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"Hotel Transylvania: Transformania": A Goofy Horror Finale With a Sweet Gooey Center
"Hotel Transylvania: Transformania" is the fourth and final installment of the "Hotel Transylvania" film series. Although this movie is style over substance, even without Adam Sandler's involvement, it retains its innocence and creativity that families would easily eat up around Halloween time.
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30 Years of Cartoon Network: "Mike, Lu & Og"
Continuing the Cartoon Network lineup is the short-lived and forgotten series, "Mike, Lu & Og" created by Mikhail Shindel, Mikhail Aldashin, & Charles Swenson. While the concept and animation look generic, Charles’ involvement executed and gave the show its own identity with interesting characters.
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November 2021 Movie Review Roundup
This is a compilation of some movies that were released in November 2021. Compared to October, this month was not as heavily competitive as here. Still, there are a fair amount of movies worth talking about or skipping.
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Movie Review Round-Up: October 2021
This article is a list of short reviews of films being released in October 2021.
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"My Little Pony: A New Generation": A Continuation of "MLP: FiM" for Old and New Fans
"My Little Pony: A New Generation" is a 2021 computer-animated musical film based on the "My Little Pony" toy line and a sequel to the television series, "Friendship is Magic.” Aside from a weak story, the movie remains a spiritual successor with a decent cast, adequate songs, and solid animation.
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"Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage the Cowardly Dog": A Nostalgic, Supernatural and Fun Crossover
"Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage the Cowardly Dog" is a 2021 direct-to-video crossover film between Scooby-Doo and Courage the Cowardly Dog. Outside the predictability and hit-and-miss humor, this crossover is an enjoyable and faithful experience to both respective franchises.
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30 Years of Cartoon Network: "Ed, Edd n Eddy"
The retrospective continues with one of my all-time favorites, "Ed, Edd n Eddy" created by Danny Antonucci. This was the longest-running original series with non-stop humor, unique animation, likable and entertaining characters, and a legacy that stands out among other shows at that time.
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30 Years of Cartoon Network: "The Powerpuff Girls"
The retrospective continues with one of the network's most successful franchise, "The Powerpuff Girls," created by Craig McCracken. Though the series went through franchise fatigue, the original remains engaging, creative, and action-packed with a wide cast of characters both good and evil.
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30 Years of Cartoon Network: "Cow & Chicken" and "I Am Weasel"
The retrospective continues with "Cow & Chicken" and "I Am Weasel" created by David Feiss. Though strange and surreal, both of these shows stand out for their off-the-wall humor, characters, and voice acting. Sure, "I Am Weasel" didn't last long as its own show, but "Cow & Chicken" prevailed.
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"Paw Patrol: The Movie": A Nick Jr. Adventure Proven Big and Not Too Small
"PAW Patrol: The Movie" is an animated movie based on the television series by Keith Chapman. Though basic and aimed at younger audiences, this film can be enjoyed by both young and old viewers alike, thanks to a thrilling story, impressive animation, and a few surprises along the way.
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"The Loud House Movie": A Not-So-Huge But Serviceable Nicktoon Movie
"The Loud House Movie" is an animated musical comedy based on The Loud House created by Chris Savino. Despite the predictable plot and television-quality animation, there's a noble amount of effort both visually and musically for families and fans to enjoy.
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30 Years of Cartoon Network: "Johnny Bravo"
The 30th anniversary continues with “Johnny Bravo” created by Van Partible. Though the show went through some changes back and forth, the characters, memorable episodes, and humor still hold up tremendously. It helped launch careers for new animators and featured overlooked historic moments.
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30 Years of Cartoon Network: "Dexter's Laboratory"
Starting the retrospective line-up is the network's first original and my personal favorite show, “Dexter's Laboratory.” The first half of the series was highly inventive, funny, and memorable. The second half went experimental under a new direction with mixed results. Nonetheless, it holds up well.
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"Space Jam: A New Legacy": A Decent and Fair Game
"Space Jam: A New Legacy" is a standalone sequel to the 1996 live-action/animated hybrid film "Space Jam." Though familiar and "controversial", the movie is entertaining with good acting, impressive animation, and a fair supply of heart to appeal to both basketball and Looney Tunes fans.
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"Disney/Pixar's Luca": Pixar's Coming-of-Age Experience
"Luca" is a 2021 Pixar coming-of-age fantasy film directed by Enrico Casarosa. At first glance, the story sounds derivative. But, in Pixar's hands, it is executed with vibrant animation, thought-provoking theming of childhood and friendship, and a cast of memorable characters with a sense of wonder.
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"Spirit Untamed": A Tamed DreamWorks Spin-Off Kiddie Ride
"Spirit Untamed" is a 2021 DreamWorks animated adventure spin-off based on both "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)" and Netflix series "Spirit: Riding Free." While the animation and heart are in the right place, the movie is average for kids at best, but forgetful at worst for everyone else.
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"An Extremely Goofy Movie": A Not-So-Extreme Yet Enjoyable Direct-to-Video Sequel
"An Extremely Goofy Movie" is a 2000 direct-to-video sequel to the 1995 film "A Goofy Movie." At first, the movie has noticeable downgrades with heavy emphasis on extreme sports. After a while, it still maintains both the emotional and humorous charm of the first film and Goofy himself.
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"A Goofy Movie": A Goofy Yet Fun Road Trip Worth Remembering
"A Goofy Movie" is a 1995 animated comedy film based on the Disney Afternoon television series "Goof Troop." Though the story is basic & cliched, the movie became a cult classic as a humble continuation of the series full of hip humor and heart that carries on the classic Disney character's legacy.
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"Shrek (2001)": A DreamWorks Fairy Tale Parody Classic
"Shrek" is a 2001 animated comedy loosely based on the children's book of the same name by William Steig. While the plot may sound predictable, the rest of the movie is a beloved classic with satires of Disney and fairy tales, innovative animation, unexpected laughs, and memorable characters.
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"Raya & the Last Dragon": Disney's Action-Packed & Adventurous Animated Fantasy
"Raya & the Last Dragon" is a 2021 Disney action-adventure and fantasy animated feature. With heavy influence from Southeastern Asian culture, it is an instant classic that is full of heart with creative worldbuilding, detailed animation, and stand-out characters.
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"Tom & Jerry" (2021): A Passable yet Improved Feat of the Hanna-Barbera Duo
"Tom & Jerry" is a 2021 live-action/animated hybrid film based on the Hanna-Barbera characters of the same name. While it pays respect to the source material with inventive animation and decent laughs, it falls standard with an unoriginal story, basic characters and questionable direction.
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"Digimon Adventure tri. Chapter 2: Determination": A Continuation Not Much Determined
"Determination" is the second chapter of the "Digimon Adventure tri." six-film series, a sequel to the original "Digimon Adventure/02" anime. Despite its title and third act being the highlight, the movie acted more like an extended television episode with an average plot and dull characters.
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"The Helpful Fox Senko-San'': A Soothing and Relaxing Anime Full of Cuteness
"The Helpful Fox Senko-San" is a 2019 anime adaptation of the Japanese comedy manga by Rimukoro. While it sadly lasted only one season and lacks depth, its laid-back tone, cute animation, and pleasing characters will make anyone feel relaxed with some laughs and enjoyment.
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"Our Friend, Martin": An Educational and Emotional Film of MLK's Life Journey
"Our Friend Martin" is a 1999 direct-to-video animated children's educational film about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Even though it is aimed for children, it remains historically faithful, has an all-star cast, and an emotional soundtrack that would be beneficial for elementary schools.
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"How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?": An Anime That Will Pump You Up
"How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift" is a 2019 anime based on the manga series by Yabako Sandrovich. While the show lasted a season with a rushed conclusion, the rest is genuinely educational with likable characters and humor that will help anyone get positively motivated.
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Disney/Pixar's "Soul": The Must-See and Feel-Good Animated 2020 Film
"Soul" is a 2020 Disney/Pixar animated drama-comedy directed by Pete Docter that is exclusively streaming on Disney+. This highly-anticipated and delayed film ends 2020 with a bang. Its thought-provoking concept, creative visuals, and unforgettable characters breathe new life into animation.
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"Frosty Returns": AKA Frosty's After-School Special
"Frosty Returns" is a 1992 CBS television special starring John Goodman as Frosty the Snowman. While it may be confusing and lacking substance, the standalone special is straightforward and charming with a comedic cast, familiar animation, and a nice environmental message for children.
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"The Croods: A New Age": An Unexpected and Evolving Step From Extinction
"The Croods: A New Age" is a 2020 sequel to the 2013 DreamWorks prehistoric animated comedy "The Croods." Conceptually, the story sounds rehashed from its predecessor at first. But the sequel is executed in a more humorous, imaginative, and astonishing manner.
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"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & The Island of Misfit Toys": A Forgettable and Soulless Christmas Misfit
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & The Island of Misfit Toys" is a 2001 direct-to-video CGI sequel to the Rankin/Bass special. Under the GoodTimes name, the sequel fails to capture the spirit of the original with a weak story, poor computer animation, bland characters and forgettable songs.
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"Olive, the Other Reindeer": An Underdog Christmas Classic
"Olive, the Other Reindeer" is a computer-animated Christmas musical special based on the book by Vivian Walsh. At first, the special may be average with a foolish concept. However, with Matt Groening and Drew Barrymore attached, the special is executed in the most charming and innovative way.
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"Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed": A Self-Contained Improvement
"Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" is the 2004 sequel to the 2002 live-action film. It still has its flaws, but it's not as terrible as before. The rest of the movie is a marginal improvement with an enduring mystery, sticking closer to the source material. There are some legit humorous moments.
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"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie": An Obscure Retelling of a Christmas Classic
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie" is a 1998 animated musical produced by GoodTimes Entertainment and based on the titular poem by Robert L. May. It is a rare breed where it started as a mediocre sell-out to a cult classic with ambition, creativity, voice acting, and talented singing.
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"Scooby-Doo" (2002): Scooby's First and Frail Live-Action Flick
"Scooby-Doo" is a 2002 live-action/CGI movie based on the long-running Scooby-Doo franchise. While satirically ambitious with a decent cast, the movie is flawed with a confusing tone, uncanny visual effects, and jokes that range from lazy to uncomfortable for family movie standards.
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"Digimon Adventure tri. Chapter 1: Reunion": A Self-Explanatory Beginning of the Six-Film Saga
"Reunion" is the first chapter of the "Digimon Adventure tri." six-film series, a sequel to the original "Digimon Adventure/02" anime. As the title suggested, it is a warm-welcoming returns for fans with an interesting set-up, impressive animation, and a mixed variety of characters.
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"Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy": A Satisfactory, Spooktacular Sequel
"Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy" is the 2005 sequel to the 2003 film based on the children's illustration books by Jill Thompson. It improves and maintains the charm of the first film with updated animation, matured characters, inventive scenarios and fun for both kids and adults to enjoy.
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"Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular": A Simple and Sweet Halloween Family Treat
"Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular" is a computer-animated direct-to-video film based on the children's books by Jill Thompson. While it has aged computer animation and simplicity, its innocent charm, innovative visuals, and memorable characters make up for it.
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"Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf": A Silly-Dooby-Doo Conclusion With Monsters and Racing
Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf is the final Scooby-Doo television film in the Hanna-Barbera Superstar 10 series. With the movie given a more comedic direction and artistic shift, it ends both on a vibrant, humorous yet slow and bland note.
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"Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School": A Cult Classic Among the Scooby-Doo Movie Lineup
"Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School" is the second Scooby-Doo movie in the Hanna-Barbera Superstar 10 series. It has been regarded by fans as a cult classic for its distinctive concept, creative animation, and unforgettable characters.
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"Scooby-Doo! Meets the Boo Brothers": The First Supernatural Scooby-Doo Movie With Mixed Results
"Scooby-Doo! Meets the Boo Brothers" is a TV movie which is part of the Hanna-Barbera Superstar 10 series. Though the plot can get all over the place and has mixed humor, the rest gets serviceable with an interesting concept, thoughtful clues, nicely executed animation and entertaining voice-work.
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"Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw": A Random Cash Cow on a Toyline
"Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw" is a film based on both the Tonka toyline and Hanna-Barbera cartoon of the same name. While harmless, in some regards, this movie tries way too hard to be taken serious with a ridiculous plot, cheap animation, bland characters, and forgettable songs.
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"The Powerpuff Girls Movie": CN's First and Only Theatrical Film
The Powerpuff Girls Movie is Cartoon Network's first and only theatrical movie, based on the series of the same name. While the movie initially caused concern for its violence and flopped, the rest makes up for it with a decent origin story, updated animation, thrilling action and performances.
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"Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip" - CN's First Original TV Movie
Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip is the first television movie produced by Cartoon Network and originally intended as the series finale to Dexter's Laboratory. While the story sounds standard and formulaic, the movie gradually evolves with creative animation, fun action and memorable characters.
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"2 Stupid Dogs": A Simple but Revolutionary "Ren & Stimpy" Clone
On the surface, this short-lived animated series would be considered a simple Ren & Stimpy knock-off. In practice, however, this show not only revitalized Hanna-Barbera's legacy but a launched a new legacy for the animators involved making the show.
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"Re-Animated": Cartoon Network's Live-Action/Animation Hybrid Experiment Gone Awry
"Re-Animated" is a Cartoon Network television film that attempted mixing live-action and animation. It sounds conceptually interesting with spoofing Walt Disney and his characters. However, it is poorly executed with a cliched plot, weak humor, cheap animation and mean-spirited characters.
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"Animal Crackers": A Sweet Family Movie With Average Taste
After struggling to reach the top, Animal Crackers is an average family flick with a playful concept, colorful animation and a talented voice cast. Though the plot could get predictable and the jokes are hit-and-miss, the effort is still present and its heart in the right place.
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"Freakazoid!": A Zany, Overlooked Superhero Cartoon
Freakazoid! is an Emmy-winning animated series produced by Stephen Spielberg that mixes superheroes and comedy. While it may have started with a lack of focus in its format and got canceled after two seasons, it gained a cult following for its characters, animation, and non-stop humor.
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"The Critic" (TV Series) Review
The Critic is an underrated animated sitcom created by Simpsons showrunners Al Jean & Mike Reiss. Despite the show only lasting two seasons, and having aged a little, it left a cult following with a satirical passion for parodying movies, memorable episodes, and a talented voice cast.
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"Artemis Fowl" Review
Based on a book series, Disney's next franchise attempts to fly high with a conceptually interesting premise, gorgeous visuals and atmospheric music. Unfortunately, the film immediately falls flat on its face with a dull execution, weak comedy and a cast ranging from generic to unlikable characters.
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"Tom & Jerry: The Movie" (1993) Review
Tom & Jerry: The Movie is an animated feature based on the Hanna-Barbara character duo with a wasted potential story, generic characters and unnecessary musical numbers. Nonetheless, the animation is nice and the voice acting is decent.