Movie Review- "Ice Age 3" (in 3D)

What a fun movie! That's the best way to summarize the whole experience. I saw the movie in 3D, as the title informs you. That really enhanced my film watching.

This is the third film in the Ice Age franchise. And, I am a big fan of it! The film features the familiar characters and voices of the previous two. The plot is certainly scientifically inaccurate. More mature viewers will recognize this, and the kids will have plenty of time to learn the science as they advance in school. But, on the other hand, it is a work of fiction. And a fun one at that.

The comparisons to the Shrek franchise are inevitable I suppose. (I loved the first 2 Shrek movies, and was kind of bored by the third.) But I will say this about the Ice Age films. there are enough regular jokes and sight gags for everyone. That is to say, they don't feel the need to resort to a bombardment of pop culture references for the grown-ups (as the Shrek films tend to do). And this is coming from a guy who loves his pop culture references (couldn't love Family Guy if I didn't)!

The discussion factor is not as high as it might be in other films, but the are opportunities for dialogue. Part of it is technical, as in the animation and 3D aspects. But, it might spur a conversation about friendship, families, and other areas of life. The "That Guy" factor is a pretty tough for two reasons: 1) the characters are all voiced by actors, and 2) most of them are well-known actors. The us the grades at the end of the review will reflect that.

But, overall, the film is a good one. It's a great way to kill a little time. Good animation, good action sequences, good family movie. Not too much else I can say. I wholeheartedly recommend this film. Besides, anything with dinosaurs rules!

Acting: NA
Directing: A-
That Guy: NA
Overall: A

New Batman Cartoon

As you know, dear readers, I am slow on the uptake sometimes. Apparently, there's a new Batman cartoon on. I've seen a few episodes. It's called "Batman: The Brave and The Bold". Apparently, each episode is Batman teaming up with some hero to fight some villain or other.

For me, the gold standard will always be the classic "Batman: The Animated Series". form the 1990s.

But this one is kinda cool in its own way. It's like a stylized, animated version of the 1960's show, but way less campy. Enjoy the clip!

I dunno. I enjoy it.

Hulk Cartoon Revisited

I said a few posts ago that I would possibly revisit The Hulk. That's the point of this post. I've decided not to do a post on my observations on The Hulk as a character. However, I will focus on 2 aspects of my current examination of the character. Here's what I mean by that really confusing statement.

I've looked into some recent issues of the comic book. Granted, I'm jumping into the middle of the current plot. Even upon looking at several back issues, I have to say: "I'm completely lost." All of a sudden there's a red Hulk?

As you dear readers know, I've been watching the cartton that came out in 1996-1997. At first, it was really good. Now, it's not as good. I don't get the gray Hulk. Plus, the She-Hulk becomes the central character. I understand her character, but I just am increasingly disappointed by the entire show.

I think that's as far as I am going with my research. I like it better when The Hulk is a misunderstood soul. I am more intrigued by the psychological relationship between Bruce Banner and The Hulk. In essence, I like it best when the Hulk is a metaphor.

And maybe I'm just being petty, or nostalgic. Maybe it's because I'm conditioned to think this way. But, I want my Hulk to be green. Just green.

Hulk Cartoon

So, I'm a bit behind the times. This cartoon came out in 1996-1997. I've recently started watching it. Since October,I've been examining the Incredible Hulk from a personal and theological perspective. I started with the 2008 movie. And this cartoon, I think, is as far as that's gonna go. I'm not going to get obsessed. But, I do find the Hulk to be a fascinating character.

As for the cartoon, I really liked it at first. But now, I'm just confused by it. if anyone can shed any light, please do so.

Enjoy the clip! Maybe I'll do a post on my observations at some point.

Seth MacFarlane's Mario

As a fan of the old NES (remember the old 8-bit Nintendo from the 80s? The one where the controller hurt your hand after holding it for 5 solid hours?), I had to laugh at this. Enjoy!

Rediscovering The Critic

I've recently started watching this show. I remember it from the late 1990s, but I only saw a couple episodes. I remember liking them. Turns out, I was right. Now that I get the jokes, it's funnier. I saw it on the Reelz channel a few weeks back, and decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. I see why the series failed when it did. But, thanks to DVD, it'll be with us forever.

Enjoy the clip!