Tag: animation

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) Film Review

Heroes aren’t born. They’re mutated.

Rating PG
Length 1h40
Release 31.07.2023
Director Jeff Rowe & Tyler Spears
About After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers. Their new friend, April O’Neil, helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
Moon: full moon at multiple points
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime – with Paramount subscription
Trailer:

The Good

The animation is stunning. Since Spiderverse, other companies have really upped their game when it comes to having a unique animation style.

The characterisation of the quartet is perfect. The turtles are no longer identified by their coloured mask, but each of the brothers has an individual body type that reflects their personality.

Love that the film oozed easter eggs; it was most definitely written by my kind of people who loved the original cartoon tv show. They don’t overwhelm, so people new to the franchise will not feel alienated. Instead they add value to those of us who loved the show growing up.

The soundtrack is amazing.

The Bad

There are some pop culture references that *may* date this film in years to come. While calling the boys “Shrek” will linger, some of the others might not.

The Ugly

Yet another origins story. Bit like the death of Batman’s parents or Uncle Owen, I really would love a TMNT incarnation to forgo the mutation beginnings of our heroes in half shells.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed this film, but more than anything it has me craving the original tv show.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019) Film Review

Rating PG
Length 1h26
Release 24.05.2019
Director Frank Coraci
About At a farm, Max meets the sheepdog Rooster who tries to help him overcome his fears. Back home, Gidget loses Max’s favourite toy, while Snowball tries to rescue a white tiger cub, Hu.
Moon: loads of full moons throughout the film
Where to Watch: BBC IPlayer
Trailer:

The Good

Patton Oswalt taking over as the voice of Max was a genius move. To the point, I would love him to voice the first instalment. He has a voice that works for the personality and as an actor he is wholesome.

While still on casting?! Harrison Ford finally lent his voice to an animated character. Could you think of anything better than the gruff and hardened Rooster?! He’s an actor who can handle being angry at the world, without being off putting. Between him and Oswalt, I was grinning all the way through this movie.

The animation and and characterisation of having domesticated cats is so spot on. Having the tiger demonstrate those behaviours too was adorable. Obviously because everyone who loves cats would love to pspspspsps a big cat in the hopes of being able to pet.

The Bad

Did the writers not know what most of us think when we hear a dog is going to a “farm”? I won’t lie, I spent the film on edge thinking Max was going to prove the theory that all dogs go to heaven. I think I would have liked a little reassurance that the plot was *not* going that way and maybe parents would too.

The Ugly

I love both of the plots; the farm and the tiger. However, the both feel a little undeveloped and as if they should have really taken part in their own, separate, film. Was it that the writers got so far and couldn’t develop the storylines, so smushed them together?
Either way, it felt a little lacking.

Final Thoughts

A competent film that you won’t regret watching, but certainly doesn’t reach it’s full potential.

Film Review: Aladdin (1992)

Length: 1Hr 30

Rating: U

Release: 17th November 1992

About: When street rat Aladdin frees a genie from a lamp, he finds his wishes granted. However, he soon finds that the evil has other plans for the lamp — and for Princess Jasmine. But can Aladdin save Princess Jasmine and his love for her after she sees that he isn’t quite what he appears to be?

First things first

This was my birthday movie for 1992. My neighbour went to see it just before Christmas and invited me, but I was a tool and turned the offer down under the argument of ‘it’s my birthday movie’. I was very surprised when my dad picked this to watch, but I suspect it’s because he wants to watch the new one that’s about to be released and can’t get to the cinema.

The Good

• Robin Williams marked a change in animation. Yes, Angela Lansbury had leant her vocal talents to Mrs Potts the year before, but she had always been part of the Disney stable and I would argue her box office potential. Williams brought about the start of employing box office stars to headline animations. What a choice it was?! There’s been so much talk about the upcoming live-action release and that’s centred around the casting of the Genie. How can anyone replace someone who made the role iconic?!

• It’s not only Williams’ familiar tones that we all love, it’s his humour that has adults and children alike belly laughing. The imitations and nods to pop culture are perfect and make sure that adults feel invested in the film too.

• The music is delightful and I think I prefer it to The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. It has a happy beat, reminiscent of Jungle Book that you will always hum for hours after finishing the film. My personal favourite is Prince Ali. The only shame is that the songs are front heavy and we only get a brief reprise and reworking of Prince Ali at the climax.

• My favourite characters will always be Abu, the monkey and the carpet! I love the humour gained from both. I would say the Carpet is the precursor to BB-8; cute but sassy.

The Bad

• There are a few scenes that are using the high tech computer graphics. Only problem is, that what was high tech in 1992 no longer looks the case. As a result, the escape from the cave of wonders and some of the palace doesn’t blend as well with the rest of the traditional animation. It is perhaps why it’s not long before the Mouse House trade in traditional methods for a consistent computer created approach.

The Ugly

• It’s very Hollywood and very white washed. While the story is, without a doubt, perfect this was one of the animations in Disney Vault that should be given the makeover treatment. The animations are perhaps ‘culture neutral’, however when you see that most of the voices are produced by white Americans, it’s hard to deny it’s a little questionable. It’s certainly enough for me to feel a little uncomfortable and welcome the new live action.

• (Side bar): I find it quite interesting how many people of ethnic origins are voicing white characters in animations. I’m not sure where I stand on this; should it go with the ‘no straight actor should play a gay character’? It’s something I want to consider further, but surely if I’m offended by Anthony Hopkins black facing Othello, this is of a similar ilk?

Final Thoughts

Casting aside, this is a perfect animated classic; funny, action packed and with a good hearted protagonist.