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grantlauzon
Reviews
Gekijôban Spy x Family Code: White (2023)
It takes a bit to get going but the full blown insanity eventually comes around.
As a fan of the show I was curious how this would turn out. It starts off rather slow with an emphasis on the home and school life. The comedy, action, and plot don't really kick in until the end of act 2.
This might be my favorite portrayal of Anya in anything Spy X Family. Her expressions are very well drawn.
It has basically every character in some form and they play a slightly exaggerated version of there role from the show (for better or worse in the case of agent Nightfall).
This movie gets silly... maybe too silly. If you've watched the show or have watched any kind of anime (Nightfall's reactions) then... well even then there are parts that might be too silly for you. There's your regular anime extreme over acting, but there's a psychedelic scene that... Well it would be spoilers.
If you like the show I'd recommend it. If you haven't seen the show... Get ready for things to get out of hand very quickly.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024)
S1 They really nail the micro details, but miss the macro ones.
The series has great bending effects and visually looks like the cartoon, comics, and novels it's based on. This is avatar but live action and the first season will give you that. However the show likes to have aspects of the cartoon while missing the point of why they were in the cartoon to begin with. I feel like Katara and Aang act both like the Katara actress from the play at the end of the cartoon series. Lots of talking about ideas without doing them. Zuko was pretty good.
Below are some minor details it nails with macro ones it doesn't.
The detail that Zuko's ship crew is made of the soldiers he got his scarred for standing up on their behalf is fantastic. A+
But Zuko didn't pick them. His father said (paraphrasing) "listen baby if you want to protect your baby soldiers so much why don't you just marry them! Take the baby soldiers and leave." Zuko didn't save the soldiers his father saved them. (C-)
Only being able to summon past avatars at their shrines is a good nerf to help explain why Roku couldn't do everything for Aang in the original cartoon. (A-)
Aang doesn't waterbend in the entire season. In the cartoon the first season (Water) (which covers the same events) is about Katara and Aang learning waterbending as they travel to find waterbending masters at the north pole. (D)
Azula and Zhou going behind Zuko and Ozai's back for there own glory is fantastic. (A)
Every scene with Aang involves him saying (paraphrasing) "sorry avatar avatar responsibility avatar duty sorry, but I need to do that now by helping people" he then does that helping people maybe 10% of the time after saying that. Aang is constantly talking about doing things and rarely does things. (D)
Ozai is hard on Azula commenting that Zuko could still become firelord. Ozai wants Azula and Zuko to be enemies to make them both fiercer and to fight for his loyalty. (Great writing) (A+)
Team Avatar is constantly talking about how friendship makes them stronger, but they don't feel that close to me. They feel more obligated to be on this journey rather than genuinely enjoying each other's company. Being in a team makes them stronger but I don't think they like each other. (Strangely needs more marvel Whedon banter between friends) (D+)
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
It's shiny and the visuals made me smile.
What if he said "Nobody gets away from General Blue Shell!"
Sometimes not explaining something is better. "He's Mr. Nimbus he controls the police." It's funny because it forces the viewer to ask how does he control the police or why does it only work on police. It's silly and makes no sense but the suspension of disbelief makes it work.
In Mario Kart the Blue Shell power up lets you throw a shell that's blue that flies to whoever's in first place and blows up. In this movie a blue koopa is fighting Mario and after Mario beats him the Blue Shell Koopa says "blue shell" and then flies towards Mario and blows up.
Why did he say "blue shell"? He has a blue shell but what does that mean to him or the audience. Audience members who know Mario Kart will know what is happening when he flies forward and blows up. Audience members who don't will see him fly forwards and blow up.
If he said "Nobody gets away from General Blue Shell!" Then that would add depth to the character that was fighting Mario. The audience would know that he's special in some way. It's like if Naruto looked at the camera, said "Naruto!" Then used his Rasengan. Why would Naruto say his name as if it was his signature move? Or like if at the end of Dirty Harry, Harry looked at the villain and said "Dirty Harry" then blew the guys head off.
It might seem like I'm obsessed with this but this is what the whole movie is like. There's so much detail and texture to this world that it implies a deep history and world building without having any of it. The Blue Shell Koopa doesn't have a name but he felt the need to say or explain or proclaim "blue shell" as if it means anything to anybody. Was he trying to impress himself or was it a proclamation that he is of the blue shell family and they are to be feared. IDK.
Why does DK have a state of the art Go Kart factory when everything in the Jungle Kingdom is made out of wood stone and gold? Maybe DK's obsession with racing (instead of ruling) is one of the reasons why his father is disappointed in him. It would be cool if that was the case but it's never stated.
The world looks like it makes sense to the people who live there but really it's just "blue shell" cuz mario.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
It's dumb in a kid kinda way, but it doesn't talk down to you. Ending was hype I wish it got to it sooner.
I enjoyed it* I went to see a gorilla robot punch other robots and I got that.
The characters are likable both human and alien. They do the job the plot requires and you're rooting for them. Mirage is great. The plot is as complex and deep as a 22 minute pilot stretched to 2hours. No twist turns or double crosses just lots of the same ideas being repeated (team work/power of friendship/trust eachother) alongside some genuinely enjoyable banter. The movie ends with the status quo unchanged from the beginning ready for the next episode.
The action is the best in any Transformers movie and is great. I'd say I wish there was more of it but really I wish there was less of everything else. Or maybe just better pacing with tighter writing.
To accept many stories you need to suspend your disbelief (eg. Superhero secret identities today). This story makes sense especially if you're under 9. It has lots of kid logic that is silly but not stupid. An intern disappears after a museum explosion (her body was not found). She reappears claiming to have found ancient Peruvian ruins and gets an interview on 60 Minutes. That makes sense in a kid logic way. She helped secretly save the world and is now rewarded. If you're an adult, you might think about how she would be an Optimus Prime suspect in a perceived terrorist attack especially after arriving in Peru without leaving a trace.
A veteran gets a Transformer IronMan suit. Kid logic says that's awesome. How did the US Military train him to use a jet pack? Why are the Maximals shaped like Earth creatures before they reach earth? These aren't necessarily plot holes, just unrealistic aspects getting us to a gorilla robot punching other robots.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Season 2a is great so far. Can't wait for season 2B.
Best TV show this year. The writings great the visuals are stunning and at 2hours 20minutes I wish I could continue bingeing it. This is effectively Part 1 of the sequel to Into the Spider-Verse.
The massive world(s) is(are) explained and explored at a beautiful pace that doesn't feel too beat you over the head expositiony.
The first Spiderverse had a relatively small budget of 90million which it used to great effect. This movie looks like it has a 200million dollar budget. It's actually only 100million but with their experience from the first movie they've made great strides in squeezing beauty out of dollars especially when accounting for inflation.
Across the Sider-Verse is the Tears of The Kingdom to Into the Spider-Verse's Breath of the Wild.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
The most 8/10 movie I've ever seen. Would recommend.
Before I start, this movie is more family friendly than basically any MARVEL movie so bring the kids.
The movie is here to entertain with comedy, action and tone similar to Indiana Jones, Avengers(the first one), The Princess Bride, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
The characters take the piss out of each other and perhaps their current situation, but they're never lamp-shading the plot or their objectives.
Without getting into spoilers, the story is more personal and character focused than it is about saving the planet, galaxy, or half of the lives in the universe.
The characters aren't perfect gods of combat. The fumble and mess up frequently so when fights break out (even if they're super strong or magical) they feel grounded and not completely unbelievable.
My Dinner with Andre (1981)
It's a podcast what it means to be alive.
It's comparable to a dialectic version of Bo Burnham's "Inside".
One person went out to find himself while the other is fairly content and enjoys the day to day. They agree on somethings and disagree on others.
It's very well written and feels like something critics, college professors, and students would love. Like a podcast about the inspiration/meanings and themes of a deep piece of literature removed from the actual plot and goings on of the work in question.
It has some strong cozy vibes. Don't watch if you're sleepy because you might doze off in the first 15 minutes or so. It's interesting and profound, but it's not exactly a blood pumping action movie.
I'd recommend watching it.
The Legend of Vox Machina (2022)
Season 2 is a big improvement. S1(7.8) S2(8.9)
As someone who read the manga (pushes glasses up nose), I was a little disappointed with how the characters (mostly Scanlan) were portrayed in the first season. They weren't bad (except Scanlan), but they didn't feel like real characters. The source material feels like a podcast (it is) with real people who talk and have conversation. I thought the 7 main characters were were more caricatures of the people they were based on.
Season 2 fixes that and is great. The plot slows down and has arcs for all of them to shine. The action is just as good (with better CGI) and there's more of it. I thought they were going to squeeze this part of the story into one season but it appears to be taking up at least half of the next season. I thought they were going to cut an arc that Scanlan went through but they executed on it well added depth to him.
Anyway Season 2 is like Season 1 with deeper characters.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
The best DreamWorks movie since Dragons.
"Like Kung fu Panda (2)" this film is gorgeous and has phenomenal fight choreography. The animation is colorful and each character has a specific movement.
There aren't any* characters I dislike in this movie. The writing has a the same cynical and irreverent style of the first 2 Shrek's but it has an almost Disney like genuineness. The characters in this movie don't trust each other, but even they all* have hearts.
I think the movie has 4 acts and the time between act 1 and 2 are a little slow, but overall it has fantastic pacing.
Other than "Into Spider-verse" and "The Lego Movie", there isn't a better family movie in the last decade. In the last 2 decades I think I prefer "How to Train Your Dragon" and a handful of Pixar's best I can't think of.
Encanto (2021)
Work a parent would hang on a fridge. A+ Disney
I don't think it's perfect but compared to the two Frozen movies it has far fewer flaws. I don't think the story is as riveting as Tangled, but it's characters and music really make up for it.
It's a solid all rounder with gorgeous visuals, fantastic music, and beautiful distinct characters (personality).
It's more than the sum of its parts and I recommend it.
Turning Red (2022)
Glad it was made. I laughed, but I didn't cry.
It is funny.
Major events hit with almost no weight behind them which is odd considering it's PIXAR. The pacing is fast and snappy which is good for comedy, but its lack of seriousness leaves it feeling like a mix between a C tier Marvel/Dreamworks movie (especially in the 3rd act).
It's been done better.
I've enjoyed "Inside Out", "The Owl Hose", "Spirited Away", "Infinity Train", "Komi Can't Communicate", "A Silent Voice", "Kaguya Sama", "In This Corner of the World", "Harry Potter", "She-Ra PoP", and "Steven Universe". I had a hard time relating.
It made me laugh but it didn't make me cry.
Side note: this doesn't feel like 2002. "all about that hustle am I right"?
Epithet Erased (2019)
It's a real A G-D show. Well written, not animated... well kinda.
I think this show was review bombed.
The characters are cardboard cutouts... physically, but they're entertaining well written and play very well off each other. "The woman steps forward and unsheathes a Real Ass God Damn Sword". It feels like a bunch of memes or inside jokes were crafted (not grafted) into (not onto) an indie show.
The music is fantastic.
The characters are a collection of still images that squashed an stretched to give movement. Technically they aren't really animated, but they're very well animated in how they aren't.
Inside Job (2021)
Starts weak-ish, ends strong-ish. Can't wait to see more.
Pros
The main character (Reagan) is likable enough to want the best for her, but flawed enough to be believable. She's able to be shown as unattractive, socially inept, emotionally vulnerable, megalomaniacal, and human. She's like if Rick & Morty were one smart but insecure character. Reagan is rarely at her best, but she's trying her hardest and is great.
Bret is Reagan's Morty and best friend/coworker. Bret is gorgeous but stupid and has nice comedic and friend chemistry because of the similar childhoods/social ineptitudes they share.
Her dad is entertaining and interesting...
Cons
The show feels desperate to fill time by throwing everything at the wall. It's trying too hard. Not all the jokes land but the ones that don't aren't that painful. That joke pacing gives it a Rick & Morty feel without the same punch or like Futurama with a less fleshed out supporting cast (still first season so it could get better).
The emotional/self improvement stuff can be rushed and sometimes feels like it's breaking the continuity of previous episodes.
Conclusion
The writers did a good job but some of the episodes (in the first half) feel rushed and unpolished. If they had fewer episodes or more time this could've been (and could still be) one of the greats.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
It's good not the best, but that's okay. Like The Avengers 2012 it's very watchable.
Like able. Not perfect, but oozing charm and fun. Akwafina's character doesn't have much of an arc but she's fun. Shang is a great lead and is fun. Some aspects feel not fleshed out enough but the good pacing helps me forget that.
It's fun. It's not the most intricately shaped or crafted story but it's good enough.
8/10 not enough Wong.
Lovecraft Country (2020)
What are we doing here guys?
Great start. But you already knew that from all the other reviews.
There are some stories that if you explain the plot to a friend it sounds stupid. Eg. "Well when you say it like that it sounds silly". That's kinda what this show is like. If I describe the imagery of some of these shots you might think this show is being avant-garde. However, if I explain the context it just becomes confusing and sounds like shock horror.
This show is like Hitchcock's bomb under the table analogy but the bomb of edgy/touchy subjects and graphic imagery is always going off with few profound statements and not enough tension to warrant a bomb in the first place.
It feels like a joint venture between Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay.
Melina Pendulum explains the social stuff better than I can.
Watchmen is better.
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
This was a fun and sweet.
If I had any complaint it would be that it wasn't as edgy as I was hoping it would be. At times it feels like it wants to be like "South Park" but instead holds back as to not have to extreme shifts in tone from scene to scene. Like a less polished/flowing version of "The Grand Budapest Hotel". That being said what I did get was a pretty good movie with likable and funny characters.
The Owl House (2020)
Like a Kraby Patty, filling but not heavy, good for the soul.
Some shows are funnier (SpongeBob, Fairly Odd Parents, Gumball) and some shows have more complex serialized stories (Avatar, Young Justice, Clone Wars). None of those shows are as well rounded, genuine, and unconditionally charming as The Owl House.
The main character Luz is spunky, full of character, and genuine. Usually in animated kids comedies the main character is stupid and fine with breaking rules. Luz is a human who wants to learn magic at a school and make friends because she's an outsider. Luz's first enemy at school sees her as a bully because Luz is disruptive with her genuineness and search for friendship which is taken as disingenuous mockery. Usually the character desperately trying to make friends is played off as the annoying character and/or a joke. It's kind of is here but Luz isn't oblivious and realizes she causes others stress. She is often misunderstood but tries to clarify her intentions. Luz isn't a goody two shoe though. She has temptations and bends the rules from time to time but it's never out of malice or at someone else's cost.
The other characters. King, he's fine but I don't find him or his adventures interesting. He's not a negative but not a positive for me. Willow and Gus. I like em. Amity. She's a stressed out prodigy who has a lot on her plate and thinks Luz is trying to sabotage her but even after that is still stressed out by Luz (my 2nd fav). She has a complex life and is a good complex character. Hooty. Well someone had to be the annoying one and he(she, they?) makes a good punching bag. Eda. Luz's guardian and magic teacher who claims to be a bad girl and who has many bounties for her arrest but some how (as of yet) hasn't been captured even though everyone knows where she lives and has been helping out at the local school. I think there's a lot of depth to her, probably.
The shows animation is consistently just above good enough but it's art direction and character design is both fun and adorable. Characters are drawn consistently enough to be recognizable in every frame while still being fairly expressive (it's no HILDA but it's no also Steven Universe).
Unlike STAR VS, Amphibia, or Steven Universe The Owl House doesn't seem to have much to say about "#society*" or "in today's political climate" and that's okay because it's still full of character.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
It's the perfect family movie.
There's fun and jokes, gorgeous sceneries/animation, a fantastic score and sound design, as well as legitimate stakes and societal implications. Actions have consequences in this world. The ending is a bit too sweet for my liking but at least it doesn't wimp out like Frozen 2.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
White man can't jump? White kid can...
This movie is too big for it's own good. This is a job for the Flash or Superman not a retired handicapped shut in.
It's also frequently stupid while trying to be realistic. Why so serious?
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Rick & Morty?... Wholesome Edition.
The characters are likable and it has decent pacing. It's not the most flashy, not the most riveting, but a good film.
Interstellar (2014)
My rocket runs on my love for Jesus Christ.
It's a cool premise ruined by a bad ending. The attention to detail in the special effects and overall physics is commendable, but that ending.
It's almost as much of a cop out as Frozen 2.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Lovely to fall asleep too.
Great effects and attention to detail. To vague for its own good.
Obviously a giant space fetus. Of course... Why wouldn't there be.
Undone (2019)
Like Pan's Labyrinth... but uglier.?. ... sure I'll go with that.
It held my attention with wonderful pacing and it does a great job of exploring -------. It's not #EPIC but it doesn't need to be.
It's great I'd recommend.
Unorthodox (2020)
It leaves some unanswered questions... in a good/bad way?
To avoid the PG verbal enforcer I'll speak in code.
Did Esty have a medical abnormality down there?
Did Yanky have a large medical abnormality down there?
Did Robert go inside Esty?
Did Robert do mouthy fun stuff instead?
Does Robert have a small medical abnormality?
Did Esty get the scholarship?
Did friendly lady Trine tell Yanky he was doing it wrong/that he had a large medical abnormality?
There's leaving things up the the audience and then there's not being clear and I don't know what was intended here. Whatever the case is I'm still thinking about it.
Frozen II (2019)
Wait what? But if? How? Why? Sure?
Frozen 2 is like a poorly constructed gingerbread house made out of pancakes. It's a neat concept but the seems are obvious and it doesn't hold up to inspection or weight.
Still a tasty enough treat.