No Time to Spy: A Loud House Movie

7/10

In the second animated film based on the Nickelodeon cartoon show (whereas the first was on Netflix, this is on Paramount+), the Loud House family go to a tropical getaway for the wedding of their grandfather Pop-Pop/Albert (voiced by Piotr Michael, who performs a lot of sketch characters on Jimmy Kimmel Live!) to ex-secret agent Gran-Gran/Myrtle (voice actor Alex Cazares, replacing Jennifer Coolidge in the role). While they're there, Loud son Lincoln (Bentley Griffin) and Myrtle run into the forces of her old enemy Dr. Dufus (The Fantastic Beast movies' Dan Fogler).

This is definitely a stronger effort that the last LH movie, which felt rather basic and like the creators were struggling to come up with an idea to last an entire film, and feels slightly stronger than the film of the LH's spin-off The Casagrandes. The plot, while nothing stellar is a decently structured effort with the emotional message at the ending of the film being the one element that really stands out. The humor ain't too shabby with the jokes coming fast-and-loose; one joke that may not work for you is quickly being replaced by one that may. The funniest part is definitely the strangely good-natured henchman who always seem to have the best lines. Also, the comical action scenes aren't too shabby.

The biggest flaw is that Lincoln's constant need to go on a spy mission with Myrtle, despite everyone trying to focus on the wedding, does feel a little too selfish and poorly thought out for the character.

Also, like the last film, Lincoln is the main lead. The whole family is there, but none of them are given a specific spotlight. One'd think they'd go for a change of pace and give one of the many Loud sisters a bite of the main plot. Also if you're a fan of Lincoln's best friend Clyde (Jaeden White), he again is relegated to basically a cameo, which admittedly makes sense given the large cast and the change in settings in order for the movies to feel like something different.

The simplistic, but distinctive character design is interesting. The look of Fifi (Strangers with Candy's Amy Sedaris), a comic relief tourist, is especially eye-catching with her noodle-thin body, long pointed noise, and wavy hair. It's hard to compare her look to anything. As is the case with the show, the color palette is a little too muted for my taste.

Either a good or bad thing depending on your opinion, this isn't a musical like the last film.

If you're a parent who's very conservative about the violence you're children see, there is a a moment where a female character is struck surprisingly hard. I mean nothing PG-13 or anything, but you just usually see a children's show like this go so hard.

Recommended. The movie won't differentiate itself from the average made-for-TV/streaming children's film, but makes for an entertaining affair that I think will please the fans.

Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle

8/10

This film is a follow-up to the Haikyuu!! anime. It's actually the first of two movies intended to complete the manga story and conclude the show. In Dumpster Battle, the Karasuno High volleyball team are in the tournament quarter finals and going up against their rival school Nekoma High, which includes amongst it's roster main character Shoyo Hinatao's friendly rival Kenma Kozune, the master strategist.

Even though it's based on the existing manga storyline, I think this movie has the unfortunate circumstance of coming out after the Slam Dunk movie. They're both films that 1) take place over the entirety of one basketball game and 2) focus on a character other than the main one. However, SD had a more serious backstory and a more stellar animation style which results in some unfair comparisons between the two. Dumpster Battle's only sin is that it isn't SD, otherwise it's a fine made film.

The first third might a feel a little basic, but the movie picks up speed resulting in a very engaging piece. The movie kinda feels like a game of chess as the characters must strategize against their opponents, and you're left wondering how Karasuno can win. 

The movie makes the interesting choice of making the main character not the stars but their rival. Kenma's story arc becomes more and more interesting as the film goes on. He's the absolute opposite of a what a typical sports rival is (or at least from a western perspective). He's introverted and playing isn't his passion, The crux of the film is what makes Kenma tick and what makes him passionate, and it's an interesting character study.

This is one of those many anime movies where they don't have big budgets, but the animators are all really professional with fluid animation and detailed backgrounds.

Haven't seen the show, but this feels like it delivers the volleyball action, character and sports drama that the fans like. Newcomers like me should be able to follow the main story, but be warned that there are a lot of peripheral characters you won't know nothing about. (I initially got the coaches and fans in the bleachers mixed up with which team they support.)

Recommended. This is a solid movie that should delight fans and provide a distinct yarn for the uninitiated.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

NOTE: There a no spoilers for this film, but there are a couple significant spoilers from the last one that will be mentioned because it's difficult to sidestep them.

8/10

In the fourth film in the Bad Boys film series (yes, I'm amongst you that don't know why the third one was called Bad Boys for Life and not the fourth one because of obvious word play), detectives Mike Lowry (played by Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) try to clear the name of the late Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano), who's been framed by corrupt law personnel. 

The Bad Boys movies continue to be one of the few series where there hasn't been a weak entry. This is a well balanced combination of action and comedy, plus it is also a solid continuation of the story from BBfL. 

The action-packed finale is a creative hoot and is a breath of energy in a world where there's been so many action movies it can be hard to be original. There is a also a surprising variation in the types of action in this. Returning directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah really have an eye for fight scenes.

Be warned that this is probably the darkest entry in the series. If you just want to enjoy a simple action popcorn flick where the good guys win without too much civilian collateral damage, then you may have issues with this.

The BB movies should be given credit for building up a cast of characters over time and making the world feel lived in. However, I do think RoD suffers from juggling too many characters. Like last time, the writers seem to have fun writing for Lowry and Burnett's backup Kelly (High School Musical/Princess Switch's Vanessa Hudgens) and Dorn (Vikings' Alexander Ludwig), but they're given little enough screen time that you're kinda annoyed that they're getting you to like characters without much follow-up. (In all honesty, I wouldn't mind a spin-off with these guys.) 

Given that they spent the length of the last film setting up the romance between Mike and Rita (Paola Nunez), one may be bothered that they dropped the relationship and married Mike to an entirely new person without any setup. Maybe it's because Rita's the police chief now, and it'd be awkward if her husband were her subordinate, or maybe the filmmakers thought the chemistry wasn't working.

Acting is fun across the board. Though he's dead, they manage to squeeze in a few appearances by Captain Howard through video recordings and visions, and Pantoliano makes the most of what looks like his final work on his franchise by giving his trademark enthused performance along with some surprisingly emotional parts. I honestly think it's a mistake they killed Howard off (and that Pantoliano isn't in more stuff in general.) He's just so fun.

Highly recommended. This makes for a good time.

Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation

7.5/10

In this Disney Channel/Disney+ movie, the Greens, a family of farmers living in the big city, end up going to space in order to farm space crops for rich scientist Gwendolyn Zapp (voiced by SNL's Cheri Oteri).

The first half or so, admittedly, does feel a little like a stretched out version of the show. Usually, an episode has a traditional someone-learns-a-lesson-after-letting-things-go-a-little-nuts structure which takes up fifteen minutes. Here, we have the same blueprints trying to be applied across a full hour and twenty-two minutes. However, things really pick up in the second half when the conflict kicks into motion. The outer space and sci-fi technology setting really make for a good physical threat for the Greens, plus it is something that elevates this as a movie and something a little different from the show. 

The movie includes the show's trademark humor: the sometimes silly and sometimes clever kind that works for adults and kids. (This show doesn't get enough credit for being arguably the best written children's comedy currently on.) There are even a few delightfully dark bits.     

This is yet another episode where Green son Cricket (voiced by show co-creator Chris Houghton), ends up causing chaos when he purses something he's told not too. Usually, the formula works because his scampishness doesn't usually cross the line too much. Here however, he goes too far and feels a little too selfish. This is used to make a point in order to create a more emotional storyline than usual, but I don't feel the movie properly condemn him for his behavior. 

Houghton does still excel at Cricket's high energy and confidence, and Marieve Herington still excels with her unique salt-of-the-Earth accent as empathetic but odd Green daughter Tilly. We get a newcomer in Hamilton/Girls5eva's Renee Elise Godlsberry, who is clearly having fun with a commanding voice as stickler-for-the-rules space captain Colleen Voyd (one wishes she had more time in this).

If you've been watching the show and have been disappointed that Zapp hasn't been in any recent episodes, you'll be pleased with her presence here. (Though some may be disappointed that the movie doesn't include the show's main baddie Chip Whistler, but I give the creators credit for going with what chaacters fit the story.) Zapp is a nutty lady whose priorities are much different than others. I feel a little bad that Oteri's career after SNL kinda plummeted, because between her delightfully wacky vocal inflections matched with the character's goofiness and unpredictableness, Zapp makes for the most entertaining person in the film. 

The movie focuses on the main characters, which is a good call when you're trying to write a tight script and don't want to focus on too many of them. However, that means popular recurring faces don't appear or are given very little to do. 

I wouldn't say the songs in this are the greatest ever, but there are some solid ones. I've relistened to them several times.

The animation is like that of the show but a little better. The color seems to be a little brighter and there appears to be a greater frame rate to the characters' movements. The action scenes are pretty fluid for a made-for-television budget.

Recommended. I wouldn't say the movie is as good as some of the show's best episodes, but it definitely is a fun time and your kids will probably like it.

South Park: The End of Obesity

7/10

In the most recent South Park special, Cartman (voiced by show co-creator Trey Parker) wants to lose weight with Ozempic, but has to struggle with the American healthcare system when his insurance won't cover it.

The highlight of this are the really pointed jabs at the health insurance industry. The creators savagely rip apart how broken it is. (There is one bit addressing how healthcare works that is the highlight of EoO).

When it comes to the other topics: Ozempic, and the show's satire of how rich people are using it to lose weight while it's originally intended for diabetes, the sugar industry, and the topic of body image, the messaging is a little more mixed. This is one of those South Park entries where Parker and other showrunner Matt Stone try to address concept issues by being a little complex, and it's harder to understand their exact meaning. Not to say that this subject matter doesn't mine some decent jokes.

Lightly recommended. Can't say this is South Park's best, but it's a fine time. Plus, it's worth it for that one bit I mentioned.

In a Violent Nature

7/10

In a Violent Nature, undead Jason Vorhees-esque killer Johnny (played by Ry Barrett) goes on a killing spree in the woods as he purses a golden locket that was taken from his resting place. This is a twist on the slasher genre in which instead of focusing on the final girl and future victims the movie follows the silent killer for 90% of the film. 

This is definitely an interesting idea. People crack jokes about what the killers in these films are up to between kills and how they transport from place to place. Well, here we get it, and it's an interesting concept. I've heard complaints online (and from one random stranger at the movie theater) that the movie is too much of Johnny walking around the woods. Personally, I didn't find this to be a deal breaker (and I honestly didn't think there was THAT much walking), because the cinematography and sound are excellent. The movie is short like a nature documentary kinda in that a lot is silent observation of a being in the woods. I don't think I've seen a forest-set horror movie that truly one hundred percent felt like it was filmed in a natural park. There are so many excellent captures of foliage and the natural landscape. Except for a couple moments at night, the lighting feels natural. There's no soundtrack in this. My congrats to the sound guy or guys because they make the environment feel so natural like you're actually outdoors. 

The movie should be particularly congratulated for using pieces of dialogue overhead by Johnny as he stalks and the general conventions of slasher flicks that we are easily able to piece together what's happening on the victims' side of the story without spending much time on them. 

Also, there are some great uses of angles and reveals. Given that Johnny is the main subject, there is an interesting use of focus where often he'll be in the foreground and his victims a little out of focus when he's observing or pursuing others. 

Going back to the "movie is a lot of walking" criticism, when we get to the actual kills, they are worth the wait. This is up with Thanksgiving as one of the most violent slashers of recent years. IaVN has two of the most memorable, over-the-top kills I've seen in quite a while. Also, the movie doesn't waste time with the pursuit of the victims. It's all about the violence.

Whereas the pacing didn't feel like that big a problem, there are a weak spots. Admittedly, Johnny is a little too derivative of Jason Vorhees. The killer's mask, which is an old time firefighter's hood is a unique idea, but it looks a little too much like a mosquito and doesn't feel like it quite lands. 

The dialogue for the regular people is mostly bad. The script goes with the regular tropes of horror movies, but with less effort. I know a lot of the victims in these movies die because of being jerks or being too carefree, but these guys just a rub you the wrong way a little too much.

Remember that line about the movie being 90% Johnny? Those who like the concept may not love that the movie doesn't go that extra 10% to commit to the concept. Lastly, people are going to have mixed feelings about the ending. I'm honestly unsure how I feel about it.

Kinda recommended. The pacing and offbeat nature may not be for everyone (also, if you don't like gruesome violence, you won't like this), but others amongst you will find this interesting. Worth giving a chance. Even if you're not a fan, this isn't painfully bad.

Ninja Kamui

7.5/10

In this new anime show available on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim and Max, Joe Higan seeks revenge on his former ninja clan for killing his family. 

Can't say that this story is a ninja action anime story that breaks the mold. The basic plot feels derivative of previous works, but to the show's credit, it is a competently told story. Although, I feel that some of the backstory could've been introduced a bit earlier and a few more elements of what spurred the ninja clan to change its methods been added, overall Ninja Kamui is very well paced. None of the thirteen episodes feel wasted at all. It feels like there is just the right amount of characters and story in this that the show is neither too fast or too slow. 

The characters also, aren't the most unique or best written, but they mostly work. Higan makes for a capable and determined protagonist. Probably the best character is the FBI agent Mike Morris, he's the honest everyman who might be getting too old for this but won't back down, which is stuff we've seen before, but he does make for the most relatable character. (Also, props should be given to his voice actor Shawn Hamilton, who is hands down the best one in the dub.) Another strong point is that the head of the ninja clan makes for a solid antagonist. He is one who you don't agree with their methods, but you understand their point of view and how they are trying to do this for the greater good. He's also one of those smart antagonists, who don't fail by making mistakes. 

Be forewarned that one of the villains is the "really filthy-mouthed, raunchy one". He's just too much without any subtlety, but he doesn't dominate the entire show.

The animation in this is quite nice. I'm always impressed with when animators can go with more realistic-looking characters and make them move smoothly rather than when animators go with more simplistic designs because it's easier to animate. If you're looking for anime ninja action, this is fits the bill. I think this is one of those anime that was commissioned by Adult Swim, and fells specifically aimed towards American action lovers. The ninja's cyber suits, which are a combination of 2D and 3D, are neat.

Recommended. Ninja Kamui makes for a simple but well told story.