X2 (2003)

 

After the finical and critical success of X-Men, Fox rushed a sequel into production. Not only did the cast from the first film return but so did director Bryan Singer and writer David Hayter. Hayter would this time be joined by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris. This team would go on to work on two future superhero movies with director Bryan Singer, Superman Returns (2006) and X-Men: Apocalypse (2016). Michael Doughtery would later become a successful director in his own right, directing such films as Trick ‘r Treat (2009), Krampus (2015) and Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019). 

This movie begins with a brainwashed Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) attack the United States President. Meanwhile Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is trying to try to find some clues to his past but is unable to do such and after this search returns to Xavier's school. At same time Jean Grey is finding it harder to control her powers. However, things get even worse when Colonel William Stryker leads an attack on Xavier's school and abducts some of the students. The X-Men must team up with their former enemy Magento to stop a common enemy. 

This is a top-notch superhero movie and one of the best X-Men films. X-2 takes everything that worked about the first movie and expands on it. The characters are more complex and real here. This is especially true of Wolverine, who feels completely real and human here. As he finds out who he is, through a dark and emotional backstory, he becomes a tragic and touching figure who truly serves as the heart of the film. This also allows for Hugh Jackman to really stretch his acting chops, a feat that he does brilliantly. Meanwhile, Magento perfectly rides on the edge between hero and villain, making him a much more complex and fascinating character. With the sheer number of characters in this film, it is amazing how well it balances each and every one of them. Each main character gets their own arc which feels properly realized and complete. Though the actual villain of this film may not be very complex, he does work extremely well. He feels like a major threat to our heroes and his ties to Wolverine's past means that he also gives the film a certain emotional urgency. 

This movie also better delves into the themes of discrimination, hatred and the dangers and stupidity of the replacement theory. This is not just a mindless action film but one that actually leaves its audience with real food for thought. In exploring these themes, the movie is also not afraid to make its audience feel uncomfortable especially during the scenes involving Iceman's (Shawn Ashmore) parents (Jill Teed, Alf Humphreys) and brother (James Kirk). These scenes seem like such a perfect representation of discrimination as the characters don't view themselves as prejudice and actually think of themselves as being kind and compassionate people. 

This movie is also a great improvement over the first when it comes to the action scenes and special effects. The special effects look much better here than in the first film and the action scenes are much more exciting, fun and tense. 

Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry

The film was a great success upon its release. It grossed $85.6 million in its opening weekend, surpassing Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) for the highest grossing opening for a Fox film. It also surpassed Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) for the record for largest number of screenings, a record that would later be beaten by Shrek 2 (2004). It remained in the number one box office spot for two weeks before being supplanted by The Matrix Reloaded (2003). The movie ended up grossing $214.9 million in the United States and Canada becoming the sixth highest grossing movie of 2003 in those countries. It $407.7 million worldwide becoming the ninth highest grossing film of 2003 worldwide. Its DVD release would gross $107 million in only its first five days.

The movie was also a critical success. Roger Ebert gave it three out of four stars, praising how well it handled using so many characters. Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times stated that it was a rare sequel that was better than the first film. Peter Travers stated, "X2 is a summer firecracker. It's also a tribute to outcasts, teens, gays, minorities, even Dixie Chicks." Not every review was so popular though. Stephen Hunter called stated, "Of the many comic book superhero movies, this is by far the lamest, the loudest, the longest."

The movie would even win the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film. The Political Film Society would recognize the film in the categories for Human Rights and Peace. In 2006 Empire Magazine would call this the greatest comic book movie of all time. 

This film would receive a video game tie-in, 2003's X2: Wolverine's Revenge. This game would feature the voice of Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier and have Wolverine's design resemble Hugh Jackman. A 2006 video game, X-Men: The Official Game would tell the story of what happened between this film and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). That game would feature some of the voices of some of actors from the movies. 

-Michael J. Ruhland

Movie Review: Superboys of Malegaon

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

A delightful dramedy from India. 

This film has a storyline (that is based on a true story) that is irresistible to movie lovers. This film is about when a young man, who worked in a tiny movie theater in a small town in India (that is showing old silent movies as the can't get the hold of modern films) decides to make his own movies with his friends. However, what starts out well, eventually causes much conflict when egos become involved. The highlight of this film is when we watch them actually make the movies. These scenes are filled with a real sense of playfulness and a great sense of humor mixed with a real loving tribute to the magic of movies. It is hard to imagine any movie lover not loving these scenes. However, the rest of the film is excellent as well. Many of the characters are wonderful and feel completely real to us (I know they were based off real people but still). They are quite likable and relatable, while not being devoid of the faults that make them human. They are also the ultimate underdogs, and this makes it almost impossible to not root for them. 

This film does have its flaws though. The romantic scenes don't quite work, especially since the main character's love interests are the least interesting and least developed characters in the movie. This movie is also longer than it needs to be, and it can drag a little bit in the middle.

This is a loving and fun tribute to the movies that is a delight for any movie fan. 

-Michael J. Ruhland

Movie Review: Riff Raff

 Michael’s Movie Grade: B-

An uneven but entertaining dark comedy. 

With all the violence and dark humor in Dito Montiel‘s new gangster comedy, the focus actually remains on the characters. Yet the film actually shines pretty well when it comes to them. While these are horrible people, who have done horrible things, they are not without any good points. These good points are never intended to justify anything these characters have done. But rather they simply make them feel more human and real. With how this film revolves around the characters, it is an important factor that this film has such a great ensemble cast. This cast features Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Bill Murray, Pete Davidson, Lewis Pullman, Gabrielle Union, Miles J. Harvey and Emanuela Postacchini, all at the top of their game. 

However, this movie is a comedy. As a comedy, it can be pretty hit and miss. There are some really funny moments here and I laughed out loud quite a few times. However there were also times when the comedy could fall flat. There were also times when there would be too long of a break between real laughs. This however does not take away from how funny the comedy is when it works. 

I also felt this movie could have benefited from a little cutting and a shorter runtime. 

Though this dark comedy is not perfect, it does feature some truly laugh out loud moments and a great ensemble cast. 

 

Movie Review: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning (Kidô Senshi Gandamu GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A really fun Mecha Anime film.

This movie is a solid entry in the ever-popular Gundam franchise. This film is packed with all the action fans have come to expect from this franchise. This action is over-the-top sci-fi fun at it best. These action scenes move fast, never lose momentum and are very well animated. The pacing is fantastic as these scenes never overstay their welcome or feel too rushed. Yet the action is not the only reason this movie works. The main characters are very likable and easy to relate to. This is especially true of Amate Yuzuriha, who is not only extremely likable here but is also a perfect charter for us to relate to and see ourselves in. She provides the heart to this film. The fact that we care about her helps make the climatic action scene all the more exciting. While her supporting cast may not be as fleshed out as her, they are all likable and do their jobs pretty well. I also love the look of this movie. Since this is part of a long running anime franchise, the film takes on the art style of an old school anime. This brings a fun retro charm to the movie. 

This movie consists of what will become the first three episodes to a new Gundam TV series. I appreciated that this film actually edits them into a movie instead of keeping in the theme songs and credits (ala some of the Demon Slayer "movies"). This helped it flow together and feel like a movie. Still that this will become three TV episodes does seem obvious in hindsight as the beginning feels like an extended prologue for the rest of the movie and the ending is very abrupt.

This is a fun trip to the movies for any anime and/or sci-fi fan.  

Movie Review: The Unbreakable Boy

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C

An okay but very safe film. 

As a person with autism myself, I would love to see a movie centering around a kid with autism that gives a realistic look at a day in the life of an autistic child. This is not that film, mostly because the autistic kid is not the main character. The main character is rather his father. This is not only unfortunate because it is not the movie, I was expecting but also because his troubles are probably the least interesting part of the film. His struggles with alcoholism and his marriage are full of clichés. There is nothing here that we have not seen a million times before and done in more interesting ways. It does not hurt that the character can often come off as kind of unlikable. Giving him an imaginary friend leads to some very cloying sentimentality that made me feel embarrassed to be watching this.

Yet the parts of this film that actually center around Austin (the autistic kid) are surprisingly quite good. This may not be the greatest representation of autism on the big screen, but he feels like a real kid. He is instantly likable, and, in some ways, we aspire to be more like him. I am glad that the filmmakers didn't go with the cliché of making the other kids not like him because he is different. I loved that the other kids actually liked and appreciated him. I also appreciate how this film doesn't suggest he needs to be fixed, and that autism is part of what makes him the wonderful person he is.

This is an okay film, but the filmmakers unfortunately spend too little time on what works and too much time on the least interesting aspects of the story.        

Movie Review: Parthenope

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C

A stylish but hollow art film from Italy. 

If you are expecting a movie that is on par with director Paolo Sorrentino's previous films (The Great Beauty (2013), The Hand of God (2021)), you are bound to be disappointed. This is not to say this movie is without its good qualities though. This is a very beautiful looking film and that is not just because actress Celeste Dalla Porta is so incredibly beautiful. The cinematography is absolutely lovely here and the location shooting in Naples and Capri are a wonder to behold. With how beautiful these shots are, it is easy to feel like you have been transported to these amazing places. There is not much of a story to this film as we simply follow a beautiful young woman through a few different years of her life. Luckily our main character is quite likable, and it is pleasant to spend some time with her. She may not be as complex as the script wants us to believe she is, but we do care about her and enjoy her company. The entire cast is great, but Celeste Dalla Porta really shines in the title role. 

The main problem with this film is that it so desperately wants to be insightful and profound but actually says nothing. There is a lot of dialogue here that comes off as very self-important. In fact, though it is simply meandering and meaningless. The writing here comes off as if the filmmakers are unsure of just what they are trying to say. There are a few times this movie leans more than a little into surrealism. Not only is this surrealism completely pointless and adds nothing to the story, but it also feels out of place. These scenes simply feel like they belong in a completely different movie. At 2 hours and 17 minutes, this movie is also much longer than it needs to be and can very much drag at points. 

While it has its good points, this film can't help but feel like a letdown after Paolo Sorrentino's previous work. 

-Michael J. Ruhland

Movie Review: Last Breath

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C+

An enjoyable but forgettable suspense film. 

At 95 minutes, this movie is simple, brief and to the point. The result is a movie that you will probably enjoy watching but will also probably forget about it in a month or so. This film tells the true-life story of a young diver, who got lost at sea and his two crewmates, who helped save him. This movie gets quite a bit of good suspense from this story and certain scenes keep you truly on the edge of your seat. The shorter run time works to the advantage of these suspense scenes. The scenes get a good amount of tension but never last too long to lose that tension. This movie also benefits from a really good cast. Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu and Finn Cole are quite charming in their roles and bring a real amount of likability to these rather cliché characters.

The main problem with this movie is that there is nothing to make it stand out from other similar suspense films. The characters are all simplistic and make us feel like we have seen them before. The basic storyline also feels familiar and the very basic approach to the storytelling only increases this feeling. The few romantic scenes between Finn Cole's character and his fiancée are filled with the type of dialogue that anyone who has ever seen a movie with any romance in it has heard a million times. None of this is really bad or poorly done, but it is simply so familiar that this movie will simply blend in with many other films in your mind. 

Director and co-writer Alex Parkinson had previously co-directed a 2019 documentary about the true-life story that this film is based on. That film shares the same name as this flick. 

While I enjoyed watching this movie, I have a hard time believing, I will remember much about it a month from now. 

Cowboy Church #207

 Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with a wonderful version of the classic hymn, How Great Thou Art. In the book, Happy Trails: Our Life Story, Roy tells of a story that had to do with this song. "I'll tell you about one time we nearly got into a real war with the promoters: at the World Championship Rodeo at Madison Square Garden in 1952. During the first rehearsal I started to practice 'How Great Thou Art,' a religious song I wanted to make the centerpiece of our musical act. There's a line in that song that goes, 'Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee...' Someone in the front office heard the rehearsal and came to me that night to tell me I wasn't allowed to mention Christ at the rodeo. 'It might work for the kids in Houston, Texas' he told me, 'But this is New York. You can't preach to kids here.' I told him I wasn't preaching but that the Savior was a part of the song and I fully intended to sing that song in New York or anywhere else we performed. They suggested that I could change the words of the song so it didn't mention Him. I'm not one for grandstand plays but I told those fellas that if I couldn't sing 'How Great thou Art' just how it was written, Dale and I would pack up and leave town. The song stayed in the show. That year we did forty-three performances over twenty-six days and broke all Madison Square Garden attendance records."

This is followed by Harry Burr with his 1905 recording of Stand Up for Jesus. The lyrics to this hymn were written by George Duffield, Jr. Born in 1818 and passing away in 1888, was a Presbyterian minister as well as a writer of hymns. He was also a fervent abolitionist, whose many sermons spoke out against the evils of slavery. The music was written by George J. Webb (1803-1887), an organist who also taught music at the Boston Academy of Music and served as conductor for the Handel and Haydn Society and The Musical Fund Society.

Afterwards is Chris Tomlin and Russell Dickerson with Together. This comes from Chris Tomlin's 2020 album, Chris Tomlin and Friends. This album featured the Christian singer performing various songs with popular country singers.

This is followed by Johnny Cash singing No Earthly Good. In the notes for the Unearthed box set, John wrote, "That's a song I wrote for phony pious Christians 'You're so heavenly minded you're no earthly good.' People who are always talking about Heaven and how close we are to being there give Christianity a bad name. And it should have a good name because it's a wonderful thing. Wonderful and I don't like it, it makes me very angry, when charlatans abuse and misuse the Gospel of Jesus Christ, It's outrageous and totally uncalled for."

Then comes Melba Montgomery with Sinners Don't Say Someday You Will. This song was written by Earl "Peanut" Montgomery, a very popular country music songwriter who was also Melba's brother. In 1976, Earl would feel a calling to become a pastor. By 1980, he became pastor of Oakwood Baptist Church in Sheffield. This recording comes from Melba's 1966 gospel album, Hallelujah Road.

Next is The Sons of the San Joaquin with It is Well. Though this is a hymn of hope and peace it was written in a time of great sadness. The song was written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873. He had planned a European trip for himself, his wife and four daughters, however because of his work he was unable to go, and he let his family go without him and after he finished his work, he would meet them there. However, the ship was hit and quickly sank. Though his wife was saved all four of his daughters had gone down with the ship. Amazingly he wrote this hymn when approaching an area near where his daughters had sunk.

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1951 recording of The Wonderous Word. 

Now for a sermon from Martin Luther King Jr. 

Next comes a whole feature film, The Narrow Trail (1917) starring William S. Hart. 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28

Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:4-7 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. Romans 15:5

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. 

 

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #219

 Hello, my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again it is time for some classic cartoons. 

Today's cartoon selection begins with a real classic, the Bugs Bunny cartoon, The Wacky Wabbit (1942). As many of you know all the major Looney Tunes directors had their different take on Bugs Bunny. Bob Clampett's Bugs was very much a fun-loving prankster. Unlike Chuck Jones' version of the character, this Bugs did not always need to act in self-defense but could just pick on someone to have a little fun. That is true of the way he treats Elmer here. Elmer in this movie is not hunting wabbits, but simply minding his own business, when Bugs decides to let the poor fellow have it. Elmer in this cartoon looks different from how many movie fans picture him looking. This is because he was briefly redesigned to look like his voice actor Arthur Q. Byran. The following is a review from The Film Daily, "Fourteen carrot entertainer this 'Wacky Wabbit.' There's a laugh in every foot. The wise guy rabbit in this instance tries his trick on a gold prospector. He drives the poor guy crazy confounding him and keeping him constantly on the jump. Bugs Bunny grows in stature with every new Merry Melody release. He bids fair to become as funny as any character now in animated cartoons. The smart showman should grab this short." 

Up next is the UPA short, Spare the Child (1955). This short film was directed by Abe Liss. This is the only cartoon in which he receives a directing credit on, though he does receive credit as designer on other UPA cartoons. 

Now for Honey Halfwitch in High but Not Dry (1967). The Honey Halfwitch films are a series of thirteen theatrically released cartoon shorts. This movie marks the 12th of these shorts. 

Up next is the Aesop's Sound Fables cartoon, King of the Bugs (1930). While these Sound Fables cartoons, might seem crude compared to some of the Disney cartoons being put out at the same time, I personally find a lot of charm in them. 

Exhibitors Herald and Moving Picture World, 1930

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

I have mentioned many times on this blog, that some of my favorite cartoons of all time are the Goofy cartoons, Jack Kinney directed for Disney. Up first is an early example of this, Goofy's Glider (1940). This was the first of Goofy's wonderful series of "how to..." cartoons, where Goofy shows us how to do something the wrong way. It is also the first Goofy cartoon to be directed by Jack Kinney. This movie also serves as the basis for Goofy's Fly School, the really fun roller coaster in Disney's California Adventure. The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "GOOFY'S GLIDER: Walt Disney Cartoons— Very funny. Disney's poor cartoons compare with what the majority of other companies consider good. Runtime 8 minutes. - H. Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, Ill. General Patronage." 

16mm Sound Films, 1957

Now for the Walter Lantz cartoon, The Bird on Nellie's Hat (1939). A year after the release of this film, the Walter Lantz studio would debut its most popular character, Woody Woodpecker. This makes this short a great look at the output of this cartoon studio before it started making the films we all know. I love the surreal gags in these black and white Walter Lantz shorts and this cartoon has one of my favorites near the end (hint: it has to do with a train). 

Now for Felix the Cat in In the Swim (1922).

Let us end this morning's cartoon selection with a trip to a truly magical place. 

Thanks for joining me. Be sure to come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry. 

Resources Used

Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin

https://lantern.mediahist.org/

Movie Review: The Cleaner

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A fun, if familiar action flick. 

While the storyline of the movie borrows from quite a few other action films (especially Die Hard (1988)), it surprisingly works. The main reason for this is Daisy Ridley. Frankly I have not always been the biggest fan of her in her past roles. I found her forgettable in the Star Wars sequel trilogy for instance. That was why I was so amazed at how much I liked her here. I was surprised at just how good of an action star she can be. She is charismatic, fun, likable and handles the action scenes extremely well. I can honestly see her becoming the next big star of these types of action movies and I wouldn't mind that at all. Not that she is the only thing I enjoyed about this film. The action scenes are a lot of fun. They are very well choreographed and just the right amount of over the top. With a filmography that includes such movies as GoldenEye (1995), The Mask of Zorro (1998) and Casino Royale (2006), director Martin Campbell knows his well very well around an action scene. This movie also benefits from a strong villain, who is easy to understand but easy to hate. There is even some real heart here with the main hero's relationship with her brother. 

Unfortunately, the environmental message is very unsubtle and heavy-handed, not really saying anything anyone watching hasn't heard before. While the main character, her brother and the villain were all good characters, all the other characters are very one note. 

This may not be original in anyway, but it is a really fun action flick. 

Madeline Hurlock - Vampire

 Some of the most overlooked actresses of Hollywood's golden age are those that played leading ladies to male comedians. However, to hold your own with some of the screen's best comedians is truly a talent. Madeline Hurlock was able to hold her own with the likes of Harry Langdon and Laurel and Hardy. Her films with Harry Langdon are personal favorites of mine. She also worked with some overlooked but talented comedians like Ben Turpin and Billy Bevan. She was one of the most popular and often used leading ladies at the Mack Sennett studio in the 1920's and appeared in many Sennett produced short comedies. 

The following is an article from a 1925 issue of Photoplay magazine. If you have trouble reading the following page click on the pages below and use your touch screen too zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen click here.




 

Here are a couple of her short films with Harry Langdon. 

Here is one of the shorts she made with comedian Ben Turpin.

She would appear in the first film in which Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy truly work as a team, Duck Soup (1927). 

Madline was born on December 12, 1897, in Federalsburg, Maryland and passed away on April 4, 1989, at the age of 91. She was married three times. First to army sergeant John S. McGovern, then to playwright Marc Connelly and finally to playwright and critic, Robert B. Sherwood. The final marriage would last to his death in 1955 (at the age of 59). 

When Mary Pickford Was a Little Girl

 Mary Pickford was once known by movie fans as "the little girl with the curls." While she did branch out into other types of roles, by far her most popular film were when she played these spunky little girl characters. She was so associated with these roles that she continued playing them into her 30's. Though today, we automatically look at her in these roles and think she was too old to play them, she does still bring a real charm to every character she played. 

The following is a 1924 article from Screenland magazine that talks about Mary's childhood. If you have trouble reading the below pages, click on them and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen, click here. Sorry about the quality of the left side of the first page. 

Some of Mary's earliest films are those for director D.W. Griffith.

One of my favorites of Mary's "little girl with the curls" films is Little Annie Rooney (1925).

 

X-Men (2000)

 

 While Superman and Batman had blockbuster movies before X-Men was released, the average person was already very familiar with these characters by the time, their movies hit the big screen. Though X-Men had been a top selling comic book (and a popular Saturday morning cartoon show), the thought that average moviegoers might be unfamiliar with these characters gave great hesitancy to the studio executives. After all most of these studio executives knew little about either the comics or the animated TV series. Though Fox received the film rights in the 1990's, the studio executives still nervously sat on the property (while in hindsight it is easy to make fun of these executives, with most superhero movies that didn't feature Batman or Superman having been critical and commercial failures, their position is understandable). The fact that this movie even got made was heavily thanks to a woman named, Lauren Shuler Donner. She had become a producer at Fox in 1994. She was well aware of the comic books and the cartoon series and felt there was great potential for a blockbuster with these characters. She was also aware that Marvel Comics had filed for bankruptcy. Lauren would spend the rest of the 1990's trying to get an X-Men film off the ground. She approached such top Hollywood filmmakers as James Cameron, Michael Chabon, and Joss Whedon. Ideas for the drafts and outlines from these filmmakers would find their way into the final script, though the screenplay would be end up being solely credited to David Hayter. (Hayter would later be a writer for two more superhero films, X2: X-Men United (2003) and Watchmen (2009)). However the directing job had instead gone to Bryan Singer, who was fresh off his critical and commercial success, The Usual Suspects (1995). Another early decision to separate this from previous superhero films was to cast classically trained actors in two of the most important roles. Therefore, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen would be cast as Charles Xavier and Magneto. This would hopefully lend an air of respectability for those who might normally overlook a superhero movie. 

The movie finally went into production in the late fall of 1999 with an expected release of Christmastime 2000. Still the studio heads at Fox were still nervous about this film. They cut the budget down to $75 million, a low budget for a special-effects heavy blockbuster, even 25 years ago. This meant that the filmmakers had to remove some of the more special effects heavy characters such as Beast. This was not the only production trouble. The original actor cast as Wolverine; Dougray Scott had to be replaced when there was scheduling conflicts due to the shooting of Mission: Impossible 2 (2000). He was replaced by Hugh Jackman, an unknown actor at the time. This would turn out to work for the best though as Jackman would become the film's breakout star. 

This movie eschews the type of lighthearted campy storytelling that many associated with superhero stories at this time from the very start. This film opens with a scene centering on Magneto as a child being led to a concentration camp during the holocaust. When the movie first transitions to modern day, we see a teenage Rouge (Anna Paquin) accidently nearly kill her boyfriend with her powers. These two scenes immediately tell us that what we are about to watch will not talk down to us and will not be either campy or silly. As the film continues it tells us the story of two mutants (the next step in human evolution, meta-humans with superpowers) named Wolverine and Rouge. The two find themselves at The Charles Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. This is a school that helps mutants learn how control their powers. Some of the graduates have become what are known as X-Men, a group of mutants that help protect human and meta-human alike. Meanwhile humans discriminate against mutants, feeling that they are danger to mankind. Magento is tired of this discrimination and decides to lead a group of mutants to destroy humankind. The X-Men must stop Magento and his Brotherhood of Mutants. 

This is a strong start to this series of movies. What makes this film work so well is Rouge and Wolverine. These two are truly the heart of this movie. They are the ones that we connect to and being newcomers to the world of the X-Men, we see things through their eyes. The last part is especially true of Wolverine. His skepticism and how he initially writes off everything about Xavier's school as silly, keeps the movie feeling grounded while not eschewing comic book fantasy. Rouge is simply a heartbreaking figure, and it is hard not to feel for her. That she can kill anyone who even touches her makes her feel more like a threat than a hero. This type of self-doubt and feeling like you don't belong is something we all can relate to and understand. The friendship between these two characters is very heartwarming. This film also benefits from having a fantastic cast. Not only are the actors who portray these two characters excellent but everyone in the cast is perfect. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen do exactly what they were brought into do and help us take this superhero story seriously. Though they don't get as much to do James Marsden and Famke Janssen bring a certain likability to Cyclops and Jean Grey. And of course, Halle Berry is the definition of cool as Storm. This movie also does a wonderful job of digging into the deeper themes of discrimination and how people find ways to try and justify their hatred. The messaging may not be subtle, but it is effective with some quite intelligent dialogue.

As much as I enjoy this movie, I do have to admit that the smaller budget really hurts the film. The special effects often look very fake, and this frankly takes you out of the movie.

Director, Bryan Singer is an openly homosexual filmmaker. Because of this many having viewed his take on mutants to be a commentary on the discrimination that homosexuals receive, especially with lines about them reveling or hiding who they truly are. This interpretation is not unfounded. Since the comics of the 1960's the X-Men have been a representation of marginalized groups. It is understandable that Singer might connect with this and draw from the discrimination he received due to his sexual orientation. 

The movie grossed $157 million domestic and received mostly positive reviews from critics. The film was a surprise breakout hit and would spawn an incredibly successful movie franchise. 

Resources Used

Superman: The High-Flying History of America's Most Enduring Hero by Larry Tye. 

https://nerdist.com/article/x-men-2000-most-important-superhero-movie/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120903/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_3_cdt_c_8




          

Movie Review: Armand

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A flawed but engaging drama from Norway. 

This movie has a very intriguing premise. It is about a meeting between school personnel and parents after one elementary school student is said to have sexually assaulted another. Yet it soon becomes obvious that there is something not right with this story. This story is simply a great and well written one that is immediately engaging. I became immediately invested and wanted to find out what the real truth was. The more information this film gives us, the more invested I became. The twists and turns in this story were smart and believable. All of this was of course helped by a great cast lead by Renate Reinsve, best known for her wonderful performance in The Worst Person in the World (2021). Her performance here is equally as great if not better. She brings a real humanity to this story that makes it hard not to care about her character. 

Where this movie doesn't work as well is the surreal direction it takes at time. This movie tries to show the emotional state of our main character with surreal imagery, bizarre dance scenes and distortion of the soundtrack. Honestly this does not work at all. Such stylistic experiments should enhance the story and characters instead of distracting from them. This is not the case here. These scenes are poorly handled, often coming off as pretentious and heavy handed. They add nothing to the story and tell us nothing about the characters that we couldn't figure out from the more straightforward scenes. While this is still a very good movie, these scenes keep it from being the masterpiece it should have been. 

This marks the feature film debut for director/writer Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel. Tøndel is the grandson of the great Swedish director Ingmar Bergman (one of my all-time favorite filmmakers) and the brilliant actress Liv Ullman. While this may not reach the heights of the best films from his grandparents it is still a good movie that is hopefully the start of a promising career. 

Movie Review: Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童鬧海)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A fun and well-made animated movie from China. 

This is well-done fantasy entertainment for the whole family. Like the best fantasy movies, where this film works best is the world building. This film does a great job making the world it takes place in feel completely real to us. There is great detail and thought put into how this world works. The characters themselves may not be complex, but they are believable and engaging. The heroes are quite likable, even if flawed. And the villain feels like a massive threat. Because of this the emotional scenes here work quite well and there is a sense of suspense through much of the film. The action scenes here are fantastic featuring great animation, timing and a bit of suspense.

Like many modern animated movies, this film often tries to squeeze in as many jokes as possible. Because of this the humor can often be hit or miss. There are some funny moments here and there but there are also plenty of comedic moments that fall completely flat. 

The main flaw with this movie is the length. This story could easily be told in an hour and a half, but this film is nearly two and a half hours. The climax can really drag on too long at times. 

Despite some flaws, this is a really fun movie for the whole family. 
  

Movie Review: My Dead Friend Zoe

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A beautiful and moving dramedy. 

This film tells the story of a young woman, who is having trouble moving from the death of her army buddy. She says her friend everywhere she goes and even talk to and interacts with her. I find it hard to believe that this movie will fail to pull on anyone's heartstrings. In lesser hands a film like this could come off as emotionally manipulated. However, this movie is so extremely honest and sincere that it is hard not to be moved. Director and co-writer Kyle Hausmann-Stokes is a veteran who has based this movie on his comrades who have passed on. With this film, he lays his emotions completely on the line and allows himself to be very vulnerable and personal. To be this open and honest with your first feature film, couldn't have been easy and perhaps that only adds to the emotional effectiveness. Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales' performances also help make this story feel incredibly real to us. Having a supporting cast that includes Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman doesn't hurt either. As emotional as this story gets the filmmakers balance the serious themes with a sense of dark humor. This humor is not only often quite funny, but it is always in the service of the story and characters. Because of this it never distracts from the raw emotion but adds to it.

Though there are a few predictable plot points here, there are also some twists that you don't see coming. Yet these twists make perfect sense in the story and are very intelligent and heartfelt. 

This is simply a must see. 

Bathing Beauties in Action

 Since this blog has been taking a look at the Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties, I felt that it is only right to have a post that is simply a collection of their films. 


I am a huge fan of silent film comedian Harry Langdon. So let's start off this post with two short films featuring both Harry and the Bathing Beauties. 

Mabel Normand and Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle take center stage in short, Mabel's New Hero (1913). This short film would later be rereleased under the title, Fatty and the Bathing Beauties. As well as the Bathing Beauties, this film also features the Keystone Kops. 

The Bathing Beauties found themselves in more comedies than just those that took place at the beach. The Ben Turpin comedy, A Harem Knight (1926) features our hero saving a harem girl. The harem naturally consists of the Bathing Beauties and a pool for them to swim in. Here are the scenes from that picture that involving the Bathing Beauties looking as beautiful as always. 

Now for a short film featuring Louise Fazenda, Ford Sterling, Phillis Haver and of course the Bathing Beauties, Hearts and Flowers (1919). 

Let us end this post with a video showing the Bathing Beauties at their sexiest. No drooling gentlemen. 

 

Cowboy Church #206

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Near to the Heart of God. This hymn was written by Cleland McAfee, a pastor and choir leader at the Presbyterian Church at Park College in Parkville, Mo. This song came about after his two infant nieces passed away from diphtheria. His daughter recounted in her book, Near to the Heart of God, “The family and town were stricken with grief. My father often told us how he sat long and late thinking of what could be said in word and song on the coming Sunday.... So he wrote the little song. The choir learned it at the regular Saturday night rehearsal, and afterward they went to Howard McAfee’s home and sang it as they stood under the sky outside the darkened, quarantined house. It was sung again on Sunday morning at the communion service.... The hymn was first included in The Choir Leader, October, 1903.”

Afterwards is Vernon Delhart with his 1928 recording of Ring Dem Bells.  

Next comes one of the most popular country gospel songs performed by the man who wrote it. The song is I Saw the Light and the singer and songwriter was Hank Williams. Hank wrote this song as he was heading home from a dance in Fort Deposit, Alabama. His mother was driving him home and told her son "Hank, wake up, we're nearly home. I just saw the light" (she was referring to the light near Dannelly Field Airport). Hank wrote the song on the rest of the way home. The song melody-wise strongly resembles Albert E. Brumley's He Set Me Free, but I Saw the Light has certainly taken on a life of its own apart from the earlier song, heavily through the powerful and inspiring lyrics that do what Hank did best as a songwriter, convey something powerful and moving in a way that seems so simple and unpretentious. Hank recorded this song on his first MGM recording session (April 21, 1947). However, even though he was the first to record this song, his version was not the first released. Producer Fred Rose gave it to two other singers (Clyde Grubbs and Roy Acuff), both of whom had their versions released before Hank.

Up next is Chris Tomlin, Russell Dickerson and Florida Georgia Line with Sing. This comes from Chris Tomlin's 2020 album, Chris Tomlin and Friends. This album featured the Christian singer performing various songs with popular country singers.

It is hard to believe that a song like The Man Comes Around was so late in Johnny Cash's career. Most of the time singer/songwriters don't release and certainly don't write their best music in their sixth decade, but as all music fans know Johnny was one of the rare artists with such a long career, who left this world at the top of his game musically.  At this time John was on fire for the lord. No longer was he the wild crazy man he had been in the 1950's and 60's, instead by this time he had become a true man of God and wanted to do all he could for the lord before he passed away. He knew he had wasted too much of his life being controlled by sin and finally wanted to be a servant to God instead of to his own fleshly desires. At this time, he was also seeing a musically resurgence, where he was more popular than ever, and young audiences were embracing his new music just as much as they did any younger artist of their generation. What he wanted to do was to create a modern-day gospel song that would speak directly to this younger audience and The Man Comes Around more than fit that bill. Because this song was so near and dear to him, he spent more time writing it than any other song he had composed. In his book, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon, Pastor Greg Laurie wrote "Personally I think it is the strongest song Johnny ever wrote. It is both biblical and personal, powerful and poetic."

Now for a song that perfectly represents everything cowboy gospel music should be. So, enjoy Rex Allen singing The Range in the Sky. 

Today's musical selection ends with the Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of The Touch of God's Hand. This song was written by one of the group's founding members, Bob Nolan. As is true of many of Bob's best songs, the lyrics here bring very beautiful and vivid images to one's mind. Though he often times doesn't get credit for it, Bob Nolan was one of country music's greatest poets. The group recorded this song on December 16, 1937. It features Bob Nolan on lead vocals, Lloyd Perryman and Karl Farr on guitar, Sam Koki on steel guitar, Pat Brady on Bass and Hugh Farr on fiddle. This recording was made shortly after Roy Rogers left the group for a solo movie career. 

Now for a sermon from Martin Luther King Jr. 

Up next is Roy Rogers appearing on Letterman on June 22, 1983.

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. Psalm 119:50

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted. Isaiah 49:13

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #218

 Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again it is time for some classic cartoons. 

Today's cartoon selection begins with our old friend Gandy Goose in The Chipper Chipmunk (1948). This short is a rare film in which Gandy never speaks. The cat with him resembles his regular partner Sourpuss but he is heavier, and his head is a different shape.  

Last week on this blog I shared the UPA cartoon, Christopher Crumpet (1953). That cartoon spawned a sequel film, and I have that cartoon for you this week. So up next is Christopher Crumpet's Playmate (1955). 

Now for a short that the Fleischer Studio made in cooperation with Olds Motor Works, In My Merry Oldsmobile (1931). This film is part of the Screen Songs series. These short films combine regular cartoon action with a follow the bouncing ball (a device that was originated at the studio) sing-along. So, get ready to sing-along and enjoy the cartoon.  

Next comes one of my favorite cartoons from director Norm McCabe, Daffy's Southern Exposure (1942). I absolutely love the way this film treats Daffy. He is very much in his early wild and crazy mode. But at the same time there is a bit more to him than just being crazy. He is also the type of duck who is always simply looking for a good time and will ignore the warnings of others if they try to get in the way of him having fun. Still even when getting his comeuppance, he never learns any sort of lesson and remains the same duck he was the beginning of the cartoon. This is a fun characterization for Daffy, especially as he is still fun of the pure energy that makes the early Daffy so popular. This is just as much of a fully formed character as the one we would see in the later Chuck Jones classics of the 1950's. The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "DAFFY'S SOUTHERN EXPOSURE: Cartoon- Good black and white cartoon. Enjoyed by people that saw it. —Conrad H. Tapia, Chief Theatre, Casa Grande, Ariz."

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Now for a silent Aesop's Film Fables short, The Man Who Laughed (1922). 

Before Pluto received his own cartoon series, he made a couple short films without Mickey that were released as Silly Symphonies. These were Just Dogs (1932) and Mother Pluto (1936). Up next is the first of these, Just Dogs. In this movie, the animation of Pluto is mostly split between two animators, Norm Ferguson and Tom Palmer. However, Les Clark animates a brief scene were Pluto and the little pup hide in a barrel and Dick Lundy animates them digging up the bone. The pup Pluto costars with did not appear in any other animated cartoons, but Floyd Gottfredson would use him in the Mickey Mouse newspaper comic strip. A song used early on in this movie is Guy Massey's The Prisoners' Song. This song was prominently used in the Mickey Mouse cartoon, The Chain Gang (1930), which many people believe is the first appearance of Pluto. A review in Motion Picture Reviews stated, "Amusing for Children but not up to the usual Disney standard." A review in The Film Daily disagreed stating, "Right up to the standard of the Walt Disney shops [sic]" The following are two exhibitor's reviews from The Motion Picture Herald, "JUST DOGS: Silly Symphony—This is a fairly good cartoon comedy but still no better than some of the others. United Artists should produce better cartoons or cut the price of these cartoons. Here's hoping to get better cartoons in the future from United Artists. Running time 9 minutes. -J.J. Medford, Orpheum Theatre, N.C. General Patronage." " JUST DOGS: Silly Symphony—Didn't think that this was any too good. - Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kansas, Small Town Patronage." Working titles for this movie were The Dog Pound and The Dog Symphony. 

Next comes the Van Buren cartoon, Toonerville Picnic (1936). This is the third and final Van Bueren cartoon based off of Fontaine Fox's classic comic strip Toonerville Folks. Before these cartoons the strip had been the basis for a series of silent live-action comedy shorts featuring Mickey Rooney. 

Now let us close with a song. 

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry. 

Resources Used

Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series by Russell Merritt and J.B. Kaufman

https://lantern.mediahist.org/

 

 

Movie Review: Paddington in Peru

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

Another excellent film in this franchise. 

If this movie does not reach the heights of the last two films, this is only because the first two movies set such a high standard. This third entry is full of the charm that makes this franchise so special. This film's sense of optimism and its sweetness is contagious, and it is simply hard not to have a smile on your face while watching it. This film once again manages to feel very sentimental in a way that never feels overdone or forced. Again, the way this is achieved is through the title character. He just simply feels like a goodhearted and sweet person (or bear) that it is hard not to simply treasure spending time with him once again. With this film's story revolving around his relationships with his adopted human family (the Browns) and his Aunt Lucy, I found it hard not to feel a little tug on my heartstrings. This movie also benefits once again from a great cast. Once again Ben Whishaw's voice for the title character is just so warm, likable and inviting. The Brown family again is excellently cast, and each one is perfect for their role. Antonio Banderas is a lot of fun here. It is obvious, that like Hugh Grant in the last movie, the great actor is having so much fun in a role that not only allows him to ham it up a little but encourages it. Newcomer Carla Tous is also very charming as his daughter. Olivia Colman also has a lot of fun with a quite over the top role. 

This movie is filled with humor. Not all of it works and some of it falls flat. However, the comedic moments that work are laugh out loud funny (and just as much so for the adults as for the kids). 

I did feel like I wish this movie had a larger sense of adventure as its story takes our characters on a larger journey than the previous films. However, this is a very small flaw. 

This marks the feature film directorial debut for Dougal Wilson. Wilson's career up to this point has included commercials, music videos and short films. He adapts to feature film directing incredibly well. Paul King, the director of the last two films has both a story and a producer credit on this third entry. 

This is simply a delightful film. 

Movie Review: Captain America: Brave New World

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

While this may not reach the height of the first two Captain America movies, it is still a fun film.

This movie is just as much a political thriller as it is a superhero film. This means that this is a film that centers more on characters, atmosphere and tension than it does on action scenes. Because of this the movie has a slower buildup than most MCU films. This creates a different atmosphere that is very effective. It absorbs you into the world of this movie and makes you believe the main characters. I found Sam Wilson as Captain America a completely believable and relatable character. Some people may argue that he is not as charismatic or dynamic as Steve Rogers, I feel that this is the point. While Sam Wilson is a great hero, he is not fully comfortable yet at taking over the role of Captain America feeling that he can't live up to Steve Rogers. This is something I find very relatable about this character and makes me connect with him instantly. Anthony Mackie is still wonderful in this role, and you completely believe him as a great superhero and as someone who is still dealing with self-doubt. Of course, Harrison Ford is fantastic as Thaddeus Ross. He is completely believable as a man who done many bad things but is truly trying to make himself into a better person, even if he has a lot of bumps along the way. I love that this character is more morally complex than a simple hero or villain. It is hard to believe that a bad man can truly change overnight and that this character is struggling but truly trying to change his nature makes him completely believable and real to us. The slower pace in the earlier scenes works very well and buildups a tension that makes you truly feel the danger these characters are in. The story may be familiar, but it is never once boring, and the two hours go by very quickly.

I also really appreciated that this movie actually referenced The Incredible Hulk (2008). This film has long been said to be part of the MCU but has rarely had any tie-in to the rest of the cinematic universe. Brave New World however is just as much a sequel to that film as it is to the Captain America movies, and I really loved that. 

The villain here works quite well in the screentime he is given and Tim Blake Nelson plays him very well. However, the lack of screentime this character receives makes it so that he is not really fleshed out and this makes him feel too much like a number of other movie villains.

The storyline here is very familiar and there is nothing here that any superhero movie fan has not seen before. This makes the movie feel much too predictable as you always know what is going to happen next. There is less humor here than in other MCU movies. While I usually enjoy the MCU humor, this might have been a good thing as the comedic moments here really fall flat. None of them made me even chuckle. I also felt that the final action scene is kind of anti-climactic after the big build up. 

This may not be a great movie, but it is definitely a good one. 

The Little Rascals: The Restored Silents Vol. 1

 

After The Three Stooges, The Little Rascals (or Our Gang) is probably the most popular series of classic comedy shorts. Everyone knows Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla and Buckwheat. However, this series of shorts lasted from 1922 to 1944 (consisting of 220 films in total). Because of this naturally over the course of the series there was an often-changing roster of kids. This new Blu-Ray set from ClassicFlix takes a look at the earliest incarnation of The Little Rascals with eight silent short films from 1922 and 1923. While some of these shorts show a series trying to find its footing, others are just as entertaining and delightful as the later talkies we are all familiar with. However every one of these shorts is boosted by a wonderful roster of classic child performers. Ernie "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison, Mickey Daniels, Jackie Condon, Mary Korman, Allen “Farina” Hoskins, Jack Davis, Joe Cobb and Peggy Cartwright are just as wonderful as the later and more famous lineups. 

The restorations are fantastic. While should be expected from films that are over 100 years old, they do not look perfect, they look so much better than they ever have in the past. There is special feature showing clips from the films in both restored and unrestored versions. The difference between the two is incredible. After watching this bonus feature it is hard not to appreciate how much work went into making these films look as good as they do. Other bonus features include a look at the films which will be on Vol. 2 (which has already got me excited about that set) and a pre-Our Gang short featuring Ernie "Sunshine Sammy" Morison, The Pickaninny (1921), which despite the very dated title is a fun little comedy. 

The new musical scores by Ben Model and Philip C. Carli are wonderful and enhance each film. 

The Shorts 

   

Our Gang (1922): A fun little start to the series. While it doesn't live up to later entries it is still a lot of fun. 

Fire Fighters (1922): This short truly shows a series trying to find its footing. The early scenes do not center around the kids but rather animals dressed as an acting as humans. These early scenes are not funny at all and it is hard not to get impatient for the kids to take over. Luckily when the kids take over, the film gets more entertaining. 

Young Sherlocks (1922): The idea of a short revolving around the gang playing detective is near irresistible and these film gets some pretty good sights gags out of it. While a later short would have probably been funnier, this film is still quite fun.

One Terrible Day (1922): Another fun early short. The premise of a wealthy matron wanting to take a bunch of kids on a trip as a form of charity and soon regretting it is a perfect plotline for a silent comedy. While there aren't as many great gags as there could have been there are still some very fun moments. 

Saturday Morning (1922): The first great Our Gang short, this film is a wonderful silent comedy. The premise of kids simply trying to enjoy a Saturday morning allows each of the kids to have their own solo scenes and truly shine. This film is full of laugh out loud moments and is just as much a classic as any of the later better-known shorts. 

The Big Show (1923): My favorite short on this set. This is an incredibly clever little film that puts a smile on my face every time. The scenes where the kids put on a movie show (that includes impressions of the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Douglas Fairbanks and Ford Sterling) is a pure delight for any lover of silent movies, especially when they recreate a scene from the Harold Lloyd feature Grandma's Boy (1922). This short is also full of laugh out loud moments, especially those revolving around little Farina (the tiniest of the kids) as the security guard. 

The Cobbler (1923): This film has no real story and seems to meander from idea to idea. This creates an uneven short. However, the moments that are funny here are truly hilarious.  

The Champeen! (1923): This short is a precursor to the later films, where Alfalfa and Butch fight over Darla. Frankly it is just as delightful and fun as those later films and the ending is wonderful.

 

This Blu-Ray set is a must have for any fan of silent comedy and I can't wait for Volume 2.