobby Driscoll, the voice of Peter, in the Disney film, Jeremy Sumpter mayn't be to everyone's taste, as he doesn't quite live up to the playful and rather likable character in the book, but it is still a spirited performance.

However, this film has a huge amount to recommend it. First of all, is the gorgeous scenery and the cinematography. Such beautiful and vivid colours, that left you in wonder and wanting more. I also liked the fact, the producers made the film darker than the book to some extent, like making Hook more complex and more suave, an idea that they didn't quite explore in the Disney film. The acting was very good indeed. Rachel Hurd Wood is the picture of innocence as Wendy, and Richard Briers does more than a capable job as Smee. Plus Ludivine Sagnier was awesome, one of my favourite interpretations of Tinkerbell actually. Stealing the acting honours, like Dustin Hoffmann, like Hans Conried, like Tim Curry(in the animated series), is the wonderful Jason Isaacs, in a sometimes terrifying portrayal of Hook. And seriously he should have got an award for his brilliant performance. The music score was lovely too, very fantasy-like and sparkling.

In conclusion, a beautiful film, not as good as the book, but there is a lot to enjoy here. 9/10 Bethany Cox


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Why on earth is this show not on anymore?

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 30 June 2023 03:56 (A review of Peter Pan and the Pirates)

I saw a fair amount of episodes on YouTube and I was shocked that they don't make cartoons like this anymore. This show deserves a lot more recognition, why is it so underrated. The animation and theme tune are fantastic, as are the voice talents. The animation is just amazing, and the theme tune is in my top 10 of the best theme tunes for an animated show ever along with Talespin and Darkwing Duck. Peter and the Darlings are very well done, and all the story lines are gripping and fun. But the highlight of the whole series, was Tim Curry in a phenomenal performance as Captain Hook, who thoroughly deserved the daytime Emmy, and he was aided by some truly terrific dialogue. Sure his character animation isn't what Barrie imagined, but the writers made him into a highly complex character, and as a fan of Curry, I consider Hook to be among his best voice over roles. Hook is seen as a gentleman, who believes in good manners, has the highest regard for his mother but has a rather vindictive side towards his fellow pirates ( a bit like Jekyll and Hyde) There are also plenty of laugh out loud funny moments, like Peter pretending to be a gentleman to even a score with Hook, Hook's reactions were priceless. And there's even an episode when Hook tries to fly! My favourite line of Hook's, other than his iconic insults, is in the episode the Play's the thing, when he says, "Oh Shakespeare, give thanks that you aren't here to witness this atrocity." This show was so good, why don't they show it anymore? It's better, in my opinion, than the Disney movie, and the sequel, and actually my favourite of any Peter Pan adaptation. I think we should get a petition to bring this show back! Without question, 10/10. Bethany Cox


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Brilliant family entertainment!

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 30 June 2023 03:52 (A review of Jumanji)

While I try not to take IMDb ratings to heart, I do think the rating for this film is too low. The film is absolutely fantastic in all departments. I will admit, there are some bits that are quite scary due to some scenes that are amazingly dark. The film does start off slowly, but when the film fast forwards to twenty six years later, the film turns into fast-paced family entertainment. Other than one or two scary scenes and the slow beginning, I could find very little wrong with Jumanji. The story is great, very intriguing and filled with humour, scares and poignancy. The cinematography and scenery are constantly breathtaking, and the special effects are extraordinary. The film is aided by a hilarious and poignant script, spirited direction, atmspheric music and the fact that it goes at a very fast pace. Even the acting was great, with Robin Williams in one of his best performances as Alan Parrish. While he is subtle in places, the director allows him to be funny, which is what he does best. Bonnie Hunt is good too and she and Williams have great chemistry, and Bradley Pierce and Kirsten Dunst are cute and lively. Plus the ending is nice and satisfying. All in all, I love this movie, even with its very minor problems, it is non-stop fast paced family entertainment. 9/10 Bethany Cox


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Never forget your inner child

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 30 June 2023 03:47 (A review of Hook)

Back in 1994 when I was 10 this was a favourite of mine, I even had all the action figures. As I got older I never really thought much of it until the other day when I decided to watch it just for the hell of it. Now as an older person with more understanding all I can say is that this is one of the most amazing films ever. There were points in the film where I even started weeping and getting emotional.

Hook tells a great story about A grumpy lawyer named Peter Banning who takes life too serious who has forgotten about his childhood as Peter Pan. Captain Hook kidnaps his children and takes them to Neverland to lure him in for one last battle, the only chance he has of saving them is to remember his forgotten past as Peter Pan and do battle with Captain Hook. The film is a huge reminder that I should always keep in touch with my inner child and never let go.

Acting wise Robin Williams brings his A game as does Dustin Hoffman, Bob Hoskins and the rest, Julia Roberts is in it too but she's nothing to write home about.

If you've never seen it then you should watch it, whether your a child or adult it doesn't matter, the film is one of the best adventure tales ever. If you've not seen it for a long time then re-watch it because like me it is a great reminder of how I was back when I was 10 and even helped me find my less cynical side.

10/10


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