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Blue Beetle (2023)
A typical superhero movie
First off, I should preface that I watched this on Netflix. Did DC just dump it there or is there some rights thing?
Unto the movie itself: it was fine. The story definitely leans more on the sci-fi angle of Blue Beetle, where the comics have gone back and forth on aliens and magic. The effects are decent for a superhero flick, definitely on the flashy end.
The story was fine if predictable. The villain has little presence and a weird set of priorities. The highlight of the movies is the Reyes family, and even then they had to inject a "we're losing our shop/house" plot for little timmy reasons.
Overall, decent if flawed.
Arcane: League of Legends (2021)
Beautiful Inside and Out
Arcane far surpasses its video game inspiration in that it rolls with complex characterisation and story beats. It is fundamentally a show about not only class divide, but also the humanity inherent in warfare. With some exceptions, its antagonists are sympathetic and above all nuanced, and thus the conflict is less about good and evil and more about the consequences of one's choices.
The animation is peak. Its a painted CGI style as we've come to see in many works for the past few years, but still manages to feel fresh and authentic. The 2D elements are especially vibrant. If I have one critique, is that I don't like how the teeth are done.
Overall a stellar recommendation.
Howdi Gaudi (2002)
Strange and Wonderous
I have to say, a series inspired by Antoni Gaudi's architectural work is quite the out there concept for a tv series. So how does it fare?
Rather than focus on Gaudi, the series has its own cast and even setting, with the trio of children Al, Tab and Eugene being the main protagonists. They feel the designated "two boys and one girl" archetypes to a T, but the show isn't that focused on romance thankfully. They are contrasted by the main villain, a green skinned witch who is a riot to watch.
The animation is alright given its budget, and it can get pretty surreal at times. Fitting, given the series' inspiration.
A solid recommendation.
My Freaky Family (2024)
Alright
I have to say, this movie opens with a banger of an entrance, a fast chase scene across the snowy mountains. Pity the rest of the film doesn't match this rhythm, being a boring "teenager has to value their undead/magical/caucasian family while trying to be normal".
I'll have to say though, the main villain has a memorable character design, in a sea of otherwise typical CGI faces. The animation is decent, with good backgrounds and motion, it's just a shame its standard CGI instead of something more stylized.
Overall, a recommendation if you're interested in a rather bland kind of family movie.
Piece by Piece (2024)
An interesting take on Lego
Piece By Piece is an animated documentary portraying the life of Pharrell Williams.. The animation is done through Lego brick animation; I don't know if there was CGI involved, but if there wasn't it is truly the highlight of th movie, with fluid motions, well animated faces and suberb lighting.
This being an autobiography it skirts the line between making its subject too good or flawed, and thankfully it still addresses some of Williams' faults despiste the generally positive vibe. Warts and all.
Like in Surf's Up we get people interviewed, which helps the story feel more nuanced and its just faun to watch.
A good recommendation.
The Wild Robot (2024)
Absolutely Majestic
Based on a series of books, this movie manages to stand on its own not just as an adaptation but as an independent work of art. It is seriously one of the best Dreamworks movies released.
The animation is astounding, being a painted CGI style not too similar to that of The Last Wish, standing on its own artistically. The animation of birds flying is particularly commendable.
The soundtrack is uplifting and fantasy-oriented despiste the movie's mostly sci-fi leanings. If I have a complaint is that a particular rift gets a bit too repetitive, but it never manages to be annoying or anything.
The characters are beyond solid. It's refreshing to see a mother as a main character since they are so rare in animated movies, even if said mother is a robot. The themes of nature vs nurture extend beyond Roz, including also the animals and their natural instincts.
A titanic recommendation.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (2024)
Deep and nuanced
As someone who hasn't grow up with the Tomb Raider games I judged this Netflix animated adaptation on its own merits, and so far it seems rather good.
The story focuses on Lara Croft trying to move past her guilt of all the family and friends that she lost. She is rather vulnerable and prone to PTSD-like symptoms, which makes a badass women that still feels human and a well rounded character. My main issue is that she can shift from grief to "adventure mode" a bit too fast, but I guess that's what coping does to people.
The animation is okay. Its certainly good, though I don't feel it sets itself apart much from other Netflix cartoons.
Overall a strong recommendation.
Transformers One (2024)
A solid Transformers flick
It's been a while since we got a proper Transformers animated movie, and while I'd preffer 2D like the first movie this one's CGI is perfect looking, being at once semi-realistic and yet vibrant and expressive. The lighting in particular is very well done, casting shadows without being contrived or out of place.
The story is a good origin story for the autobots and decepticons, which parallels previous takes of Optimus and Megatron being once miners. I do feel like D-16's fall was a bit contrived, but otherwise the plot flows rather well. B-127 is a good comic relief without being too annoying, and Elita-1 is a well written feminine badass.
Overall a strong recommendation.
Twilight of the Gods (2024)
Artistic Gorefest
We enter a take on Norse mythology that is visually inspired by comicbook art, alluding to Zack Snyder's adaptation of Watchmen. There is no pretense: this is an adult animated series, with sexuality and gore being handed together in the same package. The animation, by Stone Quarry and Xilam, is truly a feast for the eyes.
This is yet another series where the Aesir are portrayed as evil, which is amusing given its release after the God of War Norse Cycle and Black Myth Wukong. I suppose this could be seen as a "goðlauss " type of story, but at least there is enough nuance to this.
Overall a strong recommendation.
Nefarious (2023)
A joke of a movie
Nefarious is a juvenile project that is essentially the bigoted, authoritarian director and crew venting their frustrations at atheism. The atheist character is literally tortured by a demon who spouts christian rhetoric at him. Talk about hypocrisy on the part of the christian right.
The cinematrography is subpar, and the movie is entirely repetitive, spending two thirds of its run time on the confession room. There is no artistic merit or innovation to be seen here.
Overall, it's a strong statement on how cgristians cannot conceive art, and are disturbingly sadistic and vile.
A strong recommendation for sociopaths.
Rock Odyssey (1987)
Hanna Barbera at it's higher quality
Rock Odyssey is one of Hanna Barbera's higher quality movies in terms of animation. It is fluid, well coloured and manages to bring various worlds to life. Of course there are still a few short cuts, like reused scenes, but compared to most of their output it is beyond impressive.
The story is mostly about the narration of an annoying jukebox over a woman's, Laura, quest for love across the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's, set to a poular sping from each era. It is notheless convoluted, surreal and meandering, perhaps representing the experience of a music video really well.
If you're an animation fan, it's a strong recommendation. But if you want something more substantial, maybe not.
Panda Bear in Africa (2024)
A bizarre concoction
Panda Bear in Africa is about a panda saving a dragon that has been imprisoned by African lions. The plot overall has odd references to Kung Fu Panda but especially The Lion King, having a Chinese village populated solely by pandas, an evil lion uncle, hyenas and lions being at odds and dead royals. I hesitate it to call it a rip off, since it does new things with these elements - the hyenas, for example, are not evil - but it is still pretty jarring at times.
The animation is subpar, being a low budget CGI. The plot, despite its concise core, is meandering and ll over the place. Most of the jokes don't land, but I do find myself laughing at a few, especially at the dumb crocodile henchmen.
Overall worth it for the good hyenas, but otherwise not recommended.
Dounia et la princesse d'Alep (2022)
Syria's beauty and tragedy
Dounia and the princess of Aleppo is the sort of movie to juxtapose a child-like sense of wonder and tropes (like a child narrator) with the grimness of the real world. It is specifically about the Syria Civil War. And how it impacted the people of Aleppo.
The animation is a pleasant 2D. It has a rather white-leaning palette, which reflects the star and moon visual and narrative motifs. The character designs are mostly pleasant looking, though I'm iffy about the teeth.
Besides the nocturnal motifs, the movie also has a consistent bird motif, which exemplifies the dignity of the main character and her search for freedom and safety.
A solid recommendation.
The Umbrella Academy (2019)
Showcasing the best of comics
Watching through the four seasons gives quite the time stamp on comic book adaptations. The first season was more grounded, gritty and serious, much like early comic book adaptations throught the 2000's and early 2010's. From season 2 onwards, however, the series honours the comic book's sillyness and outlandish plots and characters, much like modern comic book adaptations do, and seeing it play out is a wonderful passage of time.
The characters, much like in the comics and even from the start, are a dysfunctional family that cause as many problems for themselves and they save themselves. Yet their powers and sometimes personalities are different, making them stand out on their own even if they allude to the comics.
The special effects are always competently made, especially as the aforementioned shift towards the more outlandish.
Overall a solid recommendation for character piece and just general comic book fun.
Katak, le brave béluga (2023)
A pleasant surprise
I expected Katak to be your general CGI kids film. But this movie does everything in its power to prove my initial assement wrong.
True, it's CGI... and uses it to create photorealistic scenic shots. The character designs are a bit rough, but they're charming in their own way.
True, it has a child protagonist (with the same neotenic afflication as Mumble in Happy Feet even)... and it has genuinely dark themes like miscarriage and suicide. It perfectly illustrates the suffering whales go throw because of human technology and invasion of their natural habitats.
This movie is nothing short of a hidden gem. A strong recommendation.
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2024)
An upgrade from the movie
Tales of the TMNT is a breath of fresh air in Nickelodeon's recent animation. It not only is 2D animated, it is visually pleasant, well animated cartoon. The combination of well animated motion with a neutral palette that is neither too garish (unlike the movie it follows) not too dark almost makes it feel like an 80's Disney movie.
Unlike the movie (and several recent TMNT works, for better or for worse) it has several quiet moments, and the less loud soundtrack gives it almost chill vibes at times, which is truly welcome for a cartoon aimed at kids. It feels a lot less overstimulating than some of its contemporaries.
Overall a solid recommendation.
Kral Sakir: Geri Dönüsüm (2022)
Not Turkey's best
King Shakir: Recycle is... something, alright.
The movie aims to be a pro-environmentalist piece warning about trash and holding people responsible for recycling. This is somewhat undercut by the characters being animated in a CGI so cheap that it makes them look like plastic toys, though if that was the intent kudos there.
The actual plot is mostly episodic; it inevitably and suddenly becomes a space opera almost halfway there. The jokes are rather lame and appeal to the lowest demographic; there are hints of Turkish satire, but they are few and far between.
Overall, I do not recommend this flick.
Müanyag égbolt (2023)
Eastern European Futurism Hits Again
White Plastic sky is a mesmerising film to behold. The animation is a mixture of styles, involving 2D rotoscoping and 3D elements that are difficult to distinguish between CGI and actual objects.
The futuristic Budapest depicted in this film is also as beautiful as it is dreadful. Future foods and technologies have unique designs to them, and the atmosphere is sublime.
The actual plot sees the struggle of a couple in this environment. I won't spoil too much, but this is a "as above, so below" situation, where the environment reflects the characters and their struggles perfectly.
A strong recommendation.
Batman: Caped Crusader (2024)
Reinventing Batman
Looks can be deceiving: Caped Crusader may at first look like a return to BTAS style (not helped by being produced by Bruce Timm), but while it is similarly literally and figuratively dark it manages to breathe new life into the Batman mythos.
The series is reimagined as taking place in an alternate timeline with 50's-70's technology, heralding back to the first comics. The rogues gallery is completely revamped, with familiar characters having different backstories and motivations. This includes the classics, with the Penguin and Harley Quinn being particularly interesting takes on the characters.
For Batman fans, a recommendation.
Craig of the Creek (2017)
A spiritual sequel to Recess
Crag of the Creek is a show that portrays childhood imagination perfectly. While some of the character feel like adults (which is sometimes part of the joke) the series otherwise knows how to write kids very well, escalating minor games into world ending events or other types of adventures. The society of the titular creek reminds me of Recess, since both feature kid civilizations with their whimsical rules and oftentimes bizarre cliques.
The animation is solid, portraying the fantastical in a vibrant display. If there is an area of complaint is that it often relies too much on anime references.
Overall a powerful recommendation.
I [Heart] Arlo (2021)
A worthy continuation
Following the classics-honouring classic of the film, I <3 Arlo has generally lower stakes. It is an episodic series until the last few episodes (won't spoil that) with the gang having lowkey adventures or welcoming new residents to their town. There is a continuation of the film's acceptance message, but it is admitely less of the focus this time around.
This is not bad per se, but it does make the series feel more like fanfic of the movie. I'm not saying it requires higher stakes, but it can feel a bit reduced if you experienced the movie first.
There's also shipping that doesn't really go anywhere, but oh well.
A recommendation.
Arlo the Alligator Boy (2021)
A modern classic based on classics
Arlo the Alligator boy is a love letter to the history of 2D animation. The characters are pie-eyed, the plot is somewhat reminescent of things like Cats Don't Dance where the protagonist goes to the city only to be disappointed and of course the musicals draw comparisions to the Disney Renaissance.
All of this is weaved through a narrative of acceptance for who you are. Not necessarily new stuff - again, can be found on many classics - but it owes it, because some of the character designs are gneuinely not beautiful by conventional standards (though they aren't ugly outright). I do have to question a chubby woman being lumped with these freaks of nature, but I suppose that fits the message that everyone should be accepted.
A solid recommendation.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
A celebration of Fox's superhero movies
Wow, how to even describe this movie?
Deadpool was ceasessly introduced into the MCU. Sure, you might want to get accquited with a few MCU films first to understand what's going on, but the movie does a good enough job explaining the stakes.
What you really should do homework for is the sheer amount of cameos from Fox's library of Marvel movies, from Fantastic Four to Elektra. This movie is an unbashed celebration of the history of these movies as well as the 2000's cultural milestones.
And, of course, you get your sassy pansexual fourth wall demolisher and your heroic muscle man.
I cannot recommend this movie enough.
Ernest et Célestine: Le voyage en Charabie (2022)
A wonderful sequel
Much like it's predecessor, A Trip to Gibberitia is a visual masterpiece, with wonderful 2D animation that makes it feel like a true children's book come to life. Such a style of animation is always welcome.
It follows on the end of the first Ernest & Celestine movie, quite deconstructing the fact that they're broke. This motivates them to go to the titular land to get Ernest's violin fixed, and what follows is a standard "obtuse father/ruler prevents something because of bad blood with their son". Still, for a cliché it is well played, and the the story manages to still be original and very emotional.
A heavenly recommendation.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
A stellar continuation
We all knew that Inside Out 2 would explore puberty, and it does so in a frankly unique way. It explores the insecurities that one has growing up, and the change of the internal fundamentals of one's personality.
The worldbuilding reflects this, fleshing out further the space of the mind. The new emotions are flashy, but it's the changes to locations established in the previous movie and new ones that really take the cake.
The animation is much the same as the previous movie, except with hilarious additions of 2D and other styles for joke characters. The character designs are superb, and address the criticism often laid at the emotions' designs, since the new female emotions are just as wacky as the male ones.
Overall, a solid recommendation. And hopefully not the last from Pixar, though the whole anti-art statements leave me concerned for the future.