Hello my friends. I know many of you, like me, love both silent movies and TCM. Because of this here is a list of all the silent films playing on TCM this March.
Friday, March 1st
The Divine Lady (1929) Director: Frank Lloyd. Starring Corinne Griffith and Victor Varconi. 1:30am Pacific. 4:30am Eastern.
The Crowd (1928) Director: King Vidor. Starring James Murray and Eleanor Boardman. 5am Pacific. 8am Eastern.
Tuesday, March 5th
The Racket (1928) Director: Lewis Milestone. Starring Thomas Meighan and Marie Prevost. 3:30am Pacific. 6:30am Eastern.
Sunday, March 17th
The Johnstown Flood (1926) Director: Irving Cummings. George O'Brien and Florance Gilbert. 9:45pm Pacific. 12:45am Eastern.
A Story of Floating Weeds (1934) Director: Yasujiro Ozu. Starring Takeshi Sakamoto and Chôko Iida. 11pm Pacific. 2am Eastern.
Tuesday, March 19th
Weary River (1929) Director: Frank Lloyd. Starring Richard Barthelmess and Betty Compson. 3:15pm Pacific. 6:15pm Eastern. (part-talkie, part-silent)
Sunday, March 24th
The Boob (1926) Director: William Wellman. Starring George K. Arthur and Gerturde Olmstead. 9pm Pacific. 12am Eastern.
Sunday, March 31st
The Conquering Power (1921) Director: Rex Ingram. Starring Alice Terry and Rudolph Valentino. 9:45pm Pacific. 12:45am Eastern.
This is the final segment of the third episode of The All-New Super Friends Hour, unlike most other Super Friends formats, this one had hour long episodes that were made up of various shorter cartoons. The first segment would be an adventure staring two members (or three in some cases as Batman and Robin would often team with another Super Friend) of the Super Friends. The second would be a morality play staring the Wonder Twins. The third would be a typical half hour Super Friends adventure. The fourth and last segment would feature one of the main Super Friends teaming up with a special DC Comics guest star.
In this cartoon a scientist invents a time machine and accidentally finds himself trapped 2000 years in the future. Superman, Hawkman and Hawkgirl team up to save him.
This is a very fun cartoon. The storyline is a delightful one. Our heroes trying to save the professor from the danger he finds himself in allows for a good sense of suspense, especially since they only have a limited amount of time to save him. This cartoon also benefits from some wonderful artwork. From the backgrounds to the various alien creatures, the design work is wonderful. This cartoon is simply wonderful to look at. The artwork is always great in Hanna-Barbera cartoons of this time period, but the artwork in this cartoon really stands out as especially good. There is a wonderful sense of atmosphere here and that is one of the most important aspects of any sci-fi story.
Even those who don't enjoy the story of this movie will be amazed by the visuals. If you have ever looked at a great painting and pictured the characters in the painting moving, then this is the movie for you. This film perfectly captures the look and feel of moving paintings. Every frame of this film is a complete visual treat and there are many moments when you will be in complete awe of what you are seeing. Yet this incredible animation style is not just used as a gimmick. This animation style is perfectly used to tell the story. While this is a story that could have been told in live action, the film uses animation to draw us into the characters' minds and emotions in some incredibly well-made scenes.
The storyline is very much a romantic melodrama. While there is little here that you haven't seen before, it is done very well. One of the main reasons of this is the main character. We grow to care about her very much. She feels completely real to us, because while she is the innocent victim, she still has her flaws. As the film goes and the story gets more tragic, the story gets more and more tragic and because we care about this character, we find ourselves getting very emotional. The ending scene will make you leave the theater, feeling overwhelmed with emotions.
This movie does have its problems though. Sometimes the story can feel a bit too familiar. The movie is longer than it needs to be and can feel a little repetitive at times. The supporting characters are often 2-deminsonal stereotypes that seem to exist simply as figures to move the plot forward and make our main character more miserable.
Though this may have its flaws, this movie boasts incredible animation and an engrossing story.
This is film is really multiple TV episodes put together to make a movie. The way this is done is very messy, but the episodes are very good.
Demon Slayer is one of the most popular anime series out there and it is easy to see why. The characters are wonderful, the action is exciting, the humor is oftentimes quite funny, and the emotional moments are very touching. The episodes chosen for this movie show this perfectly. In fact, fairly early on in this film there is an incredibly emotional moment, which tends to propel the story forward for much of the movie. Though this emotional moment may best effect those familiar with the show beforehand, it is still touching to newcomers as well. Though these episodes were made for TV, they look incredible on the big screen. The beautiful background art, the incredibly well executed action scenes and the great character animation all look like they were made for the big screen.
However, in other ways the TV origins are very easy to spot. This movie has no real beginning or ending. It just starts and ends at seemingly random times. In fact, the movie begins in the middle of an action scene. Those who have not watched the show or only seen the previous movies (the latter is me) will even know who this bad guy is. The film also ends with a moment that does not feel all that climatic. Though many movies today, may not have traditional endings, unlike a TV episode, a movie that doesn't have your traditional ending needs to end on either an emotional or suspenseful climax. That is absent here and the film just kind of ends.
Though this may not fully work as a movie, the episodes themselves are great.
Right from the start, you know that this is not going to be your typical movie. It begins with a near 40-minute scene of simply our main characters cooking. Though this may sound incredibly boring, it is actually completely engrossing. It is said that when we watch someone do what they are passionate about we get to see the real them. This is definitely true in these first near 40-minutes. Cooking means so much more to these characters then simply making something for someone to eat. They put their whole selves in this action. Cooking becomes both an emotional outlet and an intellectual exercise. As we watch them, we see how emotional and powerful experience this is for them. Because of this even those of us who may not be passionate about cooking, become completely engrossed. We learn more about these characters in this opening scene than we do about some characters in full movies. The scene also benefits from truly incredible performances (the actors do their own cooking) and great visual filmmaking. The camera is never standing still during these first 40 or so minutes. We move with the characters and get to see the complexity of the task at hand. Because of this, we feel like we are right there in the kitchen with them. There are even moments when you can swear that you smell the food.
The passion of cooking and how it encompasses the characters, carries on through the film. This film becomes a very beautiful and touching romance movie, and one of its most romantic scenes simply involves one character cooking for another. The romance in this film is incredibly well done. We can feel the love between these two characters in every scene they share (even the scenes which on paper don't sound romantic). Even the romantic dialogue (something I usually find corny and off-putting in romance movies) is beautifully written, almost like a love poem from a great poet. This is because the dialogue is very intelligent and clever as well as romantic. As this romance unfolds, it is hard not to feel a wide variety of emotions, some of which can at times even feel overwhelming. The film's ending is especially powerful, and we leave a major effect on you as you leave the theater.
While this film's slow pace and long scenes of people cooking may not appeal to everyone, for the right audience this is an incredibly powerful movie.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. Though it may be simple doctrine that we have heard since Sunday school, I hope we never forget how much power there truly is in the blood of Jesus. No matter what temptations and struggles we may face in life, Jesus' blood spilled on Calvary's cross has overcome all of it. With man something may be impossible but with God all things are possible.
This is followed by Anne Wilson with Strong. This s from her upcoming album, Rebel, which will be released in April.
Afterwards is Floyd Cramer with an instrumental gospel medley that includes Standing On The Promises, Bringing In The Sheaves, I Am Bound For The Promised Land, Shall We Gather At The River? and Leaning On The Everlasting Arms. This recording comes from his 1971 gospel album, Sounds of Sunday.
Then comes Josh White with his 1933 recording of Jesus Gonna Make Up My Dying Bed.
Next is Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Jesus Loves the Little Children. This comes from a 1955 Little Golden Record that also included them singing The Good Lord is Going to Take Care of You. This song was written by C. Herbert Woolston and is said to have been inspired by Matthew 19:14 (“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”) The song is to the tune of the 1864 Civil War song, Tramp Tramp Tramp (written by George Fredrick Root). Roy and Dale only sing the refrain of this song as that is all that was commonly used in Sunday schools. However, these are not the only lyrics to this song. To see the full lyrics click here.
Then comes Ernest Tubb with Love Lifted Me. This hymn was written in 1912 by James Rowe and Howard E. Smith. Rowe's daughter would later state, “ I can see them now, my father striding up and down humming a bar or two, and Howard E. playing it and jotting it down…The two huddled together, working line by line, bar by bar, composing this hymn in tandem.”
Up next comes Johnny Cash with Jesus Was a Carpenter. What I love about this song is that it talks about what happened back when Jesus was on Earth, but it puts it in a modern context even looking at many of today's political and social issues. This shows that the Bible is just as true today and that even after all these centuries we can still apply it to what is going on in our world today. The very idea of praising Jesus in socially conscious folk song, paints a great picture of what Johnny Cash and his music were all about.
Today's musical selection ends with The Louvin Brothers with The Christian Life. This recording comes from their 1959 gospel album, Satan is Real and the song is written by The Louvin Brothers themselves.
Now for Billy Graham on Johnny Cash's TV show.
/
Now comes an episode of Roy Rogers' radio show.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Proverbs 11:17
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Another brilliant film from master director Wim Wenders.
When I first saw, Wings of Desire (1987), I know I had discovered a master filmmaker in Wim Wenders. As I delved into the filmmaker's filmography, I found myself completely enamored with the cinema of Wim Wenders. His new film, Perfect Days ranks among the director's most beautiful and touching work. This movie can easily hold its own among the director's great work of the 1970's, 80's and 90's.
At first glance this seems like an incredibly simple movie, where not much happens. We follow a toilet cleaner through his daily routine of mundane tasks. For the first 40 minutes or so, he hardly speaks a word but just attends to his work in a meticulous way, listens to rock music as he drives his truck and reads great books before bed. Yet these early scenes tell us a lot about this man. We learn that he is dedicated to his job and takes pride in working hard, even if it is a job that many would find degrading. We learn that he is quite intelligent but never pretentious about it. Most importantly we learn that he finds a sense of beauty in the mundane things that we tend to overlook every day. However just when we think we completely know who this man is, various little things happen that interrupt his daily routine, and this allows us to see that he is more complex than we first thought. Through all this, the movie becomes a brilliant character study through the most mundane things. Though little really happens in this film, we become strongly attached to this character. Through the course of this film, we experience a wide variety of emotions. There are many scenes that make us feel great joy, real sadness and all sorts of emotions in-between. This is not only because we connect with the main character. It is also due to (like our hero) this movie truly finds the beauty in the most mundane things. Because of this when you leave the theater the world may look a little more beautiful. And isn't the magic of movies at its fullest? Though this isn't escapism the same way that a fantasy film or an action flick may be, as you are watching this movie you may find all the little stresses in your life fade away. You may even get a new appreciation of life.
Wim Wenders has often sighted Japanese director Yasujirō Ozu as a strong influence. With the quiet, reflective and reserved filmmaking as well as the strong attention to the small and mundane, this has never been more evident. The influence is felt through much of the film, yet Wenders never seems to be copying Ozu. Instead, this movie feels like the perfect blend of these sensibilities and Wenders' signature filmmaking style.
As should be expected of Wim Wenders, this movie brilliantly uses music. The use of the songs, our main character listens to in his truck is perfect. Not only is it a joy to listen to such artists as The Animals, Otis Redding, Patti Smith, The Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, The Kinks and Van Morrison, but the songs also help put us in the emotional state of our main character. This expert use of these songs should come as no surprise. Not only has Wenders used songs perfectly in his previous movies but he has also directed music videos for such artists as Willie Nelson, U2 and Talking Heads.
Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again it is time for some classic cartoons.
Today's cartoon selection begins with Little Lulu in Musica-Lulu (1947). I love the sheer imagination in the latter part of this cartoon and the musical number is a lot of fun as well.
Next comes Donald Duck and Pluto in The Eyes Have It (1945). This short film marked the last time Pluto appeared in a Donald Duck cartoon. Pluto had previously appeared in the Donald Duck cartoons, Beach Picnic (1939), Donald's Dog Laundry (1940), Put-Put Troubles (1940) and Window Cleaners (1940). This cartoon would make its TV debut on the episode of the Disneyland TV show, Donald's Award (1957).
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 we join our good friend Gandy Goose in G-Man Jitters (1939).
Now it is time for a commercial break.
Now it is silent film time with The Breath of a Nation (1919). This short film was directed by Geogory LaCava. LaCava would later go on to be a live action director. Some of his live action films include So's Your Old Man (1926) starring W.C. Feilds, The Age of Consent (1932), She Married Her Boss (1935), My Man Godfrey (1936), Stage Door (1937), Fifth Avenue Girl (1939) and Primrose Path (1940).
Next up is a very early Mickey Mouse cartoon, the fourth one in fact, The Barn Dance (1929). Unlike the previous three Mickeys (Plane Crazy (1928), The Galloping Gaucho (1928) and Steamboat Willie (1928)), Walt Disney was not able to supervise the animation very closely. This was because at this time Walt was in New York, while his main animator Ub Iwerks was in California. Though Walt asked Ub to cut corners in the animation, because of a strict deadline, when he received the first of the animation on October 22nd of 1928, he was not happy and wrote Ub a page of criticisms of the animation. However watching this film now, it is actually a very entertaining cartoon, and it is hard to see anything actually wrong with the animation. However, Walt was working to achieve a level of perfection in his cartoons and this one as good as it is, did not meet that requirement in his mind. The gag involving the stretching of Minnie's leg was the type of joke that would soon fade from these cartoons, as Walt would treat the body more solidly in future outings.
Now for the Pink Panther in Salmon Pink (1975).
Let us close by singing one we all know.
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
Hollywood Cartoons: American Animation in its Golden Age by Michael Barrier
Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin
Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History by David Gerstein and J.B. Kaufman
This may not be a great movie but has enough to keep action movie fans entertained for the whole runtime. The action scenes are well handled and quite exciting. Not only this but the action scenes keeping getting bigger and more exciting until the end. The use of a ticking clock for most of the runtime helps make this film all the more suspenseful. The movie does a wonderful job building up suspense as our main character only has a limited amount of time to make it out of this dangerous situation. This also makes the movie grow all the more suspenseful as he has less and less time as the film goes on. This movie also benefits from likable characters. They may not be complex in any way, but they are definitely likable.
This film definitely has its flaws though. One is that there is nothing here, we haven't seen a million times before and this movie is not able to make any of it feel fresh or original. The humor constantly falls flat and there is not one "funny" moment that made me laugh. The villains are completely bland and uninteresting as well.
This may not be a great film, but it is entertaining enough.
This film tells the story of a father going far into debt just trying to help his 5 year old daughter who badly needs a liver transplant. It also tells of a woman who decides to dedicate most of her time to helping this young girl survive, while fighting her own personal demons.
In many ways this movie is quite familiar and corny. However, the film is presented so earnestly that it works very well. This is the type of movie that will even charm the most cynical movie goers and make them believe that there truly is goodness in this world. There is no doubt that the filmmakers truly believe in this goodness and that is felt in every second. The climax is a perfect example of the pure sincerity behind this movie's message. The film also benefits from truly likable characters. This is especially true of our two leads. They are incredibly likable and relatable, while still being very flawed. The film does a wonderful job of making us see ourselves in these characters. We see ourselves in both their virtues and their flaws. This gives us an emotional connection that makes the emotional scenes work incredibly well. These characters are also helped by truly wonderful performances by Hillary Swank and Alan Ritchson. Those who are familiar with the other movies from Kingdom Story Company, will know that there will be a Christian message here. The Christian message could not be better done. It comes naturally out of the story and characters and the film never feels like a sermon. Actually, the message instead enhances both of these as we delve into how tragedies can cause one to lose their faith. The father trying to deal with how to hold onto his faith when everything seems hopeless is something that will connect with both those who believe in God and those who don't.
This movie does have its flaws though. Many of the scenes can feel too familiar and there can never be much suspense when we all know how the story will end. There are also some scenes involving the kids that try too hard to be cute and come off as cloying. While there is a lot of good dialogue here, there are also parts where the dialogue can be a little clumsy. None of these flaws though stop this movie from being quite emotional.
This is a heartwarming movie that will truly warm your heart.
This is the third segment of the third episode of The All-New Super Friends Hour, unlike most other Super Friends formats, this one had hour long episodes that were made up of various shorter cartoons. The first segment would be an adventure staring two members (or three in some cases as Batman and Robin would often team with another Super Friend) of the Super Friends. The second would be a morality play staring the Wonder Twins. The third would be a typical half hour Super Friends adventure. The fourth and last segment would feature one of the main Super Friends teaming up with a special DC Comics guest star.
In this cartoon an evil scientist (working for an evil alien) sets another planet to collide with the Earth. The Super Friends set off to save our planet.
This is a wonderful sci-fi adventure. I always love when these cartoons can believably make a non-powered human feel like a real threat to our heroes. This cartoon does this perfectly. The evil scientist is a wonderfully fun villain. There is nothing complex about him. He is just an evil scientist who want to take out his anger on all the inhabitants of Earth. Sometimes the simplest and least complex villains are the most fun and that is easily the case here. The design and voice of this character is also a lot of fun. While he doesn't get as much screen time, the alien that he is working for is also a lot fun with a great design and voice. This cartoon also benefits from some fun action scenes and a real sense of suspense.
The energy monster the alien sends after our heroes looks a lot like the ghost from The Scooby-Doo Show episode, Watt a Shocking Ghost (1976).
This is the second segment of the third episode of The All-New Super Friends Hour, unlike most other Super Friends formats, this one had hour long episodes that were made up of various shorter cartoons. The first segment would be an adventure staring two members (or three in some cases as Batman and Robin would often team with another Super Friend) of the Super Friends. The second would be a morality play staring the Wonder Twins. The third would be a typical half hour Super Friends adventure. The fourth and last segment would feature one of the main Super Friends teaming up with a special DC Comics guest star.
In this cartoon, two teenage boys run away from home and get in to trouble. The Wonder Twins help save them.
This is another very weak Wonder Twins cartoon. It is simply much more interested in teaching kids a moral than being entertaining. The dialogue is very didactic and makes this sound like the bad PSA it is. Besides a bad joke at the end, barely anything here seems like feels like it is even trying to be fun. The characters are obviously just plot devices and it is impossible to relate to any of them. Even the sole action scene is quite boring. This segment may be aimed only at the youngest Super Friends fans, but I can't even see them being entertained by it.
Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with In the Sweet By and By. This song came about because of a friendship between composer, Joseph Webster and poet, Dr. Sanford Fillmore Bennett. One day Webster was depressed, and Dr. Bennett recognized this. Dr. Bennett asked his friend what was wrong. Webster replied, "Oh nothing. Everything will be alright by and by." These words brought up an idea in Bennett and he wrote down three verses and a chorus to this song as soon as he could. He handed it to his friend saying, “Here is your prescription, Joe.” Webster loved the lyrics and wrote music for them in practically no time at all. Dr. Bennett later said, “It was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before two friends with Webster and myself were singing the hymn.” The hymn was first published in 1868 and went on to great fame since.
This is followed by Maddox Brothers and Rose with their 1948 recording of When God Dips His Love In My Heart. When God Dips His Love in My Heart was written by Cleavant Derricks a minister from Chattanooga, Tennessee, who spread the gospel throughout the mid-south. The hymn was published in 1944 by Otis McCoy for The Church of God's Tennessee Music and Printing Company (in Cleveland, Tennessee). Other songs written by him include Just A Little Talk With Jesus, My Soul Is Satisfied and We’ll Soon Be Done With Troubles And Trials. Despite writing such well known hymns, Derricks didn't receive royalties from them. When he meet Aaron Brown from Canaan Records, Brown learned about this. Brown contacted BMI, a company that represents songwriters and BMI would give Derricks $14,000.
Then comes Molly O'Day with her 1947 recording of Matthew Twenty - Four.
Next is Willie Nelson with I Thought About You Lord. This song was written by Willie himself and appears on his 1996 album, Spirit.
Now for Tennessee Ernie Ford with We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles And Trials. This life may not always be easy, but our God is so much bigger than any trouble and pain that we have in this world.
Afterwards is Johnny Cash with This Train is Bound for Glory. This wonderful recording comes from John's 1979 album, A Believer Sings the Truth. This was a double length gospel album and Columbia Records felt that such an album from John could never be successful. However, Columbia allowed John to release the album on its own and it was successful earning a spot in the Country Top 50. A shorter version of the album called I Believe would be released in 1984, which would feature a select few songs from the double album. A Believer Sings the Truth would not find its way to CD until 2012.
Now for a wonderful instrumental piano medley by Floyd Cramer of various gospel favorites (What A Friend / Where Could I Go? / It Is No Secret / Hide Me, Rock Of Ages / The Old-Time Religion).
Today's musical selection ends with the Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lord You Made the Cowboy Happy. This is a song about appreciating the little things in life. This is something we should do every single day. The amount of blessings that surround us every day is immeasurable.
Next comes a message from Billy Graham.
Now for an episode of Gene Autry's TV Show.
She opened her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26
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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Luke 6:35
But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. Genesis 39:21
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:8
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again it is time for some classic cartoons.
Today’s cartoon selection begins with Mighty Mouse in Outer Space Visitor (1959). Despite very limited animation, this short film is a delightful later Terry Toons short. This was nearing the end of Might Mouse's theatrical career. He would only appear in two more theatrically released short films after this one. However as many cartoon fans know, he would still have a career in made for TV cartoons to come.
Next comes a later Pink Panther cartoon, Mystic Pink (1976). In this short film, our pink friend finds himself in trouble, when he comes across a magician's hat.
The Betty Boop cartoons from the early 1930's were some of the most risqué cartoons from the golden age of American animation. Anyone who thinks of old cartoons as sweet, innocent and squeaky clean may be surprised to see scenes in these cartoons. One of the most risqué images from one of these cartoons comes from Red Hot Mama (1934), where we are given a look through Betty's dress. Though admittedly the rest of this cartoon is not exactly innocent either. The setting for this film is Hell, where Betty's sexiness excites the various demons. Not everyone back then was fine with what happens in this film as the following exhibitor's review from Motion Picture Herald shows. "Red Hot Mama: Betty Boop - I can remember several years ago after sound had been established that a great cry arose within the industry that the youngsters of that day (and the show patron of tomorrow) were unable to find any entertainment in the movie palaces because the biz had gone high hat and no entertainment for them. I screened 'Red Hot Mama,' a cartoon yesterday on my Sunday matinee hence this letter. I have always felt that in booking these cartoons the youngsters were getting a treat. I enjoy their hearty laughs and suppressed excitement when their favorite cartoon is on the screen. However 'Red Hot Mama' must have been drawn when the guy was drunk. Betty Boop starts out sweetly, is suddenly transported to Hell and pursued and tortured by all sorts of fire devils, imps and what have you. One variety, the ability to bound in the air and come down on a spear studded tail stabbed in the floor. A grand subject for your juvenile trade? Naturally my Sunday matinee was without a cartoon. The only recommendation I have for this is that the one responsible for it be compelled to sit through a screening every time he has a pink elephant fantasy. Some exhibitors have said they hesitate to report on products through the Herald for fear of getting in bad with the local exchange. My opinion is that the people who are sincere in this business welcome constructive criticism. Report fairly on pictures with merit and likewise that class of product which is detrimental to our investments. I'm not a crank but it is cartoons such as the Symphonies and 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and 'Little Red Hen' that are in demand and not such a thing as 'Red Hot Mama'. -E.A. Reynolds, Strand Theatre, Princeton, Minn. Small Town and Country Patronage." With the praise of the Silly Symphonies, I am wondering what this exhibitor would have to say about the Silly Symphony, Hell's Bells (1929). The following is a much more positive exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "Red Hot Mama: Betty Boop - This is a great cartoon comedy that will please everyone. It is full of good clean entertainment and much better than the average comedy. More time should be given to shorts in order to fill in a poor feature and everything would be better. Running Time eight minutes. -J.J. Medford, Orpheum Theatre, N.C. General patronage."
Next comes a fun little Aesop's Fables cartoon, Rough on Rats (1933). Like many of the Van Buren cartoons, the highlight of this film is Gene Rodemich's lively score.
Now for a commercial break.
Next up is one of the all-time classics. This is Porky Pig's Feat (1943). This cartoon is directed by Frank Tashlin. Tashlin began directing cartoons for the Warner Bothers studio in 1936. However in 1938, he would leave the studio to work at Disney. Soon he would leave Disney to direct cartoons at Columbia, where he would introduce the characters of the Fox and the Crow. Porky Pig's Feat was the first cartoon he directed after briefly returning to Warner Brothers. Tashlin would later become a live action director, directing such films as The Son of Paleface (1952), Artists and Models (1955), The Girl Can't Help It (1956) and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter (1957). Porky Pig's Feat is a very fast paced and funny cartoon, that is an absolute delight. This classic film was appropriately included in Jerry Beck's book The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes. Spoiler Alert: This film features the only appearance of Bugs Bunny in a black and white theatrical short, unless you think of the rabbit in Porky's Hare Hunt (1938) as Bugs.
Next comes Casper in Penguin for Your Thoughts (1956). This short film has Casper returning a baby penguin to the South Pole. The plot is very similar to the Bugs Bunny cartoon, 8 Ball Bunny (1950), but the execution couldn't be more different.
Now for one of the classic Disney Oswald cartoons, Sky Scrappers (1928). This short film would later be remade as the Mickey Mouse cartoon, Building a Building (1933).
Now let us close by singing a song we all know.
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
Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin
To start this review with the most obvious praise, the music is fantastic. There is a reason Bob Marley is considered one of the best artists in the history of Jamaican music. Not only was he an incredibly talented performer, but his songs are simply brilliant both lyrically and musically. His music is shown to its best advantage here. There are many great songs here that helps anyone understand why his music is so beloved.
This movie also benefits from truly wonderful performances by Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley and Lashana Lynch as his wife. While they may not always physically resemble the real-life people they are playing, their performances make them always completely believable in the roles. The way these characters are treated here is also very well done. While this may not be a complex look at these important figures, we do grow to care about them. What makes this film work so well in this department is that it makes them not feel like larger than life or unapproachable figures but real human beings that we can easily relate to. This is also a visually handsome movie, with a lot of beautiful looking shots.
This film does follow the conventions of movie biopics too closely. There are many scenes that can seem all too familiar and simply fail to stand out among the many musical biopics of recent years. There are even a few times, where it can feel like it is going through the motions in these scenes. The movie also suffers from the supporting characters simply being quite bland.
While this may not be among the best musical biopics, there is a lot to enjoy and recommend here.
Hello, my friends and welcome to a look at some of the great short films from the master himself, Charlie Chaplin. While it may seem like an obvious choice, Charlie Chaplin may be my favorite filmmaker. His films (both feature and short) have had an incredible effect on me and continue to do so every time I watch them.
The Fireman (1916) is the second of the short films, Chaplin made for Mutual. Today's Chaplin's Mutual films are considered to be some of the best comedy shorts ever made. During this era, Chaplin successfully combined strong characterization and pathos to his physical comedy. However, The Fireman feels more like one of Charlie's earlier Keystone or Essanay comedies. That is to say, this is a pure knockabout slapstick comedy with little regard for either characterization or pathos. As such it tends to get overlooked among Chaplin's other films for the studio. However, this is unfair as this is a delightful little comedy in its own right. This comedy also benefits from a wonderful supporting cast. Charlie's favorite heavy at this time, Eric Campbell played the captain. Enda Purviance (the leading lady in most of Chaplin's films at this time) played the captain's sweetheart. Future director (of such movies as 42nd Street (1933), Footlight Parade (1933), A Slight Case of Murder (1938), Action in the North Atlantic (1943)) Lloyd Bacon played Edna's father. Leo White played the householder. Albert Austin, James T. Kelly, John Rand and Frank J. Coleman played the other firefighters. Chaplin biographer John McCabe wrote about a letter Chaplin received from a fan in the Midwest regarding this film. The fan enjoyed the film but felt that Charlie was becoming a slave to his public and making the type of film, he felt his fans expected of him. The letter even said, "Whereas in most of your pictures the audiences were a slave to you. The public, Charlie, likes to be slaves."
Moving Picture World, 1916
A Busy Day (1914) is a Chaplin comedy that does not feel like a Chaplin comedy at all. Charlie does not play the little tramp here but instead spends the whole film in drag. What follows is a pure knockabout comedy with little at all the resembles a story. One can spot Mack Swain in this film. Around this time Mack Swain was in plenty of films for the Keystone studio (where this short was made). At Keystone he appeared in quite a few films with Charlie Chaplin including Caught in the Rain, His Trysting Place, The Fatal Mallet, Laughing Gas, His Musical Career, Getting Acquainted, Gentlemen of Nerve, His Prehistoric Past, The Knockout and the feature length Tillie's Punctured Romance (all 1914). However, the role Swain is best remembered for today is in Chaplin's feature length The Gold Rush (1925).
Easy Street (1917) is often times considered to be one of Chaplin's best short films and with good reason. This film is not only very funny, but it is also beautifully constructed. The drama and social commentary here are masterfully combined with the slapstick comedy, in a way that never sacrifices any of these elements. Many film historians believe that the environment in this film is heavily based on the run-down poor streets of London, where Charlie grew up as a child. Even the name Easy Street is very similar to East Street, which is believed to be his birthplace. This short film also features Charlie's greatest movie villain, Eric Campbell, with one of his best roles. Also appearing in this film is Enda Purviance (as the mission worker), Albert Austin (as both a minister and a policeman), James T. Kelly (as a missionary), John Rand (as a drunk and a policeman), Janet Miller Sully (as one of the members of the congregation) and Loyal Underwood (as a policeman). This is a cast that should mostly be familiar to Chaplin fans as there are many Chaplin regulars here. Charlie Chaplin and Albert Austin had even worked together before Charlie entered the movies as the two both worked for Fred Karno's troupe when they toured the U.S.A. Austin appeared in many Chaplin films for Mutal. He would later play a thief in Chaplin's feature length, The Kid (1921). He would also be credited as an assistant director on what is considered to be Charlie's masterpiece City Lights (1931) (he also has a brief role in that movie). Outside of Chaplin films, he would co-star with Mary Pickford in Suds (1920).
Next comes the definition of a knockabout comedy, The Fatal Mallet (1914). The slight storyline here is simple an excuse for as much slapstick violence as possible. Chaplin's costars are Mabel Normand, Mack Sennett and Mack Swain. Mabel Normand has been called the female Chaplin and is often considered to be one of the finest female movie comedians of the silent era. The latter is something I full heartedly disagree with.
Pay Day (1922) was Charlie Chaplin's last short film and is one of his best (Chaplin reportedly considered this one of his personal favorites too). Like The Fireman this film was made at a time when many Chaplin films were mixing the slapstick comedy with sentimentality and drama. Also like The Fireman, this film completely abandons these elements and the short is a pure slapstick comedy with its only intention being to make you laugh. When it comes to this, the short works brilliantly. This short film has as many laughs as you could ever want from a short comedy and many of them are laugh out loud funny. Though Chaplin is often criticized for his straightforward and simple visual filmmaking, this film has a lot of very sophisticated filmmaking. The scenes are night are especially well shot and a use of trick photography (something not common in Chaplin's films) is simply wonderful. As carefree and fun as this film is, the making of it seems to have been just as happy. This was a very trouble-free shoot and (in a time when Chaplin's films were taking longer to make) was shot in only a month. Enda Purviance has surprisingly little to do in this film, probably because there was no need for a young pretty love interest in this story. The female character with the most screentime is instead Charlie's domineering wife played by Phyllis Allen. Phyllis Allen had previously worked on Charlie's films for the Keystone Studio (where Chaplin got his start in the movies). They had appeared together in such films as Caught in a Cabaret, The Property Man, Gentlemen of Nerve, Tillie's Punctured Romance, His Trysting Place, Getting Acquainted and The Rounders (all 1914). Another often co-star at the Keystone studio, Mack Swain also appears in this film as Charlie's boss. Charlie's fellow workers include Chaplin regulars Henry Bergman, Allan Garcia, John Rand and Loyal Underwood as well as Charlie's brother Syd Chaplin.
Moving Picture World 1922
Thanks for joining me. Be sure to join me again soon on this blog for more Charlie Chaplin Carnivals.
This new superhero film is serviceable but nothing more.
This is the type of superhero movie that if it was released 20 years ago, people would think it was fine. However, after the MCU and the Nolan Batman films (and even the wonderful direct to video animated DC movies), people simply except more from a superhero movie these days. While not a bad movie, this is still below the standard an audience expects from a superhero film these days.
Where this movie works is the four main characters. While they are not exactly complex characters, they are very likable. Not only this but they are truly fun to watch together. The teenage girls have fun chemistry with each other and seeing our adult hero being coming frustrated with these teenagers for being teenagers is very entertaining. I also enjoyed how none of these characters feel like they had grasped even the basics of this whole superhero thing. This gave surprisingly grounded and relatable feel. With our main adult character, the movie does a great job of putting us in her shoes. She has the ability to see into the future. However, she has no control over it and when this first happens, she has no idea what is happening. Though some admittedly clever filmmaking we see things the way she does and figure out what is going on along with her. This clever filmmaking also allows for some very suspenseful scenes, including a really well-made suspense scene in the subway.
Like many modern movies, the humor can be quite hit and miss here. There are some truly funny moments here as well as many that fall flat. The action scenes are serviceable and do their job well enough. However they lack the excitement that many audiences expect from superhero films now of days.
The worst thing about this movie is the villain. He has no personality outside of wanting to kill the heroes. He would be completely forgettable if so many of his scenes weren't so embarrassingly bad. I don't know what was going on with his voice but when he was onscreen, I felt like I was watching a bad English-langue dub of a foreign film. The voice does not fit what I was seeing on screen at all. Not only this but the lines were delivered as poorly as possible. Not that these lines could work if delivered well. In fact, there is quite a bit of very awkward dialogue throughout this film. This movie also had a real pacing problem with certain scenes going on too long, while some plot points feel very rushed. It also can be a problem when most of the film is the origin story.
This is a decent way to pass two hours but still many superhero fans expect more today.
This movie takes place in 2006 and looks at Bhutan's transition to democracy. The film's look at this transition is anything but simplistic. The film instead takes a nuanced and complex look at a country transitioning to a completely new form of government. This was not the only major change going on in the country at the time, as TV and the internet had also just came to the country, connecting them to the outside world in a way they never had been before. This movie follows various characters and their different reactions to the major changes in their country. Some are excited to see their country join the rest of the world, some are worried about the changes, some are confused by all this, some don't care about the change and some feel that democracy is causing a lot of division in their previously happy lives. The film does not preach to us or tell us what to think. Instead, it simply presents this major shift in all its complexities. This creates something much more complex and thought provoking than the simple piece of propaganda this could have been. This is truly a film that will cause you to leave the theater with a lot of food for thought.
Yet as well as being incredibly intelligent and thought provoking this film also makes for great entertainment. While this is not a comedy, there is some very clever and funny satire throughout this movie. There were some great comedic moments that made me (and others in the theater with me laugh out loud). The movie also benefits from some great characters, that we can easily relate to and care about. This movie is also beautifully shot. There are many scenes here that are simply gorgeous to look at, which includes many images that will stay in your mind long after you leave the theater.
This is simply an incredible film that any true movie fan needs to see.
What makes this movie work so well is that it automatically sets us up to be on Lisa's side. As we watch the early scenes in this film, it is hard not to put ourselves in her shoes and feel for her. In the best Tim Burton-esque tradition, this character comes off as a lovable outsider who doesn't belong anywhere. Since everyone has felt that way at one time or another, we can't help but feel a strong connection to her. As the film goes along, her darker side comes out and her actions become very morally wrong. Yet because we connected with her early on, we find ourselves rooting for this character even as she does terrible things. This is what film can do so well, it can make us connect and care about people that we would otherwise be horrified by. And that is what this movie does masterfully. This movie also benefits from some playful filmmaking, that is filled with very clever and imaginative visual tributes to 80's teen movies, old Universal monster pictures and silent cinema. These scenes are simply a delight to watch and will put a smile on the face of many film buffs. The storyline is delightfully twisted, and the playful filmmaking makes this incredibly dark film (this movie goes to dark places beyond what you are used to seeing in PG13 films (this comes close to an R at times)), play like a lighthearted teen rom-com. The mixture of a dark story and lighthearted filmmaking is simply delightful.
The comedy in this film is consistently funny, but rarely hilarious. The humor is a lot of fun, and constantly puts a smile on your face. There are a few laugh out loud funny moments but most of the humor, will make you chuckle instead of truly laugh out loud. While I was constantly entertained by the comedy, I did wish that there were more moments that would make me laugh out loud.
The main problem with this movie is the supporting characters. Lisa is a great character, the creature is a lot of fun and Lisa's stepsister is one of the few genuinely good people in this film. However, the rest of the characters are bland and unlikable stereotypes. Not only this but some of them can becoming annoying at times. This is especially true of the parents who felt more like plot devices than actual characters. While the stepmom is supposed to be an unlikable character, she can irritate the audience just as much as she can the other characters.
This movie marks the feature film directorial debut of Zelda Williams. Not only is Zelda the daughter of actor/comedian Robin Williams, but she has done quite a bit of acting herself (she might be known to animation fans for voicing Kuvira in Nickelodeon's The Legend of Korra). The movie is written by Diablo Cody who has written such films as Juno (2007), Jennifer's Body (2009), Young Adult (2011), Ricki and the Flash (2015), and Tully (2018). She has gone on record as saying that Lisa Frankenstein takes place in the same universe as Jennifer's Body.
Cinephiles will be delighted by a reference to the great German director of the 1920's and 30's G.W. Pabst (most famous for the silent classic Pandora's Box (1929)).
This is definitely a flawed movie, but it is also a lot of fun.
This film is a pure success in the most important aspect for any comedy. That is to say this movie is very funny. The humor ranges from smart witty satire on the film industry to pure old school slapstick. The incredibly clever satire takes a great look at how celebrity culture has changed in this era of social media. The film takes aim at both the nature of social media and the pure arrogance of this movie star who thinks he is above the people on social media. While there is a point to be made in this satire, this film never forgets that it is a comedy and not a message movie. As clever as the satire is, it is first and foremost funny. The slapstick humor here is simply wonderful. Many modern films that try fail to recapture what made the old slapstick work so well. However, this movie not only understood this, but it delivered laugh after laugh. It is rare that I laugh as much as I did here at a modern slapstick comedy, but I simply did. There are even wonderful little slapstick gags going on in the background in some scenes that simply made me laugh out loud. This movie also does an incredible job of mixing old school comedy with great visual filmmaking. Many of the best of these comedy scenes are incredibly beautifully shot and staged. Even if the scene weren't funny, they would still be a joy to look at. This great combination of comedy and beautiful visual filmmaking reminded me of the films of Jacques Tati or the early Pink Panther movies in all the best ways. It is rare to see this combination and to see it so well done. The storyline may be very simple. It is just about a group trying to make a movie with the main actor being a bit of an egotistical jerk. However, this storyline works perfect for just what type of movie this is. It gives the film a more atmospheric and slice of life feel that enhances both the comedy and the beautiful visual filmmaking.
If I had one complaint it would be that some of the scenes involving the main character's family can feel too familiar and not live up to the rest of the film. However since these scenes don't take up much of the runtime this is a small complaint.
This is truly a wonderful comedy and a pure delight for cinephiles.
Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church.
Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Softly and Tenderly. The song was written by an Ohio businessman named Will Thompson in 1880. As well as writing gospel songs Thompson also wrote quite a few secular songs and parotic songs. When the songs he wrote were rejected by publishers he created his own company, Will L. Thompson & Company. This company would not only publish music by sell musical instruments. Softly and Tenderly first appeared in 1880's Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2, a collection of songs from the company. When evangelist Dwight L. Moody was on his death bed he told the songwriter, "Will, I would rather have written ‘Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling’ than anything I have been able to do in my whole life." This was appropriate as Will decided to make songwriting his career while at a meeting held by Moody. This version of the hymn comes from Roy and Dale's 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By.
This is followed by Patsy Cline with Dear God.
Then comes Kitty Wells with How Far is Heaven. This is as a pure of a heartbreaking country music song as there could ever be. If this song does not emotionally move, you I don't know what will. The song was written by Jimmie Davis and Tillman Franks. Jimmie Davis was a successful country singer in his own right, with quite a good catalogue of music. However, he is best remembered for being the writer of one of the most famous country songs of all time, You Are My Sunshine. He was also the governor of Louisiana from 1944 to 1948 and 1960 to 1964. Tillman Franks had worked as a bassist with such greats as The Bailes Brothers and Johnny Horton. He and Johnny Horton co-wrote such classics as Honky Tonk Man, Sink the Bismark and North to Alaska. Solo, he also wrote Johnny Horton's hit, When It's Springtime in Alaska (It's Forty Below).
Next comes Cowboy Copas with The Stone Was Rolled Away. This song was written by Mac Odell, who wrote quite a few country gospel classics including Four Books in the Bible, Purple Robe, The Battle of Armageddon and Thirty Pieces of Silver.
Afterwards is The Carter Family with their 1934 recording of Working on a Building.
Then comes George Jones with A Man I Always Wanted to Meet. This song was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, the duo who wrote George's signature song, He Stopped Loving Her Today. This recording come from George's 1974 gospel album, I a Gospel Way.
Next is The Weavers with I've Got a Home in That Rock.
Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. This hymn began with a man named Anthony Showalter. As a fan of gospel music and an elder in a Presbyterian church, he held many "singing schools" at various churches in the south. One day he received two letters from former students who were struggling after their wives had passed. To respond to these letters, Showalter consulted scripture. He came across Deuteronomy 33:27, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." After reading this verse lyrics for a song chorus went through his head and he wrote down, "“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.” After using this in the letters to his former students he sent this chorus to his friend hymnist, Elisha Hoffman. In the letter he also wrote, “Here is the chorus for a good hymn from Deuteronomy 33:27, but I can’t come up with the verses.” Hoffman then wrote the rest of the lyrics to which Showalter put to music. The hymn was published in 1887.
Now for an episode of Roy Rogers' TV show.
Now for a sermon from S.M. Lockridge.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Colossians 3:12
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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6
My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus. Revelation 14:12
Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.
Note: This is the most recent of the DC Comics animated direct to video movies.
Michael's Movie Grade: B+
An excellent superhero film.
What really makes this movie work is that despite how many characters there are, the focus is always on The Flash. This allows the movie to have an emotional connection that many films with this many characters are missing. Yet focusing specifically on The Flash gives this movie a lot of emotional weight. Even someone who is not familiar with DC superheroes, will find themselves feeling deeply for The Flash by the end of the film. Towards the later part of this movie, there are some very emotional scenes and some of them punch you right in the gut. Some of these scenes are more emotional than what you get in many theatrically released superhero movies. Following The Flash gives this film a nonlinear type of storytelling. With our main hero, we find ourselves jumping from one time period to another. At first time jumping can feel random but as the story unfolds, we begin to understand the importance of every time period we are allowed to see, as each gains a much deeper meaning. This method of storytelling also helps put as deeper in our main hero's shoes as we along with him try to figure out what is happening and why and if there is any importance to the time periods we are visiting. It also helps give this a unique feel among the many DC animated movies.
As much as this movie takes risks and can be emotional, it also has all the fun we could want from a superhero flick. The action scenes are wonderful, especially the ones where we watch the Justice League fight Amazo and Lex Luthor. There is also some very good humor throughout.
The design work is wonderful here as it often looks like a comic book come to life. However, the animation can be surprisingly stiff compared to previous DC movies.
AS much as I really liked this movie, I do admit it had some pacing issues and some awkward dialogue (especially during the scenes with the Crime Syndicate). Despite this being the first of three parts of this story, certain things can feel rushed. One can also argue that as fun as it is, too much times is spent on The Justice League going up against Amazo and Lex Luthor. These scenes are a lot of fun but the can distract from other parts of the story.
This film was directed by Jeff Wamester who previously directed the direct to video animated DC movies, Justice Society: World War II (2021), Green Lantern: Beware My Power (2022), Legion of Superheroes (2023) and Justice League: Warworld as well as many episodes of the animated Guardians of the Galaxy TV series. The movie was written by James Kreig who wrote the direct to video animated DC comics movies, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013), Batman and Harley Quinn (2017), Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018), Reign of the Supermen (2019) and Justice League vs the Fatal Five (2019) as well as some of the direct to video Scooby-Doo! and Tom and Jerry movies.
Despite some flaws, this is an excellent superhero movie with a lot for superhero fans to enjoy.
.jpg)
