simsbros-89231 Reviews

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)

A flawed, but ultimately riveting character study.

[8/10 · 8 December 2022]

You'll have a lot of folks tell you this show is terrible or has no redeeming qualities. Most of them aren't to be taken seriously. This is a character study that squeezes itself imperfectly in between the Prequel trilogy and the Original trilogy that details a sort of side quest Obi Wan goes on that introduces him to an important ally and pits him once more against his old friend Anakin Skywalker, now the ruthless Darth Vader.

As he attempts a rescue, and escapes the forces of Vader Inquisitorious, he crosses paths with Reva, the Third Sister Inquisitor who has an unknown agenda and a burning passion to kidnap Kenobi.

What we get is a 6 episode arc that follows Kenobi has he takes on a physically demanding, but emotionally harrowing journey in which he reflects on the failures of the fallen Jedi Order and what his part was in it, especially as it regards his student turned brother in arms Anakin.

The show isn't perfect, its pacing lacks deliberation at times and its placement in the timeline tends to bend but not break the laws of established canon but in exchange you get some great acting from Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christiansen, and Moses Ingram. You also get some slick action sequences and plenty of pathos for Kenobi, and if you look closely enough you can find it says a lot about his character in ways that make us appreciate him more when looking at his full life. Which to me, is a success.

Moses Ingrams Reva faced a lot of controversy for her placement, as unfortunately racism reared its ugly head into the reception of entertainment media, but she has a hefty role in this series and the actress nails her performance.

Ewan McGregor shines and makes the transition between OT Kenobi and the Ben of the OT believable. Hayden Christiansen reprised his role with a vigor and intensity we've not seen before.

Ultimately, it's a worthwhile watch and justified its place in the story. Give it a go.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

They live in you

[9/10 · 16 November 2022]

This is a beautiful film. It is attempting to be many things and it succeeds at being them for the most part. At once a superhero film, a sequel, a tribute, a comic adaptation and a chapter in the beloved MCU this film had the nearly impossible task of making a sequel to a cultural cornerstone of a movie and moving forward without that films lead. What we get in the end is a remarkable story about the inevitability of loss, but the onset of understanding that comes with grief and ultimately acceptance.

The film is well made in every regard. This particular corner of the MCU bears a regality and a standard of production that puts many others to shame. That remains the case, with the costume design, music, visuals, and shot composition all being top notch and pristine. But where it truly shines is its ensemble cast. Everyone brings their best, and you can tell that the actors were passionate about making this film the best it could be. Bassett, a known powerhouse delivers an Oscar worthy performance as Ramonda. Danai Guriria is a unique and stalwart presence in this franchise and shines yet again. Tenoch Huerta delivers a menacing, calculating performance that will have Americans wondering why this guy isn't a huge star already. But the real star it the show is Letitia Wright. Her character shuri goes through so much on screen and has to carry the emotional weight of the film on her shoulders. The happy go lucky girl from the first film is no more. Letitia steps up to the plate and achieves greatness. Her acting is simply fantastic in this movie and you feel every emotion she feels throughout in a performance that is at times haunting and visceral, especially in act 3.

As a superhero film it also delivers thrilling high octane action and amazing visual scenes such as the introduction of Talokan backed with gorgeous music by Ludwig Goransson. It is a film to be watched with an audience, an experience to be shared with loved ones.

At its core it is a tribute and send-off for the late great Chadwick Boseman whos life was tragically cut short 2 years ago. Within the confines of this film can be found thenes of loss, suffering, faith and the legacy that our loved ones leave behind in death. Do their wants and desires for us matter? Do they define who we are and who we are to become? Should they?

All of these make for some amazing storytelling bears that culminates in a bittersweet finale that is beautiful in its restraint.

I could go on and on about this film and what it accomplished. But it will suffice to say thus is one of the best CBMs of all time in my book. It will be remembered for a long time to come, and you dont even have to be a superhero fan to enjoy it. The only flaw I will consider is involving a certain subplot that is set up for future films, but it is hardly bad... just less resolved than I'd like.

The film is immaculate. Give it a watch and bring tissues.

Prey (I) (2022)

A simple, straightforward, excellent addition to the franchise.

[9/10 · 5 August 2022]

Im not some huge Predator guy but I know the first movie well enough, and I know a good action film when I see it. This is one of them.

It is a very simple story, a young Comanche woman who wants to become a hunter in her tribe has discovered a new beast is on the hunting grounds. With the help of her decorated hunter brother she must learn that the ture meaning of the hunt is to survive.

The main actors do a great job, but Amber Midthunder shines as the lead, Naru. It is her movie, and on screen for most of it. We follow her on her quest to prove herself, and eventually her quest to hunt that which hunts her people. Theres some interesting story beats I won't give away. Its best to go into this movie knowing very little.

There are those who would decry this film for being "unrealistic" without having seen it. I think those people should give the movie a chance. If you're going in thinking that a mid sized young adult woman would not best the physicality of the Predator, well trust me the movie agrees with you. You'll just have to watch to see how it plays out.

The special effects are all pretty solid. Theres a subtlety to the progression of the story, and while it ends rather bluntly, its made its point in its brisk 90 minute runtime. This is well worth a watch.

Moon Knight: Gods and Monsters (2022) Season 1, Episode 6

A Dark Knight....

[10/10 · 4 May 2022]

What a fantastic finale that does service to the character, this story, and viewers.

This ends season 1 as, imo, the best of the Disney plus shows. Finally topped falcon and the winter soldier.

It delivered on thrills, visuals, and emotional beats and still pays homage to this fantastic character. Oscar Isaac deserves all the awards for his performance, and I am begging, PRAYING we see him return.

Don't miss this finale folks. MCU has done it yet again.

Moon Knight: Asylum (2022) Season 1, Episode 5

WOW. Incredible penultimate episode

[10/10 · 27 April 2022]

A lot of folks have said these mcu shows drag in the latter half. Well Moon Knight does not follow. This episode took the incredible twist of past episode and amped it up to 100. This is not only the best epsiode of the series this far this may be the best episode of MCU TV since Daredevil ended.

I dont want to give anything away, this needs to be experienced, and Oscar Isaac needs an award for this. This is such a great comic book type of story to tell and it feels like a comic in the best way. The writing is on point and the visuals are fantastic. The final shot is godlike.

I really hope they can stick the landing but regardless this episode is a great achievement. If you weren't already a moon knight fan you will be after this.

Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life (2021– )

Very enjoyable and funny cartoon for all ages

[9/10 · 5 October 2021]

Its hard to make characters with this kinda longevity feel fresh and entertaining but this show manages to do it. A foreign production, it fits right into modern humorous sensibilities and features a bright colorful new art style but still feels like Chip n Dale. Only now, instead of tormenting Donald, they find adventures on their own turf of a bustling city park. Their neighborhood made up of various rodents and critters, including Clarice, who reappears for the first time in almost 70 years, the show follows the chipmunk Brothers as they find new trinkets, make new friends(and enemies) and generally take part in misadventures.

Its a very slice of life show but like any good series the two central characters keep things alive. If you've been a fan of Chip and Dale for some time, you'll find they feel very familiar here, and thats a good thing. Chip is organized, shrewd and focused, while Dale is carefree, dimwitted and clumsy. Their interactions with the characters and world are well defined by their personalities and make for good humor.

There is absolutely no intelligible dialogue, but rater the characters speak in familiar sounding squeaks(their voices still sound like you'd expect them too) while the visuals and some of the sounds give you a good idea of what they are saying. It was a risky choice doing this but it works very well once you get used to it. The animation does a great job keeping us the viewer up to speed.

The plots are simple but there's plenty to like and a few Disney fan Easter eggs to be found. Very easygoing and carefree show to sit down and watch. Kids will love this and chip and Dale fans will find something to like. Give it it shot.

The Green Knight (2021)

Face the Green Knight.

[9/10 · 18 September 2021]

This film took approximately 24 hours to fully process in my head. But it worth it. Before that, I wasn't sure how to feel about it. But when you really think on it, this film is great.

It is however not easy to get into. Much like reading a book of olde English tales like this one, it can take some effort to decipher what you are seeing on the screen before you. Treat this film like a puzzle, deciphering its code as it unravels before you. Thinking gon why Director David Lowery decided to include what he did, from shots to characters to casting choices. Pay attention to the details and you'll come out appreciating this movie immensely.

It is gorgeously shot, with several long shots, trippy fantastical sequences, ornate costume design and even a bit of CGI to craft a film that looks and feels like the story it is adapting. While I haven't read the original poem of the Green Knight, doing so is absolutely not required to enjoy the film, something even the director has attested to.

For a story so simply on the surface, the movies themes csn truly stick with you, especially with how effectively they are communicated to you through the films narrative. It is slow, methodical, detail oriented... and in the end, very blunt. You'll find yourself thinking on what you saw and heard and felt long after the movie is over.

Discuss it with others think on it. Amd when you realize the full scope of what you saw, the movie will burst forth with new life, artistic expression and fulfillment.

Dev Patel has a heavy load to bear as Sir Gawain, we spend much of the film with him alone, but as he encounters new individuals and challenges, he lives through the film brilliantly. He is a class act here and conveys youthfulness, inexperience, but also ambition, fear, confusion, and so much more over the course of the movie. The supporting cast all bear their load well also, with Alicia Vikander being a standout, and Ralph Inneson as the titular character using what little screen time he has to make the Green Knight memorable, imposing, even humorous at times.

Without spoiling anything, I will say just give the film a chance and put in the effort to grasp what story is being told here and what it means. Its a fantasy film, but like any good fantasy it tells a very human story with simple but profound morals that will stay with you for some time. Join Gawain on this journey enter a time when honor was everything and courage made legends.

HouseBroken (2021–2023)

Give this a chance. Highly enjoyable show

[9/10 · 1 August 2021]

I cant quite put my finger on why I enjoy this show so much. I think its a combination of things. The cast of characters are top notch. For such a loaded cast(around 12+ mainstays) it handles them very well. You get the feeling any one of them could be the lead of the series instead of the one we have(more on her in a sec). They are irreverent, with great banter, all voiced exceptionally well and with their own little mini storylines.

The premise is simple enough. We've seen talking pets several times in recent years but this has a nice adultish twist on the concept. Whereas other stories would have characters be involved in various fantastical hijinks involving humans, this show forgoes them almost entirely save for an occasional reminder of their presence. Its very much the animals world, the humans just live in it.

The therapist angle works well for most of the cast. They deal with various issues, ranging from insecurity, compulsive tendencies, loss, boring unfulfilled "marriage" and so on.

Speaking of that, let's talk about our MC. Honey the standard Poodle is the self described professional therapist who leads the group, and true to the trope she has a multitude of her own issues in her personal life. She's in a relationship with her companion Chief, a St. Bernard who is a complete and utter moron but has a heart of gold and a fun loving nature. The two couldn't be more different, but they are quite literally stuck beneath the same owner who has raised them both since childhood.

Over the course of the series we see the effect on Honey and how she attempts to cope, especially when a sexy wild male Coyote shows up in the neighborhood. Her uncontrollable attraction to him is source for some of the shows funniest and most heartfelt moments, as she's torn between loyalty to Chief(who is oblivious) and a taste of the wild side. She also is dealing with the loss of a long time friend who we are told died shortly before the show begins. She has her own quirks, her aversion to getting to personal with her clients and her insecurity about the above things plays well with her compulsive need to "help" everyone around her. She's voiced perfectly by Lisa Kudrow.

Other highlights of the cast are The Gray One, a street savvy scraggly but friendly housecat who splits his time hobbled in with nearly 40 other cats in an old cat ladies house, with the group in which he pines endlessly for the mature Russian ex showcat Tabitha, and Elsa, an insecure but principled Corgi who calls out trigger words and fancies herself Honey's best friend and second in command of the group.

Theres also Shel, an older Tortoise whose mate abandoned him 25 years prior and is now something of a nymphomaniac, seeking sexual expression from anyone and ANYTHING he can get it from.

But theres much more, and without diving into them all, everyone has something to offer here, and that combined with the heavily layered storytelling especially in later shows(up to 4 storylines an epsiode) gives the show an irresistible charm that supercedes all of its flaws. Even when the jokes don't land you love to be around these characters.

I really hope the show finds its niche and has decent following. Its definitely worth a watch if you're reading this and maybe we can extend our time with these guys. Eventually they'll be housebroken but it's a long road ahead.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation (2021)

STOP CRYING. This is the beat action cartoon in years.

[10/10 · 25 July 2021]

I finished all the episodes just now. I've never seen a show this good face so much backlash over NOTHING. It is INSANE what politics have done to normal people these days.

Any other time, any other era, this sow would be getting heaps of praise. But people need go to their favorite YouTube grifter to try and validate their political views without even watching the show.

Sad. Pathetic. Oh well. I'll still have the series. And boy is it good.

Increidble animation. Fantastic voice action. Thrilling action. A strong plot. Theres nothing to dislike here. Anyone reading this. I IMPLORE you to ignore these BS review bombing tactics by sad adults who never grew up. And judge the show on its own merits. You won't be disappointed.

Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

Fun movie being review bombed because of garbage politics and salty armchair critics

[10/10 · 17 July 2021]

Very fun movie. Saw it in a theater with a nice audience. Everyone had a good time.

Ignore these reviews. This score is gonna go up exponentially as actual people see it and review it for what it is instead of trying to soapbox about LeBron.

Lots of solid gaga and good animation. Its looney tunes, turn your brain off and enjoy it. Giving it a 10 to counteract the BS reviews but its more like a 7.5.

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

WELL worth your time. Beautiful movie.

[8/10 · 29 March 2021]

We get a lot of moralizing in animated films and thats not a bad thing, but they often csn seem all too repetitive of the same messages and ideas. Raya had to overcome this challenge and I think it succeeded.

The animation is absolutely gorgeous and the voice acting is very strong. Kelly Marie Tran killed it and Akwafina was PITCH perfect for Sisu. Very memorable characters and this probably has some of the best action sequences since Kung Fu Pa da. The world building is there though it suffers a bit from the shorter runtime.

The message is great and done poignantly. The films villain Nammari was very nuanced and played very well. There are pacing issues but the movie has more than enough quality content and story to overcome that drawback. Again the animation here is incredible and sets in my opinion a new standard. The music is also beautiful.

There is a LOT to like here and its a shame COVID-19 crippled this films release, but I'm glad we got it. Well worth a watch.

Knives Out (2019)

This should be an 8.6 at LOWEST

[10/10 · 2 December 2019]

Buncha salty Star Wars fanboys didnt like TLJ so they think he can never make a good movie again.

No matter. Glad to see people with brains are seeing the film and giving it the marks it deserves. The movie is fantastic and a thrill from start to finish. Tons of twists and turns and smartly written. Go see it. And then give it a good review here so intelligent filmmaking can prevail.

Green Eggs and Ham (2019–2022)

My Review for Green Eggs and Ham

[10/10 · 11 November 2019]

Why hello there, internet passerby, Ive got something on which to feast your eye. A review of a particular Netflix show, In the style of Suess, let's see how this goes. I will try my best to keep it short and sweet But informative, helpful and a literary treat. And so wiith a finite number of words to cram, Lets talk about Netflix's Green Eggs and Ham.

First off the animation, the easiest to cover, As this show blends motion and color like no other. Every frame a drawing paying homage to Suess' art, While modernizing his style without losing the heart.

Now to the cast, and what can I say? The ensemble gathered here has blown me away. From Jeffery Wright's cop loke grumble throughout, To guest star voices that carry a lot of clout! John Turturro is memorable as the Goat, and Ms. Keaton's Michelee helps keep the show afloat.

But none of these stand out like our too leading men, Adam Devine and Michael Douglass are convincing best friends. Douglass gives his Guy a sense of maturity, While still reflecting goodness and virtue and purity. But Adam Devine really knocks it out of the part, with his happiness, hopefulness, and plenty of snark. To say that these two impressed me greatly, Is an understatement more than anything said lately.

The characters are where this story shines, which each and every one given a memorable line. From the smallest cameo to a series main, The characters of this story do well to entertain. But again at the heart of the entire thing, Are these two best friends to be, and the nuance they bring. Guy is a good guy, a guy without blame, While Sam is a nice guy, and those are not the same. We learn more about them as the show goes on, They have much, much MUCH more depth than they let on. I wont spoil these for you passers by, But know that theres more to then than meets the eye.

The story of the series is just what you'd expect, Wacky, zany, silly, as good as it gets. But as you reach the latter half of the season, You'll wanna keep watching, you'll have good reason. This show has a heart of gold at its center, With lessons and advice as to a student from a mentor. Some truly heart wrenching moments coupled with joy, Watching this makes you feel like a youthful boy.

The jokes are all great, some spoken, some visual, Some tongue in cheek, and some meant to be literal. But they all land, and they all are appropriate For both the kids who watch and the adults who go along with it. Anyone can watch this show, best believe it, If that wasn't the case, it wouldn't have been greenlit.

I believe I've gone over all my main points, But before I go I have for you one last joint. The books that spawned this show and many others, Were great because they were page turners from cover to cover. Not complex, not deep but very simplistic, With a heart and soul and an eye for the artistic. They were filled to the brim with color and joy, To appeal to any man, woman, girl or boy. Thus they've been passed down generation to generation, Those books have graced the hands of children in every nation. To bring that kind of childlike wonder, To a screen is a task worth taking under. So I give my props to all involved, including Ellen Degeneres, the producer above all. The cast and crew did a phenomenal job Of adapting and respecting Dr. Suess who started it all. And for recreating the love Dr Suess put in back then, In my book Green Eggs and Ham is a 10/10!

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Best superhero film ever made

[10/10 · 27 April 2019]

It's going to be very difficult to top this, and it's also very difficult to express how amazing this film is without spoilers, so I will just keep it brief and say that you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't see this film. It is an epic event in every sense of the word, and you will never forget seeing this movie. The last hout will never leave your memory as long as you live. It is the epitome of action sacrifice and heroism and encapsulates the never ending battle of good versus evil. Go see this movie. See it twice.

All Hail King Julien (2014–2017)

IMO one of the best in the last 5 years.

[10/10 · 7 February 2018]

This show has recently ended, and while it didnt have as long a run as other shows, I think it should be remembered. It was easily the best Dreamworks film to Netflix adaptation, and it is also in my opinion one of the best cartoons in years. I could go on and on about why I liked this series but Ill narrow it down to the main things I appreciated.

First, the show is itself very funny. It has slapstick, yes, but the real humor of the show is through the written dialogue and consistent character writing, something that few cartoons are able to achieve. The humor is not just funny, it is smart and sometimes surprisingly timely. It does a great job of poking fun at stuff we see these days like media bias, gun control, religion etc. And instead of taking sides of these issues it makes fun of the fact that they are issues in the first place and the characters take it from there. A very high level of funny that most cartoons choose not to attempt.

Now, the characters. Julian, Mort and Maurice weve seen before. They are still great, as always. Mort in particular is used much more effectively than in Penguins of Madagascar. But the standouts for this series are its background characters, which are fantastic. Many times background/recurring characters will be written to fit the episode or situation, but not this show. Every single lemur that is named in the series is consistently and carefully, and because of that their personalities are what makes them funny, rather than what they do. My personal favorite is Horst. Never seen without an ambiguous coconut drink in his hand, his semi-vain persona and strange affection towards a Foosa is the cause for much hilarity. And thats just one example, there are may others like him and you will remember all of them my shows end,

I want to talk about Clover, who was a brand new character created for this show. Alot of times with tv prequels to movies, the extra main character that is added just plays off of everyone else exists purely to add so e jokes. Clover, though, is a very tightly written, funny and *important* character. I dont want to give away too much but it is also perfectly explained why she isnt in the films. She is a standout and I actually wished she was in the films now. She is also masterfully voice acted by India de Beaufort, and actress I am not familiar with but that I will give my kudos to and follow from this point.

That brings me to the voice talent of the series,which is just absolutely top notch. Cartoons usually do a pretty good job of this but these actors go above and beyond in this series. Danny Jacobs is honestly more Julian to me than Sasha Baron Cohen. His little mannerisms and slight voice ticks suit Julian so well, its almost uncanny. Morts voice actor(I believe it is Andy Richter) is fantastic as well, ranging from cute to creepy instantaneously. Kevin Michael Richardson is great as Maurice as usual, fitting the mold of the character perfectly. You can almost feel the fun these guys have doing this. I already mentioned de Beaufort, but the background characters are all voiced exceptionally as well. Jeff Glenn Bennett, a veteran voice actor plays several characters in this show and he is as great as ever. His instantly recognizable voice is used so many different ways and to great effect Richter also plays many characters including a masterful voice of Ted, a flamboyant, and emotional unstable lemur with many different voices. I could go on and on, even the guest stars do great work.

The animation is excellent as well. Cartoons these days usually have this down pat but this series incorporates texture, color, and fluid movement like no other. It is surprisingly high grade for a TV show and while it can be seen where budgets were made, it is very well integrated and the jungles of Madagascar are depicted beautifully, dare I say better than the films.

A show of this nature doesnt really incorporate plot as its main draw, but unlike most comedy cartoons like this, AHKJ actually keeps continuity throughout the series. This is something that is rarely seen but much appreciated and shows the effort out in. Not only the plot threads run throughout many episodes, even seasons(Season 6 or the Exiled season is particularly strong in this category), but what happens to the characters continues to effect them and the jungle for the entire series. Yes, even for the background characters. Top notch quality.

Overall, I cannot recommend this show enough. I dont care how old you are, you will not regret watching this show. It is funny, gives you a good feeling and through it all you can feel the effort and care that went into every facet of this show. It stands out from other cartoons in this regard. No expense is spared. You may wonder why I talk so little about Julian and its because, while he is the shows main character, this series is really about how he truly loves his kingdom and is a worthy king to them. Inept and vain as he may be, he always puts his kingdom first went it comes down to the wire. With the help of his advisors and friends he always comes out on top. Honestly I was very sad to see this show go, but now you, reading this, get to watch the entire thing in one fell swoop. I had to vent my appreciation but you have just yet to discover it for yourself. So what are you still doin here? Watch it, your king commands you!