Craig Before The Creek... Reviewed!

Shout out to Warner Bros for supplying a copy of this movie for review, my opinions are my own.

I've seen Craig of the Creek in passing, so when I got the opportunity to check out an animated film that acts as a prelude to the show... I couldn't resist. Is it any good? Let's jump in and find out how Craig became one with... the creek!

Story: Craig Before The Creek starts off with a girl running away from someone who looked like they could potentially be bullies as she made off with a composition book with "Hannah" written on it. This was after the reveal of a baddie on a ship.

It then fast forwards to Craig moving to Maryland to their new home... leaving behind his old friends at the start of summer. By the way, perfect time to release this animated film on DVD. Craig isn't thrilled about it, but they start connecting the reasons for the move... which is something a number of parents and children can relate to. A number of children don't see or understand that their parents are trying to make the best move for their long term benefit... but some parents don't understand that their child's social life revolved around their friends and familiar surroundings. I'll come back to this.

Anyway, things start off on this slightly sad note... until Craig's mom suggests that he takes his sister to the park. All is well until... something happens that forces Craig to go into the woods and basically unlocks a new world where everything revolves around... the creek.

That's where he encounters various kids with their individual quirks, including the baddies. The composition book turned out to be a diary, but I won't get into the specifics. Just know that the main adventure begins from this point.

Parents, something you may want to beware of is when Craig finds Hanna's Diary and he begins to suit up to head back to the creek. If you get the DVD, you may want to fast forward once he gets the banister stick (in scene 3) if you don't agree with his next choice when deciding between carrying bags. Instead of Craig selecting his bookbag to pack his items, he went with a purse. It looks like it could be a duffle bag (based on the way he carries it), but... once he mentions it's a purse it might be hard to un-see it as a purse.

Another scenario occurs when Craig was hiding from the baddies after their leader wants him found. He acts like he was going to sleep over at a friends house, which I don't know how many parents would allow boys and girls to have sleep overs... but his mom said yes. This was followed up by another boy asking what was for dinner, and Craig referred to himself as momma and said let him check his purse.

Outside of this, it was a really pretty cool adventure that held my interest as Craig and his newfound crew went on their quest to find a treasure that grants... wishes. The final battle didn't disappoint either. A lot of things seemed more so based on the imaginations of the kids and were played up in visual form, but you get into with the understanding that it's real... to them (based on previous examples of kids using their imagination in awesome ways). This film essentially wraps things up with Craig coming into his own as the dots finally connect his past to his present as... Craig of the Creek. I also liked how this film connected Craig as the hero to the antagonist by way of him trying to cope with the move. I won't spoil it for you, so I'll leave it at that. There is plenty to enjoy in this film, I think it's well rounded, packed with quirky characters, and shows enough diversity to be appreciated by a variety of children + parents.

Visuals: The visuals in this film were solid, and they give depth in regards to the landscape and shading. It easy to get the feeling of being immersed in woods that the creek runs through because the artist did a great job of making the atmosphere feel the way it should. It's not flat as if the environment is always tucked in the background, the characters interact with it in multiple ways. The image below gives you an idea of what I mean. The animations were nice too, especially when it comes to the creek kids... simply based on things they were pretending to be. The kids battling with the bugs and the frog is a prime example, but the final battle was probably the best in terms of animation (second would be the fight on the ship in my opinion). This isn't to say there aren't any other good animated sequences, because there are... but these stood out to me the most.

Audio: In terms of audio, I watched Craig Before The Creek with the 1More Open Earbuds S50. When I saw the 5.1 surround, I was like... hmmmm. I highly recommend watching with surround sound speakers or a nice pair of headphones. The sound engineer ensured that listeners were able to get a nice experience by delivering a decent spatial audio experience. Everything wasn't served up this way, but there is enough to appreciate what was delivered for the surround sound experience. You could hear the various kids in the environment coming from different angles, the sound effects were solid, and the final battle didn't disappoint. Craig Before The Creek is available in Dolby Digital: English 5.1.

Price: Pricewise, you can get Craig Before The Creek on DVD for... $19.98 as listed online, but you can pre-order for $16.98... here. A poster was included in my copy, which may come in your copy, but... since it's not listed I can't say that it's guaranteed. Craig Before The Creek is available on DVD... March 26, 2024! (Pre-orders available now, don't miss out on the discount.)

Story 5

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

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The Portable Door... Mini Review!

After watching "The Portable Door," I have to say that it's a magical story that is semi-well-rounded and worth watching, despite falling short in terms of action. The film tries to be interesting, but sometimes it comes off as downright weird. Although certain characters are presented as sinister, it ultimately feels like fluff, and a missed opportunity to explore more depth in the plot. Sadly, there were numerous missed opportunities.

Nonetheless, the film is visually pleasing, thanks to a variety of camera angles used throughout. While some scenes may feel bland, the grocery store scene is a standout example of how the film can bring color and excitement to the screen. The audio is also well done, especially the sound effect of the portable door appearing and disappearing.

The icing on the cake is the price of the film. For anyone with an Amazon Prime subscription, "The Portable Door" is included in the package, which is a great deal for fantasy adventure enthusiasts. Overall, I would recommend giving it a watch.

I would give "The Portable Door" a 3.5 out of 5.

Sophima

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Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas... Reviewed!

This film has been provided for our review and my opinions are my own.

Story: As someone who isn't particularly fond of musicals, Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas is a fun made-for-tv film that captures the essence of the holiday season. The movie offers a modern twist on a traditional musical, taking place backstage during the production of a network TV special. That's the focus. It's a heartwarming story that features Dolly Parton as the lead actress, showcasing her talent as both a singer and an actress.

What I particularly enjoyed about the film was the balance between the frenetic scenes backstage and the performances showcased in front of the camera. The contrast between the two served to highlight the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a successful production. Dolly Parton's performance was exceptional, and she was able to hold her own alongside the special guests. Dolly Parton's sisters are also featured in the film. I'm not as familiar with Dolly Parton's work, I know of her but I like her personality. She delivers humor in an unconscious way, in my opinion.

I must admit that I was skeptical when I saw that Miley Cyrus was part of the cast, but I was pleasantly surprised by her performance. She played her role well, and I found myself digesting her scenes easily. I feel like she became Madonna Jr. without the catalog to match, so this is where the skepticism comes form.

I think this film would've been great with Amanda Bynes in her prime as one of the more comedic additions to the film. Where is Amanda Bynes? I must say that I miss seeing her on TV and in Films.

Anyway, one of the things that I appreciated most about Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas was the message it conveyed. The film takes viewers on a somewhat familiar journey with Dolly Parton and the Three Wise Men, showcasing her past, present, and future. Through her experiences, Dolly is able to help others understand the true magic of Christmas and to rediscover their inner child.

I think that the film's underlying message is especially important in today's fast-paced world. Many of us are so busy with work and responsibilities that we forget to take a step back and appreciate the simple joys of life. Children, on the other hand, are able to connect with the magic of the holidays in a way that adults often can't. By tapping into our own memories and experiences, we can rediscover that sense of wonder and joy that we often lose as we grow older. It sounds cheesy, I know, but I really do believe this.

Fun Fact: Dolly Parton also has a film titled "A Smoky Mountain Christmas".

Visuals: Cinematography and production design work in harmony to create this warm holiday film. The picturesque landscapes, adorned with cozy holiday decorations, transport viewers to a world of winter wonder. The attention to detail in the set design and costumes adds an extra layer of cheer, making the scenes visually cohesive.

While the special effects are not the film's primary focus, they are utilized effectively to magnify the movie's magical elements. The editing is seamless, allowing us to transition effortlessly between the magical moments, heigtening the overall experience.

Audio: When it comes to the sound effects, they work well for the film. This isn't an area that I focus greatly on, but the film features Dolby Digital 5.1. The music is amusing for fans of musicals of different age groups, but as someone who doesn't watch a lot of musicals, I think I did well. There were some songs that I found to be fun and enjoyable.

Price: Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas is available for $14.42 on DVD, and $6.99 on Digital. Digital will make this available for immediate enjoyment the closer we get to Christmas!

Dollywood fans will enjoy the bonus feature: A Holiday with Dolly! The Making of Mountain Magic Christmas. It's like a behind the scenes feature showing the making of a film about the behind the scenes world of making the show... in this film. I had to add that in here. -  Blu 

Overall, I would highly recommend Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas to anyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting film to enjoy during the holiday season. The film's lively cast, catchy music, and cheerful message make it a must-see movie for those looking to amp up their Christmas spirit. This film is recommended for audiences 13+.

Story 4

Visuals 4

Audio 4

Price 5

4.25 out of 5 Cool Points

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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Barbie Movie 2023... Reviewed!

This movie was supplied for the purpose of review. My opinions are my own.

Let's begin this review of the Barbie movie by saying that it started off on a high note. It was spotless and I anticipated being transported into a captivating fantasy world where extraordinary dolls came to life on the big screen. In that sense, my expectations were met.

However, the 2023 film took an unexpected left turn down Feminism Lane and swiftly veered onto Misandry Highway when a real-life woman named Gloria (portrayed by America Ferrera) projected her personal issues onto Barbie, infiltrating the realm of toys. There could've been a bit more creativity injected into the story to round it out for me, like the introduction of a rival brand by Gloria but there was nothing of the sort; it was simply the desire to alter Barbie, and Ken was just there to represent men as mindless creeps. This transforms the movie into something that quickly turns me off.

This chain of events led Barbie to venture into the real world in an attempt to reclaim her idyllic existence in the toy realm. Ken, sneaking into the vehicle, accompanied her on this adventure, only to find themselves thrust into a world seemingly dominated by men. I was perplexed at how a company created by a woman found itself dominated by men, were they hired by her or did they come in and just take over?

In a world of playthings, the initial focus was on empowering girls to become capable women, with men serving as an afterthought. You can be capable, and you owe it to no one to be enamored with them, but this movie is messy. It took female empowerment on a ride into feminism toward the battle between Misandry and Misogyny after Ken got a taste of what he saw in the real world. I do feel obligated to highlight that even the all-male management team of Barbie didn't care about Ken either. The only place he felt like he belonged was in the make-believe world with his perception of what the real world was.

The end result conveyed the importance of embracing one's true self, a message I wholeheartedly support. However, the journey to reach this point was rather chaotic. This film seems to cater primarily to feminists and men who align with feminist ideals. While it may not have the power to significantly influence someone's beliefs, it certainly takes a provocative approach rather than a persuasive one.

I really felt that Gloria could have introduced a competing brand that challenged the world of Barbie in a satisfying way. Despite my appreciation for the stunning visuals, and audio, I doubt I would choose to watch this movie again. This isn't a movie for girls if you don't want them to view Barbie in a lens beyond fun and imagination. Often children are forced into adulthood before the legal age by adults who want them to feel how they feel. It continues an unhealthy trend. Despite the overall message, this movie was unsatisfying at best.

Barbie is available for Blu-Ray + Digital, DVD, and in 4K for deep discounts.

Story 1

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 2

3.25 out of 5 Cool Points

See More: Barbie Movie 2023... Yang's Thoughts!

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Blue Beetle... Reviewed!

Special thanks to WB for supplying a copy of this film to review, our opinions are our own.

To start off, I must say that Blue Beetle offers an enjoyable movie experience. The filmmakers' evident passion and dedication to the source material shine through once you see the special features (then you make connections if you aren't familiar with the comic book series. Their goal was to create a superhero adventure that stands out from the rest while staying true to the original comic as much as possible. In many ways, they have succeeded, introducing us to Jaime Reyes, a Latino superhero taking on the mantle of Blue Beetle (played by actor Xolo Maridueña from the Kobra Kai TV series). Is the movie worth the purchase? Well, let's find out.

Story: In this film, we follow Jaime, a recent college graduate who is on a quest to find his purpose and a fulfilling career in Palmera City. Little does he know that his path will take an unexpected turn when he comes in contact with the Scarab, an ancient relic of alien biotechnology, which transforms him into the Blue Beetle.

While the film has its merits, it does have one notable flaw that lies in certain acting performances, which can be attributed to the writing and directing. Susan Sarandon's portrayal of the main antagonist, Victoria Kord, comes across as somewhat... cheesy and unconvincing. It feels as though she is trying too hard to embody the role of a formidable baddy but falls short of hitting the mark. It serves as a reminder that the quality of acting should take precedence over the fame of the actor. The actor (Raoul Max Trujillo) who played Carapax... owned it.

It would've proven more effective if she were the boss who harbored bitterness from past events, unaware that a secret was brewing within the company that she unconsciously was being used for. It would have been a surprising twist if she wasn't directing Carapax's actions, but more so the spark that justified the outcome. This would have made her character more authentic and their relationship more genuine... with a twist. Unfortunately, her wannabe cold-hearted nature could have been better portrayed in this approach over trying to be the big bad boss that falls short. While the director shares some blame, Victoria Kord comes off as a sassy manager. Dr. Sanchez could've been the one pulling the strings or working for Carapax in my opinion.

On the other hand, Jaime's grandmother showed promise, but the action scenes lacked oomph and could have been executed more effectively. The responsibility for this lies with the writer and director. I understand the desire to maintain a bit of comedy with select characters, but it felt like serious scenes with a touch of... Spy Kids during some of them (not to say it was bad, but it was a bit... wonky). 

The director struck again during a vital scene with Milagro Reyes (played by Belissa Escobedo) and her father that shifted the focus onto something less significant than what occurred shortly after with the family's home. This had nothing to do with the acting. All it would've taken was for Milagro to look at their home and then hug her father because the biggest concern was already at play. I believe this won't spoil the scene, but it gives you an idea of how simple it could have been to fix this weird moment.

Despite its flaws, the interactions between Jaime and his family add a lot of warmth to the film, making it a standout feature. It almost felt like a sitcom on the big screen, and that's a positive aspect. Without his family, the movie would have lacked an essential element and would have felt dull. Their chemistry and relationships create a perfect combination and are a significant strength of the film.

The cliffhanger ending of the movie leaves a lot to ponder. It hints at a potential sequel, but it's safe and may leave audiences unsure of the future. I feel like a sequel is justified for the simple fact that the Blue Beetle just got started, and we should be able to see him living the life of a full-fledged Superhero.

By the way, I have to give it to Rudy Reyes (played by George Lopez). He captured the unofficial sidekick role well even though many could fill these shoes in one way or another. He was utilized well, though his paranoia could have played a deeper role by way of doing things to confirm his suspicions. Maybe this would have opened the door that tied the grandmother's backstory in more because his uncle would have seen and heard things. 

There is always room in a sequel to dive deeper now that this film has taken flight, but we shall see.

Visuals: Visually, Blue Beetle is stunning, with impressive angles and visually pleasing shots. The city is vibrant, and the special effects were on point. 

Audio: The audio was also solid, although the theme music lacks something. All the music in that film, and that's the theme that they landed on? It's a short unfulfilling loop. I would've preferred a Latin hip-hop flare or something. There was enough playing in the film, so why not some theme music that borrowed from it?

Audio: Dolby Atmos TrueHD & Dolby Digital. While it doesn't show surround sound, it's there... don't worry (at least in 5.1 CH), and it enhances the experience.

Price + Special Features: Pricewise, you can get the Blue Beetle in 4K for $29.96, on Blu-Ray + Digital for $24.96 (best value), and DVD for $19.96. The movie ships October 31, 2023!

Special Features:

Blue Beetle Generations: Origins, Production Begins, In Full Flight and A Hero's World

Scarab Vision: Episode 1: Initiation and Episode 2: Mastery

Blue Beetle's Nana Knows Best

All in all, Blue Beetle is an intriguing superhero film, with an engaging plot and endearing characters. It has its flaws, but it's still a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

Story 3

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price + Features 5

4.5 out of 5 Cool Points

 + Sophima 

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Blue Beetle | Jaime Reyes | Book One