10s Movie Review - Toy Story of Terror

Director: Angus MacLane
Genre: Animation/ Comedy/ Family/ Adventure
Runtime: 22 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Carl Weathers, Timothy Dalton, Stephen Tobolowsky, Wallace Shawn, Kristen Schaal, Kate McKinnon, Ken Marino

Description: Woody (Tom Hanks) and the gang are held up at a roadside motel and members of the group start to disappear. Woody sets about getting to the bottom of the mystery.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 15: A FILM STARRING YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR OR ACTRESS
 
Review: The “Toy Story” series is very high on my list of favorite Pixar films. The third film is my favorite and I really enjoy all the characters in this franchise. Even in a short story like “Toy Story of Terror”, you get tons of laughs from all these fun characters.

The toys are in the trunk of the car, traveling with Bonnie and her family, when they get car trouble. They have to stay overnight at a roadside motel. Strange things start to happen at night, when members of the gang start to disappear.

This short film was release around Halloween time in 2013 and has a pretty simple premise. It even introduces a few new characters. It’s not a horror film of course, it’s supposed to be for the entire family. But there are some nods to “Psycho”, for the adults. It’s a fun little short film, I enjoyed it and really loved seeing all the characters together again.

Rating: 4/ 5

90s Movie Review - Happy Gilmore

Director: Dennis Dugan
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Adam Sandler, Carl Weathers, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Kevin Nealon, Allan Covert

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 13: A FILM FROM THE 1990S
 
Description: After his grandmother’s house is repossesses by the IRS, bad tempered hockey player Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) takes his talents to golf to earn the big bucks and get his grandmother’s house back.

Review: Adam Sandler can always pleasantly surprise you. He is not considered one of the best actors out there, but her has proven his acting cops several times. I have to say that “Happy Gilmore” is not one of those films, but it is one of the funniest Sandler films I have ever seen.

Sandler plays hockey player Happy Gilmore, who tries his luck at golf after his grandmother’s house has been repossessed by the IRS. He wants to make easy money. “Happy Gilmore” has a high entertainment value and is absolute worth watching. I love Adam Sandler’s hot tempered character, I somehow always find it funny when he start yelling.

I can honestly say that “Happy Gilmore” is a real good time and a good comedy.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

TV Show Review - The Mandalorian (Season 3)

Season: 3
Genre: Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Action
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2023
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Katee Sackhoff, Jack Black, Lizzo, Christopher Lloyd

Description: The travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

Review: Mandalorian Din Djarin has quite a bit to recover from after taking off his helmet against all rules. To save his honor, he must travel to his home planet for a cleansing ritual. Mandalore is badly scarred and now largely deserted. In addition having to care for Grogu, Din Djarin comes to the aid of an old acquaintance and former enemy in the fight against pirates on the planet Nevarro. Supporters of the old Empire are also still asserting themselves.

The nice thing about “The Mandalorian” is that while there is a large story arc that spans a season, each episode also contains a completed story. Often a mission. This continues on in the third season, but creator Jon Favreau gradually tries to tie in more and more to the larger “Star Wars” universe as well as characters from earlier seasons.

A major factor is Bo Katan Kryze, who has a large and important role in this season. I loved that. Despite the many contradictions Bo Katan and Din Djarin have, it makes for an interesting interplay between the two characters who are clearly matched but also complement each other. And Grogu, cute as ever, is also present. Can’t get enough of him.

Despite the familiar approach, this new season explores a number of separate side paths, the function of which is not always immediately clear. For example, an entire episode is devoted to two defectors from the former Empire trying to find amnesty on planet Coruscant. This episode only gains momentum towards the end . Later in the season, these Mandalorian-less events are given a bit more context.

Totally bizarre and even more self-contained is a trip to a strange planet called Plazir 15, where actors Jack Black and Christopher Lloyd and singer Lizzo make an appearance. It is the most bizarre episode in the series so far, even though I found it highly entertaining. But it’s not the show’s best. The last two episode on the other hand, make you quickly forget about that and are of the high level we are used to. And it has a heart-warming conclusion.

Even though this season wasn’t as good as the previous two, I still really enjoyed it and I can’t get enough of this amazing series.

TV Show Review - The Mandalorian (Season 2)

Season: 2
Genre: Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Action
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2020
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Gina Carano, Giancarlo Esposito, Katee Sackhoff, Temuera Morrison, Ming-Na Wen, Rosario Dawson, Bill Burr

Description: The travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

Review: Bounty Hunter Din Djarin is determined to deliver The Child to the mythical Jedi. Meanwhile, the supporters of the fallen Empire, led by Moff Gideon, are right behind him.
“Star Wars” is one of those franchises whose name has long been synonymous with major theatrical releases, but since 2019 it has also taken a step towards streaming services, with the first live-action series: “The Mandalorian”. And it is the crown jewel of Disney +.
There have been many animated series, but “The Mandalorian” is an original concept. Led by showrunner Jon Favreau. The first season turned out to be a hit with “Star Wars” fans all over the world, including myself. And it was one of the best, if not the best, series of that year. And with season 2 having its finale, it probably also is of 2020.
At the start of this season, we follow Mando and each episode contains a separate plot. But as the season continues, it becomes a more connected story that works towards a goal. The fate of The Child turns out to be more important to the “Star Wars” universe than expected.
In the first season, Mando was mostly the protector of The Child. He simply did his job. He is still the protector, but the two have formed a bond. This gives the bounty hunter even more character development. Despite the fact that we only seen him in a handful of scenes without a helmet, Pedro Pascal provides him with a lot of personality by making good use of his voice and body language. Pascal is yet again a strong asset in the series.
Season 2 contains a lot of references to the original trilogy, but also the prequels, the sequels and the animated series. This is not just for fan service, although most of it feels like it. But I don’t care, because it’s been done so well and it makes a lot of purists happy.
I think, season 2 of “The Mandalorian” gave us what we were hoping for with the last “Star Wars” movie. This movie was a big disappointment for a lot of people, including myself. And the second season of “The Mandalorian” is anything but a disappointment.
Once again, Jon Favreau and his directors take u to the crucibles of the “Star Wars” universe. “The Mandalorian” remains a series that will only appeal to “Star Wars” fans. The second season is bigger, better and more exciting. And I didn’t believe that was possible.

TV Show Review - The Mandalorian (Season 1)

Season: 1
Genre: Science Fiction/ Adventure/ Action
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2019
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Gina Carano, Werner Herzog, Nick Nolte, Taika Waititi, Giancarlo Esposito

Description: The travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

Review: A ruthless bounty hunter who shoots, beats and punches himself through a treacherous universe. In "The Mandalorian", the Star Wars universe is introduced to the action, excitement and humor of a spaghetti western. The first episode of “The Mandalorian” alone raises the bar for the rest of the series and all the new Disney+ projects.
"The Mandalorian" takes place a few years after "Return Of The Jedi". After the second Death Star was blown up, and Darth Vader threw the emperor into a well (spoiler alert!), the Galactic Empire fell apart. Because of the victory of the rebels, people have regained their freedom, but have lost all their stability. Order is barely maintained and there is a deep economic crisis because the imperial currency has become worthless in one fell swoop. The new republic is still organizing itself and former members of the empire are working behind the scenes frantically to regain power. Golden times in short for criminals, smugglers and bounty hunters who don't ask too many questions.
"The Mandalorian" follows one of these shadowy figures and takes you into the messy underworld of the Star Wars universe. The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) is a silent bounty hunter who ruthlessly takes on defaulters and cheaters. The Mandalorian's career takes an unexpected turn when a wealthy client sends him to a remote desert planet on a vague, super-lucrative mission: delivering him The Child, whose importance isn’t known yet.
Lawlessness, the chance of a huge fortune, shootings, open plains and a collection of factotums that try to trump each other... Deep inside, "The Mandalorian" is actually an old-fashioned spaghetti western, with the Mandalorian as the legendary 'Man Without a Name'. The period between "Return Of The Jedi" and "The Force Awakens" is very noisy, and because everyone is busy with his own ass, the threat of shoot-outs and betrayal is constantly present. The action is also a bit rawer than we are used to from Star Wars, a few bandits are killed in a very inventive way, but fortunately it never gets really graphic.
Pedro Pascal gives the Mandalorian a self-assured, alert 'swagger' without becoming theatrical. Very well-done and very important, since the main character remains pertinently masked. How the makers got the idea to cast Werner Herzog in a Star Wars series; we don't know, but it's a masterly move. The bounty hunter's mysterious client knows a lot more than he's letting go, and despite his kindness, an uncanny threat emanates from him. An unrecognizable Nick Nolte plays an important supporting role as a strict alien who helps the Mandalorian on his way. Also worth mentioning are Gina Carano, as the badd-ass Cara Dune, who helps out the Mandalorian in his journey to protect the Child.
A characteristic of Star Wars is that the created worlds usually look as if they were actually being lived in. Showrunner Jon Favreau has paid extra attention to this, it seems. The universe is in crisis, so the world of The Mandalorian looks particularly worn out. Vehicles spit smoke, buildings are temporarily patched up and a few stray stormtroopers walk around in worn armour. In the first episode there are quite a few 'easter eggs' that make Star Wars fans smile, without getting annoying.
"The Mandalorian" of course has a smaller budget than the Star Wars films, but due to the clever use of camera angles and indoor locations, the series does not fall short in most scenes. Because it looks like a million dollars.
I also want to use this as an ode to the new fandom that was started: The Child, or as the fans call him, Baby Yoda. Without a doubt the best thing that TV brought us this year.
The new Star Wars series is a fresh new insight into the worlds of Star Wars, and "The Mandalorian" keeps all promises, because it’s what us Star Wars fan really deserved. With the series, Star Wars takes a welcome detour through the Wild West and I can hardly wait for the sequel!

80s Movie Review - Predator

Director: John McTiernan
Genre: Action/ Horror/ Thriller/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 1987
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Shane Black

Description: A team of commandos on a mission in a Central American jungle find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.

Review: Like “Alien”, predator is not of this world. When in “Alien” a group of astronauts discover this life form on a distant planet, in “Predator” it visits us on planet earth. It hunts and preys on humans during hot summers.
Dutch is the leader of a special units group of commandos, who get send out in the jungle of Guatamala to find a hostage. Not the hardest task for this group, but that’s just the beginning. When an unknown being starts killing his men.
“Predator” is influenced by “Alien”, who would eventually meet up in some cross-over movies. The first half hour of the film is a typical 80s action movie. When they took down all the guerillas, it seems like the end. But it’s just getting started.
“Predator” is a combination of horror, violence and a dose of action, but is also filled with some really cool one-liners from Arnold Schwarzenegger. The special effects are a bit dater, but the design of Predator itself still impresses.
“Predator” is one of the 80s movies I love watching, mainly because of Arnie.

Rating: 4 / 5