An absolutely excellent film about of all things the Germans in World War II. Handling the characters as actual cogs in the machine that is often missing in other war films.
Das Boot
King of the Hill - S9 • E6 - The Petriot Act
Between last year to now I have been watching King of the Hill for the first time in my 20s and DUDE... This show is awesome, but THIS EPISODE? Made in bad faith.
As someone who has lived in a dog only home and now owns a cat, this episode REEKS of "I hate cats" from the writers so damn much. Sure, there is a bit to the episode that criticizes expensive vets, but this episode would've been better (and funnier) if it was about BOTH the negatives and positives of owning a cat. Especially when Lady Bird is as old as she is can be a nice 'bridge' between how lazier cats can be while also giving Bill his moment to shine with the dog he takes care of keeping him active.
What makes this episode so insulting is the PREVIOUS episode about Dale's "absolutist" mentality about either believing the US Government can do no wrong vs is usual conspiracy theorist being called into question while Hank was having issues with the DMV over his drivers license. If the elements of that episode were in this one where SURE Hank never likes the cat by the end but others around him find the appeal of owning a cat it would've been funnier for jokes while not being made in such a predictable way.
Cats AND dogs are great. There is a REASON why both those animals are so popular to own and why you see PLENTY of homes with both cats. The writer of this episode (Christy Stratton) was obviously the wrong person to work on this episode. Should've been taken care of by someone who owns both dogs and cats. The only decent joke was when Hank goes to the pet store and that weird guy at the counter sells him expensive cat food. There are certainly weird cat owners like there are weird dog owners. Seriously, a pretty bad episode and it took NINE SEASONS to find one that I actually didn't like which is impressive for the show's overall, solid quality.
King of the Hill - S9 • E6 - The Petriot Act
Scrooged
A well done twist of the old classic 'A Christmas Carol,' as Bill Murry let's out his grumpy charm for a holiday classic. Easy to recommend if you already like Bill Murry or you want to see him suffer.
Pretty obvious this movie inspired a LOT of millennial humor we see today in the 2010s and 2020s... What is funny is that this movie is funny for all the reasons it wasn't originally written for. It wants you to laugh at one joke that isn't funny, but does something mild that's funnier than you think.
For a story with the simple premise of "propaganda and war are bad," this movie takes you on a fever dream of an adventure that you enjoy being on. Watched this SOBER with friends and the banter while watching was amazing. I cannot and don't want to picture anyone watching this on something. Just get your friends together and have fun!
Wizards
The Green Mile
This is easily one of the MOST important films anyone can and should watch. Truly a masterpiece of cinema, faith, the cruelty of prison, and characters that manage to make you feel what they're feeling. I went into it blind so this "review" being vague and about the vibes means you should go into it as blind as possible!
I grew up with the 2000s Teen Titans and, of course, Teen Titans Go! doesn't appeal to me at all. *However,* I was told, "You should watch Teen Titans! Vs. Teen Titans. They bring the old characters back, the Go! versions aren't as annoying, and it is a good story overall."
BULL CRAP. This movie doesn't capture the originals what so ever. That is NOT nostalgia talking either, I purposefully rewatched the original series and Teen Titans Tokyo in Trouble before watching this one and to suggest these are the "original characters back" is not understanding at all. All they are are the Go! characters "but serious" which the movie POINTS OUT AND LAUGHS AT YOU for expecting more depth the original provided.
I don't care if this movie "wasn't made for me," when you deliberately pull the original show I liked and respected in the title and don't deliever. The writing is immature and the conflict is neat centering arround Raven they still manage to fail finding ONE redeemable scene I would want to rewatch on YouTube.
Given this film was made by Zack Snyder, I came into this film with low expectations. My previous viewings included the DC films (none I liked) and 300 (a movie I did like), so to be suggested that Zack Snyder made a good movie over superheroes not being symbols of good and justice *before* the MCU really took off? Got to me kidding me.
However, the man pulled it off. I watched this with a good friend of mine who pointed out the differences the movie did vs the comic and to AGREE with Zack's changes was a delight. I was hooked and despite sitting through the THREE AND A HALF hour Ultimate Cut I was pretty engaged throughout. No need for sequals, remakes, reboots on this one. This might be the most definitive edition of this story you can do. Not to mention the CGI aged way more gracefully which didn't take me out of the movie too much.
To anyone a fan of the superhero genre I say this is a MUST WATCH. Time to give Sucker Punch and Dawn of the Dead a watch!
This movie gets a lot of hate for being the darkest, for lacking Judeo-Christian elements, and the stereotypical depictions of the people in this film... However, I think this is an overlooked masterpiece and a critical film to watch when discussing George Lucas and/or Stephan Spielberg as both of them were going through personal problems of the age and it is highly reflected in this movie. Not to mention, this film proves that the "Indiana Jones formula" that Raiders/Last Crusade is known for isn't the only formula that can work.
Just because a piece of media can be "offensive" to modern audiences doesn't take away from other aspects that hold this movie up. The action is great, the depiction of cult leaders in a theatrical sense is fantastic, having non-Judeo/Christian gods "be real" in the lore allows many of the games to exist alongside Raiders and the Last Crusade. I love this movie and if you want a fun popcorn flick - this is going to do it well. Just keep the lights off to let the dark atmosphere engulf your living room in the process!
A perfect way to continue the first two trilogy on telling kids and adults it's ok to grow up, passing your toys down to a new generation is a great way to keep toys alive, and that holding grudges isn't a good thing to carry over time... Great thing they never made a forth one!
The "Sequel Curse" - A movie that receives critical acclaim is followed by a sequel that is universally agreed to be sub par.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back does NOT suffer the sequel curse and actually EXCEEDS elements of the first film. While "Star Wars" is the definitive version of the heroes journey, The Empire Strikes Back actually takes everything interesting about the first story and easily expands and is the reason why Star Wars TODAY is as big as it is 45 years after its release. This film will stand the test of time and unlike the other two films in the trilogy doesn't suffer under Lucas's meddling too much - meaning - you can watch the theatrical release, a fan restoration, or even the special edition and still experience a 5/5. A must watch film.
The best way to view this film is trying to watch a version CLOSE to the theatrical release. The changes made in any of the Special Editions (most notably seeing Jabba in this film rather than waiting to see him in Return of the Jedi) sadly diminish it. You benefit WAY more seeing the rougher cut that audience members in May 1977 would've seen to really capture the awe this movie truly was and how it became a pop culture classic. The story "is basic" as it is a typical heroes journey, but Lucas and crew masterfully manage to combine mythos, raw creativity, symbolic imagery, and one hell of a score to bring you - I dare say - the definitive way of experiencing the heroes journey above any film.
It is a funny movie (even when it doesn't want to be) and has amazing kung-fu action! Jackie Chan truly is telling... A police story!
Police Story
Lilo & Stitch
Don't bother with this one. Watch the animated movie instead because it's better written than this trash remake. It adds characters that are useless and completely changes the ending that defeats the entire ethos of the original.