Wednesday... Reviewed!

Shout out to Warner Bros Discovery for providing a copy of this show to review. My opinions are my own.

Right out of the gate, this show gained my interest thinking it was going to place Wednesday and Pugsley in a high school setting that challenged them to navigate through token school life, but then things shifted after something entertaining occurred. Does it hold up from this point? Let's find out.

Story: So that... thing that Wednesday pulled off at school to avenge Pugsley got her the boot, but not the students who kicked it all off (you know how that usually goes)... but her move to a new school took her from the ordinary to the abnormal via Nevermore Academy.

Wednesday goes into this season with smoke for her parents. It mainly seems like it's aimed at her mom (Morticia), but... her dad is getting that work as well. She seems to be a rebel with... causes she feels is noble. She doesn't believe in being a housewife, which I was like... is this going to be one of those show that revolves around that type of narrative with an Addams Family theme wrapped around it. It definitely remains tucked in the show... but it isn't oversaturated to the point that it commandeers the show. Thank goodness. A message is one thing, using it as a crutch instead of showcasing originality is something else... and Tim Burton didn't allow his name to be fuel for a dumpster fire.

But yeah... Wednesday doesn't just have a problem with that type of notion, she also doesn't believe in social media, she doesn't believe in cell phones... and just seems to be anti-anything that she feels would annoy her (which isn't far off from Wednesday). It's carried as a badge of honor by Wednesday to represent that she doesn't allow others to define her.

I would've loved to see how things played out at the traditional school, but the deeper I got into the various chapters... the show got even better. I don't really see the comedy aspect (unless it's dry dark comedy... until the family graces the screen), but the mystery... yes! I'd even call it a thriller to an extent as Wednesday tries to find the truth about a book that dates back centuries... and appears to be tied to the Addams family and their history in Jericho. The past doesn't just tie in Wednesday's ancestor, but also her dad... (Gomez) who had the local sheriff convinced that he was a killer.

So you have that aspect placing them opposite sides, plus the drama that takes place at the academy and Jericho in general. It almost feels like a cross up between The Outsider + Star Girl + Bones... featuring Thing. I was actually trying to see if Thing was doing sign language, which in part he was... and fun fact, it's a form of ASL that I use (called Signed English). Signed English is finger spelling with one hand but at a fast past that allows you to hold a conversation (with deaf individuals and the hearing impaired).

Overall, this is a really good show, despite the pace picking up closer to the finale. With over 6 billion minutes poured into the show in its first five days, it's safe to say that others feel similar outside of curious viewers (who watch the trending suggestions).

Fun fact: This is Netflix's most popular English TV series of all time. That's the power of flexing your creativity in a way that viewers appreciate.

Visuals: Visually speaking, you get a lot of dark vivid scenes in this film. They're broken up with the sunny days around town, but certain areas still deliver that darkness despite the sun shining. This show captures plenty of mid shots, closeups, with low angles and high angles tucked in (i.e. the balcony scene involving Gomez, Principal Larissa, and others). One of my favorite shots was Wednesday and a classmate climbing into the spiraled cave. I won't say anymore about that, but it was a nice angle.

Audio: Wednesday is served up in DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as Dolby Digital 5.1. 

I listened with both surround sound speakers and... 1More S50s. The quality audio makes this series even better, and it's easy to point out the sounds when the action kicks up... but subtle sounds like Lurch walking across the floor or Thing breaking someone out of a cop car sounds great too. Proper placement and quality sounds go such a long way and I appreciated what was done here. I watched the finally a few times just to hear it over again, especially when all hell broke lose and things got a little... electrifying (that sounded sweet on the headphones).

Price: Price: Pricewise you can get... Wednesday on DVD for $24.98 & $29.98 on Blu-Ray. Is it worth it? Yes, you get multiple elements that give you the feel of a thrill ride to a degree, plus the mystery aspect, plus the love interest(s) that some viewers crave even if Wednesday doesn't exactly know how to show it in a way we deem normal, but... she's an Addams (what can ya can about it, huh?). You get over 480 minutes in the 2-disc Blu-ray that serve up 8 well-rounded episodes that feel like a long movie. These episodes move you closer to the finale with ease... because they're easy to binge watch thanks to the cliffhangers. The ending also leaves the door open for another season. Personally, I would've celebrated the success of the first season with a special edition disc that included a Thing keychain.

Story 5

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

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Static Shock: The Hero w/ Room for a Motion Picture Franchise!

Static Shock has been a beloved character for decades, and supporters of Milestone are still waiting for Warner Bros to believe in Virgil Hawkins enough to... finally... bring him to the big screen. There was a time when the stars were aligning by way of a joint production between Warner Bros & (Michael B. Jordan's production company) Outlier Society, but we haven't seen anything as far as In Development/Pre-Production. Outlier Society's pending product "The Greatest" begins shooting several days into... January 2024. When it comes to information from the FTIA, Static Shock is nowhere to be found, and the biggest news DC-related are previous movies coming to Netflix on December 1st. Been there... done that! What's new?

Static Shock isn't part of the traditional DC Universe, he's from Milestone... now it's time for a new milestone by way of a live-action film. The character has a unique backstory and powers that would make for an exciting and fresh addition to the superhero film genre. Having another Black superhero in a major motion picture would be a welcomed addition, not only because the world won't end if there are more than 1 or 2 in their own feature film... but because the audience is there. An audience that consists of people from various backgrounds and communities, but also the Black community's superhero fans, comic book lovers, cosplayers, gamers, and so on who want the variety. 

Black Panther was amazing, and we can't overlook the love Miles Morales gets by way of his animated films (stay tuned for "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse"). Oh yeah... wait... wait... wait... I can't forget about Blade. You know the katana-wielding vampire hunter with the strength of the bloodsuckers with none of their weaknesses beyond that shared thirst? Yeah him, the character that pulled Marvel out of the clutches of ruin. Speaking of ruin, they'd better not screw up this new Blade film. Wesley Snipes would've been the first person I called to help shape it into the film that audiences love (and October would be the month I'd release it in theaters). That would make sense to me, not this weird desire to hire people who seemingly run multi-million dollar projects into the ground, but... I digress.

Warner Bros has solid examples of why this would likely win, and if I were them I'd strike while Marvel is scrambling to get it together. As long as the script makes sense.

While it's understandable that studios may be hesitant to take risks on lesser-known characters, I believe that Static Shock could do better than... Shazam! Audiences are open to new and diverse stories. Static Shock has a built-in fan base from the animated series that aired in the early 2000s and the comic books.

They could literally start Static off in school, and give him room to grow into an adult with abilities that electrify audiences. This can be done over time. Make two films, let it breathe, and then come back. Rinse and repeat.

In short, Warner Bros would be making a huge mistake by denying Static Shock a chance at a motion picture release (in my opinion). It's time to give this character the recognition and platform he deserves and see what kind of impact he can make on the superhero film landscape.

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Succession: The Complete Series... Reviewed!

I would like to thank, Warner Bros for sending this product. My opinions are my own.

Story: "Succession" is a masterclass in television drama. The show follows the lives of the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful media dynasty, as they navigate the ups and downs of their empire and personal relationships. 

From the very first episode, the show captures your attention with its quick-witted dialogue, complex characters, and expertly crafted plot. Each episode is filled with twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the family dynamic changes and alliances are tested.

The themes of power, family, and loyalty are explored in great depth throughout the series, as we watch the members of the Roy family struggle to maintain their status and influence. The tone of the show is darkly comedic, highlighting the absurdities and hypocrisies of the ultra-wealthy, yet it never fails to leave a lingering sense of unease.

The acting is superb across the board, with standout performances from Brian Cox as patriarch Logan Roy, Jeremy Strong as his troubled son Kendall, and Sarah Snook as the ambitious and cunning Siobhan. The ensemble cast is truly exceptional, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles.

While "Succession" may not be for everyone, those who appreciate intelligent and thought-provoking drama will find themselves drawn into this world and invested in the Roy family's journey. The show demands your attention and rewards it with stunning performances, complex characters, and a gripping storyline. Simply put, "Succession" is some of the best television out there today.

Although I enjoyed watching the drama, I realized that I wanted to consume positive and uplifting content afterward to balance things out.

Visuals: The direction and cinematography are equally impressive, with a keen eye for detail and framing that elevates the show's stunning production design. I have one critique, there should have been a Blu-ray option!

Although "Succession" effectively portrays the challenges of the industry, it seems that someone overlooked the fact that HD resolution should be the targeted quality for the release.

Audio: The score is haunting and moody, perfectly capturing the show's brooding atmosphere.

Succession: The Complete Series, features Dolby Digital English 5.1

Price + Extras: Succession: The Complete Series delivers 39 episodes, and over 2 hours of bonus content. Bonus content includes, Inside the Episode Featurettes, Character Recaps, Cast and Crew Interviews, and Much More. 

DVD | $89.99 SRP ($79.99 Canada). 

Runtime: 650 Minutes or 10 hours and 50 minutes

Story 5

Visuals 3

Audio 5

Price + Extras 5

4.5 out of 5 Cool Points

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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Tom and Jerry: Snowman's Land... Reviewed!

Shout out to Warner Bros for sending over a copy of this movie for review. My opinions are my own.

Story: Tom and Jerry: Snowman's Land is a Christman story about the legendary frienemies, Tom and Jerry. The duo finds themselves in the town of Goodberry, next to Mt. Felicity, which is a mountain said to have magical snow (keep this in mind).

The opening scene gives you a brief description of the location, before ushering you into the cat vs mouse action as Tom and Jerry go head to head from rival toy stores positioned directly across the street from each other.

Shortly after all hell breaks lose mainly at the hands of Tom, we're introduced to the toy store owners. You have Doctor Doublevay as Tom's owner and Mrs. LePage as Tom's owner. Of course, Tom's owner isn't the nicest guy in the world and has a nasty desire to destroy Mrs. LePage's store for his desired plans. Mrs. LePage's toys are a little more on the traditional side and require a little more imagination.

Jerry's nephew Tuffy is also featured in this film, and his main focus is working on his magic. Jerry disapproves because of the destruction it usually causes. This sent Tuffy for a sad stroll that led him to getting his hands on some snow and creating a snow mouse that resembled the Snowbuds being sold by Mrs. LePage. As seen on the cover, the snow mouse came to life.

Larry the snow mouse is... interesting. He's a comedian, and though he isn't packaged to be a bad guy, he's a bit of a smart alec who will take a shot if he sees the opportunity to make a joke, A few times, I was like damn that's messed up. So you have that element, but you also had some comedy from special guests like Butch and music numbers.

It wasn't just the versus action going on in Goodberry, they took the act on the road as Jerry, Tuffy, and Larry took a road trip after a certain event. There was always this pending doom for Larry based on him being made of snow, so they set off on an adventure that your family is sure to enjoy this holiday season. There is plenty of action to keep you interested along with comedy that's nicely placed throughout.

Con: There's one part of this movie though that had me like, did they really have to put that crap in this film? Parents and Guardians may want to beware of the scene when Tuffy brings Larry to life, because Tuffy faints, and after he opened his eyes Larry kisses him on the lips to "help" him. Larry could've tapped his cheek or something to wake him up, followed by a little hug or an innocent peck on the cheek to rejoice (at the most), but instead... you have a character molded to look like an adult character planting a kiss on a character in a diaper. Warner Bros should consider redoing that small section for a 2023 rerelease, because... WTF? It's like a 10-second section from Chapter 3.

So if you grab a copy of this film, you may want to be careful and skip to Chapter 4, the part where Jerry was cleaning or have your kids close their eyes. This is the only time it occurred, but that doesn't mean it doesn't affect the experience, and it sucks... because it's a great movie outside of that.

Visuals: This movie has the standard made-for-TV visuals that you'd expect from a Tom and Jerry show outside of explosions.

Audio: Tom and Jerry: Snowman's Land is delivered in Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, which didn't really grab my attention regarding anything specific (i.e. special effects). You do get the singing throughout the film, which i'm not always big on singing in movies, but... there was a comedic twist here.

Price + Extras:  Pricewise, Tom and Jerry: Snowman's Land... comes in at $19.99 SRP, though you can get the hook up using the links in this review. It's not a bad price, and you have extras.

Extras on this DVD include:

• Snowbrawl
• Ho Ho Horror
• The Plight Before Christmas

Story 5*

Visuals 5*

Audio 5

Price 5

Could have been a 5 out of 5 Cool Points, it was so close, but that con was something I couldn't shake off.

Cool Points 5

Con - 2
____________

3 out of 5 Cool Points

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Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm... Reviewed!

Many thanks to Warner Bros for a copy of this film, my opinions are my own.

The movie intro will have you bobbing your head with music by... Run The Jewels, but does it ultimately have what it takes to hold my interest from beginning to end? Let's find out!

Story: Needless to say, Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm... started off action-packed and in crazy Aqua Teen fashion with Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad in space (dun dun duunnnn). They're fighting Carl in their opening scene after he turned into this spider-like alien creature. It was super creepy, and after taking on alien Carl and his babies, quick wits allow the team to come out on top.

The main film sort of began after that explosive intro. There's a bit of backstory that I'll leave to you to check out, and I'll... fast-forward to where the trio is today. Let's just say they're living very different lives. Frylock is working in tech, Meatwad works at a Kennel, and Master Shake is... homeless.

The story is centered around the Aqua Teens, but it also focuses more so on Frylock's interaction with his boss, Neil. Neil has a complex based on his height, and he's obsessed with being taller. He invested all sorts of money in his pursuit to be tall, but his head of R&D at Amazin continued to hit a wall, until... Frylock (aka Phoenix) stepped in. You can see the frustration mounting in Elmer as he continued to get belittled and ignored by Neil until things came to a head and he became a plant monster.

Even though the story is focused on Frylock's employment and how things play out in the film, you don't feel like Meatwad and Master Shake are being neglected. They have their own situations to deal with, but I thought it was awesome the way the story was written for them to come back together. They were sort of forced to come back together, but I didn't mind the reunion happening the way it did. Speaking of... reunions, familiar faces certainly make a return, and even Shawn Kemp appears in a few scenes.

One thing I didn't care for was certain scenes being deleted or fast-forwarded through by the Mooninites. The team aimed to be clever with this, and for some of the scenes it worked... for me, but for others, I wanted to see more of the battle that the Aqua Teens were in (minus Frylock).

Overall, I enjoyed the story and felt that it was weird but well-rounded for the most part. Most Aqua Teen fans will probably enjoy this one and expect the ending to play out the way it did, but I'll let you be the judge of that. If you're wondering if there's a good chunk of dark humor in this movie, it's safe to assume you're right! We don't recommend kids being in attendance to watch this film at all.

Visuals: Visually speaking, you can tell that the team added some oomph to this film. Animations are smoother than what I've seen on the standard show, plus you have shading here and there to show more depth and make the characters look a lot less flat. There will be some flat action going on here, but it will totally be intentional.

I don't know what I'd do if I saw something like this in reality.

Audio: The audio is quite nice in this movie, and they make good use of the surround sound. You don't constantly get shifting sounds with the 5.1 Dolby Digital, but when it's done... you notice. When Markula arrived on the scene... when Carl was vandalizing his property, I looked around the office because of the bat sounds.

Price + Extras: Pricewise, Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm... comes in at $39.99 SRP for the 4K Ultra HD version and $29.98 for the Blu-Ray version. The 4K version comes with standard Blu-Ray + a Digital Copy, and if you luck up... you will also be able to get a copy that comes packaged with a poster of the cover art. Is this movie worth the price? For Aqua Teen fans? Heck yeah, but click the link and save at least $12... here! (What's crazy is that I'm not a huge Aqua Teen fan, but... I've watched this a few times because I like the movie and it flowed well.)

*If you end up getting it, you will save more by getting the 4K version, because it's only a few more bucks (check out both versions to see for yourself). 

By the way, I can't forget about the additional extras:

• Deleted Scenes
• Commentary
• Music Video
• Alternate Cut
• Behind the Scenes

 

Story 5

Visuals 4

Audio 5

Price 4

4.5 out of 5 Cool Points

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