Reviews

My expectations for this movie were pretty base level considering the output of direct-to-video movies over the last few years. These movies have been...decent but nothing special. I have pretty much learned to not really expect anything beyond basic plot lines and story structure. So, like I mentioned earlier, my expectations going into the new "theatrical" movie weren't beyond the base level. But I have to say: the movie's actually not too bad.

Don't get me wrong. It won't ever live up to the likes of Zombie Island or even the first live action movie. It doesn't recreate the same vibe as the original series does, though the movie does make several nods to the overall franchise, and they're very fun to catch. This movie, while a decent approach at getting a new generation to love the Great Dane as much as we did, is not really for the fans of the classic Scooby-Doo. The mystery aspect is pretty much nonexistent and is replaced by a more action/adventure and sci-fi genre. The monsters are pretty much real and Blue Falcon and Dynomutt are actual superheroes that exist within this universe. They have powers beyond the ones they did in their original series. And overall, that really isn't a bad thing. This is a different Scooby universe, so the limitations of science fiction and the supernatural are nonexistent as well.

This movie is equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and action-packed. There are a lot of jokes in the movie that actually do land fairly well. The new voice cast actually do a good job with their respective roles as well. Would I have preferred the usual voice cast for the movie? Yes, but I understand the reasoning for the change.

The relationship between Scooby-Doo and Shaggy is very interesting to watch. And when it gets to the end, you really for them in ways that you never really did before with the original incarnations. The emotional integrity of this film is actually top-notch considering that it is an animated film about a group of teenagers solving mysteries, in as many words.

Overall, there are definitely aspects of this film that I enjoy. But as a fan of the classic Scooby-Doo shows, I can't help but feel (a bit) slighted somehow. I understand that, as time progresses and Scooby-Doo continues to live on, evolutions of the franchise are predestined. And that's fine. In fact, I encourage that. But there's still a part of me that longs for the vibe that the original series provided. But there is also a part of that realizes that that will most likely not happen. And this film just further cements those thoughts. But that's still perfectly fine. This is an enjoyable film, but it isn't completely nostalgic. It does what it sets out to do without completely alienating its original fanbase. I like it, but I certainly don't love it like I was (perhaps naively) hoping it was.

(7.0 / 10)

The second I realized that this episode was a musical episode, I knew that it would have crap reviews. I wasn't surprised to see what the rating was on the site. And, for once, I actually agree with the majority on this one. This concept has been kind of played out and contrite on Riverdale over the last few seasons. The first one was really good because it deviated from what the show usually did. The second one wasn't as good, but it still had some merit to it at least. This third one is just plain awful. The musical numbers are cringe-worthy at best and there really isn't any merit in them. I feel that it is appropriate that season four has what appears will be its worst episode immediately following one of its best ("The Locked Room"). I really hope the writers abandon the musical episode concept once and for all in the next season (I know they probably won't) because they keep getting progressively worse. I really hate this episode. It just never seemed to end. It is probably one of the worst episode of any television show ever (and I don't say that lightly). One out of ten stars.

I do want to say, however, I like that this episode really shows Kevin, one of the show's vastly misused characters, in a better light. Too often, Kevin is the show's emotional punching bag and it's really good to see an empowered version of the character. I could have done without the Archie/Betty drama, however, and the weird love square (or would it be a love rectangle?) with Jughead and Veronica.

And seriously, what the hell is with the lyrical choices in the musical numbers? At best, they were questionable. Just a hot dumpster fire of an episode overall.

High points of the movie:

The animation and graphics are unique and very interesting. There were certain parts during the movie, especially with the close-ups of the Joker, that really highlight and accentuate eyes and facial features. Everything else is animated sleekly and everything looks almost realistic but with a bit of an animated twist to it.

I thought the backstory with the Joker was very interesting. I haven't read any of the comics or graphic novels, so my knowledge of Batman and the Joker is very limited. It was good to see that Joker, whatever his real name is, was a compassionate human being before his accident. I also found it compelling that Batman was there when the Joker made his transition from good to evil.

Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill return to provide their voices for their respective roles of Batman and the Joker. It was very refreshing to hear Conroy and Hamill return after watching so many adaptations with other voice actors providing their voices for the two iconic characters.

Low points:

The movie is very unbalanced. From what I have read from other reviewers, the graphic novel really wasn't long enough to be turned into a feature-length film, so Brian Azzarello, the screenplay writer, wrote in an extra twenty minutes at the beginning. While the extra material in the film is not entirely bad, one can definitely comprehend the differences even if they haven't read the graphic novel.

The unnecessary sex scene. Now, it cuts away before it really gets shown, but I felt that it was extremely unnecessary. Again, this wasn't in the original from what I researched, but that's not the reason why it bothered me. It bothered because it was very uncharacteristic of Batman to do it.

Overall:

Not a bad movie. It's definitely worth your time. If you have read the graphic novel, your opinion of the movie can go one of three ways. One, you hate it because it's a bit different. Two, you take it for what it is and accept the changes. Three, you love it. I am somewhere in the middle. I give this movie a seven out of ten stars.

With Netflix on the mountainous rise that it's on, it's fun to see what they can do with their influence and convenient platform. While they have been providing its customers with new stand-up comedy by means of the Netflix Comedy Specials, it has provided a new platform. Much like Comedy Central Presents and the Half Hour, The Standups provides up and coming comedians a platform to show off their comedic chops.

I will be the first to admit that this was not the best lineup that the show could have started with, but many of them were really quite promising.

Nate Bargatze, whom I have heard of before, kicked off the series with a strong performance. Much of his material comes off as a bit absurdist, but Bargatze really brings his A-game with his performance.

Fortune Feimster provided a few laughs for me, but her material is not what I particularly look for when I want to watch comedy. Her bit about being a lesbian and loving Chik-Fil-A, though a bit unoriginal, was fairly humorous.

Deon Cole perhaps had the best performance of the six, in my opinion. Like another reviewer has mentioned, the way he structured his performance was actually quite ingenious. One of the funniest jokes he had during his performance involved Caitlyn Jenner and her vehicular manslaughter charge. Definitely one of the best jokes overall. He also provides some philosophy about romance and racism that are actually quite genuine. If you were to only give one comedian on this lineup a chance, make it this one.

Nikki Glaser, perhaps best known for her short-lived Comedy Central series Not Safe with Nikki Glaser, really disappointed me with her performance. She had some promising jokes about online dating sites and air travel, but most everything else comes off as lackluster for me. Again, like Fortune Feimster, Glaser is not really my brand of comedy, so I won't critique her too much.

Beth Stelling is another comedian in this lineup that had a really strong performance. Her material ranged from staying in hotels, messing with airport security, her mom, her family, her weight loss, frozen yogurt, and many others. Almost everything is funny in her performance. I would say that she was my favorite.

Dan Soder ended this particular season on a very high note for me. While he did not have as much charisma as Cole or the same impact as Stelling, he certainly held his own. He speaks about his marijuana usage as well as his grandma and his love life. He has this thing, however, where he sort of laughs with the audience at certain times in his jokes. This doesn't necessarily bother me, but I know that it bothers other people, so I just wanted to throw out that warning before they decide to watch it.

If I were to rank the six comedians, it would be like this:

1. Dean Cole / Beth Stelling: they both provided humorous material and made me laugh the hardest.

2. Nate Bargatze: his absurdist and almost "blue-collar" material was very humorous.

3. Dan Soder: he had definite shining moments but could probably work on his delivery a bit (though that's not a totally huge issue for me).

4. Fortune Feimster: didn't make me laugh that much but had some bright moments here and there.

5. Nikki Glaser: just didn't provide material that made me laugh that much. Again, Glaser and Feimster are not particularly my brand of comedy, so no one should really base an opinion on them based off of mine.

Overall, this series is very promising. Hopefully, Netflix will continue this series and bring on even more talents on the rise. I give this series, based solely on the initial viewing of the first season, a seven out of ten.

I will be the first to admit that I never really watched Bill Nye the Science Guy when I was younger, but I have always respected Bill Nye for what he is: a scientist. While this show puts an emphasis on science and science-related issues in the world, the overall pace of this episode seemed really awkward and at times a bit forced. If there could be something done about this aspect of the show, the show could be so much better. Also, if there were more serious discussions about science and science-related issues than silliness, like another review mentions, it would probably be a better show in that aspect too. But I would like for the show to keep the silliness to it. I think it makes it more endearing, considering that Bill Nye is a bit of a silly character himself.

With the emergence of YouTube Red, there has also been an emergence of original films and series. "The Thinning" is one of these films.

"The Thinning" is a sci-fi thriller with major dystopian themes. In the not- so-distant future, the population of Earth has reached an all-time high, and in order to keep the population from getting out of hand, students are "required" to take a test at each educational level until they are eighteen years of age that determines whether or not they are fit to live on Earth. This test, known officially the 10-241 test, is also known, as the title of the film suggests, the Thinning. But is everything legitimate?

Logan Paul, best known for his work on Vine, stars in the leading role as Blake Redding, son of the governor of Texas and perhaps the most popular kid in his entire school. Blake has become disillusioned by the outcomes of the test, because of what happened to his girlfriend Ellie, played by Lia Marie Johnson, who is perhaps best known for her tenure with Fine Brother Entertainment where she was part of Kids and Teens React. So, when Ellie is "thinned out," Blake decides to teach his father a lesson by purposely failing the test to see if he actually follows through with the Thinning because the governor has to give the official okay before the Thinning actually happens. This prompts Blake's father to alter the ultimate results so that Blake can actually live. This does not sit well with Blake.

At the same time, on the other end of the popularity is Laina Michaels, played by Peyton List, who is perhaps best known for her role as Emma Ross on "Jessie" and "Bunk'd." Laine is perhaps the most intelligent student in the entire school, so everyone is completely surprised to find out that she failed the test. This includes her best friend Kellen, played by Calum Worthy, possibly best known for his role on "Austin and Ally" as Dez, who is constantly sending footage from the security cameras to a news station from his dad's account.

Throughout the rest of the film, Blake and Laina team up in order to find out what is happening with the tests because they both know something is up.

Honestly, this film was a lot better than I expected it to be. The acting was very well-done and the overall story was very good. We've all probably seen or heard of this plot a million times, but the way this one was in this film was actually very good. Michael Gallagher directed and produced this very well and my heart was racing throughout.

The ending of this film might not sit well with some viewers. Spoiler alert: Blake and Laina find out that many of the test results have been tampered with, including Ellie's. This somehow, and by somehow I mean by way of Kellen, makes its way to the news and the story is out. Blake's father Governor Redding, who has announced that he plans for President of the United States is faced with a difficult decision, but ultimately decides that releasing those who passed and replacing them with students who failed, including his son, is for the betterment of his reputation. The way he gives his speech close to the end is very reminiscent of politics today.

The reason I say that this might not sit well is because it's not a particularly happy ending, but it's very realistic. But, maybe there is something at the end of this film. During the last few scenes, the viewer sees a truck driving towards a fenced-in facility. Then, the scene switches to a maintenance elevator with...the students who were just recently thinned out. As Blake opens his eyes, who does he see but Ellie who had been thinned out the year before.

Like another review suggests, this film as the possibility to have sequels. If this does happen, hopefully they can keep the same pace and affect that this one had.

I know that I have given a concrete idea a human trait, but I stand by it. I have watched this particular stand-up special by comedy veteran Mike Birbiglia twice. And both times, I have been captivated at what this stand-up special actually is. Birbiglia instantly becomes a storyteller as well as a stand-up comedian, and it is amazing.

Told in a semi-nonlinear sequence, Birbiglia speaks about his childhood and his adolescence, his teenage years, and finally his adulthood. Throughout, he often makes references to his social awkwardness and his contempt with the concept of marriage, as well as goes into detail about certain aspects of his life when growing up, including how he decided to go into comedy.

I could definitely see this being made into some sort of independent romantic comedy film, ironically speaking. A film that shows mainly flashbacks and most of its dialogue is a narrator narrating everything that is happening.

This stand-up special transcends what stand-up specials used to be, and I could consider this one of the most influential. It is simply that good.

After having watched The Phantom of the Opera a couple days ago, I happened upon this film, mistaking it for another horror film. Nevertheless, I still wanted to watch it because it starred the silent film legend Conrad Veidt and the beautiful Mary Philbin.

I thought the film was rather slow, but I still enjoyed it rather immensely. I found myself feeling for both of the main characters and even shed a few tears at certain points throughout the film. It was sad as well, often interpreted as melodramatic.

Honestly, for any film buff, this is a must-see. Despite it being very slow, it is definitely worth it to see it to the very end, and maybe even read the novel it is based off of by Victor Hugo.

I didn't start watching this show until about the middle or the end of season five and continued to watch it on television until season eight. I eventually watched the first four seasons and last season much later. Now, let me start by saying that this sitcom is not for everyone. It is very fast-paced and laden with quirky and off-beat humor about certain topics that you would have to know about in order to understand.

This series follows the romantic exploits of Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor), who is known to over-the-top and somewhat questionable romantic gestures and is known to be a bit pretentious. Throughout his journey to find his one true love, he meets Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders), and after a date, Ted makes the big mistake of telling her that he loves her, which pretty much scares her off. On the way, he receives relationship advice and support from his friends Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel), Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan), and Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris).

Throughout nine seasons and 208 episodes, we see Ted and his many romantic partners and the predicaments that he finds himself in, as well as other character's obstacles, such as Marshall losing his job and Barney finally trying to resolve his issues with his father.

All characters are relatable in this show, but I think that my favorite character would have to be Barney, though I am more similar to Ted. I like Barney because he starts off as this suave and charismatic ladies man only to change his personality after season four and try to actually start dating instead. Barney can be a bit of a douche-bag when it comes to his friends, but he is very loyal and very resourceful (I'm talking about the Bro Code, here). However, I really do like all of the characters because each of them provide something that we can all find in each of us, whether it be dealing with the loss of a parent or dealing with a parent that doesn't really seem have your best interests at heart.

This show can really appeal to anyone, even if you don't really understand the humor, because it is actually much more than a sitcom. It can showcase different instances in a person's life and determine all human emotions. I am not much of a crier when it comes to watching television and movies, but I will admit that I did cry a few times when watching this show, and I have watched it all the way through at least twice.

The end of the series has really brought on much debate and controversy. And though I won't divulge fully what happened, I will say this: I am glad that it ended like it did, because it showcases how life can be sometimes. Life isn't perfect, and this sitcom demonstrates that expertly. Sometimes you can find the love of your life quickly (like Marshall and Lily did), or you might just have to wait a long time like Ted did, or you might not actually find your true love at all. Either way, I find that this show really enlightens its viewers on that perfectly.

This show can be very inspirational to those who watch it. I have actually formed a bit of a philosophy based on How I Met Your Mother, and I still pretty much live it to this day. As my summary says, it is my top five favorite sitcoms of all time, and I will probably continue to watch it and re-watch until I just simply cannot anymore.

Like most television shows that I watch, I tend to favor the earlier seasons rather than the later seasons. This one is no exception. I believe from season one to about the end of season four, maybe season five, that this show put out consistently high quality television. I'm not saying that later seasons are not good; it's just that I tend to think more prevalently about the earlier seasons, especially season two.

Another aspect about this show that I like is the fact that it had staying power, meaning it didn't last just two or three seasons. Most shows nowadays can barely pass the first season mark. And I do believe this was one of the last really, really good shows that had this kind of lasting impression on viewers, not that I mean to disrespect other sitcoms such as the Big Bang Theory and Modern Family, both of which have been long-lasting as well and are really enjoyable as well.

Overall, How I Met Your Mother is definitely worth a watch all the way though. It is really funny if you understand the certain references, dramatic when the situation calls for it, and heartfelt when the perfect moment hits. You can watch this if you need to feel better and you can watch it if you just need a good cry. Don't go your whole life without watching it, because it is really that good. I give it a nine out of ten.

This was among the first old sci-fi film in a string of old sci-fi films that I watched in the last month or so. I do not really remember where I came upon it. I do remember that I was searching for another old film and ended up finding this one instead. And I have to tell you, I am glad that I watched it.

The plot of this film is based around a mysterious cloud that never moves from a certain spot on the Trollenberg mountain and the connection between a mind-reading act from London and United Nations troubleshooter. As it turns out, this connection leads to the realization of what this mysterious cloud is and what dark secrets are harbored within it.

This was quite an enjoyable film, and being a science fiction film from the 1950s, it was put together really well. The dialogue and story was on point and I really felt like I was in suspense during the whole film. One of my favorite aspects of the film is the how a woman from the mind reading act somehow knows part of everything that is going on.

The monster, or in this case monsters, in this film is not particularly scary. They were probably very frightening when the movie first came out, but it isn't, at least me, now.

Overall, I give this film a seven out of ten, for a very believable story and relatable dialogue. I do believe that this film has the makings of a remake in its future.

I have recently gotten into the habit of watching these old science fiction movies from the fifties and sixties, and I have to say that, even though they are a bit ridiculous and campy, some of them are actually very well put together, such as this one.

Cosmic Man is a film about a UFO landing in a California desert while government officials decide what to do with it. During their debate, a transparent figure (John Carradine) emerges secretly from the UFO and begins to aid a doctor (Bruce Bennett) in his research, unbeknownst to the doctor. While it seems as if this transparent figure is harmless and wishes only to seek information from these people, a general (Herbert Lytton) thinks otherwise.

Through a very lengthy monologue, the transparent man (now known as the "Cosmic Man") explains his actions and his wishes to the doctor and the general. While the Cosmic Man commends the doctor for his progressive outlook towards him and other civilizations, he harshly criticizes the general for his barbaric thoughts and plans. This does not sit well with the general and he threatens to harm the Cosmic Man if he does not comply with the general's demands.

Rejecting the general's demands, the Cosmic Man attempts to escape. In a climactic scene pitting the Cosmic Man against the general and other government officials, the Cosmic Man is shot before he can reach the UFO. As the general goes in to finish the job, the doctor talks him out of it, predicting that the general in doing so would bring worse possible outcomes in the future.

The Cosmic Man disappears along with the UFO, without any indication as to whether or not he survived the gunshot from the general. Though the outlook for the Cosmic Man does not seem good, the doctor says that he will indeed be back.

While the film was a little bit campy, I really did enjoy it. It was very well put-together and acted out, for a B-grade 1950's science fiction film. While there is not much in the way of science fiction (other than the UFO and the Cosmic Man himself), the film certainly makes up for in philosophy and speculation.

The doctor's philosophy towards the Cosmic Man and the other possible universal civilizations that could be eventually discovered are very progressive in the sense that the doctor wants to befriend the Cosmic Man and make peace with him so as to show other civilizations that he wishes to "collaborate" with them in inter-spatial and intergalactic affairs. It also demonstrates really well in speculation as to why UFO's are being seen at such an alarming rate and what business they might have in being on Earth. During this time, UFO's had been seen quite often which could be a possible reason why this film was made.

Overall, I found the film to be very enjoyable and quite thought-provoking as well. While it is very campy in some aspects, it is a very intricately performed and produced film that I will probably watch multiple times in my life. I give this film a seven out of ten.