Marvel Television

Wandavision – Season One

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Original release date:  Episode 1 aired January 15, 2021 / Rating: TV-14 / Length: Eight episodes, 29 to 49 minutes per episode

Review:

Before I even start, let’s lay down the basics… there are spoilers here. Lots of them. Maybe they spoil a Marvel movie you haven’t seen yet. Maybe they spoil beginning episodes. Maybe they spoil major character development. If you haven’t watched Wandavision yet (and maybe “Avengers: Infinity War”), you should not read this if you don’t want to be spoiled.

Ready?

Okay.

I went into “Wandavision” out of curiousity. Truthfully, I am a bad Marvel fan. I haven’t seen half the movies. I couldn’t have picked Vision or Wanda out of a lineup despite having seen “Avengers: Infinity War.” I fell so behind in the lore and and now I just want to watch it all chronologically, which so far has resulted in me watching two movies in about eight months. Oops.

The begin the spoilerfest, Wanda and Vision both played a key role in “Avengers: Endgame,” where Thanos did the big snap and killed a lot of people including superheroes. Vision was one of those snapped to death. Wanda survived.

The first episode of “Wandavision” is certainly a unique piece of television. It’s black and white, features a live studio audience, and largely mimics sitcoms like “I Love Lucy.” It pays a fine tribute but you can tell there’s something just a little… off. Wanda (played by Elizabeth Olsen, now the coolest Olsen sister) has magical powers and Vision (portrayed by Paul Bettany) is, well, this robot guy. The episode also introduces wacky side characters like Vision’s coworkers as well as wacky neighbor Agnes (portrayed by Kathryn Hahn. It’s a quirky little episode… one that seems more odd at the very end when it is revealed somebody is watching the show on a television.

Episode two moves up to the 1960s, paying homage to “Bewitched.” The black-and-white continues as does the wacky hijinks, however not all is right. A slight moment of blood shows in actual red. A radio voice calls out to Wanda. Wanda becomes inexplicably pregnant…. and moves time forward to color television and the 1970s.

We hit color television and the 1970s in the third episode with a “Brady Bunch” style and things continue to spiral a bit further away from just being a sitcom. Besides a very quick birth to twins, we meet Geraldine… who reveals knowledge of Wanda’s battles against Ultron very much outside of the current television reality. This gets Geraldine cast outside of a wall of static that seems to be surrounding the entire town and into widescreen modern times. What in the world is going on?

Wanda’s facade is unravelling quickly, that’s what. As time and episodes roll on, we meet characters outside of the “Wandavision” television show and find out that Wanda is controlling the show, the events of it, and the entire town and its citizens. Vision is still dead and instead a new version without knowledge of the original created by Wanda, the twins are aging incredibly fast, an alternate universe version of her brother Pietro appears, and we learn S.W.O.R.D. is trying to get into the blocked-off town and stop Wanda. Geraldine is actually Monica, an agent of S.W.O.R.D.

We also meet Darcy (Kat Dennings), a fan of the show and someone helping crack the code of what is going on, as well as Jimmy (one-time Jim Halpert himself, Randall Park). Both are great characters and hopefully will reappear somewhere in the Marvel universe.

Eventually we get to the point where Vision realizes everything is not normal and goes off to search for facts while Wanda becomes overwhelmed with… everything. Most of all though, Kathryn Hahn continues to be excellent as we learn that Agnes has been Agatha all along, the villain of the series who has been making bad things happen (and she killed Sparky, too.) This leads to a thrilling conclusion that sets everything… well, still not right. And leads into the next step of the Marvel Universe and back into the movies.

As I said earlier, I went into the series out of curiosity. Every episode drew me into the world and into caring about the characters. Now I have, as I do, ordered Funko Pops of my favorites. I want to go back and watch the movies and learn about Vision and Wanda. And I need more Agatha immediately.

The acting is well done. Olsen and Bettany do a GREAT job not only portraying their main characters but weaving in and out of the various styles of the sitcoms Wanda drives the story through. Hahn is an absolute all-star as both Agnes and Agatha. The music of the series is also fantastic.

However, unlike most series, we don’t know if and when we will get a second season or if this is a “one and done” deal. The stories goes back into the movies now, most likely the world of Doctor Strange. It would be a few years before the characters would weave back into television. Meanwhile, we’re already set to debut another new Marvel series based on movie characters and expanding the universe a week after “Wandavision” ended.

Extras:

So far we just have two trailers and a “first look,” though a documentary on the series is coming soon to Disney+.

Should you watch it?

100% yes. It does help to know the characters but you can also go in blind like I did and “get it” as most of it is told to you as you go.

Star Wars

The Mandalorian – Season One

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Original release date:  Episode 1 aired November 19, 2019 / Rating: TV-14 / Length: Eight episodes, 32 to 48 minutes per episode

Review:

Do you remember life before Baby Yoda? It seems like a decade ago, but the Child has only been in our lives for a little over a year. (I’m avoiding his real name in this review because it is a season two spoiler.)

Created by Jon Favreau, “The Mandalorian” was one of many projects brought to us in the celebration of the start of Disney+. It was the first live-action Star Wars series after years of animated shows and live-action shows being called “too expensive.” Watching it, you can see where it is expensive… but Disney has that “buy the entire Star Wars franchise” money in the first place.

Star Wars and Star Trek have always ran alongside each other in a nerd race, with similarities, comparisons, and arguments appearing. One edge that Trek has always had is its television shows. I can remember Star Trek live-action shows existing for a large portion of my life, even if I never really jumped into them (yet). Meanwhile, outside of “The Clone Wars” and similar other animated shows, Star Wars had never really left the theatre to come to live-action television.

That finally changed with the advent of Disney+, Disney’s streaming service meant to bring together enormous amounts of content from the Disney library as well as purchased properties such as National Geographic, Pixar, The Simpsons, and Star Wars. “The Mandalorian” was announced as Star Wars’ first live-action series, starring Pedro Pascal as the mysterious masked title character. We did not know about Baby Yoda at the time but still tuned in. The first episode was on Disney+ on launch day and quickly left everything else in its dust.

While Pascal was great as Mando, the supporting cast was a lot of the heart- and humor – of the series. Yeah, “Mandalorian” brought some much-needed humor into the Star Wars universe that, at times, was just too serious. Carl Weathers, who you might know as Apollo Creed, Chubbs Peterson, or as an expert on getting a stew goin‘, came in as Greef Karga, leader of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild. Werner Herzog, noted director, brought his unique skillset to portraying The Client.

Gina Carano, former MMA fighter and person who gets in trouble on Twitter a lot, came in as mercenary Cara Dune. Emily Swallow, actress from “Supernatural” and a voice in the animated version of “Castlevania,” took the role as the Armorer, while Giancarlo Esposito – the magnificent Gus Fring on “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” among many other roles – took on the role of Moff Gideon, the “big bad” of the season and the leader of a part of the fallen Galactic Empire.

Comedian guest stars, however, are part of the fun. Bill Burr and Amy Sedaris, for example, appear in recurring roles. Another notable (non-comedy) name is Ming-Na Wen, who portrays Fennec Shand, a character who appears in this season but becomes far more significant in the second season that I’ll review at some point in the next fifty years. Unknown to me until researching this, however, is that she was Mulan. Yeah, she was THE voice of the animated Mulan in the two Disney movies. How cool is that? Mulan is part of the Star Wars universe!

Pretty fantastic cast, right? And let’s not forget the true hero of the show, [redacted name] who we all know as Baby Yoda but, for purposes of the show, was called The Child in season one. Baby Yoda was actually a totally-hidden secret not promoted before the show aired, which probably cost Disney a lot in merchandising. They’ve since made up all of that lost money and more and Baby Yoda is on every single piece of merchandise possible in the world… and it is all being sold. There is a Baby Yoda on my desk as I write this (right next to Lil’ Sebastian!) and there are five Funko Pops of him alone in our household, duplicates of some as me and my daughter both “needed” them.

Review the show, you say? Okay! It’s great. It’s well worth every minute you devote to it. The episodes breeze by. It’s everything we’ve ever wanted from a Star Wars show.

What’s it about? Baby Yoda, duh. Well, mostly the Mandalorian himself, but let’s be real… this is the Baby Yoda show. Mando takes on a few bounties, one of which leads him towards the Child. Instead of leaving the Child for dead, Mando takes him and it becomes a father/kid story as Mando’s parental instincts kick in.

Without spoiling it all, Mando continues his journey in his beat-up ship, collecting bounties and trying to protect the Child… while facing misstep after misstep. Of course. And let’s not forget big baddie Gideon who causes chaos.

One thing about “The Mandalorian” is that you don’t need to be a Star Wars fan to “get it.” It doesn’t help, but it isn’t like turning on “Episode II” and being immediately lost (which, to be fair, can also happen to Star Wars fans).

Extras:

You get a one minute season recap plus a trailer and special look at season two. Ooooooh. However, there’s a whole second show on Disney+ – “Disney Gallery – Star Wars: The Mandalorian” which takes you behind the scenes with eight episodes of 25-30 minutes or so a piece.

Should you watch it?

Yes, watch it. How have you not? And then watch season two!

Disney Television Shows, The Muppets

MUPPETS NOW – season 1

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Original release date:  Episode 1 aired July 31, 2020 / Rating: TV-PG / Length: Six episodes, 22 to 25 minutes per episode

Review:

As a Muppet fan, the transition to being Disney property has been as struggle. First they just appeared in a theme park attraction (in an area that we think is being taken away every time they announce changes).

Then they decided to try a new movie, “The Muppets,” with Jason Segel and new Muppet Walter. It was great and a commercial success. Then we got a second movie, “Muppets Most Wanted.” It exceeded budget but was not the big success of “The Muppets.”

Then the Muppets started to kinda disappear again. They appeared in little shorts with children on Disney Channel but otherwise just kinda hid in the Disney closet. Then an ABC show, “The Muppets,” was created in prime-time… and bombed. Apparently doing a show in the style of “The Office” but with Muppets and no stupid jokes isn’t a good move. They hit the shelf again for a bit after that.

Then, finally, we found success and love for our Muppet friends with a relaunch of “Muppet Babies” on Disney Junior. There were Muppet toys in stores for the first time in years!

And that brings us to “Muppets Now.” Created as a modern take on the old “Muppet Show,” it was one of many shows created for the first year of Disney+ original programming.

And you know what? It’s pretty good. It’s the most Muppetty thing we’ve gotten since “The Muppets” (the movie, not the TV show).

The show is aired as if it’s a series of YouTube clips, based off Scooter tying them all together for a show. The skits are mostly recurring skits which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Lifesty(le) with Miss Piggy” appears in all six episodes and features Piggy along with Uncle Deadly and various guests like Taye Diggs discussing fashion and health Zoom-style.

“Økėÿ Døkęÿ Køøkïñ” is what we’ve always dreamed of, a cooking show starring the Swedish Chef. Chef competes against various celebrity chefs (and Danny Trejo) to see who can cook the better version of a dish. It’s the highlight of all five episodes it is in.

“Muppet Labs Field Test” is another highlight, with Beaker and Doctor Bunsen Honeydew testing out experiments. It’s a concept that never gets old based on how good of a character Beaker is.

There are other recurring skits, such as a gameshow hosted by Pepe the King Prawn and an interview show with various Muppets interviewing celebrities.

Celebrities? We’ve got them! Do I know them? Not many! Besides the already mentioned, Seth Rogan, Audrey Plaza and RuPaul are among the many guests.

The 22-25 minute episodes fly by and it is sad there are only six of them. Bring on season two!

Extras:

Just a one minute trailer.

Should you watch it?

Yes, watch it. Episodes are quick and breezy, the humor is classic Muppets, and it’s very enjoyable.

Disney Animated Films

Robin Hood

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Original release date:  November 8, 1973 / Rating: G / Length: 1 hour, 24 minutes

Long before coming a Disney animated classic, Robin Hood has been a character of folklore, first appearing in the 13th or 14th century in stories. The character and story have been adapted to film and screen dozens of times, as early as a 1912 film and as recently as a 2018 film starring Taron Egerton and Jamie Foxx. We’re here, however, for the 1973 rendition, arguably the most famous version.

The idea to adopt it goes all the way back to Walt Disney himself around the making of the first animated Disney film Snow White. Walt had a fascination with the tale of Reynard the Fox. Eventually that red fox found a new form as Robin Hood himself in 1973, and it has often been said that Disney’s Robin Hood character more easily parallels Reynard than it does Robin Hood.

Critical reaction was mostly positive, though it has moved more towards mixed in the years since released. It was a box office success, bringing in $27.5 million worldwide (which seems like nothing now). It had a re-release in 1982, before becoming the first “animated classic” to be released to Walt Disney Home Video on VHS. It has since been re-released on every format imaginable.

The song “Love” from the film was nominated for an Academy Award but lost. The most notable song from the film, however, is “Whistle Stop” as performed by Roger Miller.

Why you ask?

This is why.

Yes, it’s the Hamster Dance song.

As far as the movie itself, it is enjoyable. It moves along at a brisk pace with fun music, largely led by the Roger Miller numbers at the beginning of the film.

The animated version strays a bit from the original version, of course being a little more family friendly. A good test for this movie with modern kids is my daughter. We watched it together – her choice, oddly, as it isn’t titled “Zombies” or “Zombies 2.” She lasted through 3/4ths of the movie. That’s incredibly good for her and something not titled “Zombies” or “Zombies 2” or involving Minecraft.

It’s an enjoyable film and the time does fly by. There aren’t many dull moments.

Extras:

Robin Hood Clip (1m) – Here’s a random minute of the film.

Alternate Ending (4m) – In not quite animated form, we see a more painful ending to the movie.

Deleted Storyline “Love Letters” (7m) – Using original storyboards and voiceovers, we meet a deleted scene and a deleted character.

Should you watch it?

Yes, watch it. It’s a classic and for good reason. It breezes by and the bonus features are unique.

Disney Animated Films

Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe

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Original release date:  August 28, 2020. It had a screening the evening before for gold level members of Disney’s D23 paid fan club.

Rating: TV-G

Length: 1 hour, 27 minutes

Background:

Debuting in 2007, “Phineas & Ferb” was a mega-popular animated series on Disney Channel and DisneyXD. Created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, the show featured the summer break adventures of brothers Phineas and Ferb, along with the adventure-spoiling efforts of their sister Candice. They have a pet platypus named Perry, who also doubles as one of many secret agent animals. As Agent P, Perry tries to foil the plans of the hilariously evil Dr. Doofenschmirtz. Yeah, it’s something.

After years of success, P&F starred in a television movie, “Across the 2nd Dimension.” After 222 episodes and crossovers with Marvel and Star Wars, the final episode aired in 2015. The cast returned for a crossover on “Milo Murphy’s Law,” a new series from Povenmire & Marsh that existed in the same universe as P&F.

During the development of Disney+, Disney executives asked Povemire & Marsh to create a new adventure with their familiar characters. They originally weren’t feeling it, but upon realizing they missed the characters, they spun up this movie.

Reviews have been positive. Being a streaming-only movie, we have no real profit margins to base its success on.

Review:

As the movie begins, we’re immediately brought back into the world of Danville. It feels like we never left and the show never ended (to be fair, this takes place in the timeline before the final episode which I’ve never seen).

As usual – series spoiler alert – Phineas & Ferb invent something and Candace tries and fails to bust them. It really gets to her this time, and as she vents to Vanessa (who is also Doofenschmirtz’s daughter), they get sucked up by a space pod.

The boys end up teaming with evil himself, Doofenschmirtz, to build a portal to the planet. Meanwhile on the ship, Candace meets Super Super Big Doctor (the leader) who tells her she has Remarkalonium, a special ingredient useful to his people.

We find out that no, Remarkalonium is just carbon dioxide which they need control subjects. Push comes to shove and the aliens make it to earth, chased by the kids and Doof.

Who wins the battle, you ask? Hmmmmm. Think about it.

It is classic P&F in the best ways. Hilarity, great songs, and beautiful animation. P&F in full HD is a great look.

Extras:

Trailer (1m) – Yep. It’s a trailer.

Should you watch it?

Whether you’re new to Phineas & Ferb or if you’re a longtime fan, this movie is for you. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun. Skim it. It’s fun for the whole family and it’ll make you want to start or restart the series.

Television Specials

The Mouseketeers at Walt Disney World

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Original release date: November 20, 1977.

Rating: TV-PG. It may contain outdated cultural depictions.

Length: 56 minutes

Background:

With all of the things on Disney+, very few are considered rare. This? Rare.

This was a TV special that originally aired in 1977. It has only reaired a few times since and doesn’t have a home media release such as DVD.

It features the Mouseketeers of the time, none of which have names that pop out at me as other more famous Mouseketeers (Annette! Britney!) do.

The concept of this is mainly to promote the Magic Kingdom, the theme park in Florida. The crew are set to do a live show there but man, do they find problems.

A fun bonus? For whatever reason, the Disney+ version features many of the commercials thait aired with the special.

I’m going to tackle this one as I do many of the TV specials that they label as “movies” – play-by-play!

Review:

Tonight! A Mousekeeter special from Walt Disney World! Also singing! All dancing! Whatever the Pooh Polka is! Tonight, on the Wonderful World of Disney!

Commercials!! We get a classic Shake and Bake commercial about dry chicken. Gaines Burgers dog food! The dogs love it.

And here we go with the special. We start with Cinderella Castle, of course, then join overly joyful Mouseketeers singing and whistling and not at all social distancing on a monorail. It is very clearly the 1970s with their outfits.

The monorail pulls into the Contemporary Resort, letting the kids out for some… we’ll loosely call it dialogue and acting.

Two of the kids specify they’re heading straight for River Country, which is not a thing in 2020 unless you go find videos of Adam the Woo exploring it on YouTube. River Country was a water park at Disney World with a natural look. Well, as natural as Disney could make things look in 1977. The kids have a song about swinging and having fun there and how it could, quote, “help your soul.

“We’ve found our way to an arcade, which at the time was skee-ball and pinball. Their adult in charge hands out passes to them, giving them places to go. Mr. Brown – said adult – meets a magazine reporter trying to get the gossip scoop on these preteens because, I assume, she is a creep.

Commercials! The Custom Van from Tonka! A cat using a phone to request the Meow Mix jingle! The Canon G3 camera with its professional lens design!

We’re back at the hotel, with Mr. Brown dismayed at the yelling he is getting on the phone due to his Mouseketeers arguing in front of creeper reporter. We move onto a restaurant at the resort as Mr. Brown plans a way to smooth this over. Creeper reporter has followed because, well, she’s a creeper. He gives her access to interview three of the Mouseketeer girls.

We go across the Seven Seas Lagoon to find the reporter taking the three girls around a gift shop. Two of them find a much older man in what we’ll call 1970s sports fashion, asking him if they think dresses would look good on them. It’s as creepy as it sounds.

We’re at the park now! The boys are being boys on the Tomorrowland Speedway, the slowest race you’ll ever experience. Mr. Brown is very into it, despite it clearly being on a track. Creeper reporter has joined in the park experience as well.

Now we’re back away from the park, as a Mouseketeer talks via phone at a pool I absolutely do not realize. Another Mouseketeer is sick, while a third plays tennis.

Back to the park! We’re all over the place. We’re missing two Mouseketeers. The two missing boys are in the Space Mountain queue arguing and get stuck in the same ride vehicle. Man, I miss Space Mountain but my back and neck don’t. We see several people riding, which is something you definitely wouldn’t inside of that dark ride.

The missing kids find the others and Mr. Brown is proud of them. Back to their schedule. Tomorrow, it’s an overnight campout at Fort Wilderness. Creeper reporter wants to take Mr. Brown on her favorite ride, the Sky Ride over the park that also no longer exists. Mr. Brown properly displays comedic fear.

Commercials!! The two-in-one microwave oven from Litton! Coke drinkers painting a tug boat for some reason!

And we’re back again. The crew have filled a van and are headed to Fort Wilderness, banjo music and all. Fort Wilderness is Disney World’s campground resort where you can camp or pile into a cabin. These kids? They’re camping. Of course. Creeper reporter is just part of the crew now. I think she and Mr. Brown are a “thing.”

The kids do all kinds of camp-building things as they sing “Whistle While You Work,” because of course they do.

Now we’re on some boats, seeing stars and such with Mr. Brown and Colleen – creeper reporter – flirting. Just go back to the room already. Meanwhile, the kids have been left alone at a campfire where they are singing a slow, happy song about turning over a new leaf. Or maybe about “Animal Crossing: New Leaf.”

They head to sleep, only to find their tents ripped away as they were tied to somebody’s RV. The kids are extra mean to Nina, the one who did it, calling her dumb. Not cool.

Commercials while Nina cries! Pillsbury Plus cake mix! The plus is pudding! The Shell Answer Man!

Here’s a few scenes from an upcoming show. In three weeks! Run, Cougar, Run! “Run, Cougar, Run!” is not on Disney+.

We’re back and Nina has run away. The gang is in a hotel room talking about how mean they were and how it’s their fault. Nina, meanwhile, is slowly and sadly walking around the Magic Kingdom with a stuffed Winnie the Pooh. She finds a fountain, sits crying, and dreams off on a time being read to about the Pooh Polka.

All the kids and the walk-around Disney World Pooh character appear in her dream sequence, doing lots of dancing to the Pooh Polka.

Back into the real world, Nina is on a sky bucket going one ay and other kids are going the other way. Nina takes off on a boat by herself, so other kids chase after her. Where is the supervision here?

Nina leads these kids all over on a boat chase, eventually finding a way to a sign advertising the Mouseketeers’ performance at Cinderella Castle. Creeper Colleen finds her, talking her out of her sadness. The kids, with Nina, sing some songs in in super bright costumes on the Cinderella Castle stage.

We’ll be right back with scenes from the next program!

Commercials! The Reach toothbrush! The new V8 Diesel pickup from Chevy!

Next week… gorgeous girls! Hey, that’s what the announcer said. “The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin,” next week on the Wonderful World of Disney! I’m 99% sure that one is on Disney+.

Credits! And then a commercial with a beaver for U.S. Bonds. Why not?

Extras:

None.

Should you watch it?

Yes, watch it. It’s cheesy. Man, is it cheesy. But it is a fascinating time capsule into 1977, between the Disney shots and the commercials. I love that the commercials were left in.

National Geographic

How Dogs Got Their Shapes

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Original release date: April 17, 2016.

Rating: TV-PG

Length: 44 minutes

Background:

A lot of times, I think we forget that Disney+ is more than Disney movies and “Hamilton.” There’s a whole National Geographic section, largely filled with television specials.

“How Dogs Got Their Shapes” is one such special. It aired in 2016 and educated… the people who watched it, I guess, as well as those of us who have vowed to watch every title in the movie section on Disney+ even though that’s impossible.

Review:

As with a lot of things like this, I’m going to kinda review and describe what’s happening compared to a longform movie review.

So, how did dogs get their shapes? It’s a fine question.

Dogs evolved from one species, the grey wolf. That’s where the ears, teeth and tail come from. However, human’s scraps caused less need for fighting form, which changed shapes… and brought us dogs.

We get various medical experts appearing throughout this special.

Let’s break it down, starting with ears. Hearing is vital for dogs, though not in the same hunting way wolves used them. This is where we learn why modern dogs have different shaped ears, whether it is for keeping dirt out or keeping water out.

Dogs have enhanced hearing, which is probably why my dog freaks out over any tiny noise. We get a special look at chihuahuas, who have some of the most advanced hearing of any animal. As far as dogs that can’t hear at all? Puppies. Puppies are born basically deaf, as their ear canals are swollen shut.

Next we look at tails, all of which have led to different shapes as dogs evolve and different species have appeared. We spotlight the beagle, whose tail signal victory. As they hunt, the white tip of their tail is often the only signal you’ll see of them. We learn about what wagging tails mean as well.

Hey, let’s talk about dog size! They all have 99.5% of DNA in common, so that .5% is what causes size changes. Our next spotlight hits great danes, which are one of the tallest breeds in the world. Then we learn about why they’re so dang tall.

Bulldogs get a spotlight, which will get this views in Georgia. They’re beloved for their stocky bodies. Once a big fighter, today’s bulldogs have evolved where they can’t fight.

Coats are next – dog coats, not one from a store. Three genes lead to the six main dog coat variations. Besides beauty, their coats help dogs serve fuctions. Shar-peis and their wrinkles also get a spotlight, growing all of the wrinkles due to increased elements in their genes.

Huskies also get a focus with their heroic coat. Thanks to their thick double coat, huskies are great with weather and share similarities with wolves.

Legs get the next spotlight. Dog have legs, you see. Short legs are good for digging, while long legs are good for running. Out spotlight now turns to dachshunds, the little hot dogs. They’re good for squeezing into low-lying places.

Speedy greyhounds also get a special look with their long legs. As you know, they’re fast (except for Santa’s Little Helper). They go airborne twice per run cycle.

Finally, we look at heads. Dogs have heads. Bull terriers have a weird one, and they get a spotlight as well. Rottweilers also get a focus as well due to their skulls, the main cause of their 300 pound bite force.

We wrap it up here with the ol’ “no matter the shape, dog will always be man’s best friend” line.

This is far from my best review, but this was a hard one to shape a review around.

Extras:

None.

Should you watch it?

Eh. Skip it. While a bit interesting, I’m not sure it’s worth your 45 minutes. I was bored.

Pixar Films

Toy Story

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Original release date: November 22, 1995. It premiered at the El Capitan Theatre on November 19.

Rating: G

Length: 1 hour, 22 minutes

Background:

For many of us, it seems like Buzz and Woody have always been in our lives. However, for those that were alive before 1995, there was a time before “Toy Story.” (1995 was also the first year that the Internet was readily available to the public thanks to AOL and Prodigy, so 1995 was good to us.)

The story of “Toy Story” goes all the way back to the 1988 Pixar short “Tin Toy,” produced by John Lasseter, then a Pixar visionary and now a disgraced former Pixar visionary. John produced “Tin Toy,” which grabbed the attention of the Academy Awards by being the first computer-animated short to win the Best Animated Short Form award.

“Tin Toy” caught the attention of Disney, encouraging them to bring Lasseter back into the company (he was fired years before following a failed pitch). This brought Disney and Pixar together for the first time, a relationship which would be complicated.

Part of the complications came early, with Disney not liking the scripts John and the Pixar team were bringing them. It was noted that all of the toys seemed mean-spirited, and that’s not what they were going for.

There was more argument over the music, as Disney wanted it to be a… well, Disney movie with singing characters. Pixar? No. They met in the middle, using background songs by Randy Newman instead of having singing characters.

Well, the movie eventually did get released and didn’t do so well.

No, it did great. It began a phenom of a series, a world of characters and merchandising, and launched Pixar to new levels. On its opening weekend, it brought in 29 million dollars, with a worldwide run that would end at $404 million. Decent!

That includes a 2009 3D rerelease – back when the big 3D boom was happening and everything got rereleased in 3D – that brought in $41 million.

It won a special achievement Academy Award as well as a slew of Annie Awards. It spawned the Toy Story Cinematic Universe, with three sequels, multiple shorts, theme park attractions across the world, and roughly 500 gazillion toys.

A movie-based game was released for the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Game Boy and PC with a racer game released for the PlayStation.

Casting was strong, with Tim Allen and Tom Hanks starring as Buzz Lightyear and Woody.

Review:

Well, the feature character in the film is named Andy. It’s a fine name for a character and really makes him the star of the movie.

Okay, fine. Andy is a child who owns toys, like every other child. His favorite is a vintage cowboy named Woody, complete with “ANDY” written on his foot.

However, Andy has no idea that his toys come to life when he and other humans aren’t around. This includes a motley crew including nervous dinosaur Rex, snarky Mr. Potato Head and a whole crew of Green Army Men.

The Army Men come in quickly as they spy on – and report back to Woody via walkie-talkie – possible new toys in Andy’s birthday presents. They miss the big one though, however he will definitely introduce himself shortly after.

Buzz Lightyear himself joins the crew, however unlike the others he believes he is a real space ranger. This leads to hijinks as well as a little eventual jealousy.

As the story goes on, it becomes a rescue mission as Buzz gets lost/kidnapped. I don’t want to spoil anything, but… they make three more movies so it probably turns out okay.

“Toy Story” is one of those movies that everyone loves. We all know the world of the toys, can hear the music in their head, and can likely quote ten different quotes from it.

The movie looks great in HD though it’s a far cry from the more recent movies. The toys still look a little weird, color is off at times, and the humans are less human-looking than they will be in future movies. However it is still beautiful, the music is fantastic, and the story is great.

Extras:

Toy Story Clip (29s) – Yep, it’s a clip.

Disney as Told By Emoji: Toy Story (4m) – As they have for many other movies, Disney has made emoji-fied stories of their movies for little social media videos. I’m not sure if we need one for Toy Story since literally everybody has seen it, but here we are.

Deleted Scenes: Alternate Opening – Buzz Show (2m), Alternate Opening – Shootout (1m), Eastern Gate (3m), Rain (1m), and Woody’s Nightmare (1m) – These are all worth it. Not only do they give you a “what could have been” story, but they include storyboards which are cool to see.

Should you watch it?

Let’s be real. You already HAVE watched it. But yes, watch it. It’s the Pixar movie of all Pixar movies and required viewing to be a human being.

Concert Films

Hamilton

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Original release date: July 3, 2020

Rating: PG-13

Length: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Background:

The story of “Hamilton” is one of a dream tale

Though getting released as a movie became a bit of hell

Originally the biggest smash that Broadway would allow

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s opus was inspired by “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow

Constant sellouts would turn “Hamilton” into a huge award winner

Tickets became hard to get unless you were Beyoncé, a Kardashian or a Jenner

“Hamilton” became a phenomenal feature in the 2010s’ pop culture

How could it join the Disney family with characters like Splash Mountain’s vulture?

It didn’t start as a Disney production even though that would rock

Instead being filmed for RadicalMedia’s “Hamilton’s America” doc

Three performances of “Hamilton” were filmed and used for shots

The original Broadway crew came back which helped lots

Disney purchased the movie rights for $75 million

Bob Iger and crew no doubt figured it would gross much more than a billion

A theatrical release of October 2021 was originally planned

But then COVID-19 came and most theatre plans were canned

Disney brought “Hamilton” to Disney+ over a year early

Giving those quarantined at home one less reason to be surly

Just like in the theatre it featured an intermission

Allowing some to go pee and others to embrace their new ambition

Reviews were great and social media loved the production

Much like on Broadway viewers fell for the epic’s seduction

Review:

Before we flow any further we have to recognize the cast

Lin-Manuel Miranda as Hamilton is of course a blast

Leslie Odum Jr. is especially stellar as Aaron Burr

While Daveed Diggs absolutely shines as Thomas Jefferson, sir

Phillipa Soo is great as Eliza Hamilton but we can’t forget Groff

Jonathan as King George III will make you laugh so much you cough

We can’t forget Christopher Jackson as America’s first President George

While Renee Elise Goldberry and Jasmine Jones’s vocals are great to gorge

This is hardly all of the cast beyond the hit

However if I go too much longer you might split

The film is absolutely gorgeous in magnificent HD

Stream it on your big screen and surely you’ll agree

Two and a half hours might be scary for a small attention span

But trust me it’ll zoom by and seem like it just began

The music is great with lyrics that really clap

If you’re older don’t be afraid that it sounds like hip hop or rap

It is so good you’ll want the tunes in your ear

No doubt you’ll hit Spotify shortly after for the soundtrack you’ll hear

Watching this will very likely start an obsession

At least with Disney+ you’ll always have it in your possession

Extras:

There’s a one minute “Hamilton” trailer as you’d expect

But the other half hour extra is the one to inspect

“The Undefeated Presents: Hamilton In-Depth” is smarter

As the cast is interviewed by its host Kelley Carter

It’s a fun half hour that will entertain you well

Especially if more “Hamilton” is where you want to dwell

Should you watch it?

I can’t give a higher recommendation to watch it

I started watching it and then couldn’t quit

You’ll learn something and feel many emotions

Your other favorite movies might feel some demotions

Watch it now and give it some time

The lyrics might also make you break out in rhyme

Marvel Movies

Captain America: The First Avenger

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Original release date: July 22, 2011. It premiered at the El Capitan Theatre on July 11.

Rating: PG-13

Length: 2 hours, 4 minutes

Background:

“The First Avenger” is the first in the line of three live-action Captain America movies in the modern Marvel timeline. It’s the fifth film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by release date or the first by chronological event order.

The movie was a concept long before today’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, however. It started in concept form in 1997 under Artisan Entertainment but found itself tied up in lawsuits until 2003. Work began under the current crew for a Paramount Pictures movie, and we all know eventually Disney took ownership.

Lots of big names were involved, with Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America in the forefront. Tommy Lee Jones, Haley Atwell, Stanley Tucci, and others joined the case. As the MCU had already started, we also meet Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role as Nick Fury and there’s the mandatory Stan Lee cameo.

It did very well, making $65.1 million in its first week and moving on to a worldwide gross of over $370 million. Reviewers and fans loved it, but it didn’t win any major awards.

It did continue the MCU, with Captain America appearing in many followup movies including two more of his own.

Review:

Being the Captain’s first entry into the Marvel movie universe (at least the Cinematic Universe of today’s world), much of the movie focuses on the origin story of Captain America.

The movie takes place back in the timeline of World War II, with skinny little Steve Rogers not making the cut for the army. However, after a particular act of bravery during his second attempt at qualifying, Steve is injected with a dose of the super-soldier treatment which brings him back out taller, stronger, and (luckily enough) more handsome than ever.

An assassin steals the rest of the serum, so Muscular Steve goes on a nationwide, government-led tour of the nation to promote war bonds in his fancy Captain America garb.

In the meantime, the Tesseract is in danger. What’s the Tesseract, you say? I watched the movie and I still don’t remember, but Wikipedia declares it to be a mysterious relic with unknown powers. Ooooooooh.

All in all, it’s a decent little movie. As you might have learned, I zoned out a few times so it didn’t entirely keep my attention.

At the same time, much like Star Wars movies, it’s going to be hard to review Marvel movies. I can’t say too much because there’s a lot of story, the stories tie into other movies, and I could spoil so much.

Extras:

Trailer – Yep, it’s a 2.5 minute trailer.

Behind the Skull – This is a fun ten minute look behind the making of the red skull that I didn’t mention at all in the review but plays a big part in the movie.

Captain America’s Origin – You too can learn, at least as much as you can in three minutes, about Captain’s origins.

Delete Scenes: Attack in Norway (41 seconds), The Battle at Azzano (1 minute), Steve Rogers Gets His Medal (59 seconds), Steve Rogers Meets SPOILER ALERT NAME (two minutes) – The only one that really adds anything is the one where I hid the name of who Steve Rogers meets. Maybe don’t even go into the “extras” section on Disney+’s “First Avenger” area until after you’ve finished the entire movie including the closing credits.

The First Avenger – A little two minute clip of Steve’s journey that you can skip.

VFX of Captain America – This one is worth it, as they take a three minute scene, peel back the various special effects layers and explain it all.

Should you watch it?

Yes, watch it. While not the most interesting Marvel movie, it is the origin of one of the big Avengers characters so that alone is worth it.

Riding in the Disney time machine to review everything Disney from 1928 to today!

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