Classic Reviews: The Wizard of Oz (SPOILERS)

There's No Place Like Home...

It is beloved by many as an all-time classic. Really, what more can be said? I remember watching The Wizard of Oz often with my family and how I walked along a path with my sister and cousin uttering "lions and tigers and bears oh my!" over and over before my dad jumped out from behind a tree roaring like a lion! Yeah, I, like so many others I imagine, have very fond memories of this film. That being said, I do recall finding it a little cheesy and as such was concerned my enjoyment of the film would be hampered substantially because of that. To my surprise, I not only found it enjoyable once again, but actually appreciate it even more for being so easy at putting a smile on my face. In short, there's a reason The Wizard of Oz is still beloved to this very day, and here's why:

UPS

1. The characters. Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and so on and so forth...everyone knows them, everyone loves them. Each one of them is iconic and memorable for their own little reason, and all of them are important to keep the story moving forward. Of course, the standout for me is and always will be the Wicked Witch of the West. Everyone knows a good villain will always be a standout and the Witch is a picture-perfect example of that being the case.
2. The songs. They range from beautiful and somber like "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to joyous and whimsical like "You're off to see the Wizard." One thing I noticed about the songs in this viewing ("Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and all variations of "If I Only" in particular) is how they pretty much encapsulate the character arcs each member of the main group goes through. So not only are they iconic on a technical level, but they now hold thematic resonance in relation to the story, and that makes them more meaningful to me.  
3. The blend of black and white and color. I can't even begin to imagine how jaw-dropping this must've been for audiences back when this movie first premiered. Still to this day, the way it's so seamlessly put together is an achievement that will not ever go unnoticed. 
4. The overall message. Maybe a little dated in some aspects by today's standards, but I think the core point can still resonate with everyone. Over the course of the movie, Dorothy has been wondering, hoping, praying for this perfect place that she can run off to and be appreciated for being herself, the place over the rainbow so to speak. Of course, by the end, she realizes that not only did she have what she was looking for all along, but she also made a new family along the way. It really goes to show that no matter what you do or where you go, you are never alone in the journey you embark on, and you should always appreciate the things and people who are in your life, because at the end of the day, there really is no place like home. 

DOWNS

There's really nothing significant that brought the film down for me. 

OVERALL

The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic. I feel like it'll be one of those films that will somehow be viewed by families for generations to come, long after my life ends if may be so bold.

RATING: 9/10 - A

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way and take care till then :)

Classic Reviews: Seven Samurai (SPOILERS)

In the end, we lost this battle too...

It's one of those films that ranks at the top for many people, so there was much anticipation once I finally got around to checking out this beloved classic. I am proud to say that I am eternally grateful to have finally gotten the chance to experience this magnificent film. Seven Samurai is one of those rare films that makes something work out of almost everything. Let's get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. The runtime. When you have a movie that clocks in at over three hours long, you'd hope there would be a reason to justify that. Fortunately, this film is one that benefits from such a runtime. Kurosawa had a grand and epic story to tell and I'm impressed that he was able to tell that story as fully and completely as he did. Because of the runtime, almost everything in this movie feels fleshed out and developed to its most natural place. Case in point...
2. The Samurai. Each of these men are given ample time for the spotlight. We spend enough time with each of them to get a sense of who they are and therefore feel for them as they bond with the villagers, each other, and reflect upon everything leading them to where they are now. Of course, if I had to pick a standout, it would no doubt be Kikuchiyo, whose character could've easily been reduced to comic relief yet instead is balanced with enough complexity to make him, in my opinion, one of the greatest characters in all of film history. Likewise, the rant he has which reveals his backstory is one of the finest scenes in any film I have seen. 
3. How everything concludes. What should feel like a relatively happy ending instead borders on being a downer because even though the bandits are defeated, a majority of the Samurai die and the ones who remain really have nothing left to show for it. As the quote above states, they lost the battle too, and that makes for a really powerful ending to a grand and epic tale. 

DOWNS

1. As excellent as most aspects of this film are, the romance subplot was something I just could not invest myself in. For me, it doesn't do anything to propel the characters who are at the center of it. While it does have an unconventional resolution, this was my least favorite part and because of everything that the film achieved, it glaringly sticks out. 

OVERALL

Seven Samurai is, as you probably guessed, a film that deserves all the praise it gets. Akira Kurosawa put in a lot of heart and soul to craft a film that will be cherished by many for generations to come. If you have not seen it, please do so.

RATING: 9/10 - A

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way and take care till then :)

Star Wars The Clone Wars: The Final Season (SPOILERS)

To a dark place, this line of thought will carry us...

A long, long time ago, a piece of this franchise had a home on Cartoon Network. Following a shaky start with a not-so stellar theatrical film, The Clone Wars was a show that, like all the great ones, evolved over time. What started as a fun little episodic series bridging the gap between Episodes II and III became a show that dealt with themes that were deeper and darker, even for Star Wars, all the while addressing some of the pitfalls in the trilogy that spawned it. Simply put, this became a treasured item to the Star Wars fandom before not one, but two cancellations as George Lucas signed over the rights to the House of Mouse. While its initial six-season run was something that would always be cherished, it was only natural for the fandom to crave the true conclusion that they expected. For a time, it seemed to be only a dream...until finally, after so long, The Clone Wars returned for one last season! That being said, was it really worth the wait? When things like this happen, it could be crushed under the weight of the hype. Thankfully, the final season of The Clone Wars, while not without its pitfalls, was everything I wanted and more. Now let's get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. The animation and music. The good thing about having this hiatus was that the crew was able to produce all the episodes with the most up-to-date technology, and boy does it show! The last four episodes in particular are just filled to the brim with gorgeous animation and breathtaking music. I mean, that Ahsoka/Maul lightsaber duel, anyone? Or the final moment where Ahoska and Rex built a memorial for their fallen brothers? Or the moment where Order 66 is commenced? Speaking of which...
2. The Siege of Mandalore Arc. This...this right here....is what the whole series was building towards and the whole reason having the final season be released was such a joy to behold. It seemed inevitable, but unlikely, that we would get a whiff of the series addressing the events of Revenge of the Sith. Not only are the events addressed, but they coincide with what happens in this arc, which means that we get to see events like Order 66 happen from the perspective of characters like Ahsoka, Rex, and Maul. This makes for an even more satisfying and powerful conclusion and man, that final scene, a truly perfect way to cap off this series. 

DOWNS

1. The first two arcs, while not bad, are nothing special. This pertains more to the "Martez Sisters" arc than "The Bad Batch" one, but both feel so separate from the last arc that it only felt fair to mention them here. "The Bad Batch" arc was a fun little arc that saw the return of Echo, which is no doubt a plus, but having a tone similar to that of the first few seasons while premiering during the final season just made it feel out of place. "The Martez Sisters" arc, on the other hand, just had no reason to be four episodes long, even if it addressed the whereabouts of Ahsoka and offered a different perspective of the Jedi. This could've easily been condensed into two or three episodes so that time could be spent on another arc that was developed but never saw the light of day.

OVERALL

Star Wars: The Clone Wars concluded with a bang despite a rather rocky start. That last arc was no doubt some of the best storytelling that this franchise has produced in years. I hope that Dave Filoni will continue to be an active voice in pushing the franchise forward.

RATING: 8/10 - B+

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way :)

Onward (SPOILERS)

Uh Oh, It's Magic...

The film industry has taken a heavy beating this year. While hopefully things will be able to bounce back for the most part, there's no doubt that the road to recovery is a long way ahead. Pixar's Onward is one of those films that has been affected by the Coronavirus, with a short-lived theater release before moving straight to Disney+. Judging from that statement, I bet you can guess how I was able to see this movie. Pixar is one of those studios that will offer some of the best family-friendly entertainment there is simply because the studio crafts stories that not only provide fun for the whole family, but also take risks and are rich with themes that resonate with everyone. That being said, not every feature can be Toy Story or Up, and they're have been some less than stellar entries that border on being downright forgettable. With how this one was positioned, it seemed we were gonna be faced with the latter. For me, I find it in the middle. It's not top-tier Pixar, but I still find it very enjoyable and a movie that has a very profound and moving story. Now let's see what makes Onward work and what doesn't:

UPS

1. Tom Holland and Chris Pratt. Frankly put, this paring is a dream come true. They hold a great dynamic that stands as the heart of the film. While I have issues with how the film tackles their relationship, Holland and Pratt's chemistry still shines bright and if they ever make a live-action movie where the two are cast as brothers, I would totally check it out.
2. The film moves at a pretty reasonable pace. While that comes at the cost of some solid worldbuilding and potential character drama, it does help to keep the film engaging and immerse you in the quest that the brothers share. It never felt stretched out or overstayed its welcome, and that I think is worth a plus in the UP department for me. 
3. The ending. Simply put, this is what sets Onward above other Pixar entries that don't reach the levels set by more iconic entries. The whole film revolves around the brothers bringing back their father and that of course is where the emotion comes in. What makes the ending stand out however is that it actually manages to subvert expectations in a way that feels satisfying and impactful. It may not have been what I expected, but in the end, it packed the punch and for that it felt like a fitting end. 

DOWNS

1. The film's pace, while good for the movie, does cause a bit of trimming that I feel keeps the film from being something truly special. As mentioned before, the world that this film presents is so intricate and fascinating that I would have totally supported taking some time to explore it. Likewise, and most irritating of all, it seemed like the film was setting up tension between the brothers only to drop it as soon as it was introduced. Frankly, I don't think having this happen would elevate the film per se, but if the producers were going to take time to set it up, then they should have at least tried to commit to it, even if for a small chunk of the runtime. 

OVERALL

Onward is not one of my favorite Pixar films, but it's also nowhere close to being forgettable. In fact, I think this is one of those films that's ripe for a sequel. Should that happen, I'd definitely check it out.

RATING: 7/10 - B

And that's it for this post, guys. Stay safe out there and tune in for more coming your way :)

Better Call Saul: Season 5 (SPOILERS)

50% Off...

Ashamed as I am to admit it, I still haven't gotten around to watching Breaking Bad, something I will hopefully remedy now given our current circumstances. That being said, I have been a consistent follower of its spinoff prequel, and if Breaking Bad is anything like this, I know I'm in for a good ride. Better Call Saul is a show that, like its titular character, has experienced a gradual evolution as a series. With the conclusion of its penultimate fifth season, it has truly become something special. Let me get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. Jimmy's continual descent. Now taking on the mantle of Saul Goodman, we are really starting to see the sleazy lawyer we all know and love come into fruition. Despite that, there still is a little piece of Jimmy left in him, and that makes for compelling viewing that the writing and the ever dependable Bob Odenkirk make great use of. Now that Jimmy is sinking deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld, it'll be interesting to see what finally pushes him over the edge...and how this factors in to the flash forwards involving "Gene." However, what makes this season so memorable is that even though we are finally seeing Saul in action, it actually wasn't the most shocking and interesting development to happen. Case in point...
2. KIM WEXLER! This...this was not what I expected! At all! Am I complaining? Hell no! Throughout the series, Kim has always been the heart and the moral compass that kept the series grounded in reality. We watched her grow, struggle, and persevere. She was the shining light that brightened the day when things weren't going so well otherwise. Throughout this season, we really see that put to the test as her relationship with Jimmy is pushed to its breaking point. And still, we root for her, pray for her, wish that things will be okay for her...and then this happens. Yes, it seems like Kim is now one of the many characters in this franchise to, pardon the pun, break bad, and even more disturbing is that, if her plans for Howard are anything to go by, her schemes seem to be more vindictive and damaging to her soon-to-be victims. Really, when Jimmy becomes worried, you know we're gonna be in for a hell of a ride come the final season. 
3. How everything is starting to come together. Now that we are reaching the end, we are starting to see how this series will gradually lead Jimmy to where he ends up in Breaking Bad, and the results have been pretty exciting. Not only did the aforementioned, earth-shattering development occur, but we now have Lalo on a warpath after having just survived Gus' latest assassination attempt. And with everything he has seen and knows, I expect a lot of characters being in danger as we reach the final go-around. I don't know what to expect, given I actually expected Lalo to bite it in the finale, but man oh man, I am biting my nails in anticipation!

DOWNS

None of particular note.

OVERALL

Better Call Saul: Season 5 was a perfect penultimate season. It set the stage for the conclusion in a grand and exciting way. I can't wait to see what happens, and hopefully I'll be all caught up with Breaking Bad and El Camino beforehand. For now, though, I am so impressed with how far this show has come, and while I am sad to see it go, I just hope that when the final season does come along, it goes out on a high. 

RATING: 10/10 - A+

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune for more coming your way and till then, take care :)

In The Mind Of: BoJack Horseman (SPOILERS)

It's never too late to be the person you want to be...

Life can be hard and just downright suck at times. Still, it's always imperative to take it slow and never lose sight of what makes it all worth while. No one has to learn that more than this horseman hybrid right here. To say BoJack is complicated is putting it ever so mildly. Growing up with two incredibly abusive parents, BoJack knew nothing but toxicity for most of his life and, in going through the trials and tribulations of life, let that fester into something truly ugly. While he had shown signs of being genuinely loving and trustworthy, especially before he got a real taste of the Hollywoo(d) lifestyle, BoJack gradually devolved into a bitter, selfish, backstabbing, self-destructive, narcissistic asshole who only valued people as objects that would fill his constant need for validation and the empty void he feels he has, never caring once about their feelings or how his actions would lead them to suffer. To put it simply, it's hard not to paint BoJack as a utter piece of shit, but really there is so much more to him than that. So. Much. More.

Deep down, he is a truly broken individual, plagued by years of trauma and self-loathing. What makes it so painful is that there really is a good person buried within that jerkass exterior, but for every thing that he does to better himself, all it takes for BoJack to relapse is to fall under the pressure that comes with real, genuine change. By the end of the series, he hits a rock bottom that sees him pay a hefty sum, but instead of letting it bury him, he now believes he can use the experience to truly change his life for the better. Only time will tell if that really can happen.

BoJack Horseman is quite possibly my favorite fictional character of all time. I don't think I've ever found myself connecting to a character the way I do with BoJack. I'm sure we all can relate to him in some way. Throughout the whole series, I really hoped, even prayed, for him to be the person I know he could be. While the answer to that wasn't so clear cut, I have a very (if slightly cautious) optimistic feeling that he can now finally find the peace he deserves. After all,

Sometimes life is a bitch, then you keep living...

And that's it for this post, guys! I hope you're all staying happy, healthy, and safe during these tumultuous and uncertain times we are currently living in. Just remember to always keep your head up. You guys will get through this. And as always, tune in for more posts coming your way :)