Login
Home
189 Lists
2424 Reviews
CollectionsWhen I was a kid, I loved this show and the movie The Chipmunk Adventure. At 18, I still love it, it is just so endearing and fun with wonderful characters especially.
The animation is very good, bright, colourful and lively and it should be. The music is another strong asset, the theme song is among the catchiest theme songs I have ever heard on an animated show. The story lines are simple, but engrossing and well constructed, and the writing is superb, hilarious and touching, and it is one of those instances where every joke that occurs works. The characters are really likable, Alvin, Simon, Theodore, David, Miss Miller et al. just wonderful characters with unique personalities. And the voice acting is top-notch, very expressive and dynamic.
Overall, wonderful underrated show from my childhood. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Ah, childhood...
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 4 June 2022 04:54
(A review of Alvin and the Chipmunks)
0 comments, Reply to this entry
Harmeless and cute if unexceptional family fare
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 4 June 2022 04:49
(A review of Alvin and the Chipmunks)This review is coming from a fan of the 80s animated TV show and of the childhood favourite that is The Chipmunk Adventure. I wasn't wowed over by Alvin and the Chipmunks, but it was a cute and harmless film. Same goes for its recent sequel.
Starting with the pros of Alvin and the Chipmunks, the production values are great. The photography and editing are decent enough, the locations are striking and the animation on the chipmunks is very good. The chipmunks themselves are adorable, especially Theodore, not only by their appearances which epitomises cuteness but also their voices which are not too irritating. The soundtrack is quite catchy as well, the film bounces along quite nicely, Hill's direction is satisfactory and there are a number of funny and cute moments even if these moments are never more than hilarious.
However, it does have its shortcomings. The story is rather predictable, as it can be with these animated/live action adaptations, and there are some clichéd subplots and characters such as David's romance with his neighbour. Some of the script is weak with some of the jokes falling flat, and I do agree Jason Lee is miscast as David looking rather ill at ease.
All in all, cute and harmless entertainment but it is also unexceptional in the story especially. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Starting with the pros of Alvin and the Chipmunks, the production values are great. The photography and editing are decent enough, the locations are striking and the animation on the chipmunks is very good. The chipmunks themselves are adorable, especially Theodore, not only by their appearances which epitomises cuteness but also their voices which are not too irritating. The soundtrack is quite catchy as well, the film bounces along quite nicely, Hill's direction is satisfactory and there are a number of funny and cute moments even if these moments are never more than hilarious.
However, it does have its shortcomings. The story is rather predictable, as it can be with these animated/live action adaptations, and there are some clichéd subplots and characters such as David's romance with his neighbour. Some of the script is weak with some of the jokes falling flat, and I do agree Jason Lee is miscast as David looking rather ill at ease.
All in all, cute and harmless entertainment but it is also unexceptional in the story especially. 6/10 Bethany Cox
0 comments, Reply to this entry
I personally enjoyed it...
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 4 June 2022 04:43
(A review of The Lorax)As far as the feature Dr Seuss adaptations go, the best by quite some distance was the animated Horton Hears a Who. The Grinch I also liked, even though it doesn't hold a candle to the 1966 animated version, though I can definitely see why people may dislike it. But I detested Cat in the Hat, a failure both as an adaptation and on its own terms. In all honesty I was very nervous about seeing The Lorax, I'd see anything to do with Dr Seuss but when I saw people likening it to propaganda and the more positive reviews getting overly defensive and condescending and making all kinds of annoying excuses it did lower my expectations. After seeing it, I don't think it was as bad as all that, calling it propaganda I think is unfair, but I don't think it is perfect either. It does pale in comparison to the original story and to the 1972 cartoon, but on its own merits, on which I do think generally a movie should be judged, I found it a perfectly decent movie. Perfect? No, the "hippy grandma" character did get on my nerves and the main subplot with Ted could have been better developed. My biggest reservation was that while the story did have its heart and charm it was rather stretched which loses the initial simplicity of the story. However, the animation is wonderful, very bright and whimsical as it should be with some pleasingly psychedelic moments also. The songs are suitably catchy with some deliciously playful lyrics. The writing is much better than I expected, I was expecting the toilet humour and fart jokes of Cat in the Hat but actually the humour is cheerful and amusing. The message is heartfelt and despite what you'd expect reading the plot summary I don't think it talked down to the audience that much. The ending is heartwarming and a nice change from the one of the more downbeat yet hopeful one of the 1972 cartoon. The characters on the whole are likable and personable, the best being the Lorax himself, and the animals are very cute. The voice acting is also fine, Danny DeVito does cranky brilliantly, and Ed Helms and Betty White are also amusing. Zac Efron and Taylor Swift may raise some eyebrows and I was initially perplexed at their casting, but actually both do spirited jobs. So all in all, while I can understand the disappointment of those who didn't like it as much I did enjoy The Lorax despite fears that I wouldn't. 7/10 Bethany Cox
0 comments, Reply to this entry
Forgettable and not particularly that entertaining
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 4 June 2022 04:41
(A review of Barnyard)I don't think this is the worst animated movie I have ever seen, Titanic:The Animated Movie, Doogal and Secret of NIMH 2 are worse I feel, but Barnyard in my opinion isn't particularly that good. It does have a decent vocal cast; Kevin James, Courtney Cox, Danny Glover, Sam Elliot and Rob Paulsen do a good job but deserve better than their material lets them onto. And I did like the saying "A strong man stands up for himself, a stronger man stands up for others".
However, there were many things I did not like. The animation is not that great I feel, there is the occasional nice colourful background, but the character movements are cheap, forced and blocky. At best the music is forgettable, the story is unoriginal and uninspired, the dialogue is simplistic and often lowbrow, the gags are crude and totally not smart(well there was the occasional laugh but that isn't enough, but they went well overboard with the udders) and the characters(with the exception of Ben and Dag the Coyote) are obnoxious and unlikeable, with no really unique personalities. Overall, a big disappointment, could have been much better. 3/10 Bethany Cox
However, there were many things I did not like. The animation is not that great I feel, there is the occasional nice colourful background, but the character movements are cheap, forced and blocky. At best the music is forgettable, the story is unoriginal and uninspired, the dialogue is simplistic and often lowbrow, the gags are crude and totally not smart(well there was the occasional laugh but that isn't enough, but they went well overboard with the udders) and the characters(with the exception of Ben and Dag the Coyote) are obnoxious and unlikeable, with no really unique personalities. Overall, a big disappointment, could have been much better. 3/10 Bethany Cox
0 comments, Reply to this entry
I thought I wouldn't say this, but I enjoyed it!
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 3 June 2022 11:30
(A review of Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers)When people hear the words direct-to-video, they groan, though actually most of them aren't that bad. Two or three of them are awful, like Cinderella 2, but this one belongs up there with one of the more entertaining films.
The animation is not that bad at all. Most of it is very colourful, though in the more sinister bits it is a little flat. I liked the songs also, with some very funny lyrics(and random in some of them)set to the works of classical composers like Beethoven and Grieg.
The story, while not very faithful to the classic tale, is very nice, and goes at a fast pace. Although, the film could have done with being 5 to 10 minutes longer. The plot has some funny twists, with Captain Pete plotting to kidnap Princess Minnie and take over as ruler. A bit over-familiar, but it is decorated with some very funny sword fights, and a very funny scene in the opera house.
The voice talents are top notch, especially Jim Cummings as Pete. In fact all the characters were very well-done, but the short duration didn't allow the script to fully develop.
Anyway, despite the flaws, I really liked it, so I will award a 7/10, for the humour and the characters. Bethany Cox.
The animation is not that bad at all. Most of it is very colourful, though in the more sinister bits it is a little flat. I liked the songs also, with some very funny lyrics(and random in some of them)set to the works of classical composers like Beethoven and Grieg.
The story, while not very faithful to the classic tale, is very nice, and goes at a fast pace. Although, the film could have done with being 5 to 10 minutes longer. The plot has some funny twists, with Captain Pete plotting to kidnap Princess Minnie and take over as ruler. A bit over-familiar, but it is decorated with some very funny sword fights, and a very funny scene in the opera house.
The voice talents are top notch, especially Jim Cummings as Pete. In fact all the characters were very well-done, but the short duration didn't allow the script to fully develop.
Anyway, despite the flaws, I really liked it, so I will award a 7/10, for the humour and the characters. Bethany Cox.
0 comments, Reply to this entry
Above average sequel to a great film
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 3 June 2022 11:26
(A review of Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch)Is Lilo and Stitch 2:Stitch Has a Glitch as good as the original? Not quite. The original film is funny and touching with wonderful animation and great writing and characters. But is it better than the series and Stitch the Movie? Yes I think so. While the series is decent despite some hit and miss moments, Stitch the Movie feels like an extended TV episode and a rather mediocre one at that.
Lilo and Sticth 2:Stitch Has a Glitch was much better than I expected, and one of the better sequels in my opinion. Though it is not without its flaws. As others have noted, it is too short, at just over an hour it could have done with being 10 minutes longer. The subplot about David and Nani's relationship problems could have also done with more development and while they were still entertaining, Jumbaa and Pleakley could have been used more.
However, the animation is just great, very fluid and colourful in the colours and backgrounds and the characters are well drawn. The soundtrack is also delightful, and made you want to sing along, the story is heart-warming and well-paced with good messaging and the script is both funny and touching. The characters are still likable, Lilo is well-meaning and sweet, Stitch is lovable as always and Nani's personality is less distorted than it is in the series. The voice acting I have nothing against either, and I feel Dakota Fanning is a worthy replacement as Lilo.
Overall, above average and surprisingly pleasant. Had it been longer, it would have been even better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Lilo and Sticth 2:Stitch Has a Glitch was much better than I expected, and one of the better sequels in my opinion. Though it is not without its flaws. As others have noted, it is too short, at just over an hour it could have done with being 10 minutes longer. The subplot about David and Nani's relationship problems could have also done with more development and while they were still entertaining, Jumbaa and Pleakley could have been used more.
However, the animation is just great, very fluid and colourful in the colours and backgrounds and the characters are well drawn. The soundtrack is also delightful, and made you want to sing along, the story is heart-warming and well-paced with good messaging and the script is both funny and touching. The characters are still likable, Lilo is well-meaning and sweet, Stitch is lovable as always and Nani's personality is less distorted than it is in the series. The voice acting I have nothing against either, and I feel Dakota Fanning is a worthy replacement as Lilo.
Overall, above average and surprisingly pleasant. Had it been longer, it would have been even better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
0 comments, Reply to this entry
Wonderful underrated Disney film
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 3 June 2022 11:22
(A review of The Brave Little Toaster)I am 17, and a huge Disney fan. Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, Pinocchio, Fantasia and the Great Mouse Detective and shows like Darkwing Duck, DuckTales, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Talespin shaped my childhood and I still adore them now. The Brave Little Toaster was another childhood favourite, and while it has some rather dark moments, it is a wonderful film and I think underrated too, as very few people I know have either seen it or remember it. The animation is lovely with warm colours and nice backgrounds, and all the characters are well animated. The songs are not bad at all, not as memorable as other Disney efforts perhaps, but pleasant to listen to, compared to other animated films(such as the Secret of NIMH 2) where the songs are either forgettable or make you want to stick your fingers down your throat. The characters are likable and well voiced by the likes of Jon Lovitz and Phil Hartmann, I love the the title character's determination and loyalty towards his friends, and the story is timeless. But the best asset is the script, with sharp humour and heart-warming sentiment, it was this alone that makes The Brave Little Toaster worth watching. Overall, this is a great film, and in my opinion one of the better Disney movies of the eighties. 9/10 Bethany Cox
0 comments, Reply to this entry
Thoroughly enjoyable
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 3 June 2022 10:33
(A review of Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003))I personally don't mind Dreamworks. They are either hit(How to Train Your Dragon, Prince of Egypt) or miss(Shark Tale, Bee Movie), but when they are good, they are good. Sinbad:Legend of the Seven Seas was surprisingly good and a thoroughly enjoyable animated film. It could have been longer though, and one or two parts could have done with more excitement. That said, the traditional animation is excellent, very colourful and vibrant, and the score is energetic and has a sense of adventure. The story mostly is engaging, with a sequence with seductive sirens standing out as well as the exciting escape from a bird of prey, and the script is smart and witty particularly the banter between Sinbad and Marina. The characters are likable and very well voiced. I am not the biggest fan of Brad Pitt, but he does a solid job as a somewhat flawed yet likable Sinbad, while Catherine Zeta-Jones is fine as the sassy Marina. Eris is quite sinister and fabulously voiced by Michelle Pfeiffer. In conclusion, a thoroughly enjoyable movie. 8/10 Bethany Cox
0 comments, Reply to this entry
Superb!
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 3 June 2022 10:28
(A review of The Prince of Egypt)I could not fault this movie whatsoever, and I am shocked at the low rating. The animation is jaw-dropping, especially in The Plagues scene, which is still for me visually and musically one of the most haunting and evocative scenes in an animated film, and the part with the Red Sea splitting. The songs and music(by Hans Zimmer) are phenomenal. "When You Believe" is a standout, as is the title song. People complained about the story. There is nothing wrong with the story at all, other that it is complicated, but it is a biblical story after all. The voice talents are superlative, here we have Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Steve Martin and Martin Short voicing fairly complex and beautifully-drawn characters flawlessly. I tend to worry about A Listers in animated films, but this, people, is a truly talented voice cast, who are truly excellent when they are given a good script, which was exactly what they got. All in all, a superb animated film, which isn't to be missed. 10/10 Bethany Cox.
0 comments, Reply to this entry
Better than Return of Jafar at any rate!
Posted : 2 years, 8 months ago on 3 June 2022 10:12
(A review of Disney's Aladdin: The Series)The show isn't as good as the original and the King of Thieves(which is the best DTV sequel) but much better than the disappointing Return of Jafar. All the characters are well done, with the exception of Aladdin who seemed immature, and also Abis Mal who I never could stand, and generally the animation is good. Dan Castellanetta is funnier than he was in Jafar, and Jasmine seems more mature and vivacious. Most of the story lines are excellent, with great villains like Mozenrath, Ayama Aghoul, Mechanicles and Mirage. My favourite two episodes however were "Heads You Lose" and "Hero with a Thousand Feathers" with great humour, good stories, and the fantastic Tim Curry as Caliph Kapok and Amok Mon Ra. The rest of the episodes showed great promise too especially "Garden of Evil", "The Book of Kartoum" and "Armored and Dangerous". Well worth watching! 8/10 Bethany Cox
0 comments, Reply to this entry