tollyjamesmaggs
Lifetime Total
5+
Lifetime Trivia
1+
IMDb Member
13 years
Reviews
Young Justice (2010)
One of THE best DC cartoons of all time, in my opinion.
DC has always been well known for making fantastic children's cartoons that can be aimed for the hardcore adult fans as-well, bringing nothing but top-notch shows. However, in recent years, it seems that the quality of DC cartoons have dropped. The two main shows that come to mind are "The Batman", a terrible show which is clearly aimed at the younger audience, and "Batman: The brave and bold", A decent cartoon that isn't on par with classic DC cartoons.
However, this cartoon has brought back the best parts of the best DC cartoons and combined them into one. The "Justice League" series was fantastic, but as the series went on it was clear that each episode focused on the development of particular characters (Especially in JL: Unlimited) which did not have an ultimate affect in the series. episode was a one-off that usually didn't require viewing of the previous or next episode. Young Justice saw this, and tried to do something new. Firstly, it made sure that the team stays small, like the early days of the Justice League, so that it could make these characters actually important to the plot lines. Secondly, it made each episode a one-off adventure that tied to a single string plot that brought each episode together. JL and JL:U did this a few times, but Young Justice has a clear sense of what's happening in the plot, and what the characters are going through. THIS is why I love Young Justice: it knows what it is trying to do, and it makes you constantly want more.
The cartoon style is an updated version of the Justice League's animation style, which shows both seriousness in the tone of the storyline, and the professionalism of the series as a whole. Teen Titans was a 'fun' series, but it was difficult sometimes to accept the serious moments amidst the childish artwork. That's not so much a complaint of Teen Titans, but I appreciate what Young Justice is doing and I prefer it.
Voice work is fine, and the music works. Both are easily above par. I actually think EVERY voice is great, even Batman's (even though I am a die-hard Conroy fan, Bruce Greenwood gives a voice I would definitely expect from Batman). There is one exception, though: I was not impressed by the Joker's voice, or his character. I could see they were trying to make him more "Sane", but that doesn't work, as the character should be the definition of insanity. However, he only appears once, and the other actors are really good.
If you look at my other reviews, you can see that I often give good scores in my reviews. Let me clarify that I am not always giving full marks to what I like, but I prefer to review great shows/movies which I think deserve to be praised. This is definitely a show that deserves to be praised, and I hope the show goes on to be very successful.
Bottom line: Fantastic. I would recommend to anyone, not just DC fans.
However, this cartoon has brought back the best parts of the best DC cartoons and combined them into one. The "Justice League" series was fantastic, but as the series went on it was clear that each episode focused on the development of particular characters (Especially in JL: Unlimited) which did not have an ultimate affect in the series. episode was a one-off that usually didn't require viewing of the previous or next episode. Young Justice saw this, and tried to do something new. Firstly, it made sure that the team stays small, like the early days of the Justice League, so that it could make these characters actually important to the plot lines. Secondly, it made each episode a one-off adventure that tied to a single string plot that brought each episode together. JL and JL:U did this a few times, but Young Justice has a clear sense of what's happening in the plot, and what the characters are going through. THIS is why I love Young Justice: it knows what it is trying to do, and it makes you constantly want more.
The cartoon style is an updated version of the Justice League's animation style, which shows both seriousness in the tone of the storyline, and the professionalism of the series as a whole. Teen Titans was a 'fun' series, but it was difficult sometimes to accept the serious moments amidst the childish artwork. That's not so much a complaint of Teen Titans, but I appreciate what Young Justice is doing and I prefer it.
Voice work is fine, and the music works. Both are easily above par. I actually think EVERY voice is great, even Batman's (even though I am a die-hard Conroy fan, Bruce Greenwood gives a voice I would definitely expect from Batman). There is one exception, though: I was not impressed by the Joker's voice, or his character. I could see they were trying to make him more "Sane", but that doesn't work, as the character should be the definition of insanity. However, he only appears once, and the other actors are really good.
If you look at my other reviews, you can see that I often give good scores in my reviews. Let me clarify that I am not always giving full marks to what I like, but I prefer to review great shows/movies which I think deserve to be praised. This is definitely a show that deserves to be praised, and I hope the show goes on to be very successful.
Bottom line: Fantastic. I would recommend to anyone, not just DC fans.
Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta (1986)
This inspired my love and passion for films when I was 4.
When I was a child and first watched this movie on TV, I was blown away. It didn't go for the action of Star Wars, it didn't go for the comedy of Toy Story, and it didn't go for the romance of Titanic. Instead, it went for pure beauty, and (In my opinion) this accomplished that perfectly.
While other people take off marks for the various versions (Both of the English-dubs), I had little problems with them, but I am going to focus on looking at the subtitled-original version with the original music: The way Miyazaki wanted it.
The one factor of this movie which was the factor that blew my mind as a child was the music. Such fantastic composition off sounds and emotions brought through the music in each of the scenes. There were moments where the music picked up on the idea of adventure, feelings of loss and loneliness, and then moments of hope and triumph. Truly sublime: In my opinion, perfection and the BEST soundtrack I have heard. I know it is naive to say such a thing, but this is what hit me as a child: the music was such beautiful artwork crafted solely for this movie.
The artwork, as Studio Ghibli's artwork always has been, was stunning. These hand-drawn images are so perfectly crafted you can actually see the amount of effort and passion the artists put into this. Together the artwork and the music tickles the imagination of both adults and children.
The story is based on the floating island of Laputa: a concept originally presented in the book "Gulliver's Travels." It successfully takes that one concept and blooms it into something entirely new. It's beautiful ideas clashing between the original text and Miyazak's own wild and beautiful imagination.
The characters are very well written: Miyzaki often focuses on the innocence of the youth, and this film has various themes revolving around that. Pazu and Sheeta want to find the island for selfless reasons: Pazu wants to follow in his late-father's footsteps and find the island, and Sheeta wants to discover her link to it. It is a journey of self discovery for these two characters, while the adults are greedy for money and power. There is a clear sense between who is good and bad which is ambiguous at first, but through the film as we get closer to Pazu and Sheeta, we all discover who to really trust. The characters are believable and there is a constant sense of development in both the characters and the narrative.
This is my most favourite film ever because of these reasons. I try to be strict when it comes to films but I find it difficult to criticise this film. There is no such thing as a "Perfect" film, but I think this comes pretty close.
While other people take off marks for the various versions (Both of the English-dubs), I had little problems with them, but I am going to focus on looking at the subtitled-original version with the original music: The way Miyazaki wanted it.
The one factor of this movie which was the factor that blew my mind as a child was the music. Such fantastic composition off sounds and emotions brought through the music in each of the scenes. There were moments where the music picked up on the idea of adventure, feelings of loss and loneliness, and then moments of hope and triumph. Truly sublime: In my opinion, perfection and the BEST soundtrack I have heard. I know it is naive to say such a thing, but this is what hit me as a child: the music was such beautiful artwork crafted solely for this movie.
The artwork, as Studio Ghibli's artwork always has been, was stunning. These hand-drawn images are so perfectly crafted you can actually see the amount of effort and passion the artists put into this. Together the artwork and the music tickles the imagination of both adults and children.
The story is based on the floating island of Laputa: a concept originally presented in the book "Gulliver's Travels." It successfully takes that one concept and blooms it into something entirely new. It's beautiful ideas clashing between the original text and Miyazak's own wild and beautiful imagination.
The characters are very well written: Miyzaki often focuses on the innocence of the youth, and this film has various themes revolving around that. Pazu and Sheeta want to find the island for selfless reasons: Pazu wants to follow in his late-father's footsteps and find the island, and Sheeta wants to discover her link to it. It is a journey of self discovery for these two characters, while the adults are greedy for money and power. There is a clear sense between who is good and bad which is ambiguous at first, but through the film as we get closer to Pazu and Sheeta, we all discover who to really trust. The characters are believable and there is a constant sense of development in both the characters and the narrative.
This is my most favourite film ever because of these reasons. I try to be strict when it comes to films but I find it difficult to criticise this film. There is no such thing as a "Perfect" film, but I think this comes pretty close.
Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996)
Very well done
Some people argue over which is better: Return of Jafar or King of Thieves. To be more specific, they actually argue over which one is WORSE. When I watched this film, both as a child and an adult, I didn't see much wrong with it. In fact, I really enjoyed it!
The animation had picked up again to a fantastic standard compared to the last movie, with quality only dropping in short moments. However, while the animation didn't quite seem to stay on par at all moments, I thought the music was sublime. Very emotional music which is used to convey emotions successfully in creative dramatic ways. One example of this would be in Aladdin's fight to join the thieves. Most of the diegetic sound drops out, leaving only the sounds of fire and lighting, leaving the music to convey the process of emotions running through the characters: Sa'luk's thirst for Alladin's blood to vent his rage for Cassim, Cassim's fear of losing the son he only just found, and Aladdin's desperation to survive. Very creative and poetic, with similarly poetic scenes later in the film.
Although the characters' goals and reasons for alternating in decisions can be confusing, if you keep up with it it remains logical and the narrative successfully develops. The narrative kept me interested, and I thought it worked being a short film (Just over an hour). The plot doesn't drag too much, there is often a sense in development in both the story and the characters, and the action is meaningful.
One other part of this film which is always entertaining is the genie's (Robin Williams') small 'sketches' that, while they seem to stray from the plot, are very entertaining, witty and comical. It was clear Williams had a lot of contribution to his character and the jokes that were made.
Overall, I found this film very entertaining: Both as a child and an adult.
The animation had picked up again to a fantastic standard compared to the last movie, with quality only dropping in short moments. However, while the animation didn't quite seem to stay on par at all moments, I thought the music was sublime. Very emotional music which is used to convey emotions successfully in creative dramatic ways. One example of this would be in Aladdin's fight to join the thieves. Most of the diegetic sound drops out, leaving only the sounds of fire and lighting, leaving the music to convey the process of emotions running through the characters: Sa'luk's thirst for Alladin's blood to vent his rage for Cassim, Cassim's fear of losing the son he only just found, and Aladdin's desperation to survive. Very creative and poetic, with similarly poetic scenes later in the film.
Although the characters' goals and reasons for alternating in decisions can be confusing, if you keep up with it it remains logical and the narrative successfully develops. The narrative kept me interested, and I thought it worked being a short film (Just over an hour). The plot doesn't drag too much, there is often a sense in development in both the story and the characters, and the action is meaningful.
One other part of this film which is always entertaining is the genie's (Robin Williams') small 'sketches' that, while they seem to stray from the plot, are very entertaining, witty and comical. It was clear Williams had a lot of contribution to his character and the jokes that were made.
Overall, I found this film very entertaining: Both as a child and an adult.
Winning Recipes (2011)
Funny
It's not clear whether Charlie Sheeen is mocking the media or just mocking himself. This all could be a charade to get attention.
However, if you look at it, he's not hurting anyone: if anything, he's entertaining. That is the purpose of this short hosted on 'funny or die'. He is parodying his new-found popularity on the internet.
This short sketch sees him creating a meal, often getting side-tracked by his new-found powers of teleportation. He also goes off subject and brings up matters which do not relate to the situation other than comical effect. However, that comical effect is successful in making a video that, in a way, summarises what Sheen is doing: getting very popular by doing what seems like spontaneous actions and spitting out humorous quotes which (No-doubtedly) will end up on a T-shirt somewhere on the internet.
It is funny.
It is entertaining.
It is 'Winning'
However, if you look at it, he's not hurting anyone: if anything, he's entertaining. That is the purpose of this short hosted on 'funny or die'. He is parodying his new-found popularity on the internet.
This short sketch sees him creating a meal, often getting side-tracked by his new-found powers of teleportation. He also goes off subject and brings up matters which do not relate to the situation other than comical effect. However, that comical effect is successful in making a video that, in a way, summarises what Sheen is doing: getting very popular by doing what seems like spontaneous actions and spitting out humorous quotes which (No-doubtedly) will end up on a T-shirt somewhere on the internet.
It is funny.
It is entertaining.
It is 'Winning'