Theshapeshifter Reviews

Ice Age (2002)

Nutty and well enjoyed

[9/10 · 29 December 2006]

This film is one of those in the world of animated movies that just says to folks "Hey, not all of the great computer animated films out there come from Disney and Dreamworks alone!" It is simple and yet it is none too shabby either. The story starts off with an unsuspecting little "Scrat" (saber-toothed squirrel) trying to store his acorn for the winter, and as he does, is soon in the midst of a great migration of all prehistoric mammals, great and small. Among these creatures a lone mammoth named Manny is shown trying to leave all of the others behind, and soon meeting an oafish ground sloth named Sid. The two travel and soon Sid, who had found a baby human, made a move to try to return this baby to his tribe. Manny, not seeming to care a whit for Sid but having an altruistic attitude, teamed up with him and the two made their way to meet up with a saber-toothed cat known as Diego, who was employed in the finding of the humans, claiming that he could find them. And so through many hardships and goofy antics, the trio now make their way to try and return the baby to his family. With some touching moments showed in this fine little film and some hilarious cartoon-like antics, it is not to be missed by cartoon film patrons in the know.

Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)

As the ice thaws out, the fun does (only slightly) and yet still promises a rollicking good time!

[8/10 · 29 December 2006]

Being a very interested fan of the first "Ice Age" film, I wasn't entirely expecting a sequel, but when I had heard it was coming to the movies, I had high hopes that were met well by this movie. The plot is easily recognized if you happen to be a science buff (I am and thus got a kick out of this film) then you will recognize the things shown. As the ice age is coming to its close very gradually, the animals of the era (there were some more kinds of animals added to this film) are enjoying themselves as they slide down the naturally occurring water slides and pools, but three animals, Manny, Sid, and Diego notice that the ice is melting and thanks to some help persuading, manage to get the masses of antediluvian beasties marching on towards safety. As they are on their way, Manny meets another mammoth, though this one has some confusion as to what creature she truly is. She and her adoptive opossum brothers join out heroes in their quest to escape the great deluge, and hit some big issues within on another along the way. But what of the silly little Scrat? Well, he is shown to have his own little conflicts in this film, which make for fine half-time shows betwixt the other animals' antics. While this film did not quite have the charm nor the lovably unorthodox humor of the last film, its plot and characters remedy this in a pinch and make this film worth a look, if not worth owning.

The Impostors (1998)

One of the best comedies from the 1990's...

[10/10 · 17 December 2006]

This film is excellent. That much I can say confidently and without a doubt, though sadly, it remains overlooked by some film patrons. The plot is simple; two starving actors in the early 1900's named Maurice and Arthur want to find roles and act, but their luck is poor and they are both hapless. The two try some schemes involving acting but these go to pot. One day, the two make it aboard a ship in order to hide from a blow-hard actor and hilarity ensues as various characters, each with their own troubles or situations to deal with, interact and otherwise run into this comedic pair. All of these, however, seem to tie in with Arthur and Maurice's plight. The humor is reminiscent of Laurel and Hardy comedies, and has its slapstick edge which gives the film a great boost. Although the humor shown has its perverse moments, it is still not to be missed.

Mystery Men (1999)

Back in 1999...

[9/10 · 13 November 2006]

This film is a shining example of the good old days known as the nineties. Back in those days, comedies meant something. And they're remembered even now in certain quarters. This film is brilliant because it not only provides an insurmountable amount of laughs and fun concepts, it also show how people as a whole truly can be. This is said because the movie showed through examples of goofy pseudo-superheroes that people are who they are and just have to work that to their advantages.

Mushy sentiment aside, the film starts off by showing a trio of superheroes in Champion City (an overt, if functioning title for a city) trying to fight but losing. With yet another defeat tallied up and a substantially important city personage missing, the three superheroes decide to recruit some newer members to their fold and fight off the fiend who started this mess. As luck would have it, it all seems to go awry, until they enlist the help of a big-time superhero as well as a deranged scientist (played to the hilt by the great Tom Waits) who offers them weapons. It then remains on our newfound heroes to fight the villain and save more than the city. All in all, an excellent film for all with limited cursing, little or no sexual humour, and just a wee bit (bad pun) of toilet humour.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Lives up to its title...

[9/10 · 5 October 2006]

I'd heard of this film many times before, but once chanced to see it on HBO at random. In a moment, I was entranced.

This film is one of such that to see it once is a passing fancy, but to see it more times is a thrill ride. The story is crisp and well written, the music is set to the hilt of the story, the designs for characters and devices is well done, and it matches the Victorian era style to which it adheres to ever so nicely.

The story is set upon one old hunter who, having long since retired, is called into action along with others, each having a special ability, so it seems, and the group is pitted against a madman set on starting a global catastrophe. While the plot may seem simple, it is actually very lively and well acted out. Before perusing through some films which seem to lack the spark needed, give this one a try.

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993)

Well, I've got the running blue (hedgehog) running away...

[10/10 · 2 October 2006]

Ages ago, in a once glorious past, wise-cracking, cartoon mammals dominated the television airways and brought us funny situations, lovable characters, and hilarious villains.

Sonic the Hedgehog was one such mammal.

This show had a wonderful style of animation reminiscent of the classic cartoons of the eighties and a sense of humor not unlike the "Looney Tunes" shorts. The plot was excellently justifiable; that of a beloved gaming character and his tiny sidekick on the lam from a ruthless madman and his three metallic peons. It was a show filled with all sorts of slapstick humor and backfiring, dreamy schemes, as well as morals learned at each episode's end.

While it was long since canceled, int won't be soon forgotten.

House of the Dead (2003)

Not very lively....even for a movie about the living dead!

[4/10 · 21 April 2006]

This film is a perfect example of one of the films which is bottom of the barrel. Its story line is painfully lackluster and its actors aren't the best in a long line of acting names, even the names in the roster for community theater. The plot is somewhat simplistic and it does little to justify the film as a whole. "House of the Dead" is the generic 'college kids go to island and are attacked by monsters' drivel which we've seen for ages yet. It revolves around a group of college students going to a raver on an island and expect good times, but find nothing more than the dead coming to life and attacking them left and right. It seems that these creatures attack for no known reason. While the effects are quite the thing to behold, it seems clear that the rest of the film is not the best...even of the worst. Finally, though the film has a few gunslinging moments that are not to be missed, it is ultimately somewhat forgettable when it comes to horror stories. Or sci-fi stories. Or action- adventure stories...or any story.

Count Duckula (1988–1993)

You needn't be sanguine to enjoy this show...

[10/10 · 10 April 2006]

This show is an instant classic for those who enjoy the older forms of British humor of fellows in odd predicaments. The show's humor is craftily done in terms of timing and puns. And overall, it is the ideal show for the fans of the older cartoons in the days of oddball humor. The story centers on a "vampire" duck by the moniker of Duckula who isn't actually a vampire; he's a strict vegetarian, much to the chagrin of his servant, Igor, who insists that Duckula must be a vampire, like his ancestors. Duckula and Igor live in the despairingly gloomy Castle Duckula, which is attended by Duckula's nanny, who goes by her job's name: Nanny, and who is massively strong. The three have their odd adventures and try to make the most of their frequent trips to other areas of the Earth, while dodging villains and pestilences like the dreaded Dr. Von Goosewing, the Crow Brothers, Gaston and Pierre, and a host of other troublemakers. All in all, the show is most amusing for both cartoon lovers and any comedy/horror lover.

Brandy & Mr. Whiskers (2004–2007)

Can they avoid being eaten alive?

[10 April 2006]

This show is quite amusing at times with its brand of both word humor and its physical humor. The show's story centers on two animals, a rabbit with the intelligence of a five year old along a serious hygiene problem, and an arrogant, disdainful dog who feels herself to be above all others, with being somewhat self centered. The two have been lost in the jungles of the Amazon due to a heinous mishap and can't seem to find a way out of it. That having been done, they try to make the most of life in the jungle, with the friendship of some of the native inhabitants. Sometimes the two try to escape the jungle and at other times, they are stuck in there for good. With some dirty humor and a fair mix of more sophisticated humor, the show is definitely worth a watch on an afternoon and is good for all ages.

The Flight of Dragons (1982 Video)

This movie makes me all flighty!

[10/10 · 4 April 2006]

"The Flight of Dragons" is indeed an odd story. The story involves a Boston writer who is taken into a world of fancy. He is turned into a dragon. And he must save the mythological world from certain doom at the hands of a fellow dragon, who is a madman and plans to turn the world into a dilapidated ruin run by machinery and all magic will disappear. Every dragon is set out to try and help the forces of good, and all seems lost until the Boston writer comes along to save the day. The story packs some good action and it appears to be quite amusing at times, perhaps due to the humor being so very crisp. Overall, the animation is classic in appearance, and the story is fresh, so this film is a highly good watch.

Party Wagon (2004 TV Movie)

From the quite fertile minds of "Hey Arnold!" comes a fresh, new film..

[10/10 · 26 March 2006]

It would appear for a while to the masses that the genre of the Old West and the pioneers is quite old and unoriginal. Those people are right; the theme is fairly old and not very glorified. It seems highly unlikely that the Old West could relive its former glory as the genre which is largely in demand. Luckily, with this film, the genre of the Old West is revived and made entertaining in form of a tale of misfits, treasure, and a plot greater than most people of the time could imagine. The tale starts of with a young man who does not wish to live life according to what many say and so he heads off to parts unknown, where he is found by some misfits like himself who all team up with him and make the most of life in the times. The jokes in the film are very witty, at times somewhat grotesque, but aside from that, very funny, and the dramatic moments seem to do the film, frankly, little justice. This film, all in all, is very enjoyable for anyone in short, who enjoys a good film about not fitting in back in the older days...

Corpse Bride (2005)

Ironically, the dead are in such high spirits!

[10/10 · 16 March 2006]

This film is excellent. That much I say without thinking on the matter twice. The film is well animated as well as being well written and well orchestrated in the sense that the music is so crisp and perfect for the film's setting. The film's setting takes place in Edwardian Europe (possibly England) where a young man named Victor Van Dort is to be married to a young woman by the name of Victoria Everglot. The two do not know each other and are sent to a wedding rehearsal where Victor, afraid of the marriage (and the Pastor's cane on his head), messes up his lines and goes out to say them properly, but mistakenly places the ring on a branch in the ground which he thought was a branch. It turns out that the branch is actually the Corpse Bride, who thinks that Victor has married her. It seems he is in an impasse and doesn't quite understand what to do... With all of its subtle humor and often lively chutzpah, this film is a good one for all ages, old, young, or otherwise...

Cane-Toad: What Happened to Baz? (2002)

Hopping good fun...

[8/10 · 4 March 2006]

This film is short, but sweet and ever so simple. It carries on a useful little message to all residents of Australia and to the rest of the world about the cane toad, which has invaded Australia in plague proportions. The story is, as told by a yobbo cane toad named Daz, whose "mates call him Dazza", the tale of what happened to his good friend Baz. Daz is not sure what happened, only that he left and hasn't been seen since. Daz tells the audience that Baz has a number of qualities which made him primarily susceptible for any number of attacks from foes which all turn out to he humans trying to exterminate the toads. The story is cleverly written with a number of fun jokes and tales. All in all, it was well worth a watch.

Gadget Boy and Heather (1995–1997)

Clever indeed...

[4 March 2006]

This show is well done, and I scarcely recall it, but it was, from what I can recall, quite good. It was about a character similar to (or perhaps the same, in the form of a youth) Inspector Gadget. Gadget Boy had an easily distinguished voice which sounded much like Inspector Gadget. The story is essentially about Gadget Boy and his friend's quest against the villainous antagonist Spidra who resembles nothing so much as a large, human-like spider and her talking vulture named Boris. The show was very fresh and new, during its time period and is generically fun, as well as being a somewhat newer concept. I recommend this show to the avid fans of early Saturday morning cartoons who specialize in somewhat obscure cartoons.

Bert (2002)

Tasty little watch...

[10/10 · 3 March 2006]

I watched this film not long ago on Nicktoons and I was, in an instant, hooked. It seemed as though this film was simply made perfect without effort. The film was massively cute and funny. It was fresh and original with not-too-detailed animation, no dialogue which can complicate the situations, and a wonderful form of music. The plot was tops, too. It was about a small, green vegetable who goes on a search for his family. He can't find vegetables which look like him, and so he feels lost. He makes some interesting discoveries along the way. Finally, this film is charming and if anyone out there may stumble across it, I say give it a watch.

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Cool. Icy chill.

[8/10 · 28 February 2006]

I saw this film ages ago and thought that it was very good, not only due to its great effects, but its storyline and its situations, jokes included. The story may be fairly boilerplate, but the effects and acting make up for that in a pinch. It is about the next natural disaster striking every corner of the Earth and the movements put forth by many to try to do something to that end. While the situations displayed in the film are applicable only loosely to real life, that makes all the less difference, as the film is ultimately good. This film has good situations for some and is ultimately good for a rainy day...no pun intended.

Corneil and Bernie (2003– )

Barking good!

[16 February 2006]

This show is an instant classic. The reason that is is because it is a new idea, fresh and original. Despite the abundance of talking dogs in cartoons, this particular show changes all of that. The dog featured in the show itself is a brilliant mind. The story revolves around two characters in particular, one a highly intelligent dog and the other a dog-sitter who appears to be the one in need of a sitter. The dog demonstrates to the sitter that he can talk and think, and in so doing, proves himself useful in the sitter's day to day deeds and misdeeds. The show is well done because it proves that in order for a show to be funny, it doesn't need idiots, as popularly demonstrated. And the jokes are fresh, new, and subtle. The animation appears to be classic French animation and cleverly done, along with the music. If you own Nicktoons, and enjoy a comedy about smarter characters, I highly recommend this show.

Titan A.E. (2000)

Far out...no pun intended

[9/10 · 10 February 2006]

This movie was well done, indeed. Considering that it is the possibly first ever film to be a animated and science fiction is quite a feat for the film industry itself. The story is that of a youth out in the middle of what seems to be a space station which most have forsaken, and after the ending of the Earth as a whole. In time, he is taken with a ragtag crew of characters who are out to find a craft somewhere in space which can restore Earth and save the Human race. With several funny moments and unforgettable characters, this film certainly isn't going to be forgotten, though good as it was, it had a small multitude of flaws. There were some elements which some fans may find a disappointment. There were some moments which were fairly uncanny, but in short, save for those small moments, the film was excellent.

Tripping the Rift (2004–2007)

Aliens, robots, and attractive cyborgs, what geek could ask for more?

[8 February 2006]

This show is brilliant. That much is clear, but the reason why it is brilliant is it is fresh and original. The show possess a innuendo-filled, somewhat morbid, and seldom disappointing quality which will have anyone, science-fiction geek or not, rolling on their sides with laughter and choked up with bouts of mirth. It is funny because it is a pleasant relief from all the previous science fiction shows which appear to be stuffy and impressive in a dulled-out sort of way. But with "Tripping the Rift", a viewer will see nothing but ensuing hilarity involving effeminate robots, narcissistic (and quite ugly) aliens, lazy lizard-type aliens, and much more. With this show being peppered with Star Wars and Star Trek references, it is certainly not to be taken as just another dull and lazily impressive science fiction show.

Aberration (1997)

Was there a sale at the 99 cents store? These lizards look like they came from there...

[7/10 · 6 February 2006]

This movie is about as scary as a Disney movie. With plenty of gore and a weak story line, it is little wonder that it was overlooked by many, but in the end, the cheesiness of the film is what makes it worth watching for many. The effects aren't as good as hoped and the characters are not very believable. The story is that of a pair of people whom (too my knowledge) are stuck in a cabin where there are insidious lizard-like animals which feast on flesh. The monstrous and quite murderous creatures seem to appear as little more than garden-variety newts, but they seem to creep a viewer out in a pinch. The setting is also fairly weak, but it does the trick well for the story. All in all, if you are in the mood for a simple story and moderately simple effects, cast aside "Troy" and watch this.

Mosquito (1994)

This movie bugs me (no pun intended)

[6/10 · 28 January 2006]

This film has awful effects, acting which isn't very believable, and what's more, a very weak plot. I am completely astounded that it was made. But it certainly gets a small crowd going in a pinch. The story is about as complex as any for a low-budget horror film imaginable. It centers around a swarm of generic mosquitoes which suck an alien's blood (gee, I didn't see *that* coming!) and become huge. It is the type of film which critics circle overhead like a flock of vultures hoping to mock and ridicule. And they have a good reason for it. This film is terrible with its acting and with its story, but in the end, it is so horrid that it cannot help but get certain horror fans going. It gives off a look as though the people making the film were a group of grade school students with little better to do. And one cannot help but enjoy it.

Home on the Range (2004)

Surprisingly good...

[9/10 · 20 January 2006]

I don't see just why it is that people don't like this film. It has good music, good animation, and funny dialogue, but it is fairly sappy. I thought that it was fairly good, even though the plot is just a wee bit weak. Fortunately, the plot is peppered with many humorous events and turns which clear any and all flaws up. The plot is that of a small farm out in the Old West, which is set to be foreclosed. All seems lost until two cows who live there, and one who just moved in, decide to do the only thing that can be done to save their home, catch a notorious criminal, who is known for stealing cows. With some massively amusing high-jinks and many plot twists, this film, while redundant at times, is not to be missed. Take it from someone who knows animation, this movie, while having received a multitude of bad comments and scorns is good, but watch it yourself and YOU be the judge. YOU must decide whether or not it is good, but I found it enjoyable.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

All this will make us dislike a certain Gungan even more...

[7/10 · 10 January 2006]

"Attack of the Clones" was good, but it was not as good as the first trilogy. I must say, it has the same makings of "The Phantom Menace", but with a twist which will make many fans enjoy it much more than the first. The story is well done enough just get by, and the overall meanings have as much plot impact to them as "The Phantom Menace". What can be said about this film it that it makes certain points in the saga very clear and looms on towards what will eventually take place in the next film(s). With much more love depicted and less political jive, it is very well done. The film had its strong points and its weak ones, but the overall story is very craftily done.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Fitting towards the original plot...mostly.

[8/10 · 10 January 2006]

This movie puts much of the original trilogy into perspective, but the question remains as to whether or not it and the other prequels were better than the original. With well done music, fine effects, and superb acting, one would think that such a movie would leave little left to say in the terms of how good it was. Alas, this is not such a case. This film was good, I can admit, but it was a tickle compared to the original trilogy. For one thing, there is far too much political meaning and less action than some fans would like. With that, the bulk of the foes seem to be pushovers and little else. But what action sequences there are are certainly ones that are not to miss. All in all, it is well done and worth a look.

The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)

Bushmen is the cwaziest peoples!

[10/10 · 10 January 2006]

This film is hilarious and I highly recommend it to all who love a good comedy. The story is that of a Bushman who one day comes across a Coke bottle thrown from a plane and thinks it to be a gift from the gods. And so, believing this, he takes it back to the village where he lives. In no time, the villagers make use of it for all purposes. With that, it eventually causes problems. The film itself is a sterling representation of how some people are quick to believe whatever is thrown at them and how even more people are simply just ignorant of the truths beyond the motives of others. All things considered, this film is wonderful for all people of all ages.