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Cool Cat Saves the Kids (2015)
Artistic and Inspiring
This film is the very definition of art. Derek Savage shows his true skill in blending genres. We have a thrilling scene where a bully finds a gun and decides to use it for the bad, but we also have uplifting, triumphant moments, such as when Cool Cat makes his amazing song and performs in the Hollywood Parade.
Basically, this film is a triumph that makes for family enjoyment, and of course contains skilled actors (the actor playing Butch made me think he was an actual bully) and teaches us all a really good lesson. Bullying is a serious problem that's addressed perfectly in this film, along with gun safety and internet safety. Even a little road safety is incorporated into this film. Absolutely stunning, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2012)
Inconsistency & Pacing
This show is over-hyped. I'll say it, and I really couldn't care less whether you agree or not - it pretty much is. This deserves a 6/10 IMO, not an 8 - it has too many flaws to achieve an 8.
*EDIT, 11/08/15 Many people have down-voted my review because they liked it. Now, I'm not saying this show is bad, but there's a ton of issues in consistency and pacing, such as:
Consistency:
- Marco's parents. Seriously, where do they go during the episodes and why are they never monitoring their son?
- Marco himself. He allows Star to cast a spell on his arm... even after she destroys his room.
- The school students. Quite literally, they don't make any sense. One minute they're all totally on board with Star, but ignore her in "Brittney's Party." It can't just be me who doesn't understand this.
And the fact nobody has tried to steal her wand is amazing (on Earth, Ludo does not count). Like, she displays powers in public but clearly that's just everyone's average Sunday. No need to study this wand or the girl holding it, nope, nope, everyone just go back to your 9-5 jobs.
Putting aside the jokes, those are just examples of problems I couldn't help but ponder. As for pacing, it's not bad, but it's not good. The episodes are 12 minutes long, and two episodes take up a single slot. See, if the pacing was done well, this wouldn't be a problem.
But because of this, we have situations and subplots cropping up (e.g. Tom) and being blatantly forgotten. So yeah, sue me - I'm not a fan of the fast pace.
However, this cartoon has plenty going for it. The characters are actually undergoing some growth, and the animation is really good. SVTFoE is a very light-hearted show, but still a watch I'd recommend.
Although I didn't enjoy it, it's still a good show and I won't deny it that.
There are plenty more plot holes I'd like to go through, but I don't REALLY want to spoil everything like I did in my previous review.
So yeah, go watch it. I'm pretty sure you'll like it, despite its flaws.
Jelly Jamm (2011)
Unique
***A few character names. With a mix of jokes for adults and children, that are cleverly inserted, Jelly Jamm is a very good show that's aware of both audiences. What my pet peeve is personally, is when they try to improve children in TV shows (e.g. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,) so I did enjoy a satire episode of this. Apart from the suggestive bits of satire, I genuinely like how the dialogue works and the character's distinct personalities:
We have the King, whose stock personality is 'The Child,' which causes some conflict between him and the MC, which makes for a perfect viewing experience, with the right morals to be taught to children.
Then we have Mina, the 'Brains,' who also can have clashes with the MC because she likes to view things logically, but of course, the MC and other characters do not. This gives for good lessons to friendship in children (example: when the main character is being self-centred, he puts on a show only for his friends, because he realises how selfish he's being) which teaches children that life doesn't revolve around them.
I enjoy watching this show with my cousin, despite only being a teenager the humour gets to me and her, and it teaches her why she shouldn't act a certain way because there are consequences.
Give this show a chance, and it should improve your child's understanding of friendships/relationships. Plus, the adult humour will definitely get to you, so you enjoy it too.
10 out 10.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Unavoidable - like the plague - not a good thing.
***I think this contains spoilers*** Is it just me who didn't think this film was better than the first? All the scenes were drawn out and there were so many stupid and unimportant scenes slotted in. (Referencing the 'favourite colour' scene.)
Despite the fact everything was explained so a twelve year old could understand. Not only did it pretty much copy the first film. It started with Gale and Katniss hunting, like the first. All of it was a cliché and barely anything unpredictable. It's a shame that Jennifer Lawrence is incapable of making her role good. Just plain good. Nope, she's too bad an actress for that. After seeing this film, I doubt I will ever go to see another 'Jennifer Lawrence' film again unless my friends drag me to it. Save your money, do NOT spend your money on this, you will regret it. It's an awful film which contains: Clichés Plot holes the size of the state of Texas Ignored subplots Flat, boring characters Unrealistic ideas (I don't CARE if it's the future, some of the stuff is just plain stupid) Lack of acting skills. Only Phillip (R.I.P) could really do some decent acting. Even then, it was ONLY decent. Phillip was a brilliant actor, he let himself down in this film by not giving the best performance, but oh well. Finally, the most horrible thing of all: Overall. If I could rate this film, it would not even get 6 on IMDb. It'd get less than Disaster Movie, at least 1.2 stars. Do not see this film, unless of the age 12-14. If you're older, it's not a good idea. The film is not suitable for you. Honestly, the plot devices and conveniences are like they've been written by a (profanity removal) 12 year old. I feel as if the director didn't make this or his inner 12 year old allowed the script. I have no clue how Jennifer accepted the stupid childish ramble in her lines. Yes, the lines are all childish ramble. Nothing deep or clever placed into the script. It's effortless, but it is not well written. Jennifer Lawrence seriously needs to learn to pick appropriate roles. She's not a bad actress, but this is making me think she is.
I'm not sure if the film is so bad because the books weren't great, but even so, this film should have been written properly to make sure the script made sense. If you want a good film... watch The Lego Movie, you'll enjoy it way more than this and so will your children.
Teen Beach Movie (2013)
Carbon Copy Of Grease - Plot needs improvement
***This review does contain tiny plot key points and character names***
NO. Grease is a brilliant film, and Disney just screwed it up by making this nonsense. The title itself is awful, uncreative and stupid. Why are there 'surfers' and 'bikers'? The plot is complete nonsense, with random characters thrown in unnecessarily. The villains, were driven by appropriate qualities: greed. But they were added in way too late, I think Disney forgot, and chose to add them in later. The film made no sense, and the acting was just downright cringe-worthy. I hope rubbish like this is not re-created.
With the music, it wasn't THAT bad, but it wasn't great either.
Characters: Brady (Ross Lynch) at the beginning, he's a biker. What would've made the story more like Grease would be if 'Brady' joined the bikers and 'Mack' joined the surfers to spite him.
The plot was boring, dull and again, lacking in creativity. Disney need to consider fixing whatever this nonsense they call a 'film' is.