mchael_skunk Reviews

The Simpsons: E Pluribus Wiggum (2008) Season 19, Episode 10

Good idea, poorly executed.

[4/10 · 1 October 2021]

Some sound political commentary, but very wishy washy, and ultimately not funny. Jon Stewart cameo is not really effectively used. Fourteen minutes into the episode, with 7 minutes left, Ralph Wiggum makes his first appearance (in photo and name only), despite the episode's namesake. They could've gone further into why political parties choose their candidate, Ralph has maybe two or three lines of dialogue?

The Simpsons: Go Big or Go Homer (2019) Season 31, Episode 2

Just couldn't wait for this to be over

[2/10 · 7 October 2019]

11 minutes in, I had had enough. Dated and out of touch millennial references, an inane go nowhere storyline. I just can't say it wasn't funny any other way.

The Simpsons: Krusty the Clown (2018) Season 30, Episode 8

A strong beginner nosedives quickly

[4/10 · 5 January 2019]

Long gone is the quality of the golden age of The Simpsons. While the episode touches on some interesting social commentary on the state of internet articles, buzzfeed click bait and the like, it never really seems to go anywhere. And in the style of the classic era of the show, the main storyline has little to do with the opening scenes, however, it does so less competently, and soon becomes a Krusty story. There have been many high quality Krusty centric episodes in the past, Krusty gets Kancelled being one of many, however, this one leaves you feeling empty and not very entertained. There is little to be quoted and discussed, including a not very memorable song, having you reminisce the days of the monorail song.

Dark Shadows (2012)

A True Return To Burton-Style

[5/10 · 15 May 2012]

Don't be fooled by the trailers, this film is a genuine Tim Burton product. If you are a fan of anything Burton has done, this is definitely worth checking out... possibly not full price, as sometimes it does seem like a film made by someone who is trying to make a Tim Burton film, but trying really really hard! Definitely not his worst, (Planet of the Apes), and at times seems more like an extension of the Harry Potter universe design wise, but it has all of the unique Burton traits... twisted trees on hills (Sleepy Hollow, Alice in Wonderland), creepy mansions (Beetlejuice, Big Fish, Edward Scissorhands), daddy issues, lonely misunderstood 'different' people, so, it is a smorgasboard of Burton, yet at the same time, very fresh and different. The Danny Elfman score is actually quite downplayed, it has good moments here and there, but takes a backseat to the music of the 70s (Knights in white satin, at the top of the world), and actually has a cameo from one real life vampire/music legend that is pretty cool... reminiscant of Tom Jones in Mars Attacks. In summary, this movie is really not that bad, but more of a drinking game of Tim Burton references than an actual Tim Burton film. (References to "big Fish" are less subtle.

Valentine's Day (I) (2010)

cheesy rom-com

[5/10 · 14 February 2010]

Valentine's Day is a who's who of famous people, a very Hollywood romance movie with a severe case of A.D.D. Most stars check in as if paying back some favour to the director. It is a people movie full of people for the Facebook generation. Is it serious film-making? Well, it's one of those films that has bloopers during the credits, so definitely not; so we shouldn't judge it on that. It's simply a schmaltzy whimsical chick flick. The film takes place over one fine Valentine's Day from early morning to late at night in flawless Hollywood California. We follow random individuals, who are each connected within 5 degrees of each other, as they deal with love. The movie has been marketed as being choc-block full of superstars, so lets see how they did. Kathy Bates has two scenes, I completely forgot she was in it until the second time she popped up, She is very likable as the butch TV News executive who is the boss of career driven Kelvin Moore (Jamie Foxx), a B-Grade sports commentator trying to make his mark, but given a vox-pops job. Foxx seems way too charming to be such an unlikeable character, as publicist Kara (Jessica Biel) slowly falls for him, but we're not really given enough time as we cut to florist Reed (Ashton Kutcher) a hopeless romantic who has fallen for Morley (Jessica Alba), and Julia (Jennifer Garner) in a 30-something love triangle. Garner is a teacher at a primary school where young Edison (Bryce Robinson) has his first crush, and desperately tries to send his mystery girl a special delivery. Robinson brings the cute to this movie, and holds his own against the army of celebrities he's acting with, namely Shirley MacLaine as Edison's grandmother, Estelle. Estelle is a Golden Age Actress, (MacLaine playing herself, as we see from actual footage of MacLaine in 1958's Hot Spell) who is in a fifty year marriage with Edgar (Hector Elizondo). Both performances are top notch, Elizondo arguably the best in the entire film. He is soulful, gentle, and wise. For the teens, the majority market, we have Grace and Alex (Emma Roberts and Carter Jenkins) awkwardly trying to plan the next level of their relationship in scenes right out of the American Pie book on how to write teen comedy, and Willy and Felicia (Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift) the jock and the bimbo, who 13 to 19 year old girls will literally cheer at the screen for, yet they bring little. Swift is cringe-worthy and Lautner makes an out of place reference to his abs that is just odd in the context of the film. We also have Liz (Anne Hathaway in a solid enough comedic performance, she does funny voices) who moonlights as a phone sex operator, and hides this from boyfriend of two weeks Jason (Topher Grace, slighty less annoying than usual). Also thrown into the mix is McDreamy as the cheating swine Dr. Harrison Copeland, and McSteamy as ageing single footballer Sean Jackson. Stuck on a plane are Holden and Captain Kate Hazeltine (Bradley Cooper, and Julia Roberts), as they meet, and chat, and flirt, and seem like those two old grumpy muppets in the booth. Queen Latifah also features as Liz's evil boss Paula Thomas who delivers the biggest laugh in the movie, right at the end. Alphonso (George Lopez) also stars as Kutcher's co-worker and go-to-guy for the Valentine's Day blues. Every actor does a good enough job of playing movie versions of themselves and no one tries to steal the show or go over the top crazy, but the amount of stars in the movie work both for it and against it. It is a very unique romance film, and is good for people who are likely to get sick of the same two actors, but we really don't see enough of anyone to care, or even follow what's going on. Characters are thrown at us, and before we have a moment to connect, we cut to someone else, and this happens for two straight hours as love, romance, sex, and relationships are examined and theorized. It's like a fish bowl with way too many fish, but we get to see characters just enough to get a laugh or two in. The film tries to find the true meaning of Valentine's Day, and the true meaning of love, in a cutesy comedic way. It's modern and fun, but very shallow on the surface.

Toys (1992)

Happy W-ww-ww-workers

[8/10 · 21 April 2006]

Okay, here goes my review, I'll try to write it with an open mind so you can read it with an open mind.

Let's divide the movie up.

~PERFORMANCE~ Even though ROBIN WILLIAMS gets top billing, his usual style of eccentric scene stealing is highly subdued, mostly due to his character, which in my opinion he nails. There are moments of eccentricity to the extremity (especially the noise jacket scene) which gave my belly a work-out.

MICHAEL GAMBON is at his hammyest as the villain with militaristic motives. He actually is quite humorous (think the video game scene) and quite disturbing. I read it as a comment on military generals from the point of view of a 6 year old boy (everything about this film is -toys-).

JOAN CUSSACK proves that she can be weird as hell by barely moving a finger. She embodies the soul of the project.

ROBIN WRIGHT is subtle (thank god!) compared to her co-stars and makes an interesting love interest.

LL COOL J is the real hero of the film, and shows competence in creating a 3D character in a 2D world.

~Set Design~ 1950's toys in a 1990's universe is the main instigator at play in this fairy tale. Possibly some repressed memories of Levinson's childhood. This will be the motif that divides the audience. Personally I give him kudos for being that risky. Most designs are played out as bad gags that fall flat, but alone they look marvelous, (I especially like the sketches General rejects !)

~Costumes~ *For story purposes I never get why The General's costume switches from the normal uniform to the colourful one constantly. Maybe The General is remembering his childhood and constantly suppressing it. *Robin's costume are something you would see Williams wear everyday, no shock there, thumbs down for the soldiers black and red get-up. The stand-out would have to be Cussack's doll wig costume because its weird.

~Music~ *Zimmer's score borders on African culture to begin with... it works. I don't know why. *The film seems to dance at times, really funky too. 90's Trance/Pop, I pity those workers who have to listen to Tori Amos all day long though, but they don't seem to mind.

~Story~ The motives of the writers are very clear. Military toys are not cool. What else can I say. The theme drags on a bit though. When 'we get it' has been established, Levison seems to just let Williams take over and do his comedy schtick as the toy battle finale seems just thrown in and really below the standards of the rest of the film.

Banzai (2001–2003)

Brilliant, as good as Kung Pow!

[14 January 2003]

"One must seek self happiness... The path of self-happiness leads to.... SQUIRREL FISHING!!" "BANZAI!!!!" "PLACE BET NOW!! BET BET BET !!! BET TIME OVER!" ---[True, not lying (!)] THIS IS the funnyest most silly little show i have ever seen! Its fantastic. The faces and the noises! You have to watch this show a few times per episode to really get every subtle joke!

THREE THUMBS UP!!!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Man, WHOA!!!!

[10/10 · 28 December 2002]

HOW FANTASTIC WAS THIS MOVIE!!! IT CAPTURED THE MOOD AND EVERYTHING!!! This is was Power Rangers tried to copy but sucked. It was probably the greatest films of the early nineteen nineties, and its sequel was equally fantastic, yet we probably all agree that part three was not that good; and the recent television series is cheap.

Russell Gilbert Was Here! (2001– )

Gilbo was here! But not for long!

[8 July 2001]

This short series was practically "Russell Gilbert Live!" but without the studio and guest stars. It was a series of short, yet still funny skits only a complete idiot could think of. Like for example: When the scientists found a cure, they destroyed it because they wouldn't have a job anymore.

It also saw the return of Russell on "Who wants to be a Millionare?" and Russell as Holster with Quinten (A dummy) as Jim Gunn in the gritty crime drama "Holster & Gunn". Classic comedy! I hope to see the return of Russell very soon... but not too soon!

Batman (1989)

Dark. Action. Batman.

[10/10 · 7 June 2001]

Bruce Wayne, as Batman, must BATtle the pshycotic Joker, who also wants Wayne's girlfriend, before he kills everyone in Gotham City. Director Tim Burton uses his own unique form of entertainment to portray on of the most anticipated films of all time. Great supporting cast of Wuhl, Gough, Hingle, and definately Palace. Also, a great music score. A must see.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993–1996)

A normal review

[4 January 2001]

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers is one of the best kids shows ever. The great action, effects, bad guys and monsters. This is the root of all Power Ranger shows. Lost Galaxy doesn't live up to the Power Ranger name as it looses Angel Grove, Skull (and occasionally Bulk), and the lesson you learn at the end of each show. As the say, the prequal is always better than the sequal.