I've been reading the comments for this movie, and some people seem to think that this is just "another sports underdog movie." That's not the point. It's a spoof. It's making fun of every other sports movie ever made. Why do you think they deliberately call it An Underdog Story, and why else would it be about dodgeball? They took every piece of the formula (the financial dilemma, the goofy teammates, the greedy villain) and mercilessly shredded them. And it's hilarious because it works. Getting hit in the head with a wrench and numerous shots to the crotch can only take you so far. The real humor is in the subtleties, like having Lance Armstrong commiserate with someone for wanting to quit. That's just classic.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
(2001)
Not as good as the series
12 October 2003
Warning: Spoilers
But still a great movie. Most of the elements that made the series the best ever are present in the movie. But I still don't feel that it had that extra something that made the series what it was.
I think the thing that didn't work in the movie was that it was a stand alone. You can argue that most of the episodes in Bebop were stand alone themselves, but I always felt there was a thread tying them all together. And sure, there were references to the world of Bebop (i.e. the scene in the jail cell), but they weren't in the same style as the series. They didn't have the brief glimpses of the past, or Spike's flashbacks, that, when added together, built the Bebop series. Of course, in a stand alone movie it wouldn't have made much sense, so I understand why they were omitted. Also, I feel that the creators said all they wanted to say in the series, so adding more would have actually weakened the impact of the series itself.
Mini Spoiler ahead.
Another problem I had was the air battle with the army. To me that seemed to come out of nowhere and accomplish nothing. It looked like the animators were just trying to show off. Of course, they did a good job showing off. It was the most beautiful sequence in the film, and the song "What Planet is This?" is a great backdrop.
Anyway, those were the problems. Aside from that, it was great. The music was excellent, the animation beautiful, and the acting and direction really worked. The villain, in typical Bebop fashion, wasn't all he seemed, and the plot was effectively creepy.
So in conclusion, it was a great movie, but if you want the full Bebop experience, it is no substitute for the series.
I think the thing that didn't work in the movie was that it was a stand alone. You can argue that most of the episodes in Bebop were stand alone themselves, but I always felt there was a thread tying them all together. And sure, there were references to the world of Bebop (i.e. the scene in the jail cell), but they weren't in the same style as the series. They didn't have the brief glimpses of the past, or Spike's flashbacks, that, when added together, built the Bebop series. Of course, in a stand alone movie it wouldn't have made much sense, so I understand why they were omitted. Also, I feel that the creators said all they wanted to say in the series, so adding more would have actually weakened the impact of the series itself.
Mini Spoiler ahead.
Another problem I had was the air battle with the army. To me that seemed to come out of nowhere and accomplish nothing. It looked like the animators were just trying to show off. Of course, they did a good job showing off. It was the most beautiful sequence in the film, and the song "What Planet is This?" is a great backdrop.
Anyway, those were the problems. Aside from that, it was great. The music was excellent, the animation beautiful, and the acting and direction really worked. The villain, in typical Bebop fashion, wasn't all he seemed, and the plot was effectively creepy.
So in conclusion, it was a great movie, but if you want the full Bebop experience, it is no substitute for the series.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
(2003)
The Samurai Jack of movies
11 October 2003
For those of you who do not get the reference, Samurai Jack is a cartoon whose creator developed it in response to the lousy action cartoons he suffered through in his childhood. You know the shows: where the characters sit around half the time, and only have a small battle at the end. Well, Jack is nothing but action, and the same can be said for Bill.
The plot here is thinner than the paper it's written on, but it just doesn't matter. In fact, that's the point. Why try to constrain all of the great action with something as useless as a plot? Just give Uma a list of people she needs to kill, and let her do it in the goriest way possible. All action films should be so simple. So often the plot just gets in the way, and big showdowns, for example, seem ridiculous and forced, instead of tense and dramatic. This movie was made for the sake of big showdowns, and it delivers. It's refreshing to have a movie dish out what it advertises.
In fact, there's so much action and violence I'm surprised they were able to get an R rating (not that I'm complaining. Personally I think these people need to lighten up more often). I guess the blood spray was so exaggerated that they decided it was more humorous than traumatic. But the body count seemed better suited for a video game, or Antietam.
But I digress. If you want to see action for the sake of action, here's your movie. If the sight of blood makes you sick, bring a barf bag. As for me, I give it two thumbs up.
The plot here is thinner than the paper it's written on, but it just doesn't matter. In fact, that's the point. Why try to constrain all of the great action with something as useless as a plot? Just give Uma a list of people she needs to kill, and let her do it in the goriest way possible. All action films should be so simple. So often the plot just gets in the way, and big showdowns, for example, seem ridiculous and forced, instead of tense and dramatic. This movie was made for the sake of big showdowns, and it delivers. It's refreshing to have a movie dish out what it advertises.
In fact, there's so much action and violence I'm surprised they were able to get an R rating (not that I'm complaining. Personally I think these people need to lighten up more often). I guess the blood spray was so exaggerated that they decided it was more humorous than traumatic. But the body count seemed better suited for a video game, or Antietam.
But I digress. If you want to see action for the sake of action, here's your movie. If the sight of blood makes you sick, bring a barf bag. As for me, I give it two thumbs up.
.hack//SIGN
(2002–2003)
Meh, it's all right
20 September 2003
Before I start, let me point out that the only exposure I've had to the.hack universe is through this series. So if I'm just not getting something that is somehow enhanced by the games or other series, I apologize.
Anyway, this is really a pretty good show. Not great, but good. Good characters, great animation and music, and an inventive and creative plot. The only real beefs I have with this show are the length and the confusion. During the series, I accepted the fact that things may seem a little confusing, and I'd just have to stick with it. I expected that things would be tied up at the end, maybe not completely, but at least enough to justify watching all these (mostly pointless) episodes. Unfortunately, I don't feel that they really explained what happened. It kind of left me hanging. I understand the story goes on, but I would have preferred a little more closure.
As for the length, the series contains far too little content to fill nearly thirty episodes. Its kind of an anti-FLCL, if you know what I mean. They could have easily wrapped it up in 13, if not fewer. It just seemed to drag on and on, talking a lot without really saying anything. Of course, sometimes it was nice to just sit back and enjoy the beautiful animation and music. They were something of a saving grace.
So in the end, I'd recommend .hack//sign. Despite its length, it managed to keep my interest throughout, and that's always a good thing.
Anyway, this is really a pretty good show. Not great, but good. Good characters, great animation and music, and an inventive and creative plot. The only real beefs I have with this show are the length and the confusion. During the series, I accepted the fact that things may seem a little confusing, and I'd just have to stick with it. I expected that things would be tied up at the end, maybe not completely, but at least enough to justify watching all these (mostly pointless) episodes. Unfortunately, I don't feel that they really explained what happened. It kind of left me hanging. I understand the story goes on, but I would have preferred a little more closure.
As for the length, the series contains far too little content to fill nearly thirty episodes. Its kind of an anti-FLCL, if you know what I mean. They could have easily wrapped it up in 13, if not fewer. It just seemed to drag on and on, talking a lot without really saying anything. Of course, sometimes it was nice to just sit back and enjoy the beautiful animation and music. They were something of a saving grace.
So in the end, I'd recommend .hack//sign. Despite its length, it managed to keep my interest throughout, and that's always a good thing.
Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files
(1992–1995)
Just good old fashioned fun
20 September 2003
This is a great series. Not because of superior animation or music. Not because of innovative plots or creative story-telling. Its just fun to watch.
The series grabs hold of you with the first line of the first episode, which goes something like this: "This is our hero, Yusuke Urameshi. And surprisingly enough, he's dead." I mean, if the main character dying in the first episode doesn't pique your interest, what will? After that, the story is one we've seen often enough: guys with super powers fighting evil. Basic, but with good execution it can be quite effective.
I think the main strength of this show is in the characters. Yusuke is the jerk with the heart of gold. He'll do the right thing, but he'll always have a smart-alec remark to rub your wounds with salt. He has most of the best fights, and his scenes with his girlfriend are classic, and usually end with him getting slapped. Hiei and Kurama are just cool, if you'll simply look past Kurama's unfortunate fashion sense (the pink jump suit just doesn't work for me). Kuwabara's probably the best. He's so arrogant, and yet he loses nearly every fight he's in. It's great just to watch him get the crap beaten out of him after his long descriptions of how he's going to win the fight.
The only negatives for this show are some annoying habits they have. They usually pull the old, "There are four of us and one of him, but we're not going to all fight at once and overwhelm him, we'll just sit back while one of us (namely Kuwabara) gets pummeled. We could simply shoot the guy with a finger, but let's let him tire himself out kicking Kuwabara's face in instead." It makes for good comic relief, but gets kind of old when the fights stretch out unnecessarily long. Let's not turn this into DBZ here.
The series grabs hold of you with the first line of the first episode, which goes something like this: "This is our hero, Yusuke Urameshi. And surprisingly enough, he's dead." I mean, if the main character dying in the first episode doesn't pique your interest, what will? After that, the story is one we've seen often enough: guys with super powers fighting evil. Basic, but with good execution it can be quite effective.
I think the main strength of this show is in the characters. Yusuke is the jerk with the heart of gold. He'll do the right thing, but he'll always have a smart-alec remark to rub your wounds with salt. He has most of the best fights, and his scenes with his girlfriend are classic, and usually end with him getting slapped. Hiei and Kurama are just cool, if you'll simply look past Kurama's unfortunate fashion sense (the pink jump suit just doesn't work for me). Kuwabara's probably the best. He's so arrogant, and yet he loses nearly every fight he's in. It's great just to watch him get the crap beaten out of him after his long descriptions of how he's going to win the fight.
The only negatives for this show are some annoying habits they have. They usually pull the old, "There are four of us and one of him, but we're not going to all fight at once and overwhelm him, we'll just sit back while one of us (namely Kuwabara) gets pummeled. We could simply shoot the guy with a finger, but let's let him tire himself out kicking Kuwabara's face in instead." It makes for good comic relief, but gets kind of old when the fights stretch out unnecessarily long. Let's not turn this into DBZ here.
South Park
(1997– )
Better than the Simpsons
20 September 2003
On my list of all-time comedies, South Park is in second, behind Family Guy and before the Simpsons (this is of all comedies, not just cartoons. That the top three happen to be cartoons is quite interesting...). I know I've just mortally offended 90% of the people reading this, but hear me out. The Simpsons was the greatest comedy of its time. Its perfect blend of physical humor, political satire, and social commentary defined its genre in the 90s. But the 90s are over, and the Simpsons have died. They are a pathetic shell of their formal selves, and now South Park has taken up the torch they dropped.
South Park is too often defined by its use of foul language and vile sight gags. But those who do so are blinded by their ignorance and fail to see the true heart of the show. For South Park has taken political and social satire and turned it up a notch. They are able to take the hottest topics of the day and rip them apart while leaving you gasping for breath from all the laughter. The creators are unafraid to tackle any issue, and their unique form of production allows them to respond to recent events in a very timely manner. Take for example their 9/11 episode that aired in November of 2001. Despite the seriousness of the subject, they were able to make fun of the situation without belittling it, and were recognized for it with an Emmy nomination. I think the main point of the show is they are able to tell society, "you know, you're taking yourselves too seriously again. You need to just back up, have a laugh at yourself and move on." It's very refreshing.
Of course, the show would be nothing without Cartman. There's nothing like a foul-mouthed, racist, greedy, selfish, fat little eight year old boy whose voice you wish you could imitate better. Move over Homer. Your replacement's here.
South Park is too often defined by its use of foul language and vile sight gags. But those who do so are blinded by their ignorance and fail to see the true heart of the show. For South Park has taken political and social satire and turned it up a notch. They are able to take the hottest topics of the day and rip them apart while leaving you gasping for breath from all the laughter. The creators are unafraid to tackle any issue, and their unique form of production allows them to respond to recent events in a very timely manner. Take for example their 9/11 episode that aired in November of 2001. Despite the seriousness of the subject, they were able to make fun of the situation without belittling it, and were recognized for it with an Emmy nomination. I think the main point of the show is they are able to tell society, "you know, you're taking yourselves too seriously again. You need to just back up, have a laugh at yourself and move on." It's very refreshing.
Of course, the show would be nothing without Cartman. There's nothing like a foul-mouthed, racist, greedy, selfish, fat little eight year old boy whose voice you wish you could imitate better. Move over Homer. Your replacement's here.
Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn
(2002–2004)
A great complement to the Daily Show
18 September 2003
Finally we've got something to watch at 11:30. This is, usually, a very funny show. I say usually, because the success of the show is based greatly on who they have on the show every day. Because, quite frankly, Colin Quinn is not funny, and he's the only one on the show every night. He doesn't have anything funny to say, and when he does have a good comment, he messes up the delivery and stutters into his obligatory apology.
Anywho, when they have their best on the show (i.e. Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton, Nick DiPaulo, etc.) it's one of the funniest on TV. And when Jon Stewart was on, I almost p***ed myself I was laughing so hard. And the surprising part is, these guys actually have intelligent things to say. The only thing I think they should cut out is the "third act", where Colin takes over with some truly awful pre-written material that makes me cringe more than laugh. They should just let the comedians rip each other apart for an extra 7 minutes every episode.
Anywho, when they have their best on the show (i.e. Greg Giraldo, Jim Norton, Nick DiPaulo, etc.) it's one of the funniest on TV. And when Jon Stewart was on, I almost p***ed myself I was laughing so hard. And the surprising part is, these guys actually have intelligent things to say. The only thing I think they should cut out is the "third act", where Colin takes over with some truly awful pre-written material that makes me cringe more than laugh. They should just let the comedians rip each other apart for an extra 7 minutes every episode.
King of the Hill
(1997–2010)
There is no justice in this world
18 September 2003
It completely baffles me that quality, comedic masterpieces such as Family Guy and Futurama can be scrapped just as they reach their peaks while this unmitigated crap can be allowed to linger for 7 years(God, has it been THAT long?). Now correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't comedies supposed to be, oh, I don't know, funny? Yet somehow King of the Hill is totally lacking in humor.
Now I know people will argue that it presents "real" people in humorous situations similar to people's real lives. That still doesn't make it funny. If you want to watch real life, why do you own a TV? The fact is, the writers have proven themselves incapable of creating hilarious, yet plausible, plots, and they have no talent for one-liners and sight gags. Pile that on top of boring characters and wretched voice acting and you get a modern day sitcom. But of course the networks have the good sense to pull those of the air before sweeps. Yet this goes on, and on, and on...
Now I know people will argue that it presents "real" people in humorous situations similar to people's real lives. That still doesn't make it funny. If you want to watch real life, why do you own a TV? The fact is, the writers have proven themselves incapable of creating hilarious, yet plausible, plots, and they have no talent for one-liners and sight gags. Pile that on top of boring characters and wretched voice acting and you get a modern day sitcom. But of course the networks have the good sense to pull those of the air before sweeps. Yet this goes on, and on, and on...
X-Men: Evolution
(2000–2003)
Better than you thought
13 September 2003
A lot of people have been putting this show down, and I'd like to set the record straight. For those who don't know, the show is about the X-men when they were teenagers. The creators probably thought that by making them younger, they could appeal to a younger audience (it's survived 3 years up to this point, so who's to say they were wrong?). And for the most part, this angered X-men "purists", who argued that the series butchered their favorite characters, and that this was an insult to "true" fans. Get over yourselves.
I'll admit, the first season was pretty dull. The writers spent the majority of time introducing new characters (a necessity for a show with such a large, diverse cast). They couldn't develop individual characters very much, or put them into the complex story arcs that the comics are famous for.
But that all changed with season two. Unfortunately, by that time, most older fans had already given up on the series and are missing out on some great stuff. The story has evolved (no pun intended) over the years, and now we're beginning to see some of the classic X-men arcs. With the escalated aggression of Magneto, the rising tension between humans and mutants, and the emergence of Apocalypse, I feel that the series has reached a turning point. The writers are able to explore complex issues such as prejudice and tolerance, while still presenting it from a kid's-eye view. They've reached a new depth that they're now just starting to explore. So give it a shot. Just because these X-men aren't exactly what you're used to isn't necessarily a bad thing. Heck, if they were just going to copy what came before, there would really be no sense in making a new series in the first place.
I'll admit, the first season was pretty dull. The writers spent the majority of time introducing new characters (a necessity for a show with such a large, diverse cast). They couldn't develop individual characters very much, or put them into the complex story arcs that the comics are famous for.
But that all changed with season two. Unfortunately, by that time, most older fans had already given up on the series and are missing out on some great stuff. The story has evolved (no pun intended) over the years, and now we're beginning to see some of the classic X-men arcs. With the escalated aggression of Magneto, the rising tension between humans and mutants, and the emergence of Apocalypse, I feel that the series has reached a turning point. The writers are able to explore complex issues such as prejudice and tolerance, while still presenting it from a kid's-eye view. They've reached a new depth that they're now just starting to explore. So give it a shot. Just because these X-men aren't exactly what you're used to isn't necessarily a bad thing. Heck, if they were just going to copy what came before, there would really be no sense in making a new series in the first place.
Exosquad
(1993–1995)
America's best
12 September 2003
Exosquad came out when I was about 9, and I was immediately obsessed with it. I remember coming home from school every day and plopping myself in front of the TV all excited, just to catch a rerun. It was seriously that good. The story, when it is boiled down, is basically a futuristic World War II. The insane, brutal tyrant leading his people in a fight for global (or in this case, multi-global) domination, and the extermination of an "inferior" race. (Note the Neosapien officer's uniforms and the constant striving to create the superior breed of Neo and tell me that's not Nazism). But the show was so much more than that. The characters were all given a chance to develop, and the writers always managed to reveal the reasons behind the actions. The audience could understand the motives of the Neos, and could even justify the carnage they wrought. The depth of the series surpasses anything else American animators have produced, and easily rivals the best of Japanese anime. The only negatives I can find are the animation (but it was a decade ago, so I can forgive that) and the abrupt ending. There was so much more they could have done with the series if only given a chance. But, if it was appealing to the marketers' key demographic, it wouldn't be nearly so good, so I guess we should be grateful for what we got. If you get the opportunity to watch, or even relive Exosquad, I highly recommend it. I recently acquired the majority of the series, and I can say that my childhood memories hardly do it justice. Now I'm able to appreciate it so much more, and I hope you can too.
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