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Reviews
The 7D (2014)
Considering the talent involved, this is a disappointment
I wanted to like "The 7D." I really did. However, I couldn't make it through the first episode. And that's really a shame, given the concept wasn't bad.
Basically, "The 7D" is a modern take on the classic characters from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The queen (voiced by Good Luck Charlie's Leigh-Allyn Baker) calls them whenever her kingdom is in trouble. The whole premise sounds really cute on paper. In addition, the rest of the cast reads like the 90s animation hall of fame: Maurice Lamarche (The Brain from Animaniacs), Bill Farmer (Goofy), Dee Bradley Baker (from various cartoons), Jess Harnell (Wakko Warner), and Billy West (Philip Fry, Futurama). The 7D was even written by Paul Ruegger, director and writer for Tiny Toons or Animaniacs.
Even though it didn't get rave reviews from the IMDb community, I thought with this much talent, "The 7D" couldn't be that bad. Sadly, I was mistaken. "The 7D" flops right from the start. The theme song is cheesy and annoying and the villains are bland. What's worse, the writing is incredibly flat. For example. a major plot point of the opening episode centers on the two villains taking over the queen's kingdom. They make "kissing noises" on her throne (no kissing, as this a G-rated show. You wonder why they even suggested it.). Anyway, later when the queen calls the dwarfs in, she tells them about the "kissing noises." The dwarfs repeatedly ask "kissing noises?" to which the queen replies "I know, right?". This happens literally ten times in the episode. That's simply lazy.
To make matters even worse, the characters are simply ugly to look at.
All in all, "The 7D" is a disappointing program. It's shocking something like this airs on the same channel as the brilliant "Gravity Falls." I would normally give a show of this quality a three, but with the talent involved, it has to be a one. Do yourself a favor and skip "The 7D." Its cast may get it compared to Animaniacs, but the two shows are nothing alike. Animaniacs is often quite funny, while The 7D never is.
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Among the best of pre-Renaissance Disney
I'll admit that I'm not much for romantic movies. In my opinion, many of them are overly sentimental and annoyingly predictable. But this gem from Disney truly stands out from the crowd of Hollywood's mediocre love stories.
The story seems a bit trite. Good girl meets bad boy, girl doesn't like boy at first, they fall in love, the end. Lady and the Tramp's plot isn't original, but the execution is stunning. The two leads play off each other wonderfully, as both teach the other about the other side of the fence. Honestly, Tramp actually ranks among Disney's best male leads for me. He's certainly more developed than 50s counterparts Prince Charming Philip (though that's not saying a lot). And his bad boy persona seems to have influenced Dodger (Oliver and Company) and Flynn (Tangled),even though those films came out years later. Lady isn't as outstanding as Tramp, but she's a decent enough female lead and she looks adorable with him.
Because of a surprisingly diverse soundtrack (ranging from the wicked "Siamese Cat Song" to the touching "Bella Notte"), joyously colorful animation, and excellent characters (including supporting cast Jock and Trusty), Lady and the Tramp is not one to be missed. It's romance done right.
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
A classic for a reason, despite a few flaws
The Andy Griffith Show is widely considered one of the best sitcoms of all time, a "classic." But while many so-called classics don't hold up after several decades, The Andy Griffith Show certainly survives. With its simple but memorable theme song, it'd be surprising if it didn't.
The series focuses on the life on Mayberry Sheriff Andy Taylor (Griffith) who raises his son Opie (Ronny Howard) as a single father. To help him with housekeeping, he calls upon Aunt Bee (Francis Bavier). Meanwhile, Andy deals with criminals and everyday problems of Mayberry's citizens. Wild deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) and spaced-out barber Floyd (Howard McNear) also tag along.
Too many sitcoms of the 60s suffer from hackneyed, uninspired writing. That's simply not the case with TAGS. In fact, one could rightly call the show the first character-based sitcom in television history; that is, to understand the humor you have to understand the characters.
The production values here are excellent: the simple sets work flawlessly, character development is prioritized, and the acting is usually spot-on. Best of all, TAGS is wholesome without feeling forced or mawkish--something I can't say for others like Leave It to Beaver or Father Knows Best.
Throughout the first five seasons, comedy is effortlessly balanced with drama in a way I've only seen a few sitcoms accomplish. The blend is, like good coffee for coffee lovers, truly addictive.
There are a few flaws here, especially after Barney leaves in season 5. The show loses its comedic flair, and it appears the writers were trying to find a Barney replacement. We suffered through the hopelessly bland Howard Sprague, annoyingly clingy Warren, and frustratingly limited Gomer Pyle, who somehow did enough to warrant his own spin-off. And I do feel the writers had Opie grow up too fast, dating girls at just 13 (though certainly Disney Channel and Nickelodeon have done worse).
Even with these flaws, it's hard to imagine too many 60s series better than TAGS. It's among the best depictions of American rural life and holds up surprisingly well.
Inside Out (2015)
Pixar delights again
I had been looking forward to Inside Out for years. Pixar is my favorite animation studio, Pete Docter is my favorite Pixar director, and I love Amy Poehler's acting. Consequently, I expected much from Inside Out--and I'm happy to say those expectations were met.
The story follows 11-year old Riley Henderson (Kaitlyn Dias), whose life turns upside down when her family suddenly moves from Minnesota to San Francisco. But the story doesn't focus on Riley; rather, it focuses on the emotions inside her head. It's a bold concept and could have easily backfired, but Pixar pulls the film off with stunning flair.
The voice actors fit their roles perfectly. Amy Poehler exudes optimism and excitability as Joy; she's perkier than Leslie Knope, and that's saying something. The Office alumni Phyllis Smith and Mindy Kaling are terrific as Sadness and Disgust, respectively; Sadness makes Eeyore pale in comparison and Disgust is a disgruntled fashionista. Lewis Black is a riot as Anger and SNL's Bill Hader is a pleasant surprise as Fear.
Visually this movie is flawless, featuring gorgeous colors and beautiful backgrounds.
And the writing, as you'd expect from Pixar, is top-notch. It's funny, heartbreaking, and original.
My only complaint (and it is minor) is that Pixar perhaps tried to cram too many ideas.
Inside Out should be a shoo-in for best animated feature of 2015. I wouldn't be surprised to see it break the ultimate glass ceiling either--first animated feature to win Best Picture.
100 Things to Do Before High School (2014)
Finally, an entertaining live-action Nick show
100 Things to Do Before High School is funny and entertaining, two words I never thought I'd use with a Nick sitcom again. Most "Nick-coms" of the past few years have ranged from clichéd (iCarly and Victorious) to inconsistent (The Thundermans) to just awful (Haunted Hathaways). But 100 Things, created by Scott Fellows (Ned's Declassified) is simply brilliant.
Like Ned's Declassified, the show focuses on the lives of three middle-schoolers: C. J. (Isabela Moner), Crispo (Owen Joyner), and Fenwick (Jaheem Toombs). Together, they make a to-do list of everything they need to do before high school. The premise sounds hackneyed, but the result is anything but.
The acting from almost everyone involved is top-notch. Moner brings effortless charm to C. J., one of the most likable leads in any teen sitcom I have seen. Unlike recent Nick female leads, she's not a drama queen and doesn't overact, lending her character a relatable charm. Toombs and Joyner compliment each other well; Toombs's Fenwick obsesses over details while Joyner's Crispo takes a decidedly laid-back approach. Even the supporting cast, including venomous bully Mindy Minus (Brady Reiter) and guidance counselor/voice of reason Mr. Roberts (Jack De Sena, better known for playing Sokka on Avatar The Last Airbender).
Refreshingly, there's no laugh track present, and the writing is so good that it doesn't need one. In fact, the writers are the same geniuses behind Fellows' Ned's Declassified. As in Ned's Declassified, the writers never hesitate to throw in surreal or random elements, often to hilarious effect.
If you've given up on quality programming from Nickelodeon, I highly recommend 100 Things to Do Before High School. It's creative and funny and I hope it gets the long run it deserves.
The Jungle Book (1967)
Entertaining despite its flaws
The Jungle Book is one of Disney's most well-known films before the Renaissance. It's based on Kipling's classic collection of short stories, and even though this adaptation isn't exactly true to the book it is quite entertaining.
If you're not familiar with The Jungle Book, it's like this: An orphan child is raised by two wolves, who call him Mowgli ("The Frog"). As he matures, he is guided in the ways of the jungle by Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. But he must avoid the despicable Shere Khan (and, in this version, Kaa) if he wants to survive.
The characters in Disney's Jungle Book are a mixed bag. For me, Bagheera (played brilliantly by Family Affair's Sebastian Cabot) and Shere Khan (George Sanders) are the standouts; they're very close to what Kipling wrote. Mowgli is rightfully curious but his use of 60s slang like "yeah man" is hardly endearing. Baloo is probably the most famous character from Disney's adaptation, and although his laid-back persona is a far cry from the book, he's still likable. While I don't mind changing Baloo's character, Kaa, my favorite character from the book, might as well not even exist in this movie. Disney changed him from a sage into an old kook. Though he is scarier in the book, he's a far deeper character that actually befriends Mowgli. Here, he simply tries to strangle and eat the kid, a difference of night and day.
The musical numbers are creative and enjoyable, with memorable hits like "Bare Necessities" and the elephant march. The tune for "I Wanna Be Like You" is catchy, but the dance number? I seriously wish I'd never seen that.
Overall, The Jungle Book is a decent movie. But without that "I Wanna Be Like You" dance segment and the terrible rewriting of Kaa, it'd be much better.
Tangled (2010)
Never underestimate a frying pan
2010 was an amazing year for animated movies. Toy Story 3, Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon, and, of course, Tangled. Given this was Disney's first CGI fairytale (no Frozen then, imagine that!), no one really knew what to expect. Disney didn't disappoint.
What immediately struck me upon watching this film was the gorgeous animation. Rapunzel's hair is a technical marvel, and the scenery is simply stunning. The colors are vibrant and diverse and every character, even the minor ones, are exceptionally detailed.
Though it is based off a fairytale, Tangled manages to re-imagine the story of Rapunzel in a way that is fresh for all audiences. Rapunzel ranks next to Mulan and Belle as one of my favorite Disney princesses. She's compassionate and ladylike, but, like the aforementioned princesses, is also resourceful and brave. Flynn Rider has to be one of the most refreshing Disney male leads. He actually *has* a personality, something I unfortunately can't say for Prince Charming or Snow White's prince. The romance that develops between Flynn and Rapunzel is one of Disney's best, probably the best since Belle and the Beast; it's allowed time to develop and doesn't come off as sappy.
Villainess Mother Gothel is truly in a class of her own; manipulative, vain, and coolly calculating.
Which brings me to another standout--the voice acting. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi shine as the leads, and Donna Murphy is deliciously over-the-top as Gothel.
Unusually for Disney films, the sidekicks don't talk. Maximus (a horse) and Pascal (a chameleon) communicate their thoughts by facial expressions alone.
The soundtrack, although not as memorable as Frozen's, does have a few hits. When Will My Life Begin is peppy and appropriate as Rapunzel's intro, and I See the Light is the best Disney love ballad since A Whole New World in my opinion.
Finally, Tangled's writing is terrific. The comedy is well-balanced between slapstick and satire, and the dramatic moments are powerful.
Overall, Tangled is a must-see if you're a Disney fan, fairytale lover, or simply someone who enjoys a fine movie. My only complaint was that Mother Gothel's dress was a little too low, but it wasn't terrible. If you have kids, make sure to screen Tangled before showing them as the movie does have its intense scenes. Well worth a watch!
DuckTales (1987)
A classic cartoon that appeals to a wide audience
I didn't watch DuckTales during its original run, but through the amazing resources of the Internet and DVDs I have been privileged to enjoy this truly timeless masterpiece. Sure, the 80s animation is a bit dated, but aside from that and a few cheesy moments, this show is gold.
In a nutshell, DuckTales follows the exploits of billionaire Scrooge McDuck as he travels the world with his three great-nephews (Huey, Dewey, and Louie) in search of treasures. Rounding out the cast are Scrooge's incompetent, lovable pilot Launchpad McQuack; the McDuck mansion's snooty butler Duckworth; tech wizard Gyro; and housekeeper Mrs. Beakley and her granddaughter Webby.
Really, DuckTales is like a Saturday morning cartoon on steroids. It features the typical adventurous plots you'd expect but mixes in wonderful writing and creativity. It's obvious the writers worked hard on these scripts, sprinkling in surprising wit and heartwarming conversations between Scrooge and his nephews. Thankfully, there's also no potty humor, something which has infested too many modern cartoons.
The theme song is irresistibly catchy; once you've heard it you'll be singing it all day.
Voice acting is solid here, featuring Mister Ed's Alan Young as feisty Scotsman Scrooge and Terry McGovern as hapless Launchpad. I also was impressed with the younger characters; their voices aren't squeaky or annoying.
This is definitely a cartoon I'd show kids. It's entertaining for all ages and highly adventurous! Cancelling this and their other Weekday Afternoon cartoons was one of Disney's biggest mistakes. I believe DuckTales is the best of this collection, though in fairness I haven't watched much of TaleSpin. While it's not as flashy as newer cartoons, DuckTales makes up for this shortcoming with lots of heart.
If you see this on DVD somewhere, don't hesitate to pick it up. You won't regret it!
Wild Kratts (2010)
Not even close to Zoboomafoo
The Kratts have been around for a while. Zoboomafoo was their breakthrough and they've appeared on TV ever since. Because of their experience and intelligence, I naturally assumed this would be decent, but I was wrong.
The characters are not very interesting. This problem starts with the brothers themselves, who cannot transition their energy to voice acting. Also, I'm not even sure why Koki and Jimmy Z exist; they are flat and are insignificant to the plot. Aviva does at least do something, but her voice actress is also bad. I should note that the characters aren't helped by a boring, hackneyed script.
The only reason I don't give this show a 1 is that one of the villains (Donita Donata), a fashion designer of sorts, is actually a little entertaining. Her interactions with the Kratts offer a little comic relief. The other villains are as bland as the main characters.
I know a criticism of this show may seem a bit harsh, as it is meant for kids, but there are better children's programs out there (Phineas and Ferb, Arthur, and even Cyberchase). PBS has gone downhill.
K.C. Undercover (2015)
This show should have stayed undercover
Disney's record hasn't exactly been stellar lately. Unfortunately, K.C. is another lackluster program to add to the list.
From the very beginning, this show smacks of unoriginality. There's a kid with a secret double life (similar to Hannah Montana, Phil of the Future, and Wizards of Waverly Place) and she has to choose between being normal and helping her family. Not only is the premise recycled, but the plots are too. The same awful special effects from "Wizards" and "Phil of the Future" (though I actually liked the latter show) linger. Nothing new here.
Sometimes, a show with a tired concept can shine because the actors salvage something. Certainly that is not the case here. The parents make other Disney parents look like Emmy winners, and the rest of the family just doesn't have it. The lead doesn't lend any charm to her part, and her friend plays the dumb blonde poorly.
Also, the writing, like so many other Disney programs of late, is filled with clichés and jokes that would only get a laugh from the laugh track.
Disney's concepts are getting more and more outlandish. No longer is Disney the premier channel for family entertainment. Barring "Girl Meets World" and "Phineas and Ferb," there's nothing interesting on Disney now. I'd advise you to watch those shows with your kids or find some reruns of "Even Stevens" or "Good Luck Charlie." Shows like "K.C." are uninteresting and don't teach any good lessons.
The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
One of Disney's best (and most underrated) features
Every Disney movie has funny moments. But not many are funny nonstop. That's where "The Emperor's New Groove" checks in.
This madcap adventure follows the bratty Incan emperor Kuzco (voiced perfectly by David Spade) after he fires his long-time adviser, Yzma (Eartha Kitt's crowning achievement). With the help of her ridiculously stupid henchman Kronk (Patrick Warburton aka David Puddy), Yzma plots to kill Kuzco and take over the kingdom.
Meanwhile, kindly peasant Pacha (John Goodman) has learned that Kuzco is about to destroy his village to make room for the royal summer home.
"Groove" is Disney's sassiest, funniest animated feature to date, building upon the foundation laid by the Genie in "Aladdin" and the overall tone of "Hercules" to perfect the comic blueprint.
This is the only Disney movie I've watched over 20 times. Trust me, it's that good. You won't regret trying this oddball, inventive film out. It breaks the fourth wall and importantly doesn't have any romance or cheesy songs. At only 67 minutes, it's also one of Disney's shortest. But it's quite economical with those minutes.
Highly recommended, for all ages!
Dog with a Blog (2012)
One of Disney's most frustrating shows
When I first heard about Dog with a Blog, I was looking forward to it. It sounded fun--a talking dog with a blog--and I enjoyed G. Hannelius in Sonny With a Chance as Dakota, the studio brat.
In addition, it started out promisingly. There was a noticeable lack of crude humor, and the plots were simple and effective.
Recently, however, the show has become very frustrating. There are times when the show is delightful, usually when Avery (Hannelius) and the little sister Chloe are on-screen. However, Dog with a Blog varies between brilliant writing and bland, clichéd writing with lots of potty humor.
As mentioned earlier, acting isn't this show's strong point. Only Avery and Chloe can act. The rest of the cast is painful to watch, especially the parents.
However, it's not the worst show on Disney or Nick right now. You could do something worse with thirty minutes than this.
If you want a good sitcom on one of those channels, I recommend Lab Rats (or even Good Luck Charlie reruns). Stay away from anything after season 1 with this one.
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Outstanding movie with a balanced cast
When I first heard Disney was doing a movie about giant robots, I was skeptical. I thought it would be just like Transformers or all the other giant robot movies.
Boy, was I mistaken.
It's not traditional Disney--there's no romance, princesses, or blockbuster songs--but it's actually better without those things.
Baymax has to be one of the best Disney characters I've seen. For a robot, he's quite the personality, rivaling even WALL-E in that regard. Unlike Olaf from Frozen, Baymax doesn't exist solely for comic relief--he plays a major dramatic role in the movie as well.
The rest of the cast shines and each member is given memorable lines.
If I had a drawback, I would say it's the soundtrack. However, Frozen's was a tough act to follow.
But Big Hero 6 has it where it matters most--heart. I guarantee that you will want your own Baymax by the end of this movie!
The Weekenders (2000)
One of the best cartoons of all time
About a year ago, I vaguely remembered a Disney cartoon called "The Weekenders" from around 2000/2001, and I decided to do a little research on it. I'm so glad I did! "The Weekenders" chronicles the weekends of four average kids: Tino (Jason Marsden), Carver (Phil LaMarr), Lor (Grey DeLisle), and Tish (Kath Soucie). On paper, it does sound like a rather dull show. But what sets this show apart is its attention to the details.
Many cartoons base their humor on slapstick rather than clever writing. The quality of the "The Weekenders" writing, however, is such that you could actually imagine it being a live-action sitcom. Though it is supposedly a "kids' show," many jokes will fly over kids' heads. There are also some lines that are simply hilarious and unexpected.
Stellar voice acting adds to the attractiveness of "The Weekenders." Jason Marsden, famous for playing minor and semi-regular roles in sitcoms, voices the neurotic Tino. Phil LaMarr (the voice of Samurai Jack and Wilt from Foster's) plays fashion-obsessed Carver. Ubiquitous voice actress Grey DeLisle portrays Lor, the "jock," and Kath Soucie rounds out the bunch as the "brain," Tish. Each of the characters is very realistic and you can see yourself and others in them, much like Charles Schulz's "Peanuts." "The Weekenders" also employs unique techniques for an animated series. Often, the characters make asides to the audience (the screen fades to gray while only that character speaks). Also, running gags such as the disastrous off-screen exploits of Chloe Montez reward fans who watched the show from the beginning. Finally, like "As Told by Ginger" the characters actually change clothes when the days change in the show.
Overall, consistently witty writing, strong voice acting, and unique techniques make "The Weekenders" very fun to watch. It's truly a shame this show didn't have a long run like some other animated series; it certainly had the workings to do so.