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Reviews
The Muppets Mayhem (2023)
What a Treat!!
Absolutely fun-tastic! This was one of the best muppet-related venues I've seen in a long time. Fun and clever writing, creative humor, and even though most of the cast are "newer" muppeteers they have the voices down (unlike, ahem, Kermit!) The references and Easter Eggs to past productions--"that RiverBottom band, what a Nightmare!"--were spot-on and hilarious. I even enjoyed the human cast and, as usual, the celebrity cameos were fun but not overwhelming. The producers have said they hope to begin a new "Muppet MCU" and if the future editions are like this one, I have no doubt they will succeed. Truly fun and enjoyable!
Wednesday (2022)
Only one thing I didn't care for....
Thought this show was incredible. Even though the creators said they've tried to separate this from the movies, I saw nothing but similarities. It was if this show took up, like, five years later after Addams Family Values left us (despite Pubert not being present!). And the movies were absolutely endearing, so I really loved this edition. But...did not care for Gomez' portrayal. Yes, he looked much more like the original cartoon character. But Charles Addams himself was a consultant on the original '60s series and his notes are what actor John Astin performed (and mimicked by Raul Julia superbly in the movies). The portrayal here was so, well, wimpy and subdued. The crazed dueling Latin lover millionaire playboy that others have portrayed is exactly how Addams described him to the original show's creators so why this wasn't continued is beyond me.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
Incredibly Fun
Loved it! Answered a lot of questions regarding Bruce Banner. Was true to the comics, got her back story out of the way. And it was funny, just as promised. Can't wait for more!
His Dark Materials (2019)
Liking it so far, but...
Liking it so far (albeit only half way through first season), very faithfull to the books. One minor quibble however. If daemons represent a person's soul then there should be, literally, one visible per person per scene. I know, I know, some will be hiding in pockets or under tables or up in the rafters but, by my count, I'm seeing about half the number there should be visible in about half of the scenes. That's one thing the movie got right, daemons all over the place! A minor "flaw" but I definitely noticed....
Pushing Daisies (2007)
A rare treat!
Cannot get enough of this show! It's funny, it's sweet, the dialog is clever and the casting is superb (Kristin Chenoweth especially is a major scene stealer). Each episode draws you into the story, and furthers the bittersweet romance developing between Ned and Chuck. And with veteran actors Swoosie Kurtz and Ellen Greene, you know the production values are higher than the usual boring rehashes the studios spoon-feed the public. My gods, just look at all of the seasoned character actors making appearances, like Molly Shannon and Paul Reubens. Reminds me fondly of a cross between the Addams Family movies and the old Twin Peaks TV series. Superb!
The Golden Compass (2007)
Surprised How Much I Enjoyed It....
The film followed the book reasonably closely for the first 2/3 or so, then deviated somewhat, but still surprisingly enjoyable for me and my group of friends (half having read the series). It does tend to bog the viewer down with a lot of information early on (which confused some of my party) but I feel the pace was engaging. Well-cast, well-acted and the effects were splendid (especially the choreography in scenes involving several characters and their daemons).
My main complaints were that some of the characters were played a little "lighter" than their book counterparts (e.g. Lord Azrael); and that the film entirely skipped the ending of the book, probably to provide American audiences with a more suitable, "happier" ending, I presume. I'd be happy to view it again.