Deep Cover

Grade: B+

In this new movie on Amazon Prime, improv teacher/failed actress Kat (Bryce Dallas Howard) and her improv students IT guy Hugh (Ted Lasso's Nick Mohammed) and struggling actor Marlon (Pirates of the Caribbean/Lord of the Rings' Orlando Bloom) are recruited for a minor sting operation. Events don't go as planned and they find themselves forced to pretend to be professional criminals. 

The setup makes this feel like it might be a groaner. The introduction to all the characters isn't particularly entertaining, and Hugh's social awkwardness and Marlon's obsession with method acting as a tough criminal initially feels awkward and too much. 

However, once they get involved in the crime world, things really pick up. The jokes work. It also helps that the movie doesn't overplay the scenario. They could've had the characters go really over-the-top and silly with trying to cover for themselves, but the were smart enough to not play the characters too dumb. I was also afraid that Hugh's social awkwardness and Marlon's going too deep into his character would be overplayed, but the script never overdoes these elements. The movie's basically getting themselves in deeper and into crazier and crazier situations, and the situations don't disappoint. 

The one major complaint people may have with Deep Cover is that some of the resolutions to the perilous situations the characters find themselves in are just cleaned up with "it's a comedy don't worry about it" plot devices that don't always track. 

Pretty strong casting in this across the board. Howard's playing the straight man, but she honestly is the most watchable of the main trio. She's the most grounded, and it's fun to see her think on her feet. Bloom, it turns out has great comic timing. I do believe Mohammed is typecast, basically playing a variation of the same guy he played in Ted Lasso. (Guy does have range. Ever see Maggie Moore(s); solidly plays a confident guy in that.) He does more of the same, but he's good at it. 

Credit should also be given to Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen as a couple of detectives. They've got a good straight man/goofy guy dynamic going on.

Recommended. This was a pleasant experience with a good cast.

Elsbeth- Season 2

Grade: A-

In season 2, consent decree monitor Elsbeth Tascione (Carrie Preston) continues to help the New York police catch criminals.

The strength of the show is still Elsbeth. Even in weaker episodes she shines with her sheer enthusiasm, funny lines, and quirky personality. 

The supporting cast also helps make this work. The rotating cast of detectives Elsbeth works with remain a fun and colorful bunch. The Arrangement's Carra Patterson as Elsbeth's friend Officer Kaya Blanke continues to have great chemistry with Preston. One of my biggest complaints about the last season is that Kaya was basically there just for someone for Elsbeth to talk to. Here, she gets some subplots and more screentime. Although there isn't as much of Captain Wagner (The Wire's Wendell Pierce) being the commanding one and the only one able to control Elsbeth's enthusiasm, but Pierce is so watchable and has some great understated comedy chops. We get a new Lieutenant: Steve Connor (Billions' Daniel K. Isaac), a very logic-based fellow. I feel his introduction storyline didn't really go anywhere, but he works pretty well as an oddball character, and the guy you need police to give police rule jargon from time to time.

Again we get a fine selection of guest actors as the killers, some of which will make you say "Oh, they got him/her." The show mostly has a Columbo "howcathem" formula where you know who did it. However, there are a handful of episodes that are more experimental than the last season, including a few actual mysteries.

If you feel that the show is a little optimistic, especially when compared to its parent shows The Good Wife and The Good Fight, what with Justice always prevailing in a neat little bow. Here Elsbeth has a couple storylines where she has to deal with the more unfair aspects of the world. We even get to know what caused Elsbeth to become disillusioned with being a practicing defense attorney.

Recommended. This remains one of the more entertaining crime shows out there.

Clown in a Cornfield

Grade: B+

In this movie adaptation of the YA book by Adam Cesare, Quinn Maybrook (played by Ginny & Georgia's Katie Douglas) and her father Glenn (Blindspot/Children Ruin Everything's Aaron Abrams) move to the rural, had-better-days, town of Kettle Springs. There, she finds herself and her new friend group attacked by a killer dressed up as the town's former corn syrup factory's mascot Frendo.

This is a refreshing film. There is more going on with the story and what the movie is trying to say than simply a traditional slasher flick. The movie's also funnier than the trailers would have you believe (it's from the guy who directed Tucker & Dale vs. Evil), including what may be one of my favorite lines of the year.

Clown in a Cornfield does suffer a bit from the whole adults-not-understanding-the-teens part being a little too simplistic and hamfisted for its own good. But, like I said, this is based on a YA novel, sot it's not trying to be too complex.

Really solid casting. Everyone feels like they're elevating the dialogue. I'm rather pleased that this gave some of the adult roles to actors who are good but don't get as much work as you'd like. Will Sasso, who's always solid when doing comedy, is the town's sheriff. Between this and him being in the show George and Mandy's First Marriage, it's nice to see his career picking up. Back in the day he felt like he'd be the MadTV cast member most likely to go onto bigger things, but besides being in that 3 Stooges Movie, his career stalled. Kevin Durand, who's stock has also been rising lately what with being in Abigail and the latest Planet of the Apes movie hams it up as the town's pretty southern, old power mayor.

There are several creative and violent kills in this, but there are moments where the film is hindered by its lower budget. Some kill shots aren't as effective as they could be, and the I've never seen movie blood look more obviously like corn syrup than this. 

Frendo's look gets the job done; he's appropriately scary clown enough. However, I wouldn't call him the most distinctive-looking character; Art the Clown he is not.

Recommended. There are parts that feel like they could be tightened, but overall this movie brings more to the table than expected.

The Righteous Gemstones- Season 4 (Final)

Grade: A

In the final season of this Max show about the exploits of the rich televangelist family the Gemstones, the main siblings have to deal with their father moving on romantically after their mother's death.

I'm really sad to see this very funny and very creative show come to an end, but you have to give showrunner Danny McBride credit for ending it before they run out of steam. I'm seeing a lot of people online saying this is the weakest season, but I disagree. I think it's the second strongest after the second one. What I love about this show is the combination of no cares given outrageous humor and creative, grand storytelling involving the various members of the Gemstone family and their history. Like season 2, this one is more mystery-based, leading to an explosive and dynamic change of events. Given that McBride has always tried to write a family epic, the first episode is an interesting experiment. (It's a good story, but some could be bugged by the fact that there are not a lot of jokes in it.) The finale is definitely one you'll remember.

The humor remains as funny as ever, especially the lines of fairly demented Gemstone sibling Judy (Edi Patterson, who is a living treasure in this with her delivery). However, one episode has a subject that is pretty uncomfortable.

I will really miss the cast. Paterson again has gold to work with, while the writers also giver her some emotional stuff to do. Second behind Patterson is Walton Goggins as the siblings' paternal uncle Baby Billy, who again is so fascinatingly ridiculous as an out-spoken, fame-hungry elderly southern man. Though again with Judy, the character is given some character moments as well. Goggins is able to make the man hiding behind the bravado so real. McBride again delivers as short-tempered eldest sibling Jesse. Again, John Goodman as patriarch Eli is more of the straight man in this, but he really knows how to do the more emotional moments for the guy. 

One of the show's brand new "oh, I didn't think that person would pop up in this" actors is Sean William Scott as the siblings' long-time friend Corey Milsap. Now if you're a fan of funny Scott, you're not getting it here as his character is played straight. However, as he's shown in the likes of Final Destination or Wrath of Becky, you know he can do straight man really well.

Unfortunately, some long-running main/recurring characters get surprisingly little time in the show's grand bow. Jesse's son Gideon (Santa Clarita Diet/The Quarry's Skyler Gisondo) and Eli's right hand Martin (Gregory Allan Williams) have very little screen time. Though she appears throughout and again entertains as a saner member for the family who's great at silently reacting to stuff, Smallville/Longmire's Cassidy Freeman as Jesse's wife Amber gets little to do.

Highly recommended. Again, McBride's insane take on the family saga will surprise you and make you laugh.

A Minecraft Movie

Grade: A

In A Minecraft Movie, a small group of townsfolk become trapped in the fantastical world of Minecraft. Now they have to find a way out.

Fans of the popular video game will be pleased to know that they managed to adapt the game pretty well. They managed to take a world made out of block shapes and made it presentable in movie form. Lots of items and rules from the game are in this, while making things clear enough for newcomers to get. (Although, I think some of the enemy types with less screen time could’ve gotten a little more explanation.)

Given that this is based on a game where people build things, the movie provides a decent message about creativity. (Message isn’t as strongly delivered as say The Lego Movie or Barbie, but it ain’t half bad.)

The movie decided to go for the humorous route, and is pretty funny and silly. There are a fair amount of jokes adults may like that are a little cynical without being too cynical for a kids’ film.

What really makes this work is the comedy duo of Jack Black as Steve, a human who’s been living in Minecraft for a while and serves as the others’ guide, and Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a former arcade champ fallen on bad times. Both being funny guys, they work great together and are on the same wave length. Black is surprisingly the straight man, but for him that means doing competent stuff in an enthusiastic manner. Momoa might be doing an expected “has-been fallen on hard times who has to learn a lesson” journey, but his performance and dialogue make this not an issue. (Honestly, Momoa  has great chemistry with everyone.)

Sebastian Hansen also does a good job as Henry, who is an additional team member alongside Black and Momoa. He’s kinda the main lead with backstory that works well enough for the film. It is unfortunate that the attention is given a lot more to the guys than the gals. Wednesday’s Emma Myers as Henry’s older sister Natalie and Orange is the New Back/Peacemaker’s Danielle Brooks as real estate agent Dawn do a decent job, but just aren’t given enough screen time to let them shine.

The intro is one of those like the beginning of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in that they rush through a lot of exposition, and it’s a bit much. 

Jennifer Coolidge has a subplot as Henry’s vice-principal. Fans of the actress will be pleased to know that she gives peak Coolidge, but her story is a one-note joke that is really drawn out. 

Natalie is 23, but it’s hard to see her as an adult with a job in this, because she is just so young looking. 

Highly recommended. Not saying A Minecraft Movie is the most original film, but it’s having a good time.

Hell of a Summer

Grade: C+

In the new horror comedy, a group of  camp counselors, including Jason Hochberg (played by Gladiator 2/Kraven the Hunter’s Fred Hechinger), a 24-year old counselor who doesn’t want to let go of the camp experience, are being murdered by an unknown killer. 

I’m not saying this is the funniest movie ever, but the jokes are consistent and silly. Characters are distinctive enough, and the cast are having a good time. 

For a movie that’s high on comedy, the masked killer moments are taken rather seriously. They are shot in a rather creepy and disconcerting manner. The reveal of the killer is rather satisfactory. 

Weirdly, the movie is rated R, but there is a lot of cutaways when violence happens (this is clearly a low budget movie, and this might be to cut down on effects and makeup.)

However, the movie’s biggest flaw is its emphasis on Jason, who may’ve faired better as a supporting player than the lead. His awkward socially stunted bit is stretched way too long. (Not to besmirch Hechinger’s performance. The guy is clearly an actor on the rise, and he has fully developed Jason’s mannerisms.) Doesn’t help that the “man who learns to grow up” story has been done a lot and this doesn’t do anything to break the mold. Oddly, the movie never gives any backstory for him and why he is this way other than he’s always had fond memories camp. 

There is one person at camp who likes Jason: counselor Claire (Knock at the Cabin’s Abby Quinn). Thing is that they make the mistake of not saying her age. Given that Jason’s the oldest one there, and that Abby looks young and more around the other counselors’ age, it feels sorta uncomfortable. Now, one can assume that there aren’t too many years between the two and that she is over 18, because it’s shown that the two of them attended camp together as kids. Just wished they clarified it.

This is something you might want to catch if it’s already on your streaming subscription. Thing is that the humor in this will save it for a lot of people. However, Jason will be a dealbreaker for a lot of people as well.

The Day the Earth Blew up: A Looney Toons Movie

Grade: B

The Day the Earth Blew up: A Looney Toons Movie is a movie of the Looney Tunes Cartoons, the Max show that was a throwback to old timey Looney Tunes cartoons. It was originally intended to air on Max, but Warner Discovery's new head David Zaslav had it canned with several other films. (Children's films with classic Looney Tunes and Hannah Barbara characters particularly got the axe because Warner's been having trouble hitting that children's market). However, this movie managed to escape oblivion when a separate distributor bought it. In this movie, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig (both voiced by voice actor Eric Bauza) try to stop an alien invasion.

This is kind of like the Jetsons Movie back in the day in that it is not a perfect movie, but still pretty watchable and looks great. The plotting on this can be a little odd, with some stuff happening too quick or characters and plot points delivered at odd parts. It's partly funny. There are some truly great bits in here, but a lot of jokes are also just okay. Also, there are a few "modern" bits that don't mesh well with the more retro feel of the movie.

However, the story itself is a lot stronger than the jokes. It makes for a wild ride and has sort of an old school 90's feel to it. The alien aspect has a sorta of quasi-spooky, but isn't really scary atmosphere that can bring kids and adults a bit of excitement.

The brother-like relationship between the carefree Daffy and the cautious Porky (they were raised together in this story) makes for relatable protagonists. Funny thing is, I wouldn’t even say their personalities are as strongly written as some other incarnations, but it’s that bond that makes them compelling. The duo have your average “two-polar opposites-have-their-friendship-threatened-by-their-differences” storyline, but the movie has it developed mostly naturally. DtEBu shows their differences and building tension in smaller moments without having to yell the point of the story at you.

If you're a fan of talkative, self-centered Daffy, you won't find him here. Since this is a retro film, DtEBu went with old-school wacky Daffy. Some may not want this, but in fairness, some works, like The Looney Tunes Show, can go TOO far with his selfishness. I like friendly, well-meaning Daffy here. (BTW, Bauza is doing a great job as the duck).

The third main character of this is Petunia Pig (voice actress Candi Milo). I like what they did with her character. She's always been a bit of a blank slate, since her personality has always simply been "Porky's girlfriend," so the writers had some free room to work. In this, she's an eccentric and enthusiastic flavor scientist at a gum factory. You weirdly become invested in her obsession with the next flavor. (And yes, Daffy, Porky, and Petunia are the only Looney Tunes characters in this. This might disappoint some, but it keeps the story focused.)

The BIGGEST reason to watch this is the 2D animation. It really feels old school. It is so fluid with characters rarely being stagnant. The character designs in general work really well. Humans are all distinct and exaggerated without being too simple-looking. (Keep an eye out for Farmer Jim (voice actor Fred Tatasciore), the man who raised Porky and Daffy, who creatively shifts between being done in still background art and being SUPER fluid). Backgrounds are vibrant and colorful. Not loving Porky's light yellow gloves here. The color just doesn't blend well with anything else.

Recommended. Kids will probably like this and the humor more and not care too much about weaker plot elements. Adults will like the parts that do work and the fantastic animation.

Plankton the Movie

Grade: B+

In this new SpongeBob Squarepants movie on Netflix, the show's villain Plankton (voiced by Mr. Lawrence, who also co-wrote this), the diminutive evil genius, takes the center stage. He and his computer wife Karen (voice actress Jill Talley) have a falling out after years of his evil plans not working and him not listening to her. She goes solo and proving herself to be a far more competent and dangerous threat to the underwater town of Bikini Bottom and the entire world. Now, Plankton has to team up with SpongeBob (voice actor Tom Kenny) in order to save his marriage.

This has been a real step up since the last two films. (They had their moments, but both left something to be desired.) This feels more like prime SpongeBob, with goofy jokes, including some strong physical humor, and a little classic weirdness thrown into the mix.

Honestly, I'm surprised that the show hasn't done this story in its 25 years before. The script writes itself. Plankton and Karen have always had a comically tense relationship, and it always seems like Karen would be a whole lot better at the whole evil plan thing if she took the initiative (honestly, she's the most level-headed character in the entire show). Nice to see her brought to the forefront. (In Sponge out of Water, her role just ends part way through the movie without any follow up.) Her updated form, with three new personalities make for a bigger threat than any other movie antagonist.

What makes the script work in particular is that even though Plankton is a real big jerk in the movie, it still strangely manages to make us want to see him repair his relationship. We get to see the history of Plankton and Karen's love story, which is weirdly touching while still having them both be bad guys. (I feel that it really helped that Mr. Lawrence was involved in this in that he knows Plankton down pat and what to do with him).

I wouldn’t say I had any major cons about this movie, but if you’re one of those parents who don’t like it when shows don’t set a good example for children, understand that there are some pretty mean insults thrown around in this.

It seems that over the past three movies the animators have been slowly trying to perfect the 3D animation in an attempt to best translate the look and feel of the original 2D show. (The last film only came out a year ago, and I’m surprised at the stark difference of the animation styles between these two.) This honestly feels the closest. Characters have a smoother, more painted feel to them. Also, the movie is really colorful. 

PtM is a musical. Some songs are better than others, and I'm not saying this is one of  the great children's musicals, but it works overall. Karen's solo song is a real banger.

Recommended. I feel this is the second best one next to Sponge out of Water. (Yeah, I know a lot of people love the first movie, but only the third act really works for me.)

The Simpsons: The Past and the Furious

Grade: B+

This is an "exclusive" Simpsons episode on Disney+. Yeah, it's another basic episode that they arbitrarily decided to put on streaming, but at least they're honest here and not calling this a special. In this "what if" Simpsons story that has gotten more common in recent years, Mr. Burns (voiced by Harry Shearer) has destroyed all wildlife with his industrial complex. A stressed-out Lisa's new therapy equipment ends up sending her back in time, where she meets Burns as a young man. Lisa (Yeardley Smith) decides to stop Burns from descending into evil and an anti-environmentalist mindset.

This wasn't a half bad choice for an exclusive. I'm not saying this is prime Simpsons, but it is well done and another example of the show being stronger recently. The plot is more novel and thought-out than expected. They're able to unload a decent amount of story in a natural manner within the constraints of twenty-some minutes.

Jokes work as well. The funniest part isn't the main story, but Homer and Marge's reactions to Lisa claiming she can time travel.

Recommended. 

Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion

Grade: A

Well, it only took 7 years, but this movie has finally been commercially released in the US. (If you have any interest in seeing this, you may want to do so quickly. Some Asterix movies last on streaming for a while, but some disappear quickly.) In Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion (original title: Asterix: La Secret de la Potion Magique), based on the long-running French comics series, Getafix, the druid who makes the magic potion Asterix and the other Gauls in his village (the French version of Vikings) use to make themselves stronger and protect themselves from the Roman Empire, realizes he isn't getting any younger and decides to go in search of a successor. 

This is a worthy follow-up to the previous computer animated movie Mansion of the Gods. The script flows nicely and everything works well together. The story is slightly more complex than you think it might be and makes you invested in what will transpire. Comedy is good, able to please kids and adults and to bridge the gap to non-French audiences (more so than that recent live-action movie on Netflix if you've seen it.)

Secret Potion makes good use of distinct characters both old and new. Though Getafix is a main fixture of the comics, he often isn't center stage. His movie is a bit of a showcase on his wise and amiable values and nature. The movie introduces Pectin, a young schoolgirl in the village and budding inventor who looks up to Getafix. She's an earnest character and she and Getafix make a good team. 

If there are any complaints, I feel that Asterix is a little too quick to anger. Yeah, it's not like he's never gotten annoyed before, but he's one of the more level-headed characters, and it feels like he is losing his temper due to plot reasons.

One of the best parts is the new villain Demonix, a banished Druid and Getafix's former friend. With the exception of Julius Caesar, most of the Asterix villains are one-dimensional cartoon characters. You get a few cleverer ones, but even their personas are kept simple. Demonix has a little more personality too him and steals all his scenes. His desire to obtain the magic Potion is a selfish one, but there are moments where you say, "He does have a point." He's also a clever one. It takes a while to figure out his plan but when you do it all makes sense.

Animation is colorful and manages to keep the essence of the original 2D-illustrations intact. Unfortunately, they keep the original "larger lips" for the black crew member of the pirate crew Asterix and pals keep running into. They really should know better by now.

Highly recommended. This is honestly one of the best Asterix movies and even if you're unfamiliar with the character, it's easy to jump into the story.

Love Hurts

Grade: C

Hitman-turned-successful real estate agent Marvin Gable (played by Ke Huy Quan) has his past come back to haunt him when former love interest Rose Carlisle (The West Side Story remake's Ariana DeBose) returns from hiding.

LH has a story that looked like it could work in a Wikipedia synopsis, but doesn't work in execution. There are fun moments (including a couple-laugh-out-loud parts), but a lot of stuff doesn't pan out, and the filmmakers' can't understand how light or dark they want to make this. A lot of people say narration in a movie can be a crutch, but I don't usually have a problem. Here, it really does feel forced.

The action is good, I'll give you that. The movie has some impressive choreography. There's a blade-throwing villain in this, and he has some of the most entertaining blade-throwing combat I've seen.

Quan is the best part. Like in Everything, Everywhere, all at Once, the actor is really good at switching between generally nice guy and a person of violence. Unfortunately, only him and Sean Astin as Marvin's boss are able to make the poor dialogue work. Rose's character isn't really that likable and her actions come across as selfish rather than courageous, and you're not really rooting for Marvin and her to get together. DeBose tries to use the enthusiastic energy she used in WWS, but it feels disingenuous here. Football-player-turned-actor Marshawn Lynch has been demonstrating that he is a real comic talent. (Ever seen the Netflix show Murderville where celebrities are put in improv situations? Lynch blew everyone else away.) Here he just isn't shining as brightly as he has, because he doesn't have much to go with.

Not recommended. I mean LH can work as background noise or Quan fans may want to see his performance, but overall this isn't something you NEED to see.

Heart Eyes

Grade: A

The notorious Heart Eyes Killer (or HEK for short), who targets couples on Valentine's Day, mistakes co-workers Ally McCabe (Kickin' it/Cloak and Dagger's Olivia Holt) and Jay Simmonds (Scream 5+ 6/Love, Victor's Mason Gooding) as lovers and makes them their new quarry.

The trailers made this look like more of a traditional slasher film, but this is a horror comedy. (It's co-written by Happy Death Day's Christopher Langdon who might be the most prolific director/writer of horror comedy there is and directed by College Humor alumni Josh Ruben who directed the rather entertaining Werewolves Within). 

Heart Eyes is basically a romcom if it had a serial killer in it. The budding relationship between Ally and Jay is surprisingly well done, and the dialogue really has that traditional romcom vibe to it. Doesn't hurt that Holt and Gooding have great chemistry together and are both super likable. The lighting also feels more like that for a romcom than a horror movie. The jokes themselves fly fast and loose and work really well. The whole thing feels like a pastiche of romcoms but not a full on parody.

However, when the killer pops up, the movie takes the kills seriously. This isn't one of those horror comedies that are light on kills and are aiming for a PG-13 rating. The deaths are creative and can be really bloody. There is also one of the most effective jump scares I've seen in a while in this.

Besides the leads, the cast is pretty good. The Fast and the Furious' Jordana Brewster is given the chance to show that she has a sillier side as an eccentric cop.

I can't say I'm loving the look of the killer's mask. The heart-shaped eyes are an interesting idea, but I'm not loving the flesh-colored look of the thing. The mask feels a little too busy. On the plus side, the killer always does look intimidating. 

There are moments where the director/writers are a little inconsistent on how broad or understated they want the comedy to be. This has this typical horror movie habit of having plot holes. Also, it isn't too hard to guess who the killer is. But, I wouldn't consider any of these issues to be a deal breaker.

Highly recommended. This is such an astoundingly unique and funny film that manages to balance genres.

Back in Action

Grade: B- 

In this Netflix movie, former spies Matt (Jamie Foxx) and Emily (Cameron Diaz), having gone underground to raise a family, are found out, and end up on the run.

The lighthearted person-used-to-be-a-spy/criminal/etc.-but-is-now-a-family-person story has been done often, and Back to Action is by-the-numbers and does nothing to reinvigorate the genre. 

To make things worse, the daughter Alice (The Young and the Restless’ McKenna Roberts), who is in a painfully obvious mother/daughter-not-connecting subplot, is way too much of an obnoxious brat. Also, this tries to be a family film (they go out of their way to prevent the leads from murdering anyone), but there are a couple moments certain parents may not want their kids to see.

That having all been said, this is a competently made and watchable film. There are some decent lines, Matt, the parent who has adjusted better to civilian life, provides has the best bits as the voice-of-reason dealing with insanity around him.

Diaz, who returns to film after an 11-year absence, is having fun with her part. Foxx just steals the show with his "dad" delivery and reacting to the chaos around him. Glenn Close, who plays Emily's mother, is also a highlight. I think when she does comedy, she has no restraints about being over-the-top, and her blunt, no-nonsense British mom persona is a good time.

Not particularly recommended or not recommended. There is nothing must-see about this, but it serves its function as a time waster.

Kiff: Lore of the Ring Light

Grade: A

This new special of the Disney Channel/Disney+ cartoon Kiff is a Lord of the Rings parody in which young squirrel Kiff (voiced by Orange Is the New Black’s Kimiko Glenn) and her friends go on a quest to destroy a cursed ring light.

LoTR parodies have been done before, but I’ll give the lack of originality a pass as this is really, really funny. The jokes are clever and all land. What helps make this special work is that it mines some material from aspects of the LOTR trilogy that others haven’t before. (One of the highlights of this is Kiff's best friend Barry's questioning, matter-of-fact commentary on elements from LoTR). 

This utilizes a large portion of the show's wacky characters that the writers have defined. The voice actors are all great and really nail their lines.

Highly recommended. This is just a really funny time.

Creature Commandos- Season 1

Grade: A-

In Max’s animated series Creature Commandos, the first entry in Warners reboot of the DC universe, government agent Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davies), assembles a team of monsters to stop the sorceress Circe (The Witcher’s Anya Chalotra) from assassinating Princess Ilana Rostovic (Borat Subsequently Moviefilm’s Maria Bakalova) of Pokolistan.

This was created by Guardians of the Galaxy/Suicide Squad/Peacemaker's James Gunn, who has been given the unenviable task of overseeing the DCU after a lot of mixed reception to its previous films. CC seems to be an indicator that the ship's course may have been corrected. Gunn brings his strengths here, making use of lesser known comics characters and crafting a likable group with strong backstories. Most episodes feature a backstory for each monster, and I'm impressed how COMPELLING he makes every single character and their backgrounds. (GI Robot's episode is one of the best of 2024). These may also be some of the darkest backstories in mainstream superhero shows/movies (this is kinda right up there with The Penguin, though CC is more loose in overall tone). 

Show's got solid, bloody action that can be as crazy as it wants because its animated. CC also has a more humorous side. (Whereas the original DCU wanted to be SERIOUS and more grounded, I appreciate how Gunn is interested in the more fantastical aspects of the DC and having fun, while not being Marvel and having more mature elements with good storytelling.)

This all having been said, one can't blame another for getting a little tired of Gunn's formula: A ragtag group of misfits with pasts who rise to the occasion in a crazy, colorful manner. This is his most R-rated (DC lets him off the leash even more than they did with Suicide Squad and Peacemaker), so, at least there is that difference. 

Gunn also continues his tendency of going with very different takes with the lesser known characters. (The creator of Mantis is none too fond of Gunn’s movie version.) Fans of the original comics will  probably not love that Frankenstein (Stranger Things' David Harbor), who was portrayed as more of a good guy (to the best of my knowledge, I'm not a CC expert), is portrayed here as an amoral man-child. Also, Gunn seems to love Frankenstein's delusional rambling schtick. It's like the comedy team of Drax and Mantis in the GotG movies; too much of it, and it gets old real fast.

Fans of the comics may also be disappointed that they changed the look of the Bride (Indira Varma). She originally had four arms, but because Gunn is now having  all the DC shows be in the same universe as the movies (the Matt Reeves Batman/Penguin-verse and the Harley Quinn/Kiteman-verse are grandfathered in), he gave her only two arms since she might pop up in live action, and an extra pair of arms will be a pain to pull off. (I wouldn't mind, but the most recent CC comic ditched the extra arms in order to follow the show, and I hate it when comics change to match the shows/movies).

The show tries to include a lot of characters and plot points in only 8 episodes, and some parts felt rushed. Ilana and Circe could've been fleshed out more. (Though in case of the latter, I'm glad a Wonder Woman villain was picked and got some exposure; they always get the short end of the stick). The Arrowverse on the CW mined a TON of DC villains, but only used one WW baddie the entire time. Circe's a good fighter but is a little basic in the personality department. 

There is one character background element Gunn uses twice for two different characters. It works the first time, but the second time feels a little cheap. Also, the show is very vague about whatever rights the monsters do or do not have in the world.

Standout voices in this are Gilmore Girls' Sean Gunn as GI Robot and Resident Alien's Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorous. You may scream nepotism for James Gun casting his brother, but Sean delivers a unique vocal tone that is mostly stuck on gung-ho, but is able to do so much with limited inflection. This isn't the first time Tudyk has been in the DC (he was Mr. Nobody in Doom Patrol and voiced Clayface/Joker in Harley Quinn), but I think this might be his best job yet. Surprisingly, Tudyk doesn't play up his voice like he usually does. Rather, he goes with a more grounded route that manages to work with the character's combination of sarcasm and sociopathy. (Also, nice to see Dr. Phosphorous chosen for this. He's that  one mid-level Batman villain who's been around for a while that you're surprised that their stock hasn't risen yet). Harbor on the other hand; I just don't think he's working out. His delivery is missing something.

This also being a Gunn project, you've got a lot of songs in this. Though, it's become a little old hat by now, I liked the music he went with. Instead of going with 70's or 80's hits, Gunn goes with an Eastern European punk feel that fits the fictional country of Pokolistan.

Wasn’t originally sold on the line work and character design in this based on the commercials, but I grew to like it. Made for solid action scenes.

Highly recommend. I mean, if you’re not big on MA heavy violence and darker tones, this won’t be for you, but for everyone else this is some really compelling storytelling, valid criticisms withstanding. 

One of them Days

Grade: B+

In One of Them Days, roommates Dreux (played by Nope's Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (singer SZA) have their rent money stolen by Alyssa's boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua David Neal). Now, the two of them have to get the money before 6:00 PM or face eviction by their landlord Uche (Rizi Timane).

The very beginning starts out a little weak. The introduction to the characters and their surrounding apartment complex felt a bit obvious and not 100% natural. Keshawn and Alyssa's making lousy excuses for his behavior ingratiates. To be clear, my issue isn't with these plot points, but that they aren't done well. Keshawn is the typical movie loser boyfriend but he doesn't meet the basic bar for this type as none of his lines are really humorous or tolerable and Neal's performance just doesn't land. I know Alyssa is supposed to be a flaky free-spirit, but her dialogue for her defending her choices felt a little too vague. 

Once the crisis hits, however, things pick up and Alyssa becomes likable once the boyfriend isn't a major focus for her. Honestly, the movie continues to get stronger and stronger until the very end. The series of misadventures the two friends end up in are creative and diverting. I wouldn't say this is the most laugh-out-loud movie there is, but you still enjoy yourself due to the plot and overall vibe.

This is a very typical story about two friends who are opposites to each other with their personal needs for growth that go on a comic adventure. Their plot beats will not surprise anyone, but they are done competently. I also appreciate that this has social commentary, but it feels natural and not like with some works, like the National Treasure show, that its messing with the narrative flow and the scriptwriters are directly talking to the audience. When Dreux and Alyssa go to a loan bank, that's just peak satire.

Palmer and SZA have excellent chemistry, feeling like real friends. This is SZA's first acting major acting job and she is a natural, performing effortlessly. However, Palmer remains the star player. I'm surprised that it took so long for her to be in another movie after killing it in Nope. (Perhaps it's because Palmer has her hands in a lot of projects, or that I kinda get the feeling based on what I've heard is that she doesn't play Hollywood's games). She has this rare energy that few possess.

Other cast highlights include Freeridge's Keyla Monterros Meija, delivering a standout performance as a give no f***s loan agent, and Katt Williams as a homeless man desperately trying to act as the duo's common sense. 

Love the lighting and cinematography in this. Everything looks colorful.

Recommended. One of Them Days (great title by the way) is just a fun ride. 

Cunk on Life

Grade: A+

Journalist Philomena Cunk (played by Diane Morgan) returns in this Netflix mockumentary special to look at life itself.

Honestly, this was funnier than Cunk’s previous outing, the miniseries Cunk on Earth. They just killed it with the jokes, including some pretty bold, unexpected choices. 

Morgan’s performance is what keeps her character coming back again and again over the years (for those unfamiliar with the character, most of Cunk’s specials and miniseries were never released in America unfortunately).  She provides uneducated nonsense delivery in a manner that is both deadpan and undeservedly confident.

There was also something about the sketches sandwiched between Cunk’s narration and interviews that stood out more and felt funnier than Cunk on Earth.

Highly recommended. This is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a while.

Ranma 1/2 (2024)- Season 1

Grade: A

In this reboot of the 90's anime based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi, Ranma Saotome and his father Genma are martial artists who fell into separate cursed springs when training in China. Now whenever they are hit by cold water, Ranma turns female and Genma turns into a panda. They return to Japan and end up staying at the house of Genma's old friend Soun Tendo, whose Ranma's hand in marriage Genma had promised to one of his three daughters. They end up matching Ranma with youngest daughter Akane, who is also a martial artist. She and Ranma initially butt heads, but there's a whole will-they, won't-they with them.

I only saw the first two movies and a few of the OVAs of the original show. I can't give definite comparisons of these two versions, but what I'm understanding here is that the new one is trying to be closer to the original manga. The coloring and line work is a lot closer to Rumiko Takahashi's style (it's really impressive these days how close animation can get to copying the original penciling/inking from a comic). The pacing is a lot quicker as well (the old show had to deal with the fact that the manga hadn't been finished and avoiding catching up with it too quickly). Also from what I'm hearing, the reboot is cutting down a little on the Chinese stereotypes from the original.

This show is really fun. I understand why the original anime and manga were huge hits. Ranma and Akane live in a crazy world where they encounter a large cast of people who also know martial arts. Plus, everyone is so weirdly accommodating of the random fights. Some of the fights are very inventive, including an ice skating fight, and over-the-top. 

The characters are another one of the reasons of the manga/anime's lasting charm. As all of them so far are unique and often weird. (My favorite is Ranma's frenemy Ryoga Hibiki who has a rivalry with Ranma but gets dragged into his various problems as well). Though the anime is silly, the two main leads are three-dimensional, and you do get to feel about them.

American viewers may be uncomfortable with the first episode, which I think Netflix had the show originally rated as TV-MA because if it before the rating went down. (Unfortunately, the streaming service rates the series as a whole and not by individual episodes). This episode has no qualms showing frontal, nipple-less boobs of 16-year old female Ranma. Not ideal. 

Highly recommended. Besides the issue with the first episode (and I completely understand if that is a deal breaker), this is a really well-written show where everything and everyone just clicks.

Y2K

Grade: B

SNL alumni Kyle Mooney's directorial takes place on New Year's Eve 1999. In this alternate reality, Y2K wasn't fixed in time and electronical devices start attacking and killing people. The movie follows unpopular teen Eli (played by It's Jaeden Martell) as he tries to survive the night. 

The movie is fairly funny, has some surprisingly well-written character progression with a couple supporting characters, and a couple of moments that really take you by surprise. This was clearly made on the cheap, but the mostly practical electronics effects look good.

The first half is really well-paced and moves quickly. However, the plot slows down for the second half, and a few of the dialogue exchanges really feel like they could've been cut down and cause you to lose your enthusiasm a little.

Eli's goal of landing the popular girl is a pretty basic high school comedy storyline that we've all seen before. I honestly wished they'd gone with another scenario for this premise. 

The best performances in this are the supporting players. Mooney plays a druggie DVD rental clerk, and he's good with making fun of laid back 2000's-personalities. Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Julian Dennison as Eli's best friend brings the same loud personality he's known for being good at. Yeah, it's nothing new, but he still has one of the best scenes in the movie. The actors who took me most by surprise are Chilling Adventures of Sabrina's Lachlan Watson and Tales from the Loop's Daniel Zolghadri as a couple of rap enthusiasts with differing philosophies (mainstream vs. non-commercial). 

Not particularly recommended one way or another. Some will have genuine fun while others may be bored with the second half or Mooney's over-reliance on references to the 2000's rap/rock scene.

Family Guy: Gift of the White Guy

Grade: B-

In this Christmas Family Guy special on Hulu, Peter Griffin (voiced by show creator Seth McFarlane) has to find a gift for his company’s white elephant gift exchange, and Stewie (also McFarlane) tries to turn over a new leaf, so he can stay off the naughty list.

Just like the Halloween special, this appears to be a regular episode that was arbitrarily called a special and put on streaming. 

This is a somewhat stronger entry than the last one.The Brian (again McFarlane)/Stewie b-plot was stronger and more unexpected than they usually are. There are a couple truly funny moments. Also, Peter’s logical-minded boss Preston Lloyd (The Orville’s Peter Macon) is in this, and he is always fun. (It has occurred to me that he is Peter’s fifth boss, man, Peter has gone through a lot of them).

However, this does have another worn out Peter/Lois (MadTV/The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Alex Borstein) storyline where it does not really focus on their relationship, but it still feels toxic and worn out. 

Also, this wholesale recycles a subject for a joke from an earlier Christmas episode and not as well.

Recommended if you are a fan of the show that still watches, but not a standout or entry point.