DVD Review: "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes!": Volume Five: "Secret Invasion"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence
Starring: Eric Loomis, Brian Bloom, and Colleen O'Shaughnessey
Released: 2012 (Disney XD premieres / DVD)

Synopsis
The Avengers are in for the fight of their lives as the Skrulls, a race of shape-shifting aliens, are determined to take over Earth by any means necessary...including impersonating the Avengers! Other villains such as Doctor Doom, the Serpent Gang, and the Destroyer are also bent on destroying the Avengers! Will they be able to succeed? Featuring appearances by other Marvel heroes, such as the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man, as well as J. K. Simmons reprising his role as J. Jonah Jameson from the Spider-Man film trilogy, this two-disc set is full of action, heroism, and excitement!

The Good
When I've talked about this series before--and I've reviewed every volume prior to this one on this very website--I've always praised the production values; that is, the animation, the voice work, the action sequences, etc.  That still holds true here; the cast and crew of this cartoon did amazing work, and, even if it may just be a TV series, it does justice to the recent Marvel films.  Positive moral elements are also present; the Avengers learn to work as a team, and enemies put aside their differences to work for the common good.  One scene even seemed to serve as an allegory for what's been going on in the political world lately; I won't say what it is, as not to cause debate.

The Bad
Although the series itself was produced well, the DVD was not, mainly because the episodes were terribly out of order.  If you do decide to buy or rent this set, make sure you check an online episode guide before watching it; otherwise, the story arc won't really make sense.  Other than that, the complaints are minor: a bad guy that looks somewhat like the Devil, a scary moment when two characters are watching a horror movie, the immodest dress of a villainess, etc.

Conclusion
Just like the first season of The Cosby Show, this is a great television program marred by a poorly made DVD.  I'm thankful that Amazon.com's reviews warned me of the out-of-order episodes before I got this DVD from the library, otherwise, I'd have been rather confused.  Still, if you're a fan of superhero cartoons, this is a great one; though the show deserves a 4.75, the DVD itself would only earn about a two out of five from me.  Maybe someday this series will be re-released on DVD or even Blu-Ray in the proper order; until then, other than iTunes, this is all we've got.

Score: 3/5

Book Review: "The Second Garfield Fat Cat 3 Pack"

Author: Jim Davis
Published: 1982 - 1983 (original separate volumes) / 1994 (omnibus edition) by Ballantine Books

Synopsis
The adventures of the beloved Tubby Tabby continue in this second omnibus.  Garfield does a cat food commercial, gets hijacked by a duck, loses his mind, fights the Sludge Monster, and meets a lady cat...all in the name of laughs! Three books in one means three times the fun!
(Parts of this were taken from the book's back cover.)

The Good
Even though I've been reading these comics for years, I still got a good laugh out of them.  Contrary to what some people think, Jim Davis actually has a talent for humor; or, at least, he did in the early years of the strip, as the famous fat cat does a lot more here than eat lasagna.

The Bad
There were a few crude bits; that's about the only complaint I have.

Conclusion
Out of all of the books in my collection, The Second Garfield Fat Cat Three Pack is the one I've had the longest.  Most of what's on my bookshelves currently have been recent additions, but, I've had this one since I was in third grade; nearly two decades ago.  I'm not going to be trading it in, either; the condition is too bad for them to accept it, but...why would I want to get rid of a book that makes me laugh that hard, anyway? If you're a faithful reader of the comics in the daily paper, you should check out these vintage installments; you'll probably be glad that you did.

Score: 4.75/5

Movie Review: "Alice Upside Down"

Rated: Not Rated
Starring: Alyson Stoner, Lucas Grabeel, Luke Perry, Penny Marshall, and Bridgit Mendler
Released: 2007 (limited theatrical release) / 2008 (DVD)

Synopsis
Alice McKinley (Alyson Stoner, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody) is having a hard time adjusting to her new life.  Between moving to a new city, and the death of her mother a few years ago, things have been tough.  To make matters worse, her brother Lester (Lucas Grabeel, High School Musical) is crazy, and her father (Luke Perry) tries his hardest, but still struggles, especially in his relationship with Alice.  When Alice starts school, she ends up in the homeroom of Mrs. Plotkin (Penny Marshall), a notoriously tough teacher.  To get in the good graces of Miss Cole, the teacher whose homeroom Alice wishes she was in, she signs up for theater club, which pits her against prima donna Pamela (Bridgit Mendler, Good Luck Charlie) for the lead role in the upcoming play.  When things seem to go south, everyone is in for a surprise...especially Alice herself.
Based on the book by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.

The Good
At its core, this was an enjoyable, DCOM-style comedy/drama.  It's definitely family-friendly; though some of Mrs. Naylor's Alice books have allegedly caused controversy, nothing in this film would have earned higher than a "PG" from the MPAA.  It also teaches some positive lessons, and Alice herself is a likable heroine.

The Bad
The main problem with this movie is that it was a bit difficult to get through.  Also, it feels like the premiere of a TV series; that means the lack of a sequel may disappoint those who want to know more about Alice, unless they'll read the books.  Though this film was mostly clean in content, I thought it was a bit inappropriate to have shirtless teenage boys performing in a rock band; that seemed to be mere eye candy for the target audience.

Conclusion
Most Disney Channel Original Movies--DCOMs for short--are good for one viewing...but nothing more than that.  Though this wasn't made for the Mouse network--after all, it got a limited theatrical release--it feels just like a DCOM, especially when you consider the résumés of its main stars.  Fans of such films will likely enjoy Alice Upside Down, but, everyone else might want to watch something else.

Score: 3/5

TV Set Review: "House of Anubis": Volume Three

Rated: TV-G
Starring: Nathalia Ramos, Brad Kavanagh, Jade Ramsey, Ana Mulvoy Ten, Eugene Simon, Bobby Lockwood, Alex Sawyer, Tasie Dhanraj, Klariza Clayton, and Mina Anwar
Released: February 2011 (Nickelodeon premieres)

Synopsis
The Sibuna club is closer to solving the big mystery than ever! Unfortunately, the crazed Rufus Zeno will stop at nothing to thwart the kids' plans, and housemaster Victor is onto them as well! With an end-of-year prom looming and romances continuing to blossom, it's going to take all of the Sibunas' might to emerge victorious...but, will they?

The Good
Again, I remained vague in the above synopsis because I don't want to give away the plot details; seriously, the story is that gripping.  This third volume--the end of the official first season--delightfully continues what began in the first two outings, and comes to a (mostly) pleasing ending; what it is, I won't say.  Fans of the series up to this point simply have to see it through to the end.  Also, a lack of sexual content, nudity, profanity, and drug use, though to be expected for Nickelodeon, only augmented the set.  When you watch the finale, prepare to be on the edge of your seat!

The Bad
As usual for this series, some creepy moments may be upsetting for young viewers; one scene shows a guy with bug bites on his face, while another implies the possible death of several kids.  Though the ending was mostly pleasing, I still had one quibble with it, though I won't say what it is as not to give anything away.

Conclusion
Season or series finales usually have a big effect on me; the first time I saw the last episode of Growing Pains, I nearly cried, even though it was in reruns at the time.  Other shows' finales had the same effect: Good Luck Charlie and Shake It Up come to mind.  As I mentioned in a previous review, the last episode of Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive left my heart racing well after it was over.  Though House of Anubis' first season's finale didn't have quite the same effect, it did keep me on the edge of my seat.  If you haven't seen this series, you're seriously missing out.

Score: 4.5/5

Book Review: "The First Garfield Fat Cat Three Pack"

Author: Jim Davis
Published: 1980 - 1981 (original books) / 1993 (original omnibus) / 2001 (colorized deluxe edition) by Ballantine Books

Synopsis
Sure, everyone knows that Garfield is a fat orange cat who loves lasagna...but, what do you really know about the Tubby Tabby's origins? This three-book omnibus starts with the very first strip, and shows Garfield's early days, his first encounter with Odie, and when Jon first became smitten with Liz.  Though the art style may be different, the strip as we know it today would not exist had it not been for these early strips.  Better yet, this newer edition is entirely in full color, making these classic comics look better than ever.

The Good
These comics first appeared several years before I was born, but, the fact that they literally made me laugh out loud is a testament to the timelessness of Jim Davis' humor.  The colorized strips look much better than they did in their original black and white form, though purists may feel otherwise.  Pretty much everything about this book was good, except...

The Bad
Though there's no profanity, the humor is a bit edgier than modern fans are used to, which may make some parents hesitant to hand this to their young children.  Also, the last volume in the omnibus ends in the middle of a storyline; you might want to have the next installment ready if you want to see what happens next.

Conclusion
Garfield is right up there with computers as one of the things I've always liked.  I can still remember reading the comics in the paper as a kid, and laughing out loud at the Tubby Tabby.  Maybe I'm just biased, but, I can't see why people would hate the strip...but, they still do; one former Facebook friend once said, "I'd rather be stuck in a Turkish prison than be forced to watch Garfield." Many sites online have also dissed the character, the strip, and even its creator, Jim Davis.  I honestly think they haven't given it enough of a chance; if you're largely unfamiliar with the strip, check out this book and decide for yourself whether it's any good or not

Score: 4.75/5

TV DVD Review: "Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive": Volume Five: "Pink Emerald"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence (US) / PG: "Violence, Frightening Scenes" (Canada)
Starring: James McFay, Caitlin Murphy, Samuell Benta, Rhoda Montemayor, Gareth Yuen, and Dwayne Cameron
Released: 2007 (Jetix premieres)

Synopsis
In this fifth and final volume, the Rangers search for the last jewel of the Corona Aurora...but, their numerous foes will stop at nothing to get their hands on it! Meanwhile, a recent revelations makes the Red Ranger unsure of who he is, and the Mercury Ranger is heartbroken over his lost girlfriend.  With villains everywhere bent on world domination, the Rangers will have to work together and put aside their problems to save our planet...but, with their foes' new powers, even the Rangers' Zords may not be enough.  It all ends here.

The Good
Along with the usual good traits about this season--well-choreographed action sequences, good special effects, great acting, a lack of profanity, sexual content, and drug use, etc.--the two-part finale was so intense that it had me on the edge of my seat.  I just finished it a few minutes ago, and still feel a bit winded because of it.  That doesn't usually happen; then again, I don't often watch episodes of the same series one after another like I did with this one.

The Bad
As good as this is, one complaint still lingers: A retrospective episode--titled "Way Back When"--within this set is mostly a waste of time, as it leads to a revelation that could just have easily occurred within a minute or two.  If you watch these volumes all at once like I did, you might want to skip that one.  Also, the ever-relentless fighting may be too much for some kids and/or their parents, as would a rather scary monster.

Conclusion
What a rush! I've invested a lot of time over the past few weeks watching this fifteenth season of Saban's superhero creation, and the ending definitely delivered!  My heart is still racing several minutes after watching the finale! Though this series as a whole wasn't without issues--as you can see from my reviews of the previous volumes, as well as this one--the two-parter that closes this incarnation of the Power Rangers was amazing! Of course, that's to be expected from a Disney television production; when Operation Overdrive was made, the House of Mouse owned Saban.  This is just one more thing that gives me faith in Disney as a corporation, and makes me all the more curious to see their take on Star Wars next year.

Score: 4.75/5

DVD Set Review: "The Cosby Show": Season One

Rated: Not Rated
Starring: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Sabrina La Beauf, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe, and Keshia Knight Pullam
Released: 1984 - 1985 (TV premieres) / 2005 (DVD)

Synopsis
The show that changed the face of television all started here.  Dr. Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable (Bill Cosby) is an accomplished gynecologist; his wife, Clair (Phylicia Rashad), is a lawyer.  They and their five children--Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa, and Rudy--are a typical family...with plenty of love and laughter! You'll laugh as Clair and the kids go out of their way to prevent Cliff from discovering his birthday gift, Cliff teaches Theo a lesson about money, Clair desires to have one more child, and much more!

The Good
Since this show is one of the landmarks of television, most of you reading this are probably already at least somewhat familiar with it.  If you're not, though, here's the rundown of what's great about it: Not only is the content clean--well, mostly--but it features parents who are intelligent, instead of kids who rule the roost while their parental units sit around wondering.  The positive moral elements within this first season are too many to list.  The bonus disc features a retrospective documentary with the show's stars and other celebrities--Oprah Winfrey, Adam Sandler, P. Diddy, etc.--talking about how influential the show was during its run.

The Bad
There was a bit of sexual dialogue, and a couple of profanities, but, those all stayed within "PG" territory; the real problems with this set are from a technical aspect.  If you rely on closed captions, be warned: a weird glitch caused all of the episodes on the second disc to have the wrong captions, and the bonus documentary has no captions, even though they were likely on the original broadcast.  Even if you aren't hard of hearing, all of the episodes are the syndicated versions, which means they're the kind you can watch on TV Land for free--and that have missing scenes--instead of the original broadcast episodes.  Also, one of the episodes had some rather annoying music.

Conclusion
Though The Cosby Show is a classic, this DVD set could have been much better produced.  I'd give the show a four, but the set itself a two for poor production values.  If you're a die-hard fan of the series, you'll probably be pleased with it nonetheless, but others might opt to get the re-release that contained the full broadcast episodes.

Score: 3/5

Movie Review: "The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box"

Rated: PG for adventure action and violence, some peril, and brief smoking
Starring: Aneurin Barnard, Sam Neill, and Mella Carron
Released: December 5, 2013

Synopsis
When Mariah Mundi's (Aneurin Barnard) parents disappear, and his brother gets kidnapped, Mariah's investigation leads him to the Prince Regent Hotel, newly owned by the villainous Luger (Sam Neill, Merlin).  Before Mariah's mother disappeared, his mother told him a cryptic rhyme: "Faithfulness will be your shield as a thousand may fall and hide, but no evil may ever come near you with gold at your side." Legend tells of a Midas Box; one that can turn anything into gold...and Luger will stop at nothing to get it! Mariah and his newfound friend Sacha (Mella Carron) know he must be stopped...but can they prevent the evil Luger from unleashing his dastardly plan?
Based on a book by G. P. Taylor.

The Good
At its core, this was an enjoyable, well-made, kid-friendly action/adventure film.  Like a page-turning novel, this kept me gripped until the end.  The actors all did well, especially the legendary Sam Neill, who has to be one of the most convincing villains I've ever seen in a live-action family film.  All of the action scenes were greatly choreographed, and the special effects were good, too.  The lack of sexual content and profanity--save for one utterance of the d-word--was rather refreshing.

The Bad
Probably the most unfortunate moment was when a blow was struck that knocked out someone's tooth; it was implied, but still a bit much.  Also--and this is a spoiler, so, be warned--at the end, Mariah asks his new friend Sacha if she wants to come live with him and his little brother, since she just lost her father; that was a bit weird.  One other thing: This was supposed to be the first in a franchise, but, given the lukewarm response it allegedly received, we may not be seeing any more of these.

Conclusion
As a fan of family-friendly entertainment, I enjoy kid-friendly action/adventure movies, of which this was one.  Other reviews and ratings of this film I've seen online have been negative; I'm not sure exactly why.  Maybe I'm just a sucker for a good movie yarn, but, I found this one to be rather fun.  If you do decide to watch it, don't turn it off when it gets to the credits; a minute or so into them, there's an extra scene.

Score: 4/5

TV DVD Review: "Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive": Volume Four: "Star of Isis"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence (US) / PG: "Violence, Frightening Scenes" (Canada)
Starring: James McFay, Caitlin Murphy, Samuell Benta, Rhoda Montemayor, Gareth Yuen, and Dwayne Cameron
Released: 2007 (Jetix premieres)

Synopsis
Surprises abound as the Rangers seek the fourth of five jewels.  Between new enemies, new allies, and new weapons, the Rangers are in for the fight of their lives.  Mr. Hartford, the one who helped them become Power Rangers, is willing to help by creating new technology to help them in battle...but, with such diabolical villains, will that be enough?

The Good
The synopsis above was generic because I didn't want to give away some of the plot points, which were a bit surprising, even for me.  Not only was the story gripping, but, as with previous volumes of this season, the action sequences were spot-on, the acting was great, and the special effects, while a little cheesy at times, were still light years ahead of the original Mighty Morphin series.  The usual lack of sexual content, nudity, and drug use also made things better.

The Bad
The villain in the first two episodes has to be the most hideous bad guy I've seen in any incarnation of this series.  Sure, the Rangers' foes are intentionally unattractive; even Miratrix, a human-looking villainess, is rather homely.  This one guy, though, takes the cake.  Also, Mack, the Red Ranger, shows some disrespect towards his father towards the end, which, even given the situation, was a bit upsetting.  Though this volume mostly free of profanity, one episode has Spencer the butler misusing God's name.

Conclusion
I'm in the home stretch now! After finishing this today, I've got just one more volume left of this season.  So far, even with its rough moments, it's been a great ride; this one was a bit different because of the surprises which I won't reveal here.  Like I've said in my previous reviews: If you liked the previous volumes...you'll like this one, too.

Score: 4.25/5

DVD Review: "Sheerluck Holmes and the Golden Ruler"

Rated: G (Canadian Home Video Rating)
Starring: Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki
Released: 2005 (DVD)

Synopsis
Sheerluck Holmes (portrayed by Larry the Cucumber) is known as the greatest detective in all of London...but, his faithful assistant, Dr. Watson (played by Bob the Tomato), feels that Sheerluck never gives him any credit.  When Buckingham Palace is robbed of a very important item, Holmes and Watson are called to help...but, tired of living in Sheerluck's shadow, Dr. Watson ditches him, leaving Holmes to solve the case on his own.  Will Sheerluck learn the right way to treat a friend before it's too late? Also, Larry sings a Silly Song about a ball stuck in a gated community!
Based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Good
As I mentioned in my previous VeggieTales review, it is amazing what the animators at Big Idea can do.  The lighting, textures, shading, and other effects looked awesome, as did the set design.  As usual, there is a moral to the story, and it's one that even adults need to be reminded of from time to time.  This episode's Silly Song ends with Larry getting his ball back, which made me happy.  The ending also was a bit of a surprise; I thought the whodunit was going to end rather differently.  That's all I'll say as not to give it away.

The Bad
Only one complaint I really have: The musical numbers--other than the Silly Song, that is--went on too long, and were slightly inane; then again, those in the target audience may feel differently.

Conclusion
After a long hiatus, I have watched three VeggieTales episodes so far this month; I hope to watch more in the future.  I have to say, the production values of Sheerluck Holmes were impressive, and the story was pretty good; I can see why Larry, Bob, and friends are well-known, even outside of the Christian community.  Most VeggieTales fans have likely already seen this; if you haven't...well, you should watch it!

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Abel's Field"

Rated: PG for thematic elements, brief violence, and a smoking scene
Starring: Kevin Sorbo, Samuel Davis, and Nicole Elliot
Released: September 15, 2012

Synopsis
Life has been hard recently for Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis).  After the death of his mother and being abandoned by his father, he is left as the sole guardian of his younger twin sisters.  When he gets into a fight with one of the football players at his high school, he is forced to help the school's custodian, Abel (Kevin Sorbo, God's Not Dead), install a sprinkler system for the school's football field.  When a massive debt arises, Seth is, out of desperation, tempted to get the funds to pay it through illegal means.  As his new friend, Abel wants to steer him in the right direction...but, is Seth too far gone to refrain from making the biggest mistake he has ever made in his life?

Warning! Spoilers below!

The Good
This is better than usual for a Christian film.  Abel is a Christian who is nonetheless deeply flawed.  Seth is a likable protagonist; many viewers will likely identify with his struggles, even if theirs' are a bit different.  All of the actors did very well, and the sets were convincing enough.  Positive elements abound, such as not judging people because they have tattoos; though I have no plans to get "inked," I have Christian friends who are, and they'd probably appreciate that.  Also, the ending is much better than usual for Christian films; though Seth chooses to follow God, and things work out for him as a result, he doesn't automatically end up with a girlfriend, a large house, and a job where he rakes in the dough.

The Bad
Nothing too terrible; probably the biggest problem was the soundtrack, which had right many sub-par songs.  A scene where Abel grabs Seth might be too much for some kids, and smoking and drinking, though minimal, are present.

Conclusion
Though Christian cinema has been around for decades, it has taken a new life as of late.  Christian bookstores are now filled with DVDs that feature everything from talking vegetables to end-times action to family drama...all of which are intended to point the viewer towards Jesus Christ.  We're even seeing more Christian films released in theaters than in previous years.  Though not perfect, Abel's Field is a well-made Christian film that is worth at least a rental.  You may not enjoy it again and again, but it's definitely an uplifting flick that doesn't suffer from poor production values (C Me Dance) or an unrealistic ending (Grace Unplugged).

Score: 3.75/5

TV Set Review: "House of Anubis": Volume Two

Rated: TV-G
Starring: Nathalia Ramos, Brad Kavanagh, Jade Ramsey, Ana Mulvoy Ten, Eugene Simon, Bobby Lockwood, Alex Sawyer, Tasie Dhanraj, Klariza Clayton, and Mina Anwar
Released: January - February 2011 (Nickelodeon/TeenNick premieres)

Synopsis
The mysteries surrounding Anubis House are growing; Nina, Fabian, and Amber, aka the Sibuna club, are bound and determined to figure it all out...but they can't allow the teachers or their classmates to find out what they're doing! With romances that are both budding and ending, a school play, a strange private investigator named Rufus Zeno, and a surprise sighting of Joy, will the kids figure out the big secret before it's too late?

The Good
What the first volume did well, this second outing does even better.  More episodes means more suspense, more secrets, and a more convoluted story, and that's what you get here.  The actors all do a wonderful job, and the series excels at appropriately devoting time to comedy, drama, and mystery.  Even the plot is quite gripping. If the first volume made you a fan of the series, you definitely will like this one.

The Bad
The only real complaint I have is the closed captioning; it's terribly annoying to have it lag, especially when thick British accents make the dialogue hard to hear at lower volumes.  Also, a plot device that uses allegations of a teacher/student scandal may cause uncomfortable questions from young children.  As with the first volume, some moments may be too freaky for little ones.

Conclusion
Nickelodeon did a great thing when they released this series; although decidedly different from iCarly, All That, or SpongeBob SquarePants, this is a great show with an amazingly involving plot.  Minor complaints aside, kids and adults will find plenty to like about it.

Score: 4.5/5

TV DVD Review: "Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive": Volume Three: "Blue Sapphire"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence (US) / PG: "Violence, Frightening Scenes" (Canada)
Starring: James McFay, Caitlin Murphy, Samuell Benta, Rhoda Montemayor, Gareth Yuen, and Dwayne Cameron
Released: 2007 (Jetix premieres)

Synopsis
The Power Rangers seek out the third jewel...but, their various enemies are against them every step of the way! To find the precious gem, they'll need help from their newest member: Tyzonn, the Mercury Ranger.  Even with his help and new Zords and weaponry, the Rangers are in for their biggest fights yet! Will they emerge victorious, or will this be the end of them once and for all?

The Good
The wonderful action sequences, good moral lessons, and great acting that were present in the earlier volumes continue here.  Also, the ending--which I won't give away--gives our heroes a more realistic, less perfect profile.  As expected, a lack of profanity, sexual content, and drug use made things more enjoyable.  Tyzonn is a likable character, and a welcome addition to the series.

The Bad
Some moments are just plain dumb, such as having a scene where the Rangers' butler pretends to be one of the female Rangers with just a face mask; seriously, the guy has a British accent, so how would he portray an American young lady? Though not as bad as in the original Mighty Morphin series, there are scenes with cheesy special effects.  Probably the worst of it was when a Ranger defeated a monster by going inside him and then becoming large; it's not graphic, but still a bit disgusting.

Conclusion
If you liked the previous volumes, you'll like this one...but, you already knew that, right? Fans of the series so far will know what to expect from this third outing...and that's just what they'll get.  The ending makes things interesting; even though the finale of this season will obviously only end one way, this third volume's last chapter has my interest piqued.  You may feel differently...but, you'll only know if you watch it.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson's Hairbrush" ("VeggieTales")

Rated: G (Canadian Home Video Rating)
Starring: Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki
Released: June 25, 2005 (DVD)

Synopsis
Minnesota Cuke (played by Larry the Cucumber) has been one-upped all his life by Professor Rattan (Mr. Lunt); so much so, that Minnesota considers him a bully.  When the adventurous cucumber gets wind of a hairbrush that belonged to the Biblical strongman Samson, he sets out to beat Rattan to the punch...but is Minnesota seeking power for the wrong reason? Meanwhile, Larry sings a Silly Song about a pizza delivery gone terribly wrong.
Based on the Minnesota Cuke computer game.

The Good
Big Idea may not have the budget of, say, Pixar or Blue Sky, but it's nonetheless amazing what they can do with computer animation.  This nine-year-old, straight-to-DVD production looked absolutely fabulous on my iPad and iMac, both of which are much newer.  The details of the characters and settings are quite minute.  The film itself makes a good point about how you should really treat your enemies; something I wish I had known when I was younger.  Instead of just being a comedy, though, Minnesota and other characters find themselves in peril at times, much like the title character in the film series that obviously inspired this.  The Silly Song pokes fun at emotional ballads; the first one that came to mind was Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss," although Larry's tune is much less tragic and definitely more humorous.

The Bad
The only two complaints I have are rather minor: First off, since this is a parody of Indiana Jones, viewers of Minnesota Cuke would have to be familiar with the Lucas/Spielberg creation...which isn't exactly kid stuff.  (I tried watching Raiders of the Lost Ark a few years ago, and was so disturbed by the Ark of the Covenant scene, I never watched any of the movies in the series again.) Also, maybe I'm just too tenderhearted, but, I would have liked the Silly Song to end with Larry getting his pizza after all.

Conclusion
Just over a week ago, I reviewed a VeggieTales film for the first time ever on this blog.  Since I'm trying to get into more non-Disney-Channel entertainment, I hope to be watching more soon.  The VeggieTales series has a following outside of the Christian realm; people everywhere know about Larry the Cucumber, Bob the Tomato, and "The Water Buffalo Song".  Why is that? It's because these aren't just cut-rate, direct-to-video animated films; they're actually well-crafted, and put in dashes of humor that aren't just for the kids.  What's not to like?

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "Inkheart"

Rated: PG for fantasy adventure action, some scary moments, and brief language
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Eliza Bennett, and Paul Bettany
Released: January 23, 2009 (theaters)

Synopsis
Mo (Brendan Fraser, George of the Jungle) is a book mender, and can restore damaged literature to like new condition.  He and his daughter, Meggie (Eliza Bennett), have jetted hundreds of miles to find a copy of a specific book. what Meggie doesn't know is that her mother, who seemingly went missing years ago, is trapped inside that book, thanks to Mo's powers as a Silvertongue; that is, a person whose mere reading of the written word causes the characters and situation to come off the page and into our world.  When an escaped villain from said book is bent on killing Mo and Meggie, and taking over the world, it's up to them to put a stop to the storybook nemesis' evil ways for good.
Based on the book by Cornelia Funke.

The Good
The special effects were outstanding; fantastical creations such as winged monkeys were brought to life very well.  The cast is largely British, which brings a bit of the usual charm from jolly old England.  All of the actors did quite well, especially Brendan Fraser and Eliza Bennett.  There wasn't any profanity that I heard, which is different than usual for "PG" fare.

The Bad
Some of the sequences were a bit scary; however, the biggest problem was just that this movie was hard to finish.  I'm not sure what it was about it, but, after watching it over the course of several days, and finishing it today, I didn't really feel a sense of satisfaction; it just proved lackluster.

Conclusion
I'm pretty sure I bought this on DVD at a garage sale; now, I just hope that I get some decent trade-in credit for it at MovieStop, because the movie itself proved to be a waste of time.  Even with the clean content and good production values, getting through it proved to be a chore.  I only hope the original novel was better than this film adaptation.

Score: 1.5/5

TV DVD Review: "Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive": Volume Two: "Toru Diamond"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence (US) / PG: "Violence, Frightening Scenes" (Canada)
Starring: James McFay, Caitlin Murphy, Samuell Benta, Rhoda Montemayor, and Gareth Yuen Released: 2007 (Jetix premieres)

Synopsis
The action continues in this second volume, as the Rangers are on the hunt for yet another jewel.  With three different enemies on their trail, though, things are bound to get crazy.  When the Rangers find a parchment that tells of the location of the diamond they seek, villainess Miratrix stops at nothing to get it.  It's going to take everything the Rangers have got to thwart her plans and find the gem...but, will that be enough?

The Good
What the series did well in the first volume, it continues to excel at in this second one.  Miratrix is a convincing villainess, the Rangers are likable yet imperfect heroes, and even one villain realizes the error of his ways.  Lessons include putting aside personal dreams for the greater good and the consequences of being selfish.  The fight sequences are definitely intense, but they're done quite well, and the usage of computer imagery is impressive.  Also, the lack of profanity, sexual content, drug use, and nudity--though that's kind of to be expected--made this more enjoyable.

The Bad
As with the first volume, the fight scenes are relentless; also, some of the monstrous villains could scare some young viewers.  Probably the most significant issue is that a character is shown shedding blood; it's teal-colored, alien blood, but still blood nonetheless.

Conclusion
You might think that this second volume would be more of the same; it is, in a way, but, now that the introductions are out of the way, the focus is more on the action and the characterization, which improves matters a bit.  I'm honestly looking forward to continuing this series; thankfully, I have all of the DVDs.  If you liked the first volume, you'll likely enjoy this one, too!

Score: 4.25/5

Graphic Novel Review: "Star Wars Omnibus: The Complete Saga: Episodes I through VI"

Synopsis
You've probably seen the Star Wars movies...but never quite like this! Each of the six live-action films is given the graphic novel treatment, complete with full-color artwork from some of the biggest names in the comics industry.  You'll be enchanted once again as Anakin Skywalker goes from innocent desert slave to the evil cyborg Darth Vader, and is redeemed by his own son.  The grandeur of the movies has been brought to a new format: the comics.

The Good
Each of the comic adaptations is a summed up version of the movie, but they do quite well in conveying the cinematic scenes, as well as the feelings the films evoke.  The artwork style is a bit better in the adaptations of the original trilogy, but all of the comics are well-done.  Also, the profanities in A New Hope are left out in this version.

The Bad
Strangely enough, the profanities that were in Attack of the Clones were unfortunately included.  Not only that, but, a bloody scene--you fans know what I'm talking about--in A New Hope is made a bit more creepy in this graphic novel adaptation.

Conclusion
Though a select few people despise the franchise, pretty much everyone likes Star Wars.  I'm actually a different sort of fan; though I like the films, I enjoy the books even more.  Still, I found these comics to be a good refresher on the events of the films, on which the Expanded Universe books are based.  Fans of the original and prequel trilogies will find plenty to like about these comics; however, if you're not a fan of the movies, nothing in this omnibus will change your mind.

Score: 4.5/5

Movie Review: "VeggieTales: Very Silly Songs!"

Rated: Not Rated
Starring: Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer, and Lisa Vischer
Released: 1997 (VHS)

Synopsis
It's the very first VeggieTales sing-along video! Featuring hits such as "Dance of the Cucumber," "I Love My Lips," and "God Is Bigger than the Boogeyman," with on-screen lyrics, and hosted by Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, these songs are sure to entertain kids of all ages! This half-hour DVD also features a new and improved "Bunny Song", and, for the first time ever, the Silly Song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything!"

The Good
Though I've heard most of these songs before, the music videos for them were still entertaining, as were the interludes, especially the Home Improvement parody that even features similar theme music.  The songs aren't just humorous, though; they talk of forgiveness, accepting others, and not succumbing to fear.  Also, the animation is great, especially some of the shading and transparency effects, which I hear are difficult to do, and probably were even more so back in 1997.

The Bad
Some of the videos could have used a little remastering; though I watched this via DVD, the noise lines at the bottom edge on one or two videos and the fuzziness made me feel like I was watching it on VHS instead.  There was one song--"Oh, No!"--that probably made sense in the context of the original film, but, here, it's just a song that talks about what three misguided individuals want to do to somebody.  The "in between" music was also annoying at times.

Conclusion
I've largely avoided VeggieTales for a while, spending time with the Disney Channel instead.  Since I've given up the Mouse network just for this month, I thought it would be a good idea to try other kiddie entertainment; after all, I am a kid at heart.  This is a return to the old standbys, as many of these songs I've heard time and time again, though not in a while.  VeggieTales fans know just what to expect from this...and that's exactly what they'll get.

Score: 3.5/5

TV DVD Review: "Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive": Volume One: "Brownbeard's Pearl"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence
Starring: James McFay, Caitlin Murphy, Samuell Benta, Rhoda Montemayor, and Gareth Yuen
Released: 2007 (Jetix premieres)

Synopsis
Famed archaeologist and billionaire Andrew Hartford (Rod Lousich) has finally found it: the Corona Aurora, a crown that, when combined with five jewels scattered across the planet, has legendary powers.  Unfortunately, his discovery has awakened an ancient evil: two brothers, the icy Flurious and fiery Moltor, who will stop at nothing to get the jewels and rule the world.  To defend the world from utter destruction, and to assist in finding the jewels, Andrew gets five teenagers--stuntman Dax Lo (Gareth Yuen), race car driver Ronny (Caitlin Murphy), spy-for-hire Will (Samuell Benta), brainiac Rose (Rhoda Montemayor), and Andrew's own son Mack (James McFay)--to undergo a genetic restructuring procedure, and equips them with powerful technology...which makes them Power Rangers! In this first set, the Rangers learn to work together and set out to find the first jewel...though their enemies try to stop them at every turn! Will they find the gem, or will their plans be thwarted?
As seen on Toon Disney's Jetix block.

Warning! Spoilers below!

The Good
First off: The special effects, though not perfect, are much better than they were in the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, likely thanks to a bigger budget.  Also, the action sequences are more intense and less cheesy, which makes the show more involving.  The actors all do well; even though the material can be silly at times, they make it work.  Rhoda Montemayor deserves special mention for playing a female pirate in the final episode; a much different character than Rose.  Miratrix, the main villainess, is more convincing and less over-the-top than Rita Repulsa ever was, especially since Miratrix is first introduced as Dax's love interest.  Positive elements--working as a team, uniting for a common goal, etc.--are also present.

The Bad
While intense action sequences is a great thing for older viewers like me, they may be too much for some kids.  Also, though it's cool to see Rose as a pirate, the way she becomes one--a ghost entering her body--is a bit creepy.  The theme song and closing credits music could also have been better, and the DVD title gives too much away.

Conclusion
Though not perfect, this inaugural title in the fifteenth season--yes, really!--of Power Rangers made for some great entertainment.  It's definitely different than the original incarnation, but it's still fun and entertaining nonetheless.  Those past the "target age" may scoff, but kids of all ages--including "grown-up kids" like me--might very well enjoy this.  I'm interested to see where it goes from here.

Score: 4/5

TV Set Review: "House of Anubis": Volume One

Rated: TV-G
Starring: Nathalia Ramos, Brad Kavanagh, Jade Ramsey, Ana Mulvoy Ten, Eugene Simon, Bobby Lockwood, Alex Sawyer, Tasie Dhanraj, Klariza Clayton, and Mina Anwar
Released: January 2011 (Nickelodeon/TeenNick premieres)

Synopsis
Nina Martin (Nathalia Ramos) is an American girl attending a British boarding school.  Unbeknownst to her, she is replacing longtime student Joy (Klariza Clayton), who seems to just disappear after Nina arrives.  Joy's best friend Patricia (Jade Ramsey) believes that Nina is at fault for Joy's disappearance...but Nina seems to know nothing about it.  Nina finds an elderly lady wandering around the premises of her dorm who seems to believe that sinister things are going on around there.  At first, Nina just thinks the lady has lost her mind...but, when strange events start to happen, it seems that her old friend may have been right! The adventure starts here.
Also starring Mina Anwar (The Thin Blue Line).

The Good
This series definitely has a very gripping plot! The cliffhangers at the end of every episode leave you waiting breathlessly for the next installment; when I started watching this last week, I watched four episodes in one day, including the double-length series premiere.  Also, all of the actors--young and old--do a great job.  The sets are convincing as well, and there is a decided sense of menace, which helps keep it interesting.

The Bad
Though this may be rated "TV-G", the scariness could be too much for some young kids, so be warned.  Also, at the risk of giving the plot away, the conspiracy seems to involve supernatural powers and Egyptian gods, which may offend some people.  One other thing of note: I know this is a British production, and that they have looser standards than we do in the US, but...did they really need to make the girls in this series wear such short skirts or shorts?

Conclusion
Most people think of crazy cartoons or tween sitcoms when they think of Nickelodeon; though still youth-oriented, this is different than anything the network had ever shown previously.  I had watched the show here and there when it first came on, and even saw the finale, but, since I didn't watch every episode, parts of it didn't make sense.  Some time later, while perusing the iTunes Store on Christmas Day 2011, I found the entire first season--not just this volume, but the two others that make up the first season as it aired on TV--for free; why they did that, I had no idea, but, you bet I pounced on it.  I'm just getting around to watching it now, and am really enjoying it.  If you've never seen this show before...you should check it out!

Score: 4.5/5