Aladdin: The Return of Jafar (1994)

 

Aladdin: The Return of Jafar marked the first of many direct to video movies for the Disney studio. 

In this movie, the villainous Jafar, now a genie, concocts a plan to get revenge on Aladdin and his friends.  

As well as being a sequel to Aladdin (1992), this is also essentially a feature length pilot for the Aladdin TV series, which premiered the same year. The directors (Toby Shelton, Tad Stones, Alan Zaslove) and writers even worked on that TV series. With its lower budget animation and villain of the week story, the movie itself feels more like an extended episode of a TV series than a proper sequel to a Disney classic. However, it feels like a pretty good extended TV episode. The best part of this movie is Iago's character arc. This movie takes a comedic sidekick and makes him into a much more interesting character. He at first attaches himself to Aladdin for selfish reasons but ends up actually caring for them. This is done completely convincingly, and you actually end up caring for him in an unexpected way. Also, even if the storyline is very villain of the week, Jafar as a genie is an incredibly big threat to our heroes. There are even some good suspense scenes here as we wonder just how our heroes are going to make it out alive. While obviously on a smaller budget and scale the final action scene is quite exciting.

 This movie does have its flaws though. Unlike the great and memorable Alan Menkin songs from the first film, the songs here are completely forgettable and bland. If you try to remember any of these songs a couple days after watching the film, you will forget them. On the other hand, you can go years without watching the original Aladdin and still find the songs randomly getting stuck in your head. The humor here is also significantly weaker than that of the first movie. Part of this is naturally not having Robin Willaims as the genie. Dan Castellenta (best known as the voice of Homer Simpson) does a fine job providing the voice but without the improvisation of Willaims, the character simply isn't as funny. The basic slapstick gags involving the other characters also fail to get the laughs they should. Part of Jafar's evil plan is to use an incompetent thief, who gets a hold of his lamp, to help him get revenge on Aladdin (who they both hate). Unfortunately, this character can get rather annoying at times, and his incompetence is never as funny as the writers seem to think. 

This is not a great movie by any stretch, but it is an enjoyable enough watch for Disney fans. 

Video Link: The Animator & The Dancer Who Gave Tinker Bell Her Soul - West of Neverland

 

All Quiet on the Western Front (1929)

 

Upon its release this book was hailed as the greatest novel ever written about war. All these decades later, this book may still hold that honor. 

The central figure of this novel is Paul Bäumer. This young man, who along with many of his classmates joins the Imperial German Army at the start of WW1. He learns how dehumanizing war actually is and becomes disillusioned with all he was brought up to believe. 

There are plenty of great anti-war stories written but few hit as hard as this book does. This is a book that will move you greatly and stay with you long after you finish reading. 

Much of the reason for this is the first-person narration of the story. Rather than simply telling the horrors of war, this is a deeply personal story of the effect it had on one individual. This makes the story feel all the more urgent and personal. By reading this from a first-person point of view, you see the dehumanizing effect of war firsthand. Our main character is instantly relatable being a person who is not that different from us. His normalness is at the heart of the story because at one time he is a simple relatable protagonist, while also being a stand in for all the young men who have been sent out to war and forever changed by it. This is especially shown during the scenes with Paul on leave. He returns to a world in which he once belonged and fit in. Only now, he finds himself no longer belonging or fitting into this world. By making him a bit of an everyman, you see how war changes even a normal person. 

Erich Maria Remarque had fought in WW1, and he brings much of his own experiences to the main character's narration. Many have even referred to this book as semi-autobiographical. This makes all the difference. Even to those of us who have never fought in a war, this can easily be felt. It is obvious that there is a real feeling of authenticity and raw, honest emotion throughout the whole book. Though this is technically a fiction book, it is easy to forget that fact as you read. Because of this, the book here feels startlingly and terrifyingly real in a way that most anti-war stories don't. Remarque does not tone down or hide any of the horrors of war. They are all on full display here in a way that will make this story a haunting and emotionally exhausting way. 

This is one of the all-time great literary masterpieces. 

Cowboy Church #279

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing a medley of Whispering Hope and Star of Hope. Whispering Hope beautiful hymn comes from the pen of Alice Hawthorne (the pen name for poet Septimus Winner), who is best known for her contributions to children's music with songs like, Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone? and Ten Little Indians. This lovely medley comes from Roy and Dale's 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By. 

This is followed by Jim and Jesse with If We Forget God.

Then comes Porter Wagoner and the Blackwood Brothers with The Family Who Prays (Never Shall Part). This cover of a Louvin Brothers classic comes from Porter Wagoner and the Blackwoods Brothers' 1966 gospel album, The Grand Old Gospel.

Country music has often focused more on the singers and the lyrics than anything else. That is why it is surprising that someone like Chet Atkins could make it as big as he did in Nashville. Chet Atkins was a guitarist rather than a singer and most of his output was purely instrumental. Yet his talent on the guitar can hardly be denied and he rightfully earned the nickname, "Mr. Guitar." His playing is a soulful and expressive as the voices of any of the great country singers. In 1962 Chet put out what I view as one of his finest albums, Chet Atkins Plays Back Home Hymns. This album is made up of instrumental versions of classic gospel songs. In this Cowboy Church post I have included his lovely version of Amazing Grace from this album. 

Afterwards is The Louvin Brothers with O Who Shall Be Able to Stand. This self-penned song comes from the duo's 1963 gospel album, Keep Your Eyes on Jesus. 

Now for the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet (Roy Clark, Buck Owens, Grandpa Jones, Kenny Price) with Keep on the Firing Line. Though they countryfied variety show first aired in 1969, the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet first appeared on the show in the late 1970's. Featuring regular members of the cast, this gospel group was one of the show's highlights for decades. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with 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. Tim Spencer sings lead on this recording. 

Now for the 20th episode of The Lone Ranger TV series. 

Now for a message from the Reverand Billy Graham.

The Book of Philemon

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

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

Super Mario Brothers Wonder (2023)

 

A wonderful 2D Mario game.

After the great Super Mario Odyssey, it was hard to image where the video game franchise could possibly go for a follow up. Somehow it was followed up by a game that was just as good, if not better. 

The basic story of this Mario game is very simple. Bowser gets a hold of a magical wonder flower, that turns him into a powerful fortress. Mario and his friends (old and new), team up together to stop the evil Bowser. 

There is so much fun to have with this game. Most every Mario 2D platformer has been a lot of fun (even if some are even better than others), yet this manages to stand as one of the best. The main complaint about other fairly recent 2D Mario games was their familiarity. As much fun as The New Super Mario Bros. games were, there is nothing in them that was new to the franchise. This game however is full of creativity. The levels themselves are imaginatively designed and tons of fun. Nearly every level also has a Wonder Flower which when touched changes the level or gameplay in some way. Each of these ways are incredibly creative and keep most every level feeling fresh and new. There are also badges you can collect. Like in the Paper Mario games, each of these badges gives you a different ability. However, you can only choose one badge to wear at a time. Adding this to a Mario platformer is a great idea and adds a bit of fun strategy to the game. There are also some new power ups (including one that makes you an elephant) that are very creative yet feel right at home with the classic powerups. Beyond the new additions here, this game also has lots of good old-fashioned platforming. 

One thing that doesn't work here however are the Search Party levels. Advertised as puzzle levels, they really are anything but. In each of these levels there are hidden tokens around a small stage, and you have to find them all. This would be a great idea, if this game actually provided puzzles for you to solve to find each token. This is not the case here. You just jump around randomly until by chance you find something. This is not fun and can honestly get rather annoying. Luckily there are only four of these levels. The boss battles can also get repetitive as you simply fight Bowser Jr. over and over in similar fights. However, Mario fans have grown to accept things like this. 

A modern Mario classic. 

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #289

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

Today's cartoon selection begins with the classic Disney short, Donald's Camera (1941). Bob Carlson animated much of the footage of the woodpecker. Studio publicity stated that Bob Carlson was an avid birder, making this a perfect casting choice. A review from an issue of The Film Daily (Dated October 24, 1941) called this "One of the best." The same review went on to say, "Packed with laughs this Disney Donald Duck short hits the mark for hilarious entertainment." This short film made its TV debut on an episode of The Mickey Mouse Club that aired on November 22, 1956.

Next comes the Fleischer Screen Song cartoon, Show Me the Way to Go Home (1932). The title song was written in 1925 by the songwriting duo, Jimmy Campbell and Reg Connelly. Other songs by the duo include If I Had You, Goodnight Sweetheart and Try a Little Tenderness (which they co-wrote with Harry M. Woods).

Now we join our friend Scrappy in The Pooch Parade (1940).

Next is the Columbia cartoon, The Merry Mouse Cafe (1941).

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

I love of the cartoons of Chuck Jones from any period but there is something special about his films from 1942 and 1943. At this time, he was fully getting away from his slower paced cuter output of the late 1930's but had not yet gotten to the style of films he would make in the 1950's that everybody is familiar with today. So, what we get from output during these two years are cartoons that experiment with what you can do in an animated short. It doesn't hurt that he worked with such experimental artists as layout man John McGrew. Chuck gave McGrew plenty of freedom and what John accomplished in these movies is nothing short of amazing. This is especially shown in The Case of the Missing Hare (1942), where experimentation is seen in every moment. Just watch the abstract backgrounds that show a mixture of two colors at a time, but the colors change when there is a strong action in the foreground. This is something someone may not notice on their first watch, but it is something they can feel. A review in The Film Daily stated, "Here is another hilarious, the Leon Schlesinger creation that keeps growing in comic strength with every new release." I think anyone watching this cartoon today will recognize that the antagonist is not Elmer Fudd, but one reviewer from The Exhibitor didn't as in his review he stated "...this has Elmer, as a magician..."  A review from the same magazine less than a month later stated, "Elmer isn't in this." The latter is right. A review in Variety called this "One of the better Bugs Bunny subjects."

Now for the Color Rhapsody cartoon, Ye Olde Swap Shoppe (1940). The following is a 1940 review from The Exhibitor. "A pretty good little entry in the color cartoon handicap. 'Ye Olde Swap Shoppe' lacks that certain something that would give it ranking with the top subjects. Three little mice frolic in and on various doo-dads in the barter shop. Good. (1511). L.S. M." 

Next, we join Daffy Duck in Scrap Happy Daffy (1943). This short film marks Daffy Duck's last appearance in a black and white cartoon. It is also simply a delightful film. The short is directed by Frank Tashlin, who would go on to direct many live-action feature films. His Looney Tunes are some of the most cinematic and feature wonderful filmmaking. The use of editing and montage here are excellent and holds up quite well to many of the great live action films of the time. Yet this is also simply a very funny cartoon, including one of the funniest fade-out/fade-ins in the history of cartoons. This cartoon appears in Jerry Beck's book, The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes.

Now to 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

The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes edited by Jerry Beck

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

Donald Duck: The Ultimate History by J.B. Kaufman and David Gerstein

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

Video Link: The Wild Genius Who Broke the Disney Mold - West of Neverland

 

Video Link: The Tragic History of Disney's Lost Rabbit - West of Neverland

 

Movie Review: Moana

 

Michael's Movie Grade: D+

Why does this exist?

What always comes to my mind with these live action remakes is does anyone actually rewatch them? I can't picture anyone buying the Blu-ray for this movie or even choosing to watch this on Disney+. The 2016 Moana still exists and why would anyone pick this over that wonderful animated treasure. This is a near shot for shot, line for line remake of the original. It is the same movie but without the charm and magic of the original. 

Despite being a "live action" remake, a good deal of this movie is CGI. All the non-human characters are CGI and most of the environments are as well. This CGI looks incredibly fake. When you see these live action actors sharing the screen with the CGI characters and environments, they do not mesh together at all. Because of this the film never quite feels real to us in the same way that the fully animated one did. The worst offenders are Hei-Hei the chicken and Pua the pig. The idea of cartoony animal comic reliefs works perfectly in an animated film but much less so in a live action one. It doesn't help Hei-Hei and Pua are given extremely cartoony designs here (again something that works in an animated film but not a live action one). These characters simply cannot believably inhabit the same space as the live action actors. Because of this, whenever one of these characters appeared on screen, I was completely taken out of the movie. 

Though Dwayne Johnson was perfectly cast as the voice of the animated Maui, he does not make a good live action one. The most obvious reason for this is not his fault. The wig and bodysuit he is wearing just simply looks silly on him. He looks like he is wearing a cheap Halloween costume. Like with the CGI characters, this just simply takes you out of the story. Also not helping is Maui's living tattoos. Every time they move, you have a close up of them and you don't get to see the rest of the character. In the animated version it is easy to believe this character has living tattoos. In this live action version, the cinematic trickery is so obvious that any sense of magic or fun is strikingly absent. Instead, we are just again taken out of the story every time one of these scenes appears. Meanwhile Dwayne Johnson’s performance simply feels phoned in most of the time. For much of the film, you feel like you are watching Dwayne Johnson instead of watching Maui. 

There is still some enjoyment to be found here. Afterall, the basic story is still good, the songs are still fun and Catherine Laga'aia is a great live action Moana. Still, this is not enough reason to watch a movie that is still simply just a weaker version of a great movie that already exists. 

This is just another lackluster remake. Come on Disney, you are so much better than this. 

P.S. I think Disney made a big miscalculation by remaking a movie that is only 10 years old and had a sequel only 2 years ago. Though people love Moana, it is not old enough for anyone to have nostalgia for it. And nostalgia is the main factor in the popularity of previous live action Disney remakes. Without the nostalgia and with the original fresh in the mind of movie goers, there is no appeal to this kind of shot for shot remake. 

Oswald The Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons (2017)

 

If you are a fan of Disney, cartoons and/or silent film, then this book is for you. 

After a delightful introduction by the great film historian (and one of my heroes) J.B. Kaufman, this book delves into the history of Walt Disney's career leading up to and including Oswald. Much of this will be familiar to many Disney lovers but it is still very well written and sets the stage up beautifully for those who are reading this as their first Disney history book. The highlight of the book though is the film by film look at Oswald's Walt Disney directed cartoons. Each surviving film receives a full in-depth story summary as well as the history of how these films (many of which used to be missing) were found, recovered and restored. There is even information on how these silent films were given new scores and why certain music was chosen for these scores. Author David A. Bossert here provides something completely different than what can be seen in most film history books. You can find many books that talk about the behind the making of classic silent films or give critical insight into these films. However, there are so few books about the art of film preservation. This makes this a very unique read that deserves to be read by any true cinephile. Not only is this a topic that is not often covered in film books, but the discussion of it is very well written and in depth. For the lost films, Bossert provides us with original scripts and artwork as well as some reviews from the time period. This allows us to get a great glimpse at these lost films, providing us with the closest thing we can get to actually watching them.

All in all, this is essential reading for any Oswald fan. 

Cowboy Church #278

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing Sweet Hour of Prayer on their 1957 album of the same name. This hymn was written by William Walford. Walford was a wood craver who had little to no formal education. However what he did have was a very close relationship with God. Those who knew him said that he knew the bible by heart and this man was even asked to share sermons at his church. One day around  1845 Pastor Thomas Salmon visited William Walford. Walford asked Salmon to write down a poem he had in his head. Salmon was so amazed by this poem that he right away sought to get it published. After Walford's death, William Bradbury wrote music for this poem and the hymn as we know it first appeared in the 1859 hymnal, Church Melodies. Bradbury had also composed music for such hymns as Just as I Am and He Leadeth Me. 

This is followed by Jim and Jessie with Lord I'm Coming Home. This recording comes from their 1964 gospel album, The Old Country Church. 

Afterwards is Ricky Skaggs with Can't Shake Jesus. This comes from his 2010 album, Mosaic. 

Up next is Kris Kristofferson with In the News from his 2006 album, This Old Road. As a Christian, nothing makes me sadder than those who try to use the bible to justify their own hatreds, prejudices and wars. 

Then comes the Louvin Brothers with There's No Excuse. This comes from the duo's 1956 gospel album, Nearer My God To Thee. 

This is followed by 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. 

We continue with The Monroe Brothers with My Time Will Come Someday. 

Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash with I'm a Newborn Man. This song was written by John and his wife June. It came from John's 1979 double length gospel album; A Believer Sings the Truth. Columbia Records did not have much faith in how a double length gospel album would sell and did not want to release this album. However, John (with Columbia's blessing) would release the album under his own Cachet label. In 1982 Columbia would reissue the album on the Columbia label. In 1984 Columbia would release a much shorter version of the album as I Believe. 

Now for the 19th episode of The Lone Ranger TV show. 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Psalm 86

A prayer of David.

1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me,

    for I am poor and needy.

2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;

    save your servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord,

    for I call to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,

    for I put my trust in you.

5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,

    abounding in love to all who call to you.

6 Hear my prayer, Lord;

    listen to my cry for mercy.

7 When I am in distress, I call to you,

    because you answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;

    no deeds can compare with yours.

9 All the nations you have made

    will come and worship before you, Lord;

    they will bring glory to your name.

10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;

    you alone are God.

11 Teach me your way, Lord,

    that I may rely on your faithfulness;

give me an undivided heart,

    that I may fear your name.

12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;

    I will glorify your name forever.

13 For great is your love toward me;

    you have delivered me from the depths,

    from the realm of the dead.

14 Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;

    ruthless people are trying to kill me—

    they have no regard for you.

15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;

    show your strength in behalf of your servant;

save me, because I serve you

    just as my mother did.

17 Give me a sign of your goodness,

    that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,

    for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

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 #288

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

Today's cartoon selection begins with Krazy Kat in Ritzy Hotel (1932). These Columbia Krazy Kat cartoons bare scant resemblance to George Herriman's Krazy Kat comic strip on which they were supposedly based. If it wasn't for the main character having the same name, you could never tell that there was supposed to be any connection between them. As a fan of the comic strip, I was originally put off by these cartoons. However, over time, I learned to enjoy them for what they are. 

Next is the early Porky Pig cartoon, Plane Dippy (1936). This is the movie in which we learn Porky's full name,  Porky Cornelius Washington Otis Lincoln Abner Aloysius Casper Jefferson Philbert Horatius Narcissus Pig. I'm sure you all will memorize that name. As well as Porky this film also has some other characters that also premiered in the Merrie Melodies cartoon, I Haven't Got A Hat (1935) such as Little Kitty (who plays an important role here). Comic fans may also notice that the character of Professor Blotz looks extremely similar to a character from the Mickey Mouse comic strip, Professor Ecks. Though this movie is directed by Tex Avery, don't except the pure insanity of his later cartoons, as this was still early in his directorial career and he hadn't fully developed his style yet. Still this cartoon has many very funny gags in it, I especially love Porky writing his name. The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "PLANE DIPPY: Looney Tune—This is a very comical cartoon. Above the average.—Paul J. Pope, Avon Theatre, Geneva, Ala., Small Town and Rural Patronage." 

Now for the Terry Toons cartoon, Bird Symphony (1955).

Next comes an early Silly Symphony cartoon, Frolicking Fish (1930).  Like all Disney cartoons of this period this movie benefits from a great cast of animators. Ben Sharpsteen, who would later be supervising director for such Disney feature films as Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940) and Dumbo (1941) animates the opening scene, the octopus dancing with the fish and the fish dropping an anchor on an octopus. Les Clark, who would become one of Walt's famed Nine Old Men and be one of the greatest Mickey Mouse animators of all time, animates the fish riding the seahorse and the octopus punching the bubbles. Dave Hand, who would later be Supervising director on such Disney feature films as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Bambi (1942) animated the fish dancing on the anchor chain. Wilfred Jackson, who would later become a fine director of both Disney shorts and features animates the octopus chasing the fish to the sunken ship. Norm Ferguson, a wonderful animator whose gift at character animation would later help define the character of Pluto, animates the trio of fish tap dancing. Jack King, who would later director some wonderful Donald Duck cartoons as well as a few cartoons for Warner Brothers, would animate the lobster dancing and playing the harp. Johnny Cannon animates the fish dancing on the springboard. Tom Palmer, who would later direct cartoons for both Warner Brothers and Van Bueren, animates the majority of the bubble dance and the big fish blowing bubbles. Merle Gilson animates the anchor falling on the octopus. The animation for this film was completed between April 22 and May 10, 1930. It would make its TV debut on an episode of The Mickey Mouse Club that aired on February 24, 1956. 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Next up comes the Betty Boop cartoon, Pudgy Picks a Fight (1937). Much like how Mickey's Mouse's cartoons would be overtaken by Mickey's co-stars, the same thing would happen with Betty Boop. Though Betty was unquestionably the star of the earlier Betty Boop shorts, as the series reached its later years, the attention would later shift to her supporting characters. This led to many cartoons, where her dog Pudgy was the main character. Here is an example of that. 

Now for the Terry Toons cartoon, Mrs. Jones' Rest Farm (1949). 

We continue with Popeye in I'm in the Army Now (1936). This short film is a bit of a cheater and features clips from previous Popeye cartoons. The cartoons that clips are used from include Blow Me Down (1934), Shoein' Hosses (1934), Choose Your 'Weppins' (1935) and King of the Mardi Gras (1935). This is one of my favorite cheater cartoons, because the new scenes are just as entertaining as the clips. I especially love Bluto talking about what a big star he was in the movies. This serves as a good reminder for those of us who grew up watching these films on TV that they were originally made for movie theaters. 

Now let us close with a song. 

Thank you 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 

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

Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Brothers Cartoons by Jerry Beck and Will Friedwald 

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

Movie Review: The Invite

 

Michael's Movie Grade: F

A painfully unpleasant comedy. 

In this film a married couple (Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde), who are constantly fighting, have their neighbors (Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton) over for dinner. However, the night goes in unexpected directions. 

Olivia Wilde made her directorial debut with the very funny raunchy comedy, Booksmart (2019). With this being another R rated comedy, I was looking forward to a raunchy and funny good time. This was the wrong thing to expect. The last thing this movie provides is a good time. For what is supposed to be a funny comedy, this is a bitter mean-spirited movie. Though comedy can be used to look at serious subjects, this is something that needs with a lot of care and needs to use comedy to make these uncomfortable subjects feel more approachable. That is not true at all here. Much of this movie is simply spent watching married couples bickering. Considering the reviews this movie is getting, I must be in the minority. However, I just don't find watching married people yell at each other and saying nasty things to each other funny. There were comedic ideas here that could have been funny (such as the discussions of the neighbors' lifestyle) but the comedic potential is ruined, when anything that might be funny simply turns back to mean spirited bickering. I felt very uncomfortable listening to these arguments to the point I just wanted to get up and leave the theatre multiple times. I did not enjoy spending a single miserable moment with these characters. This is something that hurt the movie even past its comedic moments. Towards the end the film asks you to take its story more seriously. Yet any emotional moment simply falls flat when you don't care about these characters. There are even times when this movie tries to make a commentary about marriage and relationships. Yet in the end, everything it says is so obvious that a person who has been single their whole loves has even heard it a million times. 

There is simply neither enough laughs nor depth to make it worth sitting through this unpleasant mean-spirited movie.   

Joe E. Brown: He Learned to Clown Through Crying

 Joe E. Brown is probably best remembered today for delivering one of the best punchlines to any comedy. At the end of Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot (1959), Jack Lemmon's character (who is disguised as a woman) tries to explain to Joe E. Brown's character why they can't get married. Brown has an answer for each of these reasons brushing them off nonchalantly. Eventually Lemmon takes off his wig and states, "I'm a man." Joe E. Brown just brushes this off by saying, "Nobody's perfect." This joke has been loved by movie audiences for decades and has been referenced countless times. The Foghorn Leghorn cartoon, Banty Raids (1963), even pretty much steals this ending when Foghorn (dressed in female clothes) tells a woman hungry rooster, "but I'm a rooster," and the other rooster ""Like, we can't all be perfect!". 

Yet Some Like It Hot was one of the last films from Joe E. Brown's long and successful movie career that started with Crooks Can't Win (1928). Over the years Joe E. Brown was one of the most popular comedic stars of the silver screen. Though occasionally he would appear in a high-profile movie like Warner Brothers' lavish A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935), the majority of his filmography consisted of what were known as "programers." This is to say cheap and quick little productions that were made to fill out space in movie theaters. Yet Brown's charm made these quick little pictures not only box office successes but also still fun watches today. It is sad that Brown rarely gets mentioned among the great movie comedians. His career certainly deserves a revaluation from cinephiles as even his weakest films have something to enjoy about them. 

Here is an article about Joe E. Btown from a 1933 issue of Movie Mirror magazine. If you have any trouble reading the following pages, click on them and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen, click here. 

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)

 

Few fictional characters have worked their way into culture as thoroughly as Sherlock Holmes. Even someone who has never read a Sherlock Holmes story or seen a movie with the character, can describe him and have used the character's first name in conversation. With this in mind it is fascinating to go back and read some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes stories. 

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a 1892 book, that is a collection of short stories starring the famous detective and his partner Dr. Watson. These stories had appeared in The Strand Magazine in 1891 and 1892. 

Despite the sheer number of Sherlock Holmes stories that have come since, these stories hold up remarkably well. While the mysteries are often quite fun and exciting, it is Holmes and Watson that kept me hooked wanting to read more. These two characters are instantly engaging. Holmes is simply fascinating. While he is no doubt the protagonist, he is a surprisingly complex and flawed one. He has a one-track mind that is not only calculating but often cold. His obsession with logic and reason often overrides his emotions and his consideration for others. This can even lead to him being very cynical and even a little egocentric. Even Watson admits to being repelled by Holmes' ego at times. At the same time Holmes is always standing for what is right and will help anyone who needs help. His friendship with Watson is obviously very dear to him, even if he normally doesn't show much need for companionship. Watson is a simpler character but one who is also very appealing. He is a sweet good-hearted man, who also has a taste for adventure. The interaction between the two is fantastic and I greatly enjoyed reading their conversations. Also making these stories worthwhile is Doyle's writing style. Holmes solves mysteries by paying attention to the smallest details that most of us wouldn't notice. Despite the stories being rather short, Doyle describes everything in great detail, encouraging us to do the same as Holmes. We don't only follow the story we become intrigued by small things that most mystery writers wouldn't even call attention to. This piques our curiosity and makes us look at things the way Holmes would. As for the mysteries they are delightful. Some are even quite suspenseful and intense, while others are just fun lighthearted reading. Whatever the case, the conclusions Holmes comes to are always very intelligent and well-written. 

This book is still a pure delight to read today. 

1984 (1949)

 

George Orwell's classic is still one of the greatest sci-fi novels ever written.

This book takes place in the futuristic year of 1984 (or at least our main character believes that is the year). The government of that time is always watching and controls every aspect of people's lives. Not just content at making the populace obey them, the government wants to control how people think making them also emotionally and mentally submissive. Our main character, Winston, works for the system, rewriting historical records. However quietly he finds himself questioning the system. This comes further out when he falls in love with a younger woman, Julie.    

It is rare to find a book that leaves me feeling emotionally drained after reading. Yet that is just what this book did for me. There were times when it felt emotionally unbearable but at the same time, I couldn't help but want to continue reading.

 Some critics have almost described this as simply a political essay presented as a novel. I can see some truth in this. There are many parts of this book where not much is happening narratively but there are many deep thought-provoking statements being made. At the same time though this description does a great injustice to the actual book. What makes this novel work so well has to do with its story-telling abilities. The world building is brilliant here. We not only get a glimpse into this dark future, but we understand the inner workings down to the smallest details. We don't question to ourselves how such a future could possibly happen because we can see this for ourselves. This is one of the most engrossing and convincing sci-fi worlds in all of fiction. That is feels so believable is what makes this story all the more terrifying. The two main characters of Winston and Julie are completely engrossing. We learn to care about them on a deep personal level. Even their romance is completely believable and fleshed out. If we were not so engrossed in these characters, then the last third of this book would be so emotionally impactful. If this book just simply expressed its political ideology, one would read and understand the themes but would be impacted by them. However, this book's themes about censorship, surveillance, classism and nationalism stick with us in a way they wouldn't in a political essay. They not only stick with us but will work our way into our understanding of various political and social issues. Any time you listen to many political conversations after this, you will find your referring back to this book.

  1984 is probably one of the greatest and most impactful examples of the power of fiction to affect the way, we perceive the world around us. It is still just as powerful and sadly relevant today as ever.