Animation Reviews

Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” is a fantastic take on a classic tale

This is a repost. This review was originally published on Dec. 12, 2022. Every year, there seems to be a popular theme or plot device that is used in multiple movies. One could argue that this year was the year of the multiverse. But in the animation industry, it was the year of Pinocchio.  For… Continue reading Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” is a fantastic take on a classic tale

Animation Reviews

“Oni: Thunder God’s Tale” – a Japanese stop-motion treasure

Stop-motion. Japanese mythology. Adorable characters. What more could you want? Oni: Thunder God’s Tale has been on my “To Be Watched” list for ages. (Don’t ask me how long that list is…It’s kind of embarrassing) But it never felt like the right time - even though the series is only 4 episodes long, each one… Continue reading “Oni: Thunder God’s Tale” – a Japanese stop-motion treasure

Disney, Film, Pixar

“Turning Red” Celebrates Red Pandas, Puberty, Periods and Most Importantly Girls.

(This review was originally published in March 2022. ) Growing up, my fictional resources featuring girls dealing with puberty and growing up, consisted solely of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret…a book published in 1970. Needless to say, I couldn’t really identify with the main character or her experiences as a 13-year old in… Continue reading “Turning Red” Celebrates Red Pandas, Puberty, Periods and Most Importantly Girls.

Animation Reviews

The final season of “Aggretsuko” filled me with rage

Is there anything more disappointing in a TV show than a lackluster final season? Because -- damn, did Season 5 of Aggretsuko just didn’t do it for me. It was better than Season 4, but that’s such a low bar to clear. I honestly remember very little about what happened last season. None of it… Continue reading The final season of “Aggretsuko” filled me with rage

Anime, Film, Studio Ghibli

Don’t Hate Me For My Thoughts on “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

This review was originally posted on November 22, 2021. I had a busy week and didn't want to leave you with nothing, so I figured bringing back an oldie would suffice. I was originally planning on reviewing Castle in the Sky this week, as a way to celebrate its 35th anniversary. And while I do… Continue reading Don’t Hate Me For My Thoughts on “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

Animation Reviews

“My Father’s Dragon” is kind of a drag

As studios get bigger, it always seems like they lose their identity. Their stories become more watered down and basic in an attempt to appeal to a larger demographic, and it loses what made it special in the first place. I’m worried that that is going to happen with Cartoon Saloon. Their Irish Mythology trilogy… Continue reading “My Father’s Dragon” is kind of a drag