Movie Review: Soul

Movie Review: Soul                                                                                                      12-27-20

Soul tells the story of a jazz musician named Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), who dreams of performing alongside the more famous Dorothea Williams (Angela Bassett). After falling into a manhole, Joe gets transported out of his body into a realm between life and death, a place where souls get their personalities and quirks before going to Earth. Now, to get back into his own body, Joe has to help an unborn soul codenamed 22 (Tina Fey), who doesn't want anything to do with Earth.

Like my idol Rachel, I had trouble reviewing this movie. Yes, it does have beautiful animation and paper-thick characters, but the story is definitely more for adults than for kids. Soul deals with self-doubt, existential crisis, and the biggest question of all: What is the meaning of life?

Philosophical questions aside, another thing to enjoy about Soul is the blending of 2D and 3D animation. Remember how a few years ago, DreamWorks abandoned plans for a film about shadows that would've mixed 2D animation and 3D? Well, it seems like Pixar beats DreamWorks once again on a technological level with the legion of Jerrys, who watch over unborn and deceased souls.

In conclusion, Soul is a great film for adults, but kids won't seem to like it that much.

I'm so sorry that this review is so short. I was having a difficult time writing this review, and I recommend reading Rachel's review of this movie.

Pixar 44: SOUL or Is it ok for Pixar to Release a Film for Adults? (rachelsreviews.net)

Because this film has so much going on, I decided not to give it a rating. Also, if any of you have been following me on Facebook, you may have noticed that I do a weekly poll on what should've won the KCA for Favorite Animated Movie. Because of Soul's deep subject matter, I unfortunately won't include it in that poll when the time comes.

Story Announcement #12

September 2020. Back at the Muppet theater, everyone was wondering what to do after Season 1 of Muppets NOW concluded.

"I just got the news today, everyone!" Said Kermit, holding a letter. "It's a letter from Disney! Maybe they'll renew us for a second season! 'Dear Mr. the Frog, we regret to inform you that because of our busy schedule, we won't pick up Muppets NOW for a second season. However, we will put seasons 1 through 3 of The Muppet Show, Little Muppet Monsters, Bear in the Big Blue House, and a dozen of the old Muppet specials on Disney+ some time in 2021. Enclosed are storyboards for two upcoming animated films, Disney/Pixar's Soul and Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon.'"

"That's horrible!" Said Walter. "The world needs the Muppets!"

"But how are we gonna show them that we can still be fresh and relevant?" Asked Fozzie.

"Kermit." Said Robin. "I have a suggestion. You know how the Muppets used to do specials and movies based on classic stories?"

"Yeah, I remember." Said Kermit. "I appeared in a few of them."

"Perhaps we could do one based on an old Disney movie that would be ripe for the Muppets' brand of humor."
"Frozen?" Guessed Miss Piggy.

"Lady and the Tramp?" Guessed Rowlf.

"Brother Bear?" Guessed Fozzie.

"Chicken Little?" Guess Gonzo, though everyone looked at him weirdly.

"No!" Said Robin. "Who Framed Roger Rabbit!" Joe from Legal, the Muppets' official lawyer, objected to this.

"Rejected!" He said. "Who Framed Roger Rabbit may be rated PG, but would definitely be rated PG-13 if it were released today. There's swearing, alcohol consumption, gunplay, and strong innuendos. Not suitable for the Muppets family-friendly image."

"We could make changes!" Suggested Kermit. "Walter, you and Scooter are gonna write the script for our story. Fozzie, you will play Roger."
"That's a role fit for me!" Said Fozzie. "Wocka wocka!"

"Kermie?" Said Piggy. "Can I play Jessica Rabbit?"
"Sorry, Piggy." Said Kermit. "I think Janice is more suited for the role. However, before you deliver your signature karate chop, I will pick someone for you to play."

"You better." Threatened Piggy.

"Additional casting will be Scooter's responsibility." Claimed Kermit. "Bunsen and Beaker, you will be in charge of visual effects and cinematography. Nigel, you'll do the score. Summer Penguin, if we can find her, will serve as art director. Joe, do you suppose you could help us get the rights to non-Muppet puppet characters? You can't be as cruel as JP Grosse."

"Who?" Asked Joe.

"He was my stingy uncle who owned the Muppet Theater." Said Scooter, handing a book to Joe. "Here's his page from the official Muppets Encyclopedia."

"Hmm." Said Joe. "I'll do it, as long as the puppet characters come from family-friendly properties. I WILL NOT DO MR. MEATY!" That made Kermit shudder.

"Amen to that." Said the frog. "Walter? How long will it take you to adapt the story?"

"Maybe two weeks?" Replied Walter.

"That's terrific!" Said Kermit. "We'll have the movie ready by next year!"

Who Framed Fozzie Bear, a Muppets version of Who Framed Roger Rabbit that will be more family-friendly than the original source material. Coming February 3rd, 2021.

Movie Review: Klaus

 Movie Review: Klaus                                                                                              12-8-20

All mailman Jesper Johansson (Jason Schwartzman) wants is to be respected, but after failing postman training academy, his father sends him to the violent and gloomy town of Smeerensburg. If Jesper delivers 6,000 letters, he can return home. With the help of a woodcarver named Klaus (JK Simmons), they decide to bring joy to the children of Smeerensburg by delivering toys. However, the townsfolk of Smeerensburg believe Jesper and Klaus are brainwashing the kids and local schoolteacher, so they hatch up a plan to get rid of him.

As I said in my Top 10 Best Animated Movies of the 2010s countdown back in July, Klaus is an outstanding holiday movie, even if it wasn’t released in theaters, with groundbreaking animation, a heartfelt story, and likable albeit familiar characters. Jesper, for example, is quite similar to Kuzco from The Emperor’s New Groove. At least he doesn’t spend most of the movie as an ungulate.

Jesper on his first day in Smeerensberg.

As most of you could tell by this point, Klaus is a Santa origin story, like Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town nearly 50 years earlier. However, unlike ‘Santa Claus’, Klaus doesn’t rely on magical or fantasy elements, but it does have a similar message about kindness and selflessness.

Birds resting in houses that Klaus built.

If I were to complain about one thing, I feel that some of the background music feels too poppy for a 19th Century tale.

In conclusion, while it didn’t win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Klaus is a perfect holiday film the entire family can enjoy.

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5.

Pokemon Around the World: Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra Edition

Last year, I did a rundown of where Gen 8 Pokémon, like Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble, and Yamper, would live in our world if they existed in real life. Sword and Shield introduced 81 new species and 13 new regional forms, but with the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra expansions, there have been more Pokémon to distribute to the real world. Let's start off with the Galarian Slowpoke line!

The Slowpoke line returns for both Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra with three different Regional forms. Galarian Slowpoke is pure Psychic, which makes it an easier prey for Incineroar and Scizor. However, when it evolves into either Galarian Slowbro or Galarian Slowking, they become Poison/Psychic. I distributed all three of these Pokémon to India, because I believe that, until an official manatee Pokemon is revealed, Slowpoke (both Kantonian and Galarian) is the closest we have.

Kubfu (not to be confused with Cubchoo) and Urshifu were introduced in the Isle of Armor expansion back in June. Like Cosmog and Meltan before it, Kubfu is a Legendary Pokémon that can evolve into a better Legendary. In this case, Kubfu can evolve into Urshifu, which has two forms: Single Strike (left) and Rapid Strike (right). Single Strike Urshifu is Dark/Fighting like Scrafty and Pangoro, while Rapid Strike Urshifu is Water/Fighting like Poliwrath and Keldeo. Urshifu's form depends on which tower (Tower of Darkness or Tower of Waters) you train Kubfu in. As to where these Pokémon would live, I distributed Kubfu and Urshifu to Chinese mountains, far away from human civilization.

Zarude is Grass/Dark, like Shiftry and Cacturne, and is also the co-star of the next Pokémon movie, Koko (not to be confused with Pixar's Coco). Zarude can grow vines on its neck and arms and can slap opponents with them, like Bulbasaur and Tangela. I distributed this Legendary Pokémon to the Congo Jungle, where it shares the same habitat as Rillaboom, Primeape, Donphan, and Liepard.

Calyrex is a Legendary introduced in The Crown Tundra expansion, and is Grass/Psychic like Exeggutor and Celebi. This rabbit-like Pokémon can see into the past, present, and future like a fortune teller. Unfortunately, I banned this Pokémon because while it's smaller than most Legendaries, it still packs a wallop.

Calyrex can also mount itself onto two new Legendary horses: The Ice-Type Glastrier, and the Ghost-Type Spectrier. Glastier, which reminds me a bit of the Nokk from Frozen 2, this Pokémon can freeze opponents with its hooves. I distributed Glastrier to Greenland, where it lives alongside Abomasnow.

Next up is Spectrier, the first-ever Ghost-Type mammal. Spectrier has poor eyesight, but can kick souls out of peoples' and Pokémon's bodies. I distributed this Pokémon to Mongolia, because I believe the closest animal to Spectrier is an extinct hooved mammal called the Andrewsarchus, a wolf-like creature that ate meat rather than vegetation.

There are also two new Legendary Golems to accompany Regirock, Regice, and Registeel. First up is Regidrago, the 12th Legendary Dragon. I unfortunately banned this Pokémon as well because of its supernatural strength and odd appearance.

Regieleki? Why not Regivolt or Regishock? Anyway, Regieleki is a powerful Electric-Type Pokémon that knows Thunder Cage, an attack so powerful that it lasts four to five turns! Because of this, I decided to ban Regieleki, as well.

Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres return for Sword and Shield, but can only be caught in the Crown Tundra, and they also have different regional forms. Shown here is Galarian Articuno, which is Psychic/Flying, like Lugia and Xatu. I distributed this Pokémon to the North Pole, where it lives alongside Beartic, Frosmoth, Delibird, and Avalugg. Galarian Articuno has a grudge against humanity for ruining the environment, and will freeze anyone that it sees.

As one would judge by its strong legs, Galarian Zapdos is Fighting/Flying, like Hawlucha. This Pokémon lives in Australia, where it hunts small Normal, Bug, and Water-Type Pokémon.

And finally, here's Galarian Motlres, which is Dark/Flying like Honchkrow and Yveltal. Be careful of the flames from this relative of Moltres, or it might consume your soul. I distributed this Pokémon to volcanic areas in Indonesia, since there are many volcanoes in that country.

Once again, if all of this is too tedious for you, here's a simpler list of where the new Pokémon would live.

Galarian Slowpoke line- India.

Kubfu and Urshifu- Chinese mountains.

Zarude- Congo Jungle.

Calyrex- Banned.

Glastrier- Greenland.

Spectrier- Mongolia.

Regidrago- Banned.

Regieleki- Banned.

Galarian Articuno- Arctic.

Galarian Zapdos- Australia.

Galarian Moltres- Indonesia.

Well, that concludes Pokémon Around the World: Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra Edition! On December 8th, as I promised earlier this year, I will review the Oscar-nominated Netflix film Klaus.

Movie Review: Togo

Movie Review: Togo                                                                                                                     11-30-20

It was winter 1925. Alaska was embracing a harsh snowstorm, and several children in the town of Nome are suffering from a disease called diphtheria. If the medicine isn’t delivered to Nome soon, the infected children will die. It’s up to Norwegian sled dog breeder Leonhard Seppala to use his sled dogs to retrieve the medicine and make it back to Nome during the snowstorm.

I know lots of people already said it, but I’ll say it anyway: How come Disney didn’t release this movie in theaters instead of Call of the Wild?! Togo is the best live-action non-remake Disney has made since Enchanted with life-like backgrounds and sets, perfect performances from both the human and animal actors, a nice score from Mark Isham, and a plot that stays true to the real events without adding fanciful elements or making it too light-hearted.

As you may have already pointed out by now, Togo shares some similarities to the underrated 1995 animated film Balto, as both were about sled dogs racing to save the lives of the kids of Nome from a deadly disease. What makes Togo different from Balto, however, is that this movie switches back and forth between Seppala raising Togo as a puppy to him and the dogs mushing through the snowstorm. Not to mention that Togo looks adorable as a puppy!

If I were to complain about one thing, I felt that Togo was a little too long, and the switching back and forth can get confusing. Nevertheless, Togo is an inspiring film I recommend watching every winter, though it will be too intense for younger kids.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

Oscarless Animated Films: Wolf Children

Oscarless Animated Films: Wolf Children

For those unfamiliar, Oscarless Animated Films was something I talked about back in 2017, in which I covered quality animated movies that got snubbed for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Movies that I talked about included Finding Dory, Your Name, Tangled, Arthur Christmas, and The Peanuts Movie. I will put a complete list of movies I talked about at the end, so without further ado, let's talk about Mamoru Hosada's masterpiece Wolf Children!

Wolf Children tells the story of a woman named Hana, who falls in love with a man who's really a werewolf. They had two children named Ame and Yuki, who can also turn into wolves. When the father gets killed, Hana and her children travel to the country where it's less busy. As Ame and Yuki grow older, however, they start developing their own traits and preferences: Yuki feels more comfortable being a human, while Ame feels more comfortable being a wolf and wants to live in the woods.

Wolf Children is an underrated gem with Ghibli-quality animation, a timeless story, and compelling and relatable characters. I can relate to Yuki because, when she was younger and first attending kindergarten, she was into collecting rat bones and snakes, which creeped the other girls out. Because of this, Yuki had to change her image.

When I was in 6th grade, all the other students made fun of me for liking preschool shows. After insulting another student and making numerous hurtful remarks to other students, I had to stop liking preschool shows. However, I still personally respect and appreciate Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, Bear in the Big Blue House, Between the Lions, and old school Sesame Street (the 70s and the 80s). I appreciate these shows for their quality, artistry, puppetry, and overall messages.

Personal life aside, another thing to appreciate about Wolf Children is the amount of work the Japanese animators put into making the wolves look and behave like real wolves.

Ame (in his wolf form) catching a kingfisher.

I think it's baffling that a film as magnificent as Wolf Children didn't get the Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. I honestly would've picked this film over Brave any day! I'm not saying that Brave is bad, it's far from it, I'm just saying that it didn't deserve to win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and that it doesn't really feel like a Pixar film. Rachel even admitted that it was her least favorite Pixar film. However, I honestly wouldn't mind a sequel, but only if Brenda Chapman returns as the sole director.

In conclusion, Wolf Children is a wonderful film that not just anime fans will enjoy, but anyone who wants to see a story about family, respecting one's differences, and finding one's place in the world.

However, I do have a warning to those who want to watch this movie: There are some strong swear words, perilous sequences, a rather violent wolf fight, and some sensual themes.

As I promised, here are links to every Oscarless Animated Film I talked about.

Finding Dory

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/04/oscarless-animated-films-part-1.html

Rise of the Guardians

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/04/oscarless-animated-films-part-2.html

Tangled

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/04/oscarless-animated-films-part-3.html

Teacher's Pet

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/04/oscarless-animated-films-part-4.html

Your Name

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/05/oscarless-animated-films-part-5.html

Azur and Asmar: The Prince's Quest

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/05/oscarless-animated-films-part-6.html

April and the Extraordinary World

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/05/oscarless-animated-films-part-7.html

The Peanuts Movie

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/05/oscalress-animated-films-part-8.html

Ponyo

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/06/oscarless-animated-films-part-9.html

Arthur Christmas

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2017/06/oscarless-animated-films-part-10.html

In This Corner of the World

https://asateriale.blogspot.com/2018/02/oscarless-animated-films-bonus-round.html

With this article concluded, I will announce that my next movie review will be on December 1st.

Movie Review: Over the Moon

Movie Review: Over the Moon                                                                                                     11-3-20

From Pearl Studios, the people behind last year’s Abominable, and legendary Disney animator Glen Keane comes Over the Moon, a story about a 14-year-old girl named Fei Fei, who works at a moon cake shop with her widowed father. When her mother was alive, she told Fei Fei stories about a woman who lived on the moon. However, Mrs. Zhong Fei Fei’s father’s fiancé, thinks the tale is farfetched. Destined to prove that Chang’e (pronounced Chung) the Moon Goddess, is real, Fei Fei builds a rocket to fly to the moon, and brings along her pet bunny Bunjee and, unintentionally, Chin, Mrs. Zhong’s son. When they arrive on the moon, they discover an amazing city inhabited by aliens, and even meet Chang’e in person. Now, if Fei Fei and Chin want to go home, they have to participate in a competition to find Chang’e’s missing gift.

Over the Moon is a diamond in the rough with beautiful animation, a heartfelt and emotional story, catchy songs, and a colorful cast of characters.

Gobi, an alien who used to be friends with Chang'e, trying out 'moon pants'.

Glenn Keane and his team at both Pearl and Sony Pictures Imageworks did an amazing job on designing both China and Lunaria, the moon city. As the world of Ponyo was like a hybrid between My Neighbor Totoro and Finding Nemo, Lunaria is like a hybrid of Treasure Planet (which Keane also worked on) and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

The movie also has a strong message about accepting change: At first, Fei Fei hates Chin with a passion. However, through the course of the film, she, with the help of a space pangolin named Gobi, starts accepting him as a stepbrother.

In conclusion, while not as good as Onward in my opinion, Over the Moon is a delightful film for the whole family. I'll be flabbergasted if it doesn't get the KCA nomination for Favorite Animated Movie and shout 'You cretins! You don't know what art is! I'LL SHOW YOU!'

Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

Top 10 Best Animated Halloween Specials

As I promised in Top 10 Best Animated Christmas Specials from last year, here's my Top 10 Best Animated Halloween Specials! However, same rules apply as last time.
1. It has to be at least 21 minutes long.
2. TV shows with a format of one 22 minute story per episode is prohibited, so episodes of Gravity Falls, Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, and Danny Phantom will not be included.
3. For the sake of my blog, the special has to be family-friendly.
With all that said, let's see what I ranked as the Top 10 Best Animated Halloween Specials!
10. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom (2017)

Tricks and treats strike Bikini Bottom in this haunting underwater spooktacular! Nothing gives SpongeBob a fright on Halloween night, not even when the Flying Dutchman traps all his friends! Can SpongeBob get some sense scared into him and save his buds from a ghostly fate? What this special lacks in originality, it makes up for with creativity by combining stop-motion animation with Muppet-like puppets, live-action footage, and even a trippy 2D sequence from cartoon veteran Sally Cruikshank!

9. Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space (2009)

In the follow-up to the overlooked DreamWorks film Monsters vs Aliens, Susan Murphy/Ginormica, Dr. Cockroach, BOB, and the Missing Link are about to celebrate Halloween, but are sent on a secret mission to Modesto, California, Susan’s childhood home, to track down alien excrement. Little does anyone know that the excrement mutated a pumpkin patch and created evil pumpkins! Now the monster quartet have to save the world from aliens again in the form of possessed gourds. ‘Mutant Pumpkins’ is an enjoyable Halloween special that does the original film justice with an imaginative story, impressive animation for a TV special, and the original characters kept intact with each of them having funny moments: BOB gorging himself in candy, Dr. Cockroach retrieving a lollipop that was stolen from him when he was still a human child, Susan’s oblivious parents listening to Bobby Pickett’s ‘The Monster Mash’ while pumpkins are running amuck, and Link having a hard time scaring trick-or-treaters.

8. The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (1979)

It was honestly hard to find 10 good Halloween specials for this list, and I scoured the Internet and my library to find the right ones. Anyway, in this special starring the modern Stone Age family, the Flintstones and the Rubbles win a trip to a castle in Rocksylvania. While preparing for a costume party, Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble accidentally trigger a trap door, and the two cavemen find themselves in the castle’s basement and accidentally wake up Count Rockula and the monster of Frankenstone! Now Rockula plans on reclaiming his castle and mistakes Wilma (Fred’s wife) for Mrs. Rockula, and plans on marrying her, even if it means he has to kill Fred. Diehard Flintstones fans will enjoy this special for its corny yet witty story, talented voice acting, some nice backgrounds, and the absence of Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, who some fans think ruined the original show.

7. Halloween is Grinch Night (1977)

In the prequel to the beloved Christmas special How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a sour-sweet wind made its way into Whoville. When the wind starts blowing, the local animals start howling, and that annoys the Grinch, so he decides to go to Whoville to celebrate Grinch Night. Now it’s up to a young Who named Ukaraiah to save his town from the Grinch, who plans on bringing his Paraphernalia Wagon. While the animation may not be as good as the original or the colors as vibrant or vivid, Halloween is Grinch Night is a nice departure from its cheerful Christmas counterpart with a story that has the potential of being made into a book, some nice songs, and a fantastically bizarre sequence that almost rivals the Pink Elephants from Dumbo.

In fact, Dr. Seuss himself said that he liked this special better than How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

6. Alvin and the Chipmunks: Trick or Treason (1994)

Before you get out your metaphorical torches and pitchforks, I’d like to say that before Fox made these famous high-pitched rodents into a multi-million dollar movie franchise, there was an enjoyable TV show from the 80s about Alvin and the Chipmunks called, well, Alvin and the Chipmunks. Running from 1983 to 1990, this show brought back Alvin, Simon, and Theodore and updated them to the 1980s. Also introduced in this show were the Chipettes, female equivalents of the Chipmunks.

It’s also notable that Alvin and the Chipmunks (the 80s show) was, up to my knowledge, one of the earliest cartoons to use the 11 minute format rather than a full half-hour episode.

Anyway, now that I’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about the Alvin and the Chipmunks Halloween special, Trick or Treason!

On Halloween night, Alvin wants to be accepted into the Monster Club to get their cool Monster jacket, but the Monster members think it’s cool to be cruel. It takes Theodore’s friendship with Michael, a misunderstood outcast the other kids called Pumpkin Head, to show Alvin that being a true friend is really a lot more cool than trying to be a popular Monster. Trick or Treason is an overlooked and under-appreciated Halloween special with strong morals, such as not judging a book by it’s cover and that there’s a difference between being cool and being a total jerk.

5. Witch’s Night Out (1978)

It’s Halloween once again in Anytown, and a witch feels depressed because nobody likes her because of her magic. When kids Small and Tender want to turn into real monsters, they meet the witch and ask her to turn them into a werewolf and a ghost. However, when the witch’s wand gets stolen by naughty teenagers Rotten and Malicious, it’s up to Small, Tender, and babysitter Bazooey to get the wand back. Witch’s Night Out may have unoriginal character designs and generic names that sound like they were taken out of a Mr. Men book, but it makes up for it with a decent story, likable characters, impressive character animation, and strong vocal talents, including the late but great Gilda Radner as a sympathetic witch.

4. Garfield’s Halloween Adventure/Garfield in Disguise (1985)

It’s Halloween in Muncie, Indiana, and Garfield and Odie put on their pirate costumes to get as much Halloween candy as possible. After a successful night trick-or-treating, Garfield spots even more houses across the river! But once they get there, Garfield and Odie find themselves at a haunted house, where ghostly pirates are expected to arrive any minute. Garfield’s Halloween Adventure is an underrated gem with smooth animation, a story that suits the lasagna-loving cat, some memorable original songs, and strong vocal performances from Lorenzo Music and Gregg Burger. It's also a good introduction to the late 80s/early 90s cartoon Garfield and Friends.

3. Arnold’s Halloween (1997)

It’s Halloween once again in Hillwood, and all the kids are wondering what to dress up as this year. Inspired by the TV series ‘UFO Tonight’, Arnold thinks of a plan to scare everyone by holding a fake radio broadcast and have everyone (except for him and Gerald) dress up as aliens. However, it works too well, and now, all the grown-ups think Earth is being invaded by aliens! Can Arnold and Gerald save Hillwood before it’s too late? Arnold’s Halloween is another great seasonal Hey Arnold episode I recommend watching year after year.

2. The Halloween Tree (1993)

It’s Halloween night, and best friends Jenny, Ralph, Wally, and Tom plan on going trick-or-treating. However, when they try finding their friend Pip, they discover that he’s deathly ill. The four encounter a mysterious character, Moundshroud, who takes them on a magical journey through time to exotic places like Egypt, England, France, and Mexico. Along the way, they discover the magic and meaning of Halloween- and friendship. The Halloween Tree is another underrated gem with a dark, timeless, and compelling story, impressive animation, and strong vocal talents, including the late Leonard Nimoy as Moundshroud. Kids will also learn about different Halloween traditions from across the globe.

1. Toy Story of Terror! (2013)

While on a road trip, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Mr. Pricklepants (The thespian hedgehog from Toy Story 3) and Trixie end up in a motel. While Bonnie is asleep, the toys explore the motel- only for Potato Head to go missing! The toys soon discover that the motel owner, along with his pet iguana Mr. Jones, steals the toys of his customers and sells them on eBid (a parody of eBay)! When Woody gets put in a box to be shipped to Al’s Toy Barn, Jessie has to conquer her fears to save Woody. Toy Story of Terror is an astounding Halloween special with top-notch animation, a story perfect for its length, likable new characters, and several call-backs to Toy Story 2 for the veteran fans. The special is also a good directorial start for Angus MacLane, who would later co-direct Finding Dory with Andrew Stanton.

I’m so sorry that I didn’t include It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I felt that many kids have seen it already, and that some are at the point of getting sick of it airing every October. I also felt that it wasn't spooky enough. Once again, I'll give you links on where you can buy these specials on DVD (and for one, Blu-Ray) so you can watch these specials next Halloween. Legend of Boo-Kini Bottom https://www.amazon.com/SpongeBob-SquarePants-Legend-Boo-Kini-Bottom/dp/B07DY2M8MS/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=spongebob+the+legend+of+boo-kini+bottom&qid=1593866409&s=movies-tv&sr=1-2 Mutant Pumpkins From Outer Space https://www.amazon.com/Monsters-Vs-Aliens-Mutant-Pumpkins/dp/B00DDT93ZS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=GZUE3UV744HT&dchild=1&keywords=monsters+vs+aliens+mutant+pumpkins+from+outer+space+dvd&qid=1593866486&s=movies-tv&sprefix=mutant+pumpkins+from%2Cmovies-tv%2C198&sr=1-1 The Flintstones Prime-Time Specials Collection Volume 1 (which includes the Rockula special) https://www.amazon.com/Flintstones/dp/B009P3J61C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NPSFJ8BC2UCE&dchild=1&keywords=the+flintstones+meet+rockula+and+frankenstone&qid=1593866614&s=movies-tv&sprefix=the+flintstones+meet+rockula+and+%2Cmovies-tv%2C201&sr=1-1 Seuss Celebration (which includes Halloween is Grinch Night) https://www.amazon.com/Seuss-Celebration-Grinch-Grinches-Green/dp/B0009ZE9XA/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=seuss+celebration&qid=1593866784&s=movies-tv&sr=1-1 Trick or Treason https://www.amazon.com/Alvin-Chipmunks-Jr-Ross-Bagdasarian/dp/B0019F02Y4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=trick+or+treason&qid=1593866942&s=movies-tv&sr=1-1 Witch's Night Out https://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Night-Out-Gilda-Radner/dp/B00LU4URQM/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NOMXRSM5N5TJ&dchild=1&keywords=witch%27s+night+out&qid=1593867015&s=movies-tv&sprefix=witch%27s+night+%2Cmovies-tv%2C209&sr=1-2 Garfield's Halloween Adventure https://www.amazon.com/Garfields-Halloween-Adventure-Lorenzo-Berger/dp/B07DJBK2FH/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1H6WWCZUXQMIM&dchild=1&keywords=garfield%27s+halloween+adventure&qid=1593867161&s=movies-tv&sprefix=garfield%27s+hallowee%2Cmovies-tv%2C289&sr=1-3 The Halloween Tree https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Tree-Ray-Bradbury/dp/B01I44MURO/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2NQERKPGD1T1T&dchild=1&keywords=the+halloween+tree&qid=1593960313&s=movies-tv&sprefix=the+halloween+tre%2Cmovies-tv%2C221&sr=1-2 Hey Arnold Season 2 Volume 1 (which includes Arnold's Halloween) https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Arnold-Season-Two-Part/dp/B006JN870C/ref=sr_1_2?crid=WIR6MODPVF6Q&dchild=1&keywords=hey+arnold+season+2&qid=1593867283&s=movies-tv&sprefix=hey+arnold+season+2%2Cmovies-tv%2C178&sr=1-2 Toy Story of Terror! (DVD) https://www.amazon.com/Toy-Story-Terror-Tom-Hanks/dp/B00KHA8992/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2IIE1SCK6G9KM&dchild=1&keywords=toy+story+of+terror+dvd&qid=1593867456&s=movies-tv&sprefix=toy+story+of+terr%2Cmovies-tv%2C234&sr=1-2 Toy Story of Terror! (Blu-Ray) https://www.amazon.com/Toy-Story-Terror-Blu-ray-Hanks/dp/B00KHA88PC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=toy+story+of+terror+blu-ray&qid=1593867525&s=movies-tv&sr=1-2 Since Disney changed the release date of Pixar's next film Soul from November 20th to Christmas Day, I decided to post an article on an amazing Japanese animated film called Wolf Children. I will talk about it on November 20th.

Movie Review: The Road to El Dorado

 Movie Review: The Road to El Dorado                                                                                           8-7-20

DreamWorks’ third feature film is about two Spanish con artists, Miguel (Kenneth Branagh) and Tulio (Kevin Kline), who discover a map to the legendary Mesoamerican city El Dorado, which is said to be loaded with and made of gold. They hitch a boat ride to the New World, but end up separated with the guard horse Altivo. The boat ends up on land, and after a long journey, Miguel and Tulio arrive in El Dorado and get mistaken for gods and fall head over heels over Chel (Rosie Perez). However, Tzekel-Kan (Armand Asante) doesn’t believe that Miguel and Tulio are gods, and plans on killing them so he can prove everybody wrong.

Road to El Dorado is another forgotten gem (but not quite gold) with Disney quality animation, a brilliant score from Hans Zimmer and John Powell, catchy songs from Elton John and Tim Rice, a story that easily outshines newer films like Trolls and The Boss Baby, and enjoyable albeit familiar characters. Altivo, for example, reminds me very much of Maximus from Tangled, as both were equine characters who belonged to royal blood and are smarter than most of the human characters.

Chel is also a fun fan favorite character; She may seem beautiful, but Chel is almost as mischievous as Miguel and Tulio.

It’s honestly a shame that this movie, along with Spirit and Sinbad, didn’t do that well at the box-office, because DreamWorks really did put in their all when they did hand-drawn animation. The Road to El Dorado is better than most critics say, and is a good alternative to Dora and the Lost City of Gold, who are afraid that ‘Dora’ might be a disaster like Smurfs, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Garfield.

Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5.

My Thoughts on Muppets NOW

Hi, everybody! As some of you may know, I am a big Muppet fan, almost as big as Walter. Today, I will be talking about the Muppets first-ever streaming series, Muppets NOW. Much like The Muppet Show and the ill-fated Muppets Tonight before it, Muppets NOW is about the titular group of dogs, frogs, bears, chickens, and whatevers putting on a sketch comedy show. Scooter, Kermit's gofer who looks a bit like Arthur, rushes to upload new sketches on time while various shenanigans happen, from a computer virus threatening to delete all the sketches to having Statler and Waldorf as the test audience. Some of the new sketches include...

LifeSty(le) With Miss Piggy, in which the titular pig offers lifestyle tips with help from Uncle Deadly, Taye Diggs, and Linda Cardellini.

Økėy Døkęÿ Køøkïñ, in which The Swedish Chef competes against famous chefs. This is my favorite sketch on the show because it feels like something that was actually supervised by Jim Henson.

Muppets Field Test, in which Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker test experiments. Luckily for Beaker, he is no longer the test subject.

And Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show, in which Pepe the King Prawn hosts a game show in which anything goes.

As I am typing this, there are only 6 half-hour episodes, and so far, the show is much better than any Muppet production from the 2000s, though no where near as good as The Muppet Show. In other words, it's okay. Here are some tips I have on improving the show.

1. Add musical numbers. As far back as Sam & Friends in 1955, the Muppets were known for singing (or in the early days, lip-synching) to popular songs. What Muppets NOW is missing are musical numbers, which the Muppets and guest star would sing along to back in the day. I know music licensing is a bit of an issue, so how about having the Muppets sing not just public domain songs, but also Disney songs, from Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf to Into the Unknown. Heck, there were even moments on the original show in which the Muppets would sing Disney songs, like When You Wish Upon a Star, Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da, Never Smile At a Crocodile (a deleted song from Peter Pan), and hilariously, It's a Small World.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL1y5w3PROE

2. More Kermit. When Jim Henson pitched the second Muppet Show pilot in 1975, one thing that stands out was the lack of Kermit. Instead, the pilot was hosted by a yellow drowsy-looking Muppet named Nigel.

However, he had little charm and personality, and Nigel was considered too wimpy as a host for when The Muppet Show got picked up by Lew Grade. Instead, the show would, of course, be hosted by Kermit the Frog. This was special because the frog now had a home: As the show runner, host, and boss of the Muppets, Kermit could finally become an extension of Jim Henson, who had a very similar role with his team, while also being able to get angry and yell, something Jim never did. Before the Muppet Show, all Kermit did was make appearances on Sesame Street, some specials, and late-night talk shows.

Kermit demonstrating the letter W on Sesame Street.

3. Have Cheryl Henson as a consultant. Cheryl Henson is Jim Henson's second oldest daughter, only behind Lisa, and even worked on projects with Jim such as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and Song of the Cloud Forest. With Cheryl on board, Muppets NOW could feel like something that Jim and his writing partner Jerry Juhl worked on, while also feeling contemporary.

4. Remove Joe from Legal. Joe the Legal Weasel is a new character introduced in Muppets NOW. He's a lawyer weasel that is best described as a cross between Sam the Eagle and Pache (a human character, pronounced pa-chey) from Bill Prady's The Muppets. I personally don't like Joe because I find him boring, and his design looks out of place for the Muppets. He looks like an extra from Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas!

Anyway, what I'm saying here is to remove Joe from Legal and replace him with Sam the Eagle, but with the same personality and traits he had on The Muppet Show and Muppets Tonight.

5. More consistency with the guest star. What made The Muppet Show and some of Muppets Tonight memorable was the guest star interacting with the Muppets. Whether it was Elton John singing 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' with Miss Piggy, Star Wars characters invading the Swinetrek (the Pigs in Space ship), or even  (aka Prince) singing to Pepe and Seymour (an elephant who was friends with the prawn in their early days) the breakfast menu for the KMUP cafeteria, the Muppets always relayed on a human star to play off of, one that was different each week. I know that there have already been some guest stars on the show, like Seth Rogan, Danny Trejo, Aubrey Plaza, and Al Madrigal, but they each only contributed to one segment.

And that concludes my thoughts on Muppets NOW. With not having to worry about ratings or time-slots, the show might stand a chance and become the next big thing.