TheLittleSongbird Reviews

The Holiday Stocking (2022 TV Movie)

A tear-jerker

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

'The Holiday Stocking' (2022)

Opening thoughts: The previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas films were pretty patchy. There were some good ones, 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' in fact was great. There were some bad ones too, such as 'Christmas Bedtime Stories' and 'A Maple Valley Christmas'. It is always good to see non-Hallmark regulars in lead roles and here the leads were relatively unfamiliar names to me. Have no problems with many actors and actresses being featured regularly as there are Hallmark regulars who have consistently impressed, just that it is nice to have new actors to shine.

While not as great as 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas', 'The Holiday Stocking' was very well executed, well-meaning and poignant. As far as 2022 Hallmark Christmas films go, 'The Holiday Stocking' is one of the best ones. Also one of the best 2022 Christmas films in general, being one of the few to be close to great. It is another example of serious themes and drama being done well by Hallmark, one of the best from 2022 to me.

Bad things: It is not flawless, though there is little wrong with it. For my tastes, it could have been longer by about 10-15 minutes in order to flesh out some of the supporting characters more.

Particularly the male roles, here on the underwritten side.

Good things: However, 'The Holiday Stocking' is very well acted by the whole cast. BJ Britt in particular has some very powerful dramatic moments, particularly when opening up (very difficult to do and worthy of admiration whenever anybody does it). It was very easy to care for the characters, ones that will resonate for anybody who has had, or has, dysfunctional family relationships (speaking from experience).

Furthermore, 'The Holiday Stocking' is very sincere emotionally and true to life. It never feels melodramatic, a very easy trap in this type of film and fallen into a lot, or overly sappy. The ending did make me cry. The twistier parts of the story didn't come over as predictable, too simple or/and shoehorned, a surprise actually. The script flows well and is well meaning and honest with little fluff, filler or mawkishness. It is beautifully filmed, with lovely scenery, and appropriately scored.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very well done.

8/10.

The Inspector: Le Escape Goat (1967) Season 1, Episode 18

The bumbling of good intentions

[6/10 · 28 April 2024]

'The Inspector' "Le Escape Goat"

Opening thoughts: The Inspector theatrical series was a mostly good if uneven one, few if any though were less than average and most ranged between average and very good. 'Le Escape Goat' is one of the relatively decent, just about above average The Inspector cartoons, but in my view it is safe to say that 'Le Escape Goat' is not one of the best cartoons in the series. Others are far funnier and far more imaginative, though there are enough still of the usual strengths that The Inspector series has throughout.

Good things: 'Le Escape Goat's' best component is the animation. Simple, especially in the abstract backgrounds, but lovingly drawn and detailed, while the colours are rich and pop out. The music is suitably jaunty and slinky. No matter how good or disappointing the cartoon is, The Inspector himself is an enormously fun character. His bumbling is very amusing but his good intentions are admirable.

Can totally understand though the Commissioner's frustration and that conflict is handled quite well. There is a certain degree of charm and it is amusing at times. Pat Harrington does a great job as always as The Inspector and Paul Frees makes a welcome return voicing the Commissioner.

Bad things: Story however is very predictable throughout and could have done with much more spark on the energy front. Do think that there could have been more gags and that there could have, although they are hardly unfunny, been more imagination in the ones that were there.

Other The Inspector cartoons are sharper in the physical comedy and wittier and more ironic in the verbal humour. It is hard too not to miss Deux Deux and how well he contrasted with The Inspector, because there isn't really another character here really that has the same amount of memorability or entertainment value.

Closing thoughts: An above average The Inspector cartoon but not a great one.

6/10.

A Magical Christmas Village (2022 TV Movie)

A not so magical Christmas village

[4/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Magical Christmas Village' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Really did want to like 'Magical Christmas Village'. Have really liked Hallmark regulars Alison Sweeney and Luke MacFarlane in other things and totally understand their popularity amongst Hallmark fans. Also admire Marlo Thomas as an actress and as a person and the role sounded ideal for her. Did like the idea of the setting, while not being all that excited by the premise.

A less than exciting premise given even less exciting execution. It is a shame that in such a short period of time the 2022 Hallmark Countdown to Christmas block went from one of its best films back to disappointment. By all means it is not one of the worst 2022 Hallmark Christmas films, or one of their worst overall for that year, but this really did not live up to mixed expectations and the cast deserved a good deal better.

Good things: 'Magical Christmas Village' isn't all bad. It does contain some valiant work from Sweeney and MacFarlane, with Sweeney faring better due to a better written character. Both are well above what they are given, especially MacFarlane, but both do manage to generate a lot of easy going charm and sincerity to their roles.

Did like cute, and not cutesy or obnoxious, Maesa Nicolson as well. The film does look attractive, with a setting that does look magical and colourful. The music is pleasant enough and at least fits.

Bad things: So much works against it on the other hand. The story is very slow moving, with too much extraneous and barely interesting padding and uneventful stretches. Actually don't mind slow pacing, but it does depend on the content and the emotions felt and here the content was too little and emotionally there was not much to feel. Too many things happen too coincidentally as well, not to mention too patly, and the film is excessively predictable.

Unfortunately the stilted and cheese ridden script is not much better, that is also too heavy on the sugary sweetness. A lot more could have done with the setting, great looking but used in a too afterthought tossed in way. The family stuff is far too sentimental, the equivalent of having too many sugar lumps in tea, and the mother-daughter showdown was too much like over-heated melodrama. The ending is too neat and self-absorbed.

Never cared enough for the characters, with too many exaggerated character traits and too few redeeming merits, only Sweeney's is halfway interesting. MacFarlane's is very underused and Thomas' is too disrespectful and heavy handed. Count me in as another person who didn't care for Thomas, really admire her but here she for my tastes was too over the top and overdid the quirkiness, which made her annoying and not in harmony with the rest of the film. Sweeney and MacFarlane surprisingly have very little chemistry, too distant and under-rehearsed like. That the relationship itself is under-utilised and largely ignored does not help.

Closing thoughts: Overall, a disappointment.

4/10.

Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

A must come home for

[9/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Have said more than once in previous reviews that Hallmark's 2022 Christmas output was extremely hit and miss, especially the Movies and Mysteries block. There were some good ones in the block, but when the block missed it failed very, very poorly. Part of me had a good idea that 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' would be decent at least, it sounded interesting, had the always worth watching Tyler Hynes as the male lead and Hallmark have been responsible for a good number of good and more serious-themed films.

'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' is one of those Hallmark films with a more serious tone and is an example of one done well. Excellently actually in this case. It is for me the joint best 2022 Hallmark Movies and Mysteries film (not just Christmas but overall) along with 'Colour My World with Love', the best Hallmark film since that and one of the best 2022 Hallmark films. Also one of the best they ever did.

Bad things: Did feel that the ending was on the sappy and anti-climactic side, but for me that was it for the faults.

Good things: Everything else worked really well. Can't wait to see more of Holland Roden, judging from her sincere and poignant performance as a character who is true to life and easy to get behind. She has a sympathetic Hynes as her partner, who is typically down to earth and understated while never being dull.

Their chemistry is subtle and sweet, never looking awkward or cold. Their relationship develops realistically and their characters are well defined and relatable, not too perfect and any flaws are not exaggerated. This is also applicable to the supporting characters, all strongly played. Steve Bacic particularly excels against type.

It is a beautifully filmed film, complementing the picturesque scenery beautifully. The music didn't feel intrusive or overly low key, the placement never questionable or distracting. The non-cheesy and non-over sentimental script rarely sounds awkward or melodramatic, apart from some sappiness at the end. The story is gently but not dully paced, very soothingly gentle, very moving and also very heart-warming. Never found it difficult to relate to and found the family relationships and themes handled tactfully. The more mysterious parts don't feel too predictable either.

Closing thoughts: Overall, great.

9/10 (a rare rating for a Hallmark film, my usual highest rating for their films is either a 7 or 8)

Sheriff Hoot Kloot: Giddy Up Woe (1974) Season 1, Episode 9

Trading in for a horse

[4/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Sheriff Hoot Kloot' "Giddy Up Woe" (1974)

Opening thoughts: The first half of the Hoot Kloot series was on the whole very watchable, never great but never less than mediocre. The only less than average cartoon of the previous cartoons to me being 'Ten Miles to the Gallop'. With, despite not being a fan really of Crazywolf, 'Pay Your Buffalo Bill' being particularly good for its for the series creative concept and for containing the best gag of all the Hoot Kloot cartoons. The second half of the series generally to me was weaker.

'Giddy Up Woe' sees the halfway point of the Hoot Kloot series. To me, it is one of the weaker cartoons in the series, and it was from here where the series generally started to get tired and increasingly uninspired with even the animation quality not being as good as before. 'Giddy Up Woe' is far from terrible, but the premise is pretty tried and tested and there is little freshness or spark here. A sense that the series was running out of ideas.

Good things: Of course there are good things. There are lively colours and the backgrounds are strikingly abstract and not too simplistic. The music is characterful and full of life, there is a lot of it but it never felt too much to me.

Bob Holt brings a lot of enthusiasm to all the characters, especially Hoot Kloot where he is suitably loudmouth but doesn't make the eardrums bleed. Although Fester's role is not big, he is difficult to dislike and part of me felt for him. The ending is sweet.

Bad things: Didn't care for the supporting characters though. The replacement horse character is basically one joke and it's a one joke that wears thin too early and is not interesting or easy to endear to at all. Even despite Hoot Kloot's rapid fire dialogue the chemistry between him and the horse lacks spark. Alf Willett is also very annoying. While the colours and backgrounds are nice, there is generally a very rushed look to the cartoon with some very scrappy character animation and the characters look pretty ugly. Especially the horse.

Also felt that the story is far too thin, the second half is basically a series of gags of Hoot Kloot trying and failing to achieve one goal with nothing that really progresses. It did feel like the horse didn't really serve a huge amount of point when the robber is introduced with some potential but forgotten about, what was the point of getting him only to not do any of what he was swapped for in the first place. The energy is just not there and the gags are neither funny or inspired. They are too very repetitive, feeling like the same thing over and over.

Closing thoughts: In summary, mediocre.

4/10.

Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022 TV Movie)

Hallmark meets Charles Dickens

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Ghosts of Christmas Always' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Hallmark was no stranger to spins on the works of Charles Dickens, though it was not done very often. For example, they did 'Boyfriends of Christmas Past', which was a very weak variation of one of my all-time favourite stories 'A Christmas Carol', two years ago. Even of the concept was the most original, the concept for 'Ghosts of Christmas Always' was still great and had potential to be done charmingly and with heart.

Luckily, this concept was handled with bag full of charm and heart in 'Ghosts of Christmas Always'. It may not sound original, but it did not feel unoriginal in the way it was executed. In what was for me was one of the freshest and most creative spins on Dickens' work from anywhere. 2022 was a very mixed bag for the Hallmark Christmas output, but this was one of the best easily and the most different. Also one of the stronger 2022 Hallmark films in general.

Bad things: 'Ghosts of Christmas Always' isn't flawless, with the only real issue for me being the ending being a little too on the neat side. Especially the too easy romance resolve.

Good things: It is on the other hand significantly compensated by two very strong lead performances from Ian Harding and even more so Kim Matula. They bring a lot of heart-warming charm to their roles and also look as though they were having a lot of fun. The supporting cast are solid and the characters are all written well. Being more than just typical cliches and they manage to be entertaining and relatable.

Harding and Matula have a very good natured, witty and genuine chemistry together that never rings true. The film looks good, well shot, edited cohesively and the scenery is beautiful. The music fits and didn't come over as overused or too loud, which can be the case with Hallmark's films.

Furthermore, the script is witty and heartfelt, flowing with no awkwardness. The story is constantly immensely charming and heart-warming, never being mean spirited or over silly. Loved the fresh approach to Dickens' rules in a way never seen before or at least in this way. As well as the refreshing depth given to the different and more individual interpretations of the ghosts. The ending is a tear-jerker.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very well done.

8/10.

Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!: In Space (2017) Season 2, Episode 11

Spooky space

[9/10 · 28 April 2024]

'Be Cool Scooby Doo' "In Space" (2017)

Opening thoughts: "In Space" is not the first time 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' remade a previous episode of the Scooby Doo franchise. Season 1's "When there's a Will There's a Wraith" remade one of 'Scooby Doo Where Are You's' classics "A Night of Fright is No Delight" and quite wonderfully, making it one of the best episodes of an inconsistent first season. "In Space" is a remake of 'Spooky Space Kook", also one of my favourites of 'Scooby Doo Where are You'. Had no doubt it would be at least good, with such a great concept and setting, and because the show proved already it could remake previous episodes well.

'Be Cool Scooby Doo' proves it again with "In Space". It is not quite as good as "Spooky Space Kook", but it surprisingly comes very close. Season 2 was a more consistent and settled season and this was not just one of the best of the season but of the show as well. Managing to capture the spirit of classic Scooby Doo with a surprisingly and refreshingly darker tone and more mystery while still maintaining this show's quirkiness.

Bad things: My only issue with "In Space" was with Fred's frequent "in space" interjections, which did get repetitive and annoying after a while (quite fast in fact). 'Be Cool Scooby Doo' always varied with its running/repeated gags and the one here didn't have enough variety to work.

Good things: However, "In Space" manages to be one of the show's best-looking episodes, with it being one of the few episodes where the animation didn't bother me. The inventive character of the villain and atmospheric interior designs stand out in particular. The music also has atmosphere and quirky groove. The voice acting is spot on, Matthew Lillard always nailed it as Shaggy and does so still and Frank Welker shows no signs of being long in the tooth (despite voicing Fred since the beginning).

Loved the spooky atmosphere and the villain, one of the show's creepiest easily, really lives up to its name, very reminiscent of the franchise's most frightening villains Spooky Space Kook. The writing is very smart and entertaining, with clever affectionate nods to "Spooky Space Kook" and classic Scooby. The concept here was an awesome one and more than lived up to.

This was an example of a remake that was faithful with the older incarnations, while having its own identity and staying true also to this show's quirky spirit. This is a difficult balance go achieve and was here nailed. Really appreciated the darker and more serious than usual tone (which it didn't go too far on). As well as the heavier emphasis on the mystery, which was clever and eventful, always attention grabbing and keeps one guessing. The reveal was one of the few of the show to be a complete surprise and didn't feel rushed or last minute. There is still plenty of humour too, with Shaggy and Scooby being hilarious.

Closing thoughts: Great episode overall.

9/10.

Umka Is Looking for a Friend (1970)

Very sweet and moving

[10/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Umka is Looking for a Friend' (1970)

Opening thoughts: Absolutely adore the first 'Umka', more often than not Soyuzmultfilm delivered big on charm, emotional impact, beautiful visuals and memorable characters and the first 'Umka' delivered on all four brilliantly. Had no idea until just last week (when recently revisiting Soyuzmultfilm's output again) that there was another 'Umka' outing, 'Umka is Looking for a Friend', and was desperate to see it. Also hoping that it would have everything that made the first so great, it certainly sounded like it did.

'Umka is Looking for a Friend' didn't disappoint in any way. It has every ounce of the charm and emotional impact of the first 'Umka' and has everything that made that as great as it was. Comparing them, they are equally fantastic in their own way while also for similar reasons. It may not be one of Soyuzmultfilm's most ambitious works, one of the ones adapting famous Soviet stories and family literature, ones revolving around pre-existing music or ones that have a political emphasis. It is as said above one of the Soyuzmultfilm efforts to keep things simple and all the better for it.

Good things: Everything. For one thing, 'Umka is Looking for a Friend' looks absolutely beautiful. The traditional animation is very beautifully rendered, the colours and backgrounds are elegant, moving very smoothly from one frame/scene to the next, and the characters move very convincingly. The music accompanies the story very sensitively, the distinctive Soviet style of it is sumptuous and not overpowering.

It's extremely well written too and target audience doesn't come into question. It isn't hard to follow while also not being simplistic, making it ideal for people of all ages. As said, keeping things simple was a good idea as it is a kind of story where any more would have felt too much. It also flows well, when seeing it with English subtitles it's quite poetic and meaningful as well without going overboard on the schmaltz.

The story is immensely charming and tenderly told, there is a very strong emotional core here while not being over-sentimental or too serious. It is also genuinely sweet without being sugary, complete with some very relevant and relatable values. The ending really did have me in tears. All the characters are engaging and have personalities that aren't too thin and are easy to identify with. Really identified hugely with Umka, having been in this situation more than once before, it is not a nice position to be in.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, wonderful, very sweet and very touching.

10/10.

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Through the Curtain (2013) Season 2, Episode 25

The Penultimate Peril

[10/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated' "Through the Curtain" (2013)

Opening thoughts: 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' for me was a great show and one of the better Scooby Doo shows, the best and most consistent of the modern ones anyhow. It has a very high number of great and more episodes and not a bad ones, even the weaker ones are still decent if uneven. Memories of my first watch of "Through the Curtain", despite being one of the episodes seen later than most of the show, are vivid and in the best of ways and after watching the whole show on first watch it for me up there with the standout episodes.

"Through the Curtain" is yet another outstanding episode of the show, and sadly it's the penultimate episode. But what a penultimate episode it is. Setting things up for what's to come in the finale and already answering the necessary questions and deepening characters and relationships, in what feels like a first part to a two part finale. It is not just outstanding for 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' and for the franchise but it is exceptionally high quality in its own right as well.

Good things: Can't fault anything to fault it really. The animation has plenty of rich detail, colour variety and atmosphere. The music never jars, never sounds dull and has eeriness. The voice acting is spot on, as is the character writing and interaction with no exception. The writing is thought provoking and balances serious, poignant drama, intensity and amusing moments expertly.

Also love the story, which is suspenseful and full of emotional impact with nothing coming over as dull or obvious. The conflict is at its most sinister yet, with Pericles at his most megalomaniac up to this point. Absolutely love how the gang interact, with it being obvious how much they care for each other, and all have come on a long way in their development. A lot goes on but it is not rushed or over loaded in my view, plus it made me excited for what was to come next (and it is certainly well worth the wait on a side note). The voice acting is spot on, Udo Keir for example is perfect sinister casting for Pericles.

Closing thoughts: Overall, outstanding.

10/10.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Appointment at Eleven (1959) Season 5, Episode 3

An appointment well worth skipping

[2/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "Appointment at Eleven" (1959)

Opening thoughts: Although anybody who hated "Appointment at Eleven" without seeing any other Robert Stevens-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode may find it hard to believe, the series' most regular director (with 44 episodes under his belt) actually did direct some fine episodes. "Our Cook's a Treasure", "The Manacled", "The Dangerous People", "The Glass Eye" and "The Motive" notably. And most of his episodes ranged between at least watchable and good.

This however is a complete and utter mess in almost every way. No episode of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' is irredeemable, but "Appointment at Eleven" is one of the few to come very close. When it comes to picking a contender for Stevens' worst episode, this is a strong contender. Yes worse than other misfires of his such as "Shopping for Death", "The Hidden Thing" and "Don't Interrupt", and among the very worst of the entire series.

Good things: There are only two redeeming features. One is the as ever wonderfully macabre theme tune.

The other is the moderately interesting beginning.

Bad things: However, nothing else works and most of the bad things are unbelievably awful. This is one of the few 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes to have not a single halfway decent performance, an episode rife with embarrassing, amateur hour over-acting. Also, one of the few where one hates every single character in it. The lead is insufferably annoying, the most annoying character of the series since the boy in "Don't Interrupt" and a contender for the most irritating of the whole series. He is also unintentionally creepy and the attempts to act younger comes over as affected.

Stevens directs with no life whatsoever and is well out of his depth, this is not indicative of a seasoned director who had already directed more episodes of the series than any other regular but instead of a failed experiment. "Appointment at Eleven" looks cheap, with a very stock under-budget look. It is very slow moving and very flimsily plotted, with too much of the second half being excessively dragged-out filler.

Moreover, the script is too neurotic, repetitive and too talk heavy, none of it intrigues and parts are even irrelevant. As well as very flimsy and dull, the story has no surprises or suspense with the ending being one that can be seen from miles away. The two feelings felt watching this were annoyance and boredom, two feelings never felt with any of the previous episodes.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very bad indeed. Have been known to not find low rated films, shows, cartoons and episodes that bad, but in this case the panning is deserved.

2/10.

The Pink Panther: G.I. Pink (1969) Season 1, Episode 35

The one with Pink as an army recruit

[8/10 · 21 April 2024]

'The Pink Panther' "GI Pink" (1968)

Opening thoughts: 'GI Pink' is the forty second Pink Panther cartoon and is another very good cartoon. A few previous cartoons did disappoint, namely 'Shocking Pink' and 'Reel Pink', but there were also some truly great ones including 'The Pink Phink'. 'GI Pink' is not one of the best Pink Panther cartoon, but it is still very good none the less, another very solid effort in a pretty strong batch of cartoons up to this stage, and was actually very close to great because of its many good things being so good.

Bad things: It is predictable story-wise and there is little surprise at how things are going to turn out.

Good things: However, it is still very funny stuff, on-screen and off-screen, especially with the grenades and the mines. The bull-dog does bag the very best moments. Predictable the story may be, dull it isn't, the pace is efficient and keeps one interested throughout.

As ever, the animation is kept simple stylistically but it's also very well drawn and the colours are pretty, very much-improved over the animation in the previous cartoon 'Put-Put, Pink' (the animation was rather simplistic in that one). The music is catchy and distinctively jazzy, with the theme tune still having its infectious staying power. It matches well with what's going on and doesn't slow the cartoon down, the orchestration as always is appropriate and appealing.

Pink is cool, likable and funny as you'd expect, the Little White Guy is a good foil and boss and you sympathise with him and the bull-dog is a great character too.

Concluding thoughts: Overall, a very good and funny cartoon though not one that leaps out as one of the best of the ever entertaining Pink Panther series.

8/10.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Crystal Trench (1959) Season 5, Episode 2

Mystery with a moral

[5/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "The Crystal Trench" (1959)

Opening thoughts: "The Crystal Trench" is the second Season 5 episode to be directed by the justly coined Master of Suspense Alfred Hitchcock (a favourite since mid-teens), after the very well done and underrated Season 5 opener "Arthur". Did like the idea for the episode on paper, though mixing mystery and morality can risk being disjointed and/or muddled tonally, and seeing the always worth watching Patrick MacNee pre-'The Avengers' was interesting to see.

On the whole, "The Crystal Trench" is a watchable episode, if more for a curio or completest sake if wanting to see all the series' episodes. There are definitely worse episodes of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', such as "The Hidden Thing", "Sylvia", "Don't Interrupt" and "Safety for the Witness" when talking about previous outings. There are also much better, such as "Breakdown", "The Creeper", "Lamb to the Slaughter", "Poison" and "The Crooked Road". Of Hitchcock's episodes, "The Crystal Trench" to me is in the lower middle of the road end and that applies for the series in general too. A long way from a disaster, but falls well short of being great let alone a series classic.

Good things: Beginning with the good, the acting is fine with the two leads giving everything they've got and while his character is too on the absurd side MacNee is fun. The photography has some nice atmosphere, likewise with the lighting.

Furthermore, the main theme is as wonderfully macabre as ever, one of the best uses of pre-existing classical music in television. The bookending is amusingly ironic, while there is some intrigue and an interesting twist.

Just wish however that most of what came before it was as compelling. The story is pretty thin, with a few too many relatively uneventful stretches, which does affect the pacing which is dull. The story is also too ridiculous and not much makes sense, with agreed the meeting with the geologist being particularly total nonsense.

Bad things: There is not much of a mystery, and what there is completely lacks suspense and contains few surprises other than the ending. The moralising felt undercooked and didn't feel needed. The script is very bland and lacks tautness, while the beginning confused from trying to keep up with the character introductions. While there is atmosphere and mood in the photography and lighting the sets are phony and indicative of low budget and rushed production.

Hitchcock's direction is disappointingly pedestrian. Didn't find myself caring for any of the characters and that shouldn't have been the case for this type of story. The episode never really develops them and motivations came over as too vague and silly. The chemistry between the two leads could have done with more spark.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, watchable but uninspired and middle of the road.

5/10.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Arthur (1959) Season 5, Episode 1

A lot of fun

[8/10 · 21 April 2024]

'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "Arthur" (1959)

Opening thoughts: Alfred Hitchcock is one of my favourite directors of all time and the 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' series is a mostly fascinating and well done if inconsistent series. With his seventeen episodes, some are better than others but a vast majority of them are at least watchable. Of the previous outings of his, "Wet Saturday" is to me the one misfire, though even that had a few merits, and "Breakdown" and "Lamb to the Slaughter" are two of the series' classics.

Was personally not sure prior to watching as to whether Season 5's premiere "Arthur" would be good or not. Due to reading beforehand that it was a tongue in cheek treatment of a dark subject, which is not always in good taste when done. "Arthur" turned out to be very well done and entertaining, not coming over as tasteless or trivialising at all. It is a strong Season 5 opener and is a very good representation of the series while not being one of Hitchcock's best episodes.

Bad things: It isn't perfect, for my tastes the opening was a little too over-explanatory.

Good things: Other than that, "Arthur" is very well done. Laurence Harvey is terrific in the lead role, intensely charismatic while not being over-serious and is not wooden. The acting overall in fact is without issue and can't fault the character chemistry, which had wit and intensity. Hitchcock directs adroitly, with the right amount of suspense while clearly having fun with the material.

His bookending is drolly ironic as usual, while the production values are suitably moody and the main theme haunts as ever.

Found little to complain about the writing too, which was wonderfully tongue in cheek in many places and darkly warped in an amusing way in others. The episode never felt dull and is a rare example of how to make such a dark subject funny without veering into distaste. The ending is suspenseful, clever and a complete surprise as well as surprisingly amusing.

Closing thoughts: In conclusion, liked it very much and surprisingly so.

8/10.

The Blue Racer: The Boa Friend (1973) Season 1, Episode 9

Love vying

[5/10 · 21 April 2024]

'The Blue Racer' "The Boa Friend" (1973)

Opening thoughts: 'The Boa Friend' is one of the change of pace cartoons in the Blue Racer series. Namely because of the beetle not being here, and generally any Blue Racer cartoon that didn't have that character was already a better cartoon. Here is one of the times where he vies for love and tries to attract the opposite gender, another not novel premise for animation (actually it's one of the oldest in the book) but different for the Blue Racer series that mostly sees him getting outwitted by other characters with no chance of winning.

Have always found 'The Boa Friend' one of those mixed feelings cartoons. It is a middling effort for the Blue Racer series, not one of the best ('Blue Racer Blues') or one of the worst (most of the first six cartoons). It was nice to see Blue Racer in a different scenario for this point of the series and he is easy to root for here, but 'The Boa Friend' would have been a better cartoon if the supporting characters appealed more and if the premise was more buyable.

Good things: Quite a number of good things can be seen here. The colours are vibrant and there is some nice character animation on Blue Racer. Doug Goodwin's music has its usual vim and charm, with a memorable main theme accompanying the well designed opening credits, and the bee's song is catchy without being annoying, thanks to some nice variety in the suitably wise lyric writing.

Blue Racer has come on as a character, he is one note but he has a lot more personality than he did in his first five cartoons. Up to a point, he is rootable. The bee is suitably wise and benevolent and while his role is not large Homer's foiling amuses. There are some nice amusing lines and the voice acting is fine.

Bad things: As said though, the premise didn't work. Not because of it being unoriginal, which it is, and lacking in surprises, which it is. Just found it hard to buy, in order to buy it his love interest would have had to have some degree of appeal and been one where one can see what he sees in her. That is not the case with his love interest in 'The Boa Friend', she came over as annoying and shallow and her appeal was lost on her other than her being pretty.

Gags are too few in my view and they are not particularly amusing and are quite stale from being used and reused elsewhere. The story starts off decently but feels repetitive and over-stretched on top of not being believable premise-wise. The ending is too cruel and comes out of nowhere, everybody other than the bee coming off badly and my sympathy for Blue Racer went at this point too.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, watchable but nothing special.

5/10.

To Catch a Halibut (1978)

Mediocre catch

[4/10 · 14 April 2024]

'To Catch a Halibut' (1978)

Opening thoughts: Not all DePatie-Freleng's output is below average or bad. In fact, the 1960s Pink Panther cartoons (and some of those from the early 70s) and the Inspector and Ant and the Aardvark theatrical series were very good and excellent at their best. And the Roland and Rattfink and Sherriff Hoot Kloot series, while uneven, had their good moments. So on the whole, generally the output was the opposite of bad, even if it declined quite badly in the mid-70s.

The Misterjaw theatrical series is one of the studio's weaker theatrical series, with none of the 34 cartoons being awful but also none of them good, the flaws being the same in every cartoon. It is not as bad as the Crazylegs Crane series, which failed in almost every area, but my overall feelings are similar to that of the Dogfather series in finding it rather mediocre and forgettable. Which sums up 'To Catch a Halibut' very well, a few good things but also a lot of significant drawbacks done very badly.

Good things: There are good things here in 'To Catch a Halibut'. The animation is surprisingly, considering the period for the studio where the quality of almost everything was noticeably cheaper, not bad at all. Some nice colours and good fluidity in the air action.

Did think too that the music had some nice character and that some of the voice acting has some spirit.

Bad things: The drawbacks are many and big, as well as impossible to ignore. It is for one thing very formulaic, with pretty much all the too few gaga being rather tired and predictable to the extent that remembering them long after is hard. Also badly lacking in variety. The catchphrases are very lame and corny to the point of groaning, a big problem when the writing is so reliant on them in a cartoon that feels very repetitive. The cartoon would have been a lot better without the canned laughter track, which sounded cheap and wasn't necessary in the slightest considering that the writing is not very sitcomish.

Furthermore, the story is paper thin yet also feels rushed product like and repetitive. It is also overly silly, even for a premise where serious suspension of disbelief is needed to begin with. The characters are very one note and bland in personality, and they are neither funny or endearing and instead too slapped together and product of the time like. With Misterjaw and Catfish, it was like seeing an even more bumbling Pug and even more annoying Louie from the Dogfather series in fish form. There is not an awful lot of chemistry between them and the ending is mean spirited and felt abrupt and incomplete.

Closing thoughts: Overall, mediocre.

4/10.

Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021 TV Special)

Not spooktacular enough

[4/10 · 14 April 2024]

'Muppet Haunted Mansion' (2021)

Opening thoughts: Am a great fan of the Muppets and an admirer of Jim Henson in general. 'The Muppet Show' and 'Muppets Christmas Carol' were major childhood favourites (the latter still a Christmas tradition). Really like to love most of the films, 'The Muppet Movie' and 'Great Muppet Caper' particularly with 'Treasure Island' being the last great one, with only 'Muppet Wizard of Oz' doing nothing for me. Also love Halloween, the Haunted Mansion is one of my favourite Disney rides (despite scaring me hugely first time) and the concept sounded great.

While not hating it, 'Muppet Haunted Mansion' disappointed a lot on a number of levels. A few things are done nicely, but so much is wrong (badly so) and most of what made the Muppets so great is absent here. As far as Muppet films etc go, 'Muppet Haunted Mansion' is one of the weaker endeavours easily and really does not live up to one of the on paper more interesting concepts given less than interesting execution. Marginally better than 'Muppet Wizard of Oz' but not by much.

Good things: Sure there are good things. The sets have a good amount of atmosphere and are appropriately Halloween-ish. Did enjoy some of the nods to the Muppets and the Haunted Mansion as well as the haunting and spookily staged "Grim Grinning Ghosts" number.

Gonzo, the only Muppet to make a positive impression, is a joy, suitably amusing and likeable as well as in character. A couple of the human cast are fun, with Taraji P Henson enjoyably hamming it up as the only interesting non-Muppet character in terms of development. Will Arnett amuses, despite being a bit random.

Bad things: It is sad however that the Muppets on the whole are very underused and/or confusingly utilised, with only Gonzo and Pepe having anything more substantial than fleeting come and go appearances. Pepe himself is on the bland side and doesn't have enough chemistry with Gonzo. The voice acting is mostly distractingly bad to put it mildly, especially the very bad head cold-like one for Kermit.

Other than Henson and Arnett, the human cameos are easily forgettable at best and are too random and contrived. Being lost amidst the overuse of cheap CGI, the direct to video look of the photography and editing and the very unhummable and pre-school level songs. The script is on the whole witless and too heavy on corny puns and low on charm. The plot is very thin and dragged out, as well as having too little mystery or creepiness. With a story as thin as it was, it did mean that the pace was dull. Did appreciate the moral and how well intended it was but it was too trite and shoehorned in delivery and felt out of place.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, lacklustre and not spooktacular enough.

4/10.

Tijuana Toads: Two Jumps and a Chump (1971) Season 1, Episode 9

Didn't have me jumping out of my chair

[4/10 · 14 April 2024]

'Tijuana Toads' "Two Jumps and a Chump" (1971)

Opening thoughts: None of the previous Tijuana Toads cartoons are particularly good in my humble opinion, the best being 'Go For Croak' and 'Snakes for the Gracias' (the only two to rise above mediocre) but for reasons other than the toads. It was not as if everything DePatie-Freleng Enterprises did were mediocre or worse, they were responsible for The Pink Panther, The Inspector and the Ant and the Ant and the Aardvark and at their best those series are great.

Their 70s work however is less good, and while there were even worse theatrical series of theirs the Tijuana Toads series was really not them at their best. 'Two Jumps and a Chump' is the ninth cartoon and the third outing with Crazylegs Crane as El Toro and Pancho's opponent. To me, while not quite one of the worst cartoons in the series 'Two Jumps and a Chump' is one of their weaker collaborations with all the usual flaws and the previous two Crazylegs appearances handled him better.

Bad things: A lot of issues are here. The story is hardly there, with too much of a rehashed feel, a very dull pace from a lack of energy and tension and a paper thin structure. There is just far too little to it and it takes too long to get to the point. Most of the material is thin on the ground and bland, very little is remotely amusing here with all the too few existing gags being very unimaginative and little more than repetitive recycling. The animation is really not good, with a flat and unfinished look that takes simplicity to extremes.

El Toro and Pancho are both annoying and neither have interesting or appealing personalities. Their behaviour is not much different to what was seen before in their previous cartoons. 'Two Jumps and a Chump' does very little with Crazylegs, who here is bland and is too much of a dimwit. Their conflict is neither entertaining or suspenseful. Tom Holland and Don Diamond voice too broadly with badly stereotypical accents, as ever, and Larry D. Mann sounds as if he had just gotten out of bed still yawning.

Good things: However, there are good things. The cartoon does pick up towards the end, which is easily the best part and has finally the energy that was so lacking elsewhere. Crazylegs' final line raises the cartoon's biggest laugh.

Doug Goodwin's, composer regular for DePatie-Freleng Enterprises' output, music score fits well, is colourful and has a nice character. The main theme is an upbeat winner. If there was one aspect that was consistently good throughout the series, it was the music.

Closing thoughts: Overall, didn't do much for me sadly.

4/10.

Endeavour: Prelude (2023) Season 9, Episode 1

Welcome back to form!

[9/10 · 14 April 2024]

'Endeavour' "Prelude" (2023)

Opening thoughts: At its best, 'Endeavour' is a wonderful series. While the eighth season disappointed (especially the finale "Terminus", which didn't feel like 'Endeavour'), many of the early seasons' episodes were absolutely outstanding and worthy of 'Inspector Morse' (one of my favourites of all time) at its best. Also thoroughly enjoyed a lot of 'Lewis' and the three of them go very well with each other.

Was really psyched for this ninth and sadly final season, to see how such a high quality series would go. Was really hoping that it would be closer to the quality of early seasons 'Endeavour' and not closer to the previous one. Season 9's first episode "Prelude" sees 'Endeavour' back on track and back on form. Almost as good as the series in its prime and a huge improvement over "Terminus", with all the problems with Season 8 solved here.

Bad things: If there is one thing that isn't quite as good as it could have been, for my tastes the London gangster storyline could have gone into more detail.

Good things: Otherwise, "Prelude" is just great. The production values continue to be exceptionally high, exquisitely photographed and with a real sense of period lovingly and faithfully recreated. There is also a lot of atmosphere, particularly in the lighting. This atmosphere continues in the haunting music, which never felt overbearing or obvious. The theme music is iconic.

Moreover, the script is intricate and thought provoking, there is a good deal of talk but it is tight and none of it came over as filler. The storytelling is always absorbing, a lot happens with more than one case, but it never came over as disjointed or like three stories in one. There are a lot of twists and turns, but it still is coherent and it didn't feel over-complicated or bloated. The denouement is very unexpected and makes psychological sense, not silly, extreme or confused, the truth is quite sad and the motive made psychological sense.

Shaun Evans is as ever charismatic in the title and Roger Allam is wonderful as always, he can do no wrong in my eyes. They have such scintillating chemistry together, their relationship is pretty much the heart of the series and has always been beautifully written even in lesser episodes. Can't fault the supporting cast either.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, wonderful.

9/10.

Taggart: Silent Truth (2010) Season 27, Episode 3

Not that bad but could have been a lot better

[5/10 · 14 April 2024]

'Taggart' "Silent Truth" (2010)

Opening thoughts: Have loved 'Taggart' (another show gotten into during my teenage years) for a long time, although the more deliberate and even grittier Taggart and Jardine periods to me are superior to Burke's. Although it was actually through watching the late afternoon reruns of the Burke period episodes (starting from "Compensation" right up to when the episodes became shorter, too short in my mind) at one point that got me hooked, the Taggart and Jardine episodes were actually seen a lot later.

"Silent Truth" was one of the last Burke-period 'Taggart' episodes seen back when it first aired. Even back then, without having any knowledge of how fans felt about the later Burke seasons, the episode left me very mixed. My feelings are pretty much the same thirteen years on. "Silent Truth" is worth a look (this reviewer only dislikes about three episodes), but it is indicative of how tired the show generally felt later and how the shorter lengths of the episodes were a detriment rather than an asset. As of now, it is the lowest rated episode here. To me, it is not that bad and "Genesis" and "Law" are a good deal worse. It is very uneven though and doesn't see 'Taggart' at its best.

Good things: There are good things here. It is typically slick-looking and it is good that the photography doesn't try to do too much stylistically, without being too clean looking. The grit has definitely not gone and neither has the uncompromising feel that the Glaswegian scenery gives. The theme song is still memorable and has an appealing nostalgic vibe, as well as well suited to the tone of the show. The acting from the regulars is fine.

Had little issue with the investigative work or how the team worked together. The episode does start promisingly and the scripting is gritty and thought provoking.

Bad things: On the other hand, "Silent Truth" is a long way from great. The music still doesn't really fit, feeling 10 plus years out of date (perfect in the 80s and early 90s episodes but very dated in the later Burke period episodes). The episode also suffers from the same two things that spoilt the show when episode lengths were shortened, with it being yet another episode to feel too short and too rushed.

Also felt that the case could have been better. It was too ordinary and could have done with more suspense and twists, while also trying to incorporate too much which made the second half over-complicated. Didn't care that much for the support acting, which felt phoned in and their characters are more generalised stereotypes than real people.

Closing thoughts: In conclusion, have seen a lot better but was expecting a lot worse considering the rating.

5/10.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019)

Shaun goes sci-fi

[7/10 · 14 April 2024]

'Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon' (2019)

Opening thoughts: Am a big fan of Aardman and have been ever since seeing 'Wallace and Gromit in A Close Shave' (which is a firm family favourite and one of our Christmas traditions is watching that and 'Wrong Trousers') for the first time. Shaun the Sheep immediately won me over in his first appearance in 'A Close Shave' and continues to do so. Absolutely love the 'Shaun the Sheep' show, and was not in all honesty expecting for the first 'Shaun the Sheep' film to be as good as it was.

'Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon' is a more than worthy sequel and even though even slighter story wise even with the referencing retains much of what is so good about the show and the first film. It's not as good, with it falling a little into the trap that the first film surprisingly managed to avoid, but it is a worthy sequel and a good and vastly entertaining film in its own right. Don't expect much from the story, and anybody who loves fantastic animation, endearing lead characters and clever writing should see 'Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon'.

Bad things: Beginning with the not so great things, the story is very slight, though actually it was a wise move to keep things straightforward (just that it was a little too much so in places), and is a little too like an over-extended episode of the show. It is also very over-familiar with very little new and some of the pacing drags.

Did feel too that the alien design was on the strange side.

Good things: Everything else is great. The animation is absolutely wonderful (this component is even better than the animation in the first film, which is a big compliment as that component was the standout one in the first), with its vibrant, bold colours, immaculately detailed backgrounds and well-modelled character designs. Not to mention some very imaginative sci-fi visuals. Sheep have seldom looked cuter in film. The John Williams-like score is inspired and is the kind that rouses the spirits and tugs at the heartstrings. Having no dialogue aside from grumbling and animal noises was also a wise move, instead letting the story, gags and characters do all the work. The show also had no dialogue and definitely worked without it.

Furthermore, 'Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon' is every bit as funny as the first film, with hilarious and nostalgic references to the likes of 'ET', 'Men in Black', 'Signs' and 'Alien' that never felt forced or shoehorned in. They don't go on for too long as well. Like the first film, it does brilliantly at providing something for all ages and kids and adults alike. Children will delight in the characters and will have no trouble following the story and it is never juvenile for adults either, who are going to get the references more. When it comes to the gags and the humour, they are hilarious and true in style to the gags in the show. Again like the show not much new but they are genuinely witty and funny as well as timed to perfection and conveyed absolutely beautifully.

Can't fault the characters either. They are every bit as delightful as in the show, Shaun has lost none of his endearment and is just adorable for a character that never speaks. The film is very cute without being sugary and it never feels forced or like it is trying too hard, the charm never stops too and there is enough energy to satisfy (even if pacing is a problem at times here).

Closing thoughts: In summary, really liked it while liking the first film more.

7/10.

Long Lost Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

Beautiful

[8/10 · 14 April 2024]

'Long Lost Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Was generally not particularly impressed by the previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas Movies and Mysteries films, the best being the promising 'We Need a Little Christmas' and there was a lot good about 'Our Italian Christmas Memories'. 'Christmas Bedtime Stories' and particularly 'Maple Valley Christmas' were very bad. As said elsewhere, Hallmark have succeeded in the past with producing quieter more serious films.

'Long Lost Christmas' is by far the best 2022 Hallmark Christmas Movies and Mysteries film up to this point and one of the best of what continued to be a very variable seasonal block. 'Long Lost Christmas' is a beautiful film and in the better half of Hallmark's 2022 Hallmark output, as well as proof of Taylor Cole (personally find her on the take and leave side) being capable of giving a good performance with good material.

Bad things: It is not quite perfect. The pace is a little too slow to begin with.

One reaction to a major revelation leading into the conflict didn't really ring true, seeming at odds at what is revealed, and came slightly out of nowhere. Maybe the music could have been toned down at times.

Good things: However, 'Long Lost Christmas' is beautifully acted. Cole's performance is very charming and heartfelt, she has a good deal of warmth and there is none of the ice queen persona that is present in some of her roles. Benjamin Ayres' character is somewhat a cipher, but one that Ayres brings a lot of subtle charisma and easy-going charm to him.

The supporting cast are strong, Jacqueline Ann Stuart bringing a lot of class. The characters are relatable and sympathetic and the relationships are written in a way that's affecting and easy to relate to. That between Cole's character and the daughter in particular.

Moreover, it is pleasingly shot with lovely scenery. The music is still pleasant enough and the direction is accommodating without losing momentum. The script is thought provoking and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz (meaning not too frequent or too heavy). The story is quiet and reflective and has a lot of poignant emotional impact, it isn't too predictable and is honest and charming. Did tear up at the ending.

Closing thoughts: Overall, beautiful.

8/10.

The Pink Panther: Put-Put, Pink (1969) Season 1, Episode 29

Building motorcycles with Pink Panther

[7/10 · 7 April 2024]

'The Pink Panther' "Put Pink Pink" (1968)

Opening thoughts: 'Put Put Pink's' idea was a nice one and had no doubt that it would at least work. Not the most original on the block on the whole, but this sort of idea has more often than not worked very well before (a classic premise if you will) and it does so here. As a cartoon, it is decent but also uneven. 'Put Put Pink' is not one of the best Pink Panther cartoons while also not one of the worst. If anything it is around solid middle, doing a lot right while not succeeding at everything or exceeding it.

Bad things: Firstly, the story does have a sense of fun and doesn't make the mistake of being dull but structurally and narratively there isn't a huge amount to it and it is rather routine. The animation quality has also been better, the style is still simple (not a problem, the simplicity has always been part of the series' charm).

But with a lack of elegance in the drawings and the colours are not as vibrant.

Good things: The music is outstanding though, very easy to remember and adds a lot of character and upbeat jazzy style. And the theme tune is one that you can not tire of even after hearing it umpteen times. The gags are mostly amusing more than they are laugh-out-loud hilarious, but none of them fall into the unfunny category. Faring best is the ending and the one with the third motorcycle.

Pink is cool, fun and likable still as a character though his antics are also inept, in an appealing way though. The motorcycle cop is a great supporting character, one that brings some good comedy and also a character that you feel some empathy for.

Closing thoughts: Summing up, a quite good cartoon from the Pink Panther series but there's been better before and since.

7/10.

Jolly Good Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

A jolly good time

[8/10 · 7 April 2024]

'Jolly Good Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: The 2022 Hallmark Countdown to Christmas block was a very mixed bag at best, though better than the Christmas Movies and Mysteries one. Of the previous Countdown to Christmas films, there were a couple of good ones such as 'A Kismet Christmas' but also a couple of disappointing ones such as 'A Cozy Christmas Inn'. Did like the concept for 'Jolly Good Christmas', so there was potential.

Potential that was thankfully lived up to. Not only is 'Jolly Good Christmas' easily the best of the 2022 Countdown to Christmas films up to this point it is also one of the best of the entire block. Also consider it one of the best 2022 Hallmark films, not just the Christmas ones (probably the first above good one) but overall. Was really pleasantly surprised how good it was and recommend it without hesitation.

Bad things: Getting the not so good things out of the way (bear in mind my couple of criticisms may be interpreted as nit-picky), the ending for my tastes was a little too rushes and tidy. Which is not uncommon for Hallmark, and was one of the more frequent issues this year for them.

Also thought that the music at points was a little too loud and intrusive.

Good things: However, everything else in 'Jolly Good Christmas' is good to great. It is elevated hugely by the charming and likeable lead performances of Will Kemp and Reshma Shetty, it is nice too to see non-Hallmark regulars in the lead roles once in a while and this is proof that non-Hallmark regulars are capable of good performances. Their chemistry is very witty and sweet, never coming over as strained and it is used just right. The supporting cast are very solid in roles that could have been too stock but just about weren't.

Furthermore, it is well made, with it being slickly shot and clearly loving the lovely location. Never did the editing come over as choppy. As well as the script, a high point is the script, which sparkles in wit, with the plentiful comedy never feeling forced and the less comedic parts not falling into over sentimentality. The story is pure light hearted fun and is full of charm and warm heart, it didn't feel dull and despite having typical elements and tropes it felt surprisingly fresh.

Closing thoughts: Overall, a jolly good time.

8/10.

Our Italian Christmas Memories (2022 TV Movie)

Well intentioned if over-stuffed

[6/10 · 7 April 2024]

'Our Italian Christmas Memories' (2022)

Opening thoughts: To be honest, for me the overall standard of the previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas films (with a couple of exceptions of course) was not great. The worst being very bad. Did like the premise for 'Our Italian Christmas Memories' (lovely reflective title) and applaud any film etc that explores or portrays Alzheimer's. Hallmark are no stranger to serious, quieter films and attacking difficult sensitive themes and relatable relationships.

Quite a lot of Hallmark's have succeeded in making good films with a more serious tone and heavier subjects, though others fall into the over sentimental and heavy-handed categories. 'Our Italian Christmas Memories' doesn't fall into those traps, but it would have been a better film if it tried to do less. As a film, it is above average and well intentioned, at its best actually with the Alzheimer's portrayal. But it could have been a good deal, as not all the storytelling works as well as ought. As far as the 2022 Hallmark Christmas films go, it is not one of the worst but also not one of the best.

Good things: Starting with the many good things with 'Our Italian Christmas Memories', the best thing about it is the performance of Beau Bridges. Very classy and moving. Every bit his equal is the charming and heartfelt Sarah Power. The chemistry is sweet and genuine, never sickly, while the supporting cast are solid too despite their material being variable.

Furthermore, the production values are pleasing, with slick photography, beautiful scenery and the editing is always cohesive. The script generally flows well and doesn't feel contrived or self-indulgent, it comes over as sincere and doesn't take things too seriously. The story has enough compelling parts, is very sweet and handles the subject matter tactfully. 'Our Italian Christmas Memories' is at its best in its portrayal of Alzheimer's, very moving and honest as well as tactful. Also succeeding at showing better than most films etc revolving around it how it affects not just the person diagnosed but also family and anybody else close.

Bad things: Against all this, 'Our Italian Christmas Memories' is too over stuffed with too many subplots. What makes this a problem is that it gives a choppy and rushed feel structurally and a few of the subplots are severely under-developed and under-cooked, especially for the doctor.

Have actually highly appreciated the same sex couple relationships and welcomed the increase in diversity in Hallmark films, but the one here is so underwritten and hardly there so it was not needed. The ending is unrealistically pat. The title, as has been said already, is misleading, as said there is very little passing for Italian, the traditions not being Italian and the cast would never pass for Italians, and there is also very little that is Christmassy. There are also too many cliches with nothing fresh done with them, which make most of the situations and character decisions very easy to predict prematurely.

Closing thoughts: In conclusion, decent and with good intentions but very uneven.

6/10.

The Ant and the Aardvark: Odd Ant Out (1971) Season 1, Episode 11

Can battling at its most amusing

[8/10 · 7 April 2024]

'The Ant and the Aardvark' "Odd Ant Out" (1971)

Opening thoughts: For me, 'Odd Ant Out' is a very enjoyable Ant and the Aardvark (one of the best of the studio's numerous theatrical series and that the two leads are so strong helps) cartoon that is in the better half of the series that just falls short of greatness. A lot of great things, if a couple of short-comings at the same time. It does feel more a battle of the two aardvarks cartoon rather than the ant and the aardvark one, the ant does not have an awful lot to do in 'Odd Ant Out' and more a plot device sort of character. All the best material comes from the two aardvarks.

Good things: 'Odd Ant Out' has a lot to recommend, am going to start this review off with the good things. The finesse continues to improve in the drawing, but the rich colours, beautifully abstract backgrounds and the Aardvark's expressions and reactions continue to make, and make more of, an impact. The music is never scored with a heavy hand, its light touch being a striking asset here and throughout the series, it never loses the energy (the energy throughout the cartoon is constant too which is great) and its jazzy nature evokes a lot of nostalgia. The main theme accompanying the opening title sequence is memorable and doesn't grate, even when watching all seventeen cartoons in a row.

As to be expected, the (blue) aardvark is a typically compelling character with a personality that while never complex never bores or annoys and great comic timing that shines in both the physical and verbal humour (plenty of both in the cartoon and in the series). The green aardvark proves himself to be one of the series' best supporting characters, a very effective match for both and his chemistry with the aardvark is a highlight. John Byner does a typically terrific job with the voices.

The gags are not the most original, being ones that could easily have been at home in the Roadrunner/Wile E. Coyote series and the sucking objects through the nose gag that appears frequently throughout the series is a little repetitive. But there are many gags and they are a lot of fun, most of it coming from the battling between the aardvarks. The dialogue is even better though, the "this is all your fault stupid" line is laugh out loud.

Bad things: For all those good things, although with the character of the other aardvark there is an attempt to inject a little more story it's very predictable and basic.

How the cartoon ends is not much of a surprise and a little on the rushed side.

Closing thoughts: Summing up, very enjoyable.

8/10.