strikerowen1011 Reviews

The Sweater (1980)

A Nice Little Story

[22 April 2003]

I was able to catch this short on Cartoon Network's "O Canada" series. The story of the young boy who wanted the sweater of the Canadiens but ended up with a Maple Leafs one instead makes it endearing to young and old alike. From this observer's perspective of Canada "Hockey is Life" as shown with the 2002 Olympics (or equivalent tournament), the 1972 Series against the Soviet Union hockey team, Hockey Night in Canada on television/radio, and the Stanley Cup tournament. This could easily take place in any city in the world and with any sport, be baseball, football, basketball, soccer, etc.

If you are a hockey fan (or that of any other game, or just like animated shorts) this is one clip that should not be missed. I'm American, from California, a hockey fan, and can relate to this Canadian gem. The story transcends sport. As noted in an earlier comment, it would be much akin to the Yankees fan who instead gets a Red Sox jersey (or vice versa), the Giants fan who ends up with that of the Dodgers, etc. If you follow soccer in Europe the Liverpool fan ends up with an Everton shirt, or the Manchester United fan ending up with the Manchester City, and so forth. "O Canada" isn't on Cartoon Network that much nowadays, but if you hear about it anywhere don't miss this animated film.

The Powerpuff Girls (1998–2004)

Smash!

[9 March 2003]

The Powerpuff Girls--what to say. The show overall is stylish, the heroines are unique in their own way with the smart redhead Blossom, bubbly blonde Bubbles, and raven (brunette?) tomboy Buttercup. Despite their unique and usually conflicting personalities they band together to fight monsters and villains and save the day in the process.

In the kid department girls will openly love it, while the boys may not readily admit to watching it. Adults who appreciate cartoon animation and design from the past, not to mention some storylines that will make them want to watch. Even a few satrical puns here and there makes it hip for the grownups. Anyone who had an eye and ear for Bullwinkle would catch a witty line or visual.

With the merchandising that is out there for the Powerpuff Girls one could presume the characters as the "Hello Kitty" and "Garfield" of the late 1990s/early 2000s but with its popularity across the board the series is fast on its way to being a classic, if not iconic/pop culture status. If you don't have Cartoon Network, get the tapes/DVDs.

It's worth the watch, especially if you have kids.

SSX Tricky (2001 Video Game)

Worth Adding to Your PS2 Library

[7 March 2003]

SSX Tricky is one of those games that should be added to your PS2 library. Celebrity voices, DVD features, and the game itself makes it well worth the buy.

The Making of SSX Tricky comes along with the game though it can only be played on the PS2. It shows the behind the scenes look in producing the game and utilizing voice talent. The only criticism is Lucy Liu's comments on the game where she only mentions a few minute's worth. However, looking at David Arquette, Macy Gray, Jim Rose et al provides a spin in making the game. The soundtrack and music, especially Run DMC's "It's Tricky", makes the tunes mesh along with the game well.

As for playing the game, the courses are challenging but the game can be easy or difficult to accomplish depending on the character and board selected. Gameplay is easy though executing the tricks can take time.

Also, don't forget to have a memory card in the system. It takes a good deal of time to finish on top in each category, be the race or showoff part of the game. If you only have heard about Tricky, you don't need to play the original game SSX to be a master, though fans of the original will get their money's worth playing Tricky.

In terms of a fictional game compared to those using real names it's easy to get caught into the "story" of Tricky.

The next SSX game when and if it gets released will have to exceed the gameplay of Tricky (and SSX the Original), and Jam Master Jay will be missed!