Tag: Animation

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Movie Review

The Wishmas Tree (2019) Movie Review

The Wishmas Tree – Movie Review

Wishmas Tree

Director: Ricard Cusso

Writer: Peter Ivan, Ryan Greaves, Amy Parry (Screenplay)

Cast (Voice Talents)

Plot: A young possum’s misguided wish for a white Wishmas freezes her entire hometown of Sanctuary City and threatens all who live there.

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Wishmas Tree starts as we head to a small wild kingdom of Sanctuary City. A place where animals live in peace avoiding extinction waiting for them. The young possum Kerry dreams of seeing more of the world, however, her sister Petra is scared of the outside world.

After Kerry decides to break tradition, she finds herself being forced to go on a deadly mission. She must leave the city and enter the wild to find a solution to the problem she caused.

Verdict on The Wishmas Tree

The Wishmas Tree is an animated adventure following two possums trying to save their city. It follows them going on an adventure of a lifetime into the wild, a place they have never visited. This place is filled with new dangers they must overcome to survive.

The movie gets to bring us a more traditional animal-related quest movie. We get to watch how the unlikely possums must save an entire city of animals living in peace.  They deal with different threats as they have a fun peril filled adventure. This one would work for the whole family who can enjoy the movie.

Final Thoughts – The Wishmas Tree is a fun little family adventure movie.

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Release News

Max Beyond – Release News

Max Beyond – Release News

Max Beyond - a heart-pounding animated action-thriller! Follow Max as he uses his power to create rifts in the fabric of spacetime across parallel universes to try and save his brother.

HaZimation is excited to share that their animated action-thriller Max Beyond will be available on UK Digital Platforms from 22nd April.

Max Beyond tells the story of Max, a young boy held captive in a research facility. Using his ability to create rifts in the fabric of spacetime across parallel universes, he searches for the reality in which his brother Leon, a former-marine, manages to rescue him. With attempt after attempt ending in Leon’s death, the strain starts to take its toll on both brothers. When Max discovers his captors are using his power against him, he realizes he must stop focusing on how the story ends and rewrite the story from the beginning.

The cast includes BAFTA-award winning actor Jane Perry (Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman, Returnal), Dave Fennoy (The Walking Dead) and Cade Tropeano (Black Bird). Motion capture performances from Ace Ruele (Eternals) and Alex Kong (Marvel Studio’s What If?).

Max Beyond Details

Max Beyond is directed, co-written and co-produced by Hasraf ‘HaZ’ Dulull (Disney’s Fast Layne, indie sci-fi features – The Beyond & 2036 Origin Unknown), co-written by Stavros Pamballis (Siege On Liperti Street) and co-produced by Paula Crickard (Jolt, The Protege).

Commenting on the film, writer director HaZ said “What if you had the ability to reset dimensions to find the right moment that will save your brother, but the more you do it, the weaker you get? Strap in for Max Beyond, a tour de force rollercoaster ride of big & intense action, with edge of the seat thrills and emotionally charged characters as the story pulls the audiences into the mind-bending multi-universe.”

The film’s executive producers are Yariv Lerner (Rambo – Last Blood, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard), Amy Gardner (Identicals) and Jason Potter. The music score is by Miroshot, a band known for their experiential music featured in SXSW 2022.

Max Beyond will be available on Digital Download from 22nd April

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Movie Review

Chicken Run Dawn of the Nugget (2023) Movie Review

Chicken Run Dawn of the Nugget – An Unexpected Adventure

Chicken Run Dawn of the Nugget - An Unexpected Adventure

Director: Sam Fell

Writer: Karey Kirkpatrick, John O’Farrell, Rachel Tunnard (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Having pulled off an escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has found a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new threat, and Ginger and her team decide to break in.

Runtime: 1 Hour 41 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Chicken Run Dawn of the Nugget starts as Ginger, Rocky and the rest of the chickens have lived a quiet life on a remote island. Ginger and Rocky have started a family with little Molly who has her own dreams of seeing more of the world.

When Molly runs away from home, she meets Frizzle and the two set out on an adventure. It sees them heading to a new chicken farm that looks like a dream. However, not everything is as it seems, leaving Rocky and Ginger needing to save the chickens.

Verdict on Chicken Run Dawn of the Nugget

Chicken Run Dawn of the Nugget is the sequel to the popular animation movie. It follows the returning chickens as they have their own family and face a new threat. A threat that comes from wanting to see more of the world. However, they come up against an old enemy.

This is an entertaining sequel that keeps the same charm as the original. Despite recasting the key two characters’ voice stars, one for obvious reasons, the other for questionable creative decisions. This brings the unlikely great escape concept to life again and you could easily see this becoming a family favourite.

Where to Watch

JustWatch

Final Thoughts – Chicken Run Dawn of the Nugget is delightfully charming animation.

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Movie Review

My Father’s Secrets (2022) Movie Review

My Father’s Secrets – Movie Review

My Father's Secrets

Director: Vera Belmont

Writer: Vera Belmont, Valerie Zenatti (Screenplay)

Writer: Michel Kichka (Novel)

Cast (Voice Talents)

Plot: My Father’s Secrets is an intimate, funny and thought-provoking film that focuses on a family’s journey to reconciliation after facing the trauma of the Holocaust. Based on the autobiographical novel by Israeli author Michel Kichka.

Runtime: 1 Hour 14 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: My Father’s Secrets starts as we meet Jewish children Michel and Charly living in Belgium. They are still trying to fit in with other religious groups around them. As they start questioning certain things around the town, they learn about a camp their father Henry spent time in during the war.

The brothers try to learn more about the camp but are only faced with false stories. However, once they start learning the bigger questions, they find a new series of shocking events about what their family went through.

Verdict on My Father’s Secrets

My Father’s Secrets is an animated drama following the lives of a Jewish family in a post-World War II world. The children are unaware of the horrors their parents went through but start to become curious. However, their curiosity ends up causing a bigger rift than ever imagined.

This is a haunting story following the survivors of the horrors of war. We get to jump into a family environment that is still damaged and understand their place in the world. It is based on the real accounts of a man who grew up in the era, where the world was only just starting to unfold before them. This is an emotional movie, that is extremely moving and important to remember the horrors people suffered.

Where to Watch: My Father’s Secrets is on UK and Ireland digital platforms from 27 November.

Final Thoughts – My Father’s Secrets is an emotional and moving story.

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Movie Review

Super Pets (2022) Movie Review

Super Pets – ABC Film Challenge – Comic Book Movies – K (Krypto) – Super Pets – Movie Review

Super Pets – ABC Film Challenge – Comic Book Movies – K (Krypto) – Super Pets - Movie Review

Director: Jard Stern, Sam J Levine

Writer: Jared Stern, John Whittington (Screenplay)

Cast (Voice Talents)

Plot: Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side by side in Metropolis. However, Krypto must master his own powers for a rescue mission when Superman is kidnapped.

Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Super Pets starts when baby Superman is sent to Earth and joined by his K9 friend Krypto. They grow up together on Earth and save the planet together. However, when Superman starts dating Lois Lane, Krypto finds himself feeling lonely without any friends.

When Lex Luthor’s Guinea pig Lulu decides to try and take over the world and kill the justice league. Krypto must step up to save the day and join forces with a host of other animals that have now gained superpowers.

Verdict on Super Pets

Super Pets is an animated adventure movie following a group of pets that get superpowers along with Superman’s pet to save the justice league. They must learn the skills they have been given to save the heroes and the planet from the evil plan.

This is a fun little animation putting a spin on superhero movies. By taking the characters and making them pets add layers to the comedy in the movie. Even if the comedy is at times aimed at a younger audience. The different abilities the different animals receive get to play against the stereotypes you would imagine certain animals having.

Final Thoughts – Super Pets is a fun animation that the whole family can enjoy.

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Movie Review

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns: Part Two (2013) Movie Review

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part Two – ABC Film Challenge – Comic Books – J (Joker) – Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part Two – Movie Review

Dark Knight Returns

Director: Jay Oliva

Writer: Bob Goodman (Screenplay)

Writer: Frank Miller, Klaus Janson (Comic Book)

Cast (Voice Talents)

  • Peter Weller (Robocop)
  • Ariel Winter (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)
  • David Selby (The Social Network)
  • Michael Emerson (Lost)
  • Mark Valley (Stolen)

Plot: The Batman has returned after a 10-year absence. The Gotham authorities want to arrest him. An old foe wants a reunion. The Feds want the Man of Tomorrow to put a stop to him.

Runtime: 1 Hour 16 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part Two starts as the Mutant gang have turned themselves into the Sons of Batman. Using their fighting desire to protect the city, as the rise of vigilantes has happened. This has awoken Joker from Gotham Asylum and the President calling upon Superman to stop Batman.

Joker escapes going on another one of his rampages. With the new police commissioner hunting down Batman. It leaves Bruce needing to make the difficult decisions, when it comes to protecting Gotham.

Verdict on Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part Two

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part Two picks up right where part one finishes. This sees Batman being a wanted man and needing to face an old enemy and an old ally. The three sides head into battle as they look to solve the problems presented to them, in the larger battle for the right thing.

This is a much more interesting sequel, mainly because it has more iconic characters involved. The Joker and Superman help us understand the bigger picture of the movie. Much like how Avengers got torn apart with political points of view, this offers the same discussion between Batman and Superman. However, the Joker side of everything does seem to lack the impact it should have.

Final Thoughts – Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part Two is a much darker path and improved conclusion to the story.

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Movie Review

The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) Movie Review

The Angry Birds Movie 2 – ABC Film Challenge – Sequels – Z – Zeta in Angry Birds Movie 2 – Movie Review

Angry Birds movie 2

Director: Thurop Van Orman, John Rice

Writer: Peter Ackerman, Eyal Podell, Jonathan E Stewart (Screenplay)

Cast (Voice Talents)

Plot: The flightless birds and scheming green pigs take their feud to the next level.

Runtime: 1 Hour 37 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Angry Birds Movie 2 starts as Red and the rest of the birds are playing daily pranks with Leonard on pig island. The ranks are part of everyday life for the two islands. When Leonard discovers the third island in the area, which has been firing ice balls onto the island. He offers a truce to Red and the birds.

The two islands put their differences aside to investigate Zeta the eagle running the island. This sees the wacky adventures head to a snow-covered island in the latest battle to become a hero.

Verdict on The Angry Birds Movie 2

The Angry Birds Movie 2 is an animated adventure movie that brings back the loveable birds and pigs from the first movie. This time they will take on a new threat to their island, one that sees them working together.

When it comes to animated sequels, this is everything you would expect. It brings a new adventure and sees people from different sides needing to work together against new threats. We have seen these many times before, with this being a harmless, enjoyable sequel.

There are laughs along the way and a fun little side adventure from the hatchlings.

Final Thoughts – The Angry Birds Movie 2 is a fun, enjoyable sequel.

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Movie Review

Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild (2005) Movie Review

Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild – ABC Film Challenge – Sequels – S – Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild – Movie Review

Stuart Little 3

Director: Audu Paden

Writer: Bob Shaw, Don McEnery (Screenplay)

Writer: Douglas Wick (Story)

Cast Voice Talents

  • Michael J Fox (Back to the Future)
  • Geena Davis (Thelma and Louise)
  • Hugh Laurie (House M.D)
  • Wayne Brady
  • Kevin Schon

Plot: The Little family spend their vacation near Lake Garland. Meanwhile, in the forest, a beast is threatening the animals to give her food every night.

Runtime: 1 Hour 12 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild starts as the Little family head on vacation in the wilderness. Stuart and George become part of the scouts, where Stuart struggles to fit in. He makes friends with a skunk Reeko a smart wild animal who hustles his way through the day.

When Stuart learns about a Beast in the woods, Reeko uses his connection to prepare Stuart. Meanwhile, Snowball gets used to being in the wild, only to get himself in trouble again. Stuart needs to show his bravery to save Snowball from the Beast in the woods.

Verdict on Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild

Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild is an animated adventure continuing the adventures of Stuart Little. This time he goes into the wilderness where new threats lay and the potential of what he could achieve as a human is affected. He only wants to fit in which is his biggest desire of his.

When it comes to comparing to the last movie, this isn’t on the same level. Being a big step down from the previous too despite holding on to the voice talents. There is still a strong message but deep down it doesn’t get enough enjoyment in everything.

Final Thoughts – Stuart Little 3 Call of the Wild is a typical straight-to-video third chapter, keeping the basics safe but lacking the magic.

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Movie Review

Planes: Fire and Rescue (2014) Movie Review

ABC Film Challenge – Sequels – P – Planes: Fire and Rescue (2014) Movie Review

PLanes Fire and Rescue

Director: Bobs Gannaway

Writer: Bobs Gannaway, Jeffrey M Howard (Screenplay)

Starring: (Voice Talents) Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Julie Bowen, Curtis Armstrong, John Michael Higgins, Hal Holbrooke, Wes Studi

Plot: When Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he joins a forest fire and rescue unit to be trained as a firefighter, or else his air strip will be shut down.

Runtime: 1 Hour 23 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Planes: Fire and Rescue starts as Dusty as become an international superstar in the flying world, until he learns his engine is damaged beyond repair, forcing him into retiring from his dream job, race pilot.

When his home town has a fire, the town is facing losing the biggest celebration it could have, this will lead Dusty to enter firefighting academy, where he must learn from the very best Blade Ranger, who puts Dusty through the ringer to prove he has what it takes.

Thoughts on Planes: Fire and Rescue

Planes: Fire and Rescue will pick up where the last movie finished. It shows that stardom will need to face causing a decision about what to do next in their life, seeing the idea of becoming a firefighter. As a chance to continue to save other planes and automobiles that are need.

This does have a lot of peril surrounding it, showing just how hard life can be when something unexpected happens. That leads people needing to find that new purpose. This does seem to be a little too serious for a friend animation movie. It is a harmless enough sequel, it doesn’t seem to have the same heart the first one had, which both films struggled to capture if they take place above the ‘Cars’ world.

Final Thoughts – Planes: Fire and Rescue is an easy to watch sequel.