"Finding Dory" Review (Spoilers)
Jul. 15th, 2016 09:07 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
matt_zimmerAlso reviews for the Pixar short Piper, the latest episodes of Teen Titans Go! and Batman Unlimited, the first six episodes of the season of DC Super Hero Girls, the latest episodes of Ultimate Spider-Man Vs. The Sinister 6 and Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy, the first six episodes of Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures, the latest episodes of The Lion Guard, Girl Meets World, 12 Monkeys, Wayward Pines, Scream, and Angie Tribeca, and the novel Doctor Sleep by Stephen King.
Finding Dory
Finding Nemo was an amazing five star movie that moved me beyond words. Finding Dory is not. However Finding Nemo was ALSO the kind of movie where I wished I could just spend some more time with these characters. And on that Finding Dory delivered. As long as the movie wasn't terrible, I was always going to like it. It wasn't terrible. I liked it.
Let's get my major complaint out of the way. I think the concept was a little too dark, especially for such a light character as Dory. The short term memory loss thing was hilarious and endearing in the first movie, but if you think about it too hard, it's really kind of tragic and not funny. Toy Story has a similar problem built into its concept. Sure, the toys get a few more years with Bonnie now. But the underlying problem of the kid growing out of the toys remains, and they are just putting off the inevitable. It's because I know the toys are going to have to have a sad ending SOMETIME, which is the reason none of the Toy Story endings seemed all that happy to me. There is a darkness in that happiness.
The darkness of forgetting everything is a terrible concept to actually sit and think about. For one thing, we learned this is a Dory specific problem. Her parents don't seem to suffer from this, so they actually are broken when Dory gets lost in a way Dory herself is not. And it's got to kill them knowing that their daughter probably forgot all about them (and did). Dory finding her parents was nice, but I cannot imagine what fresh hell they must have been going through. It's like a kid with Down Syndrome who is abducted. Her parents can hope all they want that she'll someday find her way home. But deep down, knowing that she isn't really equipped to do that has got to be eating them alive. Marlin IS equipped to find Nemo (especially with Dory's help). For years until she met Marlin, Dory didn't have anyone. And it still took her a year of being with her new family to even realize something was up with her old one. It's a really dark and sad concept, which fortunately at least seems like it will have a happier, more permanent ending than poor Andy's doomed toys.
How did Dory's parents recognize her? She looks and sounds nothing like the cute little guppy that got lost. I kind of feel this is a plot point that should have been mentioned. Parents who lose kids they don't find until they are adults often do not recognize them at first at all. Dory's parent seem entirely too sure it is her.
I like Hank the Octopus precisely because for a great deal of the time, I couldn't tell if I should like him. During his first few scenes, there is every possibility he will turn out to be a villain. But he grows as attached to Dory as the audience has, and even if he doesn't believe Dory when she says she'll remember him, you can tell he wants to.
The end climax was a bit ridiculous, even for a Pixar movie. There is no way a bunch of fish should be able to catch a truck on the highway, and I pretty much rolled my eyes at the driving octopus. Still, "It's A Wonderful World" pretty much made all of the nonsense worth it.
Love that Sigourney Weaver is almost an omnipresent God in the film. I think this might be Pixar's first example of a celebrity playing themselves. And no, I don't count the punny Cars announcers.
"Unforgettable" was a great choice for the end title theme. Honestly, "Beyond the Sea" is one of the most memorable things about Finding Nemo, and it is one of the only movies where the end credits are an essential part of the appeal. That moment was even referenced on "Lost". This was not on that level. But at least the movie seemed to be aware they should try to MAKE it on that level. And that was enough for me.
Laughed at Gil's cameo at the end. It never ends for that guy.
I love Marlin saying "I know a guy" and the guy turning out to be Crush. Crush is and always HAS been The Guy.
I also loved Marlin trying to convince himself that the last thing he said to Dory before she disappeared wasn't actually as horrible as what Nemo pointed out his exact words were. He's not so much trying to rationalize it simply to make himself sound and feel better. I think part of him is appalled at the idea that that might wind up being what Dory ultimately thinks he thinks of her. And THAT is the truly horrible thing. I don't blame him for that.
Was the movie as great as the original? No. Did it need to be for me to enjoy it? No. ***1/2.
Piper
Dear lord, this was adorable. I want a Piper plushie. Now. Gimme gimme gimme. *****.
Teen Titans "TTG v PPG"
I'd normally complain about a crossover where one team is so clearly punked, but seriously, the Teen Titans are dumb and always have been. It's not like the Powerpuff Girls bested the DCAU Justice League or Young Justice.
I like that Robin is the first person ever to have heard the Narrator. That is pretty much a first in PPG history. And it works because Robin is nuts. I can accept it because of that. Robin is sort of the medium between our world and the fictitious world. Which is all kinds of awesome.
I expected the special to be 11 minutes of Teen Titans and then another 11 minutes for the Powerpuff Girls. I expected a half hour special. Instead this is just a noraml TTG with a guest cast. I'm fine with that. Pretty good. ****.
Batman Unlimited "System Failure"
So who pays for all the damages of Batman, Green Arrow, and Bane wrecking the city? **1/2.
Batman Unlimited "Some Assembly Required"
Mommy, Mommy, I want that!
I have to say, the fact that this show refuses to put up money for a voice cast was something I was VERY aware of this episode. You put five people in a room and nobody says anything, you notice. **1/2.
DC Super Hero Girls "New Beginnings"
The rest of the DCSHG shorts of season two take place AFTER the "Welcome To Super Hero High" TV special, but this one takes place before it. **.
DC Super Hero Girls "Hero Of The Month: Supergirl"
For some reason I like the shorter cartoons better. I can usually tolerate 90 seconds of this nonsense. ***.
DC Super Hero Girls "Batgirl vs. Supergirl"
I really shouldn't be as disappointed at the lame resolution as I am... but I still think it sucks. Just because awful endings like that are standard cartoon fare doesn't mean I should find it acceptable. "Nobody gets the cake!" is a trope that needed to be retired decades ago. 1/2.
DC Super Hero Girls "Quin-tessential Harley"
Good lord, this Harley's voice is like a jackhammer on my head. Sheesh. *.
DC Super Hero Girls "Hero Of The Month: Harley Quinn"
Remember how I said I could tolerate the 90 second cartoons? When they are focused around Harley, I am allowed to throw that claim out the window. *.
DC Super Hero Girls "License To Fly"
Dumb, even for this show. *.
Ultimate Spider-Man Vs. The Sinister 6 "Agent Web"
This Madame Web is quite different than the one on Spider-Man: The Animated Series. That version seemed dang near omnipotent, and hung around with the Beyonder. I'm not going to say I like this version better, but it WAS kind of cool to actually see her in action for once.
They never answered where Nova was. I'm a bit ticked about that, to be honest. But Madame Web and Crossbones makes up for a lot, especially since Spidey got the "Bonehead" wisecrack in, which was simply put, the greatest and funniest line on the original series (there used against Punisher). Mostly good week. ****.
Ultimate Spider-Man Vs. The Sinister 6 "Symbiote Saga: Part 1"
So, they aren't going to do the whole "reluctant vampire" thing with Morbius? That's a bit disappointing, especially since vampires are clearly a thing in the new Marveltoonverse, and their gimmick hasn't really been watered down. I kind of would have liked to have seen a vampire Morbius without suction cups on his hands who always talked about "plasma". Oh well.
The rest of the episode was boss. Carnage was a character from Spider-Man TAS they managed to vastly improve upon. The 90's show's problem was that they tried to bond the Symbiote to the serial killer from the comics without being allowed to say he was a serial killer. This show's solution is that it's the Symbiote itself that is crazy and the threat, and causes the trouble on its own. I'm still amazed the old show didn't think to either do that, or bond it with a different character. John Semper Jr. made SO many unforced errors on the 90's show. It did NOT need to be as bad as it was.
Hopefully, next episode Flash will have his sea-legs back, and stop being a nuisance. That was another thing that bugged me, but I let it slide because I think (and hope) it is not what the arc is ultimately going to be about. We'll see next week. Bring on Carnage Hulk! ****1/2.
Ultimate Spider-Man Vs. The Sinister 6 "Symbiote Saga: Part 2"
You know, once Harry learned the identity, and then decided to sacrifice himself, I really DID think they'd if not kill him off, appear to do so, and have his body be missing. What a great misdirect.
I like that when Hulk is having pleasant dreams he mutters "Hulk smash". That is what truly makes him happy. I also loved his "Good one, kid" upon being freed before he fell unconscious. I love the current animated versions of Hulk. Full stop.
Cool episode. *****.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy "Fox On The Run"
I liked the idea that Drax put a pin in his quest for revenge simply because at this point he thinks helping Gamora is more important. And it's not even a hard decision or something he struggles with. At this point, it is simply obvious. I love that this usually underwhelming cartoon was insightful enough to give that specific character that specific character growth. ***1/2.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy "Inhuman Touch"
I kind of think Peter's interaction with Maximus should have been more heavily monitored that it was. Perhaps somebody standing watch could have refused Peter giving the guy a pencil which is what caused all of the problems. Don't you think? ***.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy "Welcome Back"
Best episode so far and possibly the best episode of the series. If this doesn't wind up being my favorite episode, I'll be shocked.
The episode did everything right. Not only was the culture shock great for the aliens (Drax loves Earth junk food! Rocket marvels at duct tape and hoards a supply to take back with him!) but they also remembered to have culture shock for Peter too. Why was everyone looking at their cassette players? And they now make devices that can hold 10,000 songs? I regret he wasn't able to pick one up, but that might have made the ending TOO happy.
But seriously, how great is duct tape? I have heard it said it would work in outer space as far as patching up holes in space shuttles and spacesuits from the vacuum of space are concerned. It's one of those rare products that works exactly as described. I similarly love my double-sided Scotch invisible tape. There is no part of that that isn't a quality product.
I also love that ultimately Peter's bully had survivor's guilt. What a great and interesting tack to take. NEVER seen that before on a superhero toon. NEVER. I think Peter consented him to keeping his memories for a more selfless reason than simply wanting someone to remember how awesome he is. I think part of him didn't want Coogan to suffer with guilt anymore, and to always remember the kid he tormented turned out to have a far better life than Coogan feared. I think it was a measure of grace.
This is the best episode of the series and if another upcoming episode ever tops it, I'll be VERY happy. But also very surprised. *****.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "A Hero Discovered"
Do you know how I know this is going to be a good series? Because I was actually hurt and upset that Naare is evil (and so far unrepentantly so). That means I care for the characters right off the bat, and much more-so than the cast of Star Wars Rebels.
Roger is a hilarious character too. I'm going to like this show. ****.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "The Mines Of Graballa"
Master Shake as a The Hutt? Yes, please. SO hilarious, especially since there is no reason he should be speaking English. They didn't even bother having Jabba do that, so it makes no sense that this guy can while Jabba can't. Except that it makes Dana Snyder's voice performance funnier. ****1/2.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "Zander's Joyride"
The good:
I think the tension of the mess the characters were in was quite good and real and crazymaking. Not quite Doc Brown on the clock-tower, but in that ballpark.
The bad:
The resolution and tension release was beyond underwhelming. Part of the reason Doc Brown is awesome is because he succeeds and cheers in triumph as the Back to the Future theme swells. Having the Freemakers lose this adventure, even if the consequences are not as disastrous as they could be, means the crazymaking wasn't worth it.
Good to hear Thomas Lennon in a Star Wars project though. **1/2.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "The Lost Treasure Of Cloud City"
Aaaand it's Lando Calrissian's cape. Because of course it is. And then the episode delivers the blow: now he doesn't have to wear Han's clothes anymore! The Lego Star Wars franchise knows exactly what things about Star Wars to make fun of. And that moment at the end of Empire is one of the weirdest things in the saga. Super funny episode. *****.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "Peril On Kashyyyk"
What a weird spelling for the Wookie planet. Mostly good, but I don't think this franchise should be drawing attention to the fact that Wookies speak a different language. Because that just means Han Solo should either be speaking it, or Chewie should be speaking English. It makes no sense for both of them to speak their own native tongues and still understand each other perfectly.
Never draw attention to alien languages in sci-fi. Ever. Star Trek's Universal Translators raise more questions than they answer, and some aliens speaking a different language while some aliens speak English is something a sci-fi franchise should NEVER draw attention to. That's sci-fi 101. ***.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "Crossing Paths"
What is weird is that I don't care about Luke and Leia in the slightest. Because the show isn't about them, so it feels like a weird detour to have an ep focused on them. It was mostly good. But I more appreciated Roger getting repeatedly thrown up because he tastes so bad, than Leia's action Crowning Moment Of Awesome. ***.
The Lion Guard "The Imaginary Okapi"
Do you know what I like? Kion believes Beshte all along. And why wouldn't he? Beshte has never made up random cr*p before, and Ono and Bunga are dumb to ever believe differently. God, I wish Kion had just ONCE been a member of Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers. Could have saved the Rangers a lot of grief if they weren't led by a borderline narcissistic sociopath like Chip. ***1/2.
Girl Meets World "Girl Meets Upstate"
Good lord, that was like a half hour therapy session. Cloying and maudlin and totally annoying. It's kind of interesting to explore the psychology of characters on a drama. The only comedy I've seen do it successfully is Community. Episodes this insufferable are probably the reason why. My eyes practically rolled into the back of my head the entire time. 1/2.
12 Monkeys "Blood Washed Away"
I liked it. It was big and epic and horrible, as the series at its best. And yet... I am not as amazed at it as I should be. Because it is a time travel show that means I know for a fact Ramse, Deacon, and Jones' deaths will be retconned, so I'm not as devastated by them as the show wants me to be. What is interesting to me is that there are strong hints the Witness is either Cole or Cassie.
Do you know what I think would be better? If the Witness is Kylo Ren and Cassie and Cole's kid. And conceived in that very moment. And suddenly Cole has the same struggle that Ramse does in having to give up his kid to save the world. I would be unhappy if it were Cole or Cassie. If it is their kid, the next season will be dynamite.
Mostly good. ****.
Wayward Pines "City Upon A Hill"
I think this episode is a turning point, at least for how I view the series. First off, Theresa's death means the entire main season one cast is dead. All of them. Before this episode that would have angered me, but I kind of get what the show is going for now.
Pilcher's, and the humans, goals are futile. They are short-sighted. They are poorly planned. They are doomed to fail. The series finale, whenever it airs, will be Wayward Pines falling, and the Abbies killing every last human. And after seeing tonight I'm okay with that ending. The only decent human among this lot is Yedlin. I loved how he managed that crisis so masterfully. And of course, a guy this sensible cannot be listened to once the smoke clears.
The opening scene of the docile Abbies playing with their children before Pilcher slaughters them for no reason tells me the Abbies are the good guys and the humans are the bad guys. The humans attacked first. The Abbies are only defending their own. And learning that their brain functions are higher than humans' also show why they should and will be the last ones standing. They have the ability to adapt. Jason and Megan refuse to believe the Abbies are as smart as they are. They do not take the fact that they are learning and possibly smarter than them into account. And that is what is going to doom the town. Before I thought humanity shouldn't survive because it descending into fascism. But that was the tip of the iceberg. Pilcher planned for nothing and provided minimal meds and food. Human's extinction was set into motion by having a savior who was such a p*ss poor planner. And all of these errors are totally unforced. He didn't HAVE to slaughter those Abbies upon first seeing them. He chose to. And now humanity has an enemy that might be smarter than it is, and is totally invested in wiping it out. Maybe I shouldn't be mad about the show killing off the original cast. Maybe that is ultimately everyone's fate. And maybe it should be.
This episode was so great because it made me rethink everything I thought I knew about the show. Whenever a TV show can do that in the middle of the second season, that's a very good thing. *****.
Wayward Pines "Time Will Tell"
Fascinating. Here are my major impressions:
--David Pilcher was an idiot with delusions of godhood. What is the defining characteristic of species that went extinct? The failure to adapt. The fact that Pilcher did not even consider for one second doing that shows he was not mankind's savior. He was its damnation.
--Jason needs to die. Now. Not because I hate him (although I do) but the town will die a horrible death if he is in charge much longer, and he will not step aside unless he is killed. He's basically what would happen if Donald Trump was in charge of Noah's Ark.
--I like C.J. Mitchell. A lot. I haven't seem Djimon Hounsou in a ton of stuff, but he's really good. And as the voice of reason, he is ALWAYS ignored. I believe the series finale will be the death of every human. And I believe that when that happens, the audience will consider it a happy ending. I certainly will.
--Yedlin, man. He's trying. His sensibility came far too late. Maybe if he had been unfrozen at the beginning things would be different. But I suspect the fact that he is smart, knows what he is doing, a born leader, absolutely essential for the town's survival, and ignored by the people in charge means he is doomed. I'll be surprised if he doesn't die in the second season finale. There is a strong possibility this show may change leads every year and gradually kill off each previous season's entire cast during the course of the next one. I would have been bothered by that before last week. The flashback with the slaughter in the helicopter changed everything.
--The Abbies took a few generations to evolve into what they are now. They used to be half human. VERY interesting to learn that and it makes complete sense. It also makes the death of the world even more tragic if the Abbies recognized that is what was happening during each successive generation.
Holy cow. This season has been amazing. I really hope the series winds up having a better last scene that season one's finale had. Because it deserves a great ending. Because it is a great show. *****.
Wayward Pines "Past Judgment"
Yedlin seems to be amazed that "accidents happen" is an acceptable answer in Wayward Pines. I'm appalled his ex-wife offered it. It's pathetic.
I was 90% sure Jason was going to kill his wife until he didn't. I still think that kid's a psychopath.
Loved the Abbies offering the guy who let Margaret go a free pass. Chilling moment. I really hope Margaret isn't dead but I know she is. They wouldn't have used that specific flashback if she wasn't. God, Pilcher was such a monster. It is so ironic Pilcher conditioned everyone in Wayward Pines to consider the Abbies savages. It's the humans who are that. Full stop.
Arlene keep binoculars for "bird-watching". In her bedroom. Right. Arlene continues to be the best character on the show.
Loved Yedlin pointing out that he had been trying to establish a trust last week with Margaret which Jason stupidly broke because he's an idiot. And how sick is it that he has a bunker for himself and his wife and is willing to let the entire town go to pot? Jason needs to die. Now.
Next week looks great too. About time the problem of Jason is dealt with head-on. ****.
Scream "Jeepers Creepers"
I DON'T believe Audrey. I DO believe she was Piper's actual accomplice. There are two things about her story that do not track. First is the fact that we KNOW there was a second killer last year who attacked Will and Piper to create an alibi. That had to have been Audrey, especially since one of the masks seemed to have her DNA on it. And if she DID do that, that means she was a willing accomplice. The second thing that does not track, is that she appeared to be ready to kill Noah earlier in the season when he was seconds away from learning the truth. I will never forgive or forget that moment, and even if we want to be charitable and say she just wanted to knock him out, what would her endgame there have been? How could she have explained that? No, I think she was genuinely thinking about killing Noah. She obviously has no problems kidnapping and tormenting him. I have no idea why Noah doesn't appear angrier at that than he is.
I love the idea that Noah lied about his favorite movie to Riley because telling a girl you love "Psycho" is not something you do on a first date. Frankly, I think "Psycho" being someone's favorite movie IS genuinely alarming. But at least Noah is aware of that.
I loved Brooke this episode. I love how she determined Branson's alibi was bogus just based on body language. I'd almost be outraged that she's wrecking that guy's new relationship just to suss out a clue, if it didn't turn out that he WAS willing to sleep with Brooke after all. Guy is a total scuzzbag.
I love the moment where Stavos and Audrey tell each other frankly that they each think the other is the killer. What I love about that is that there is a strong possibility they are both right and only Stavos knows it. Even if Stavos didn't show Audrey his comic book, and he genuinely just likes drawing violent pictures of people he knows, I wouldn't have thought he was necessarily the killer. The mask his father discovered wouldn't do that either. He could just be a thorough researcher. But the fact that he wears the mask shirtless when he's alone is a giant red flag. If he's not the serial killer now, he will be one down the road. That's Buffalo Bill right there.
I kind of laughed at how Emma seemed upset that Kieran didn't tell her about the sheriff's threats, and he's all "You wouldn't pick up the freaking phone!". That's totally a teenage girl thing to do and it's still appalling. Frankly, how Emma has survived this long is beyond me. She is genuinely clueless. Look at Noah. Second he goes into the House of Mirrors alone he's like "This is dumb and I am a dumb person." Why doesn't Emma ever do that?
The Sheriff telling Kieran that if the kids had been more honest with law enforcement than his father might still be alive is way out of line. And also completely true. Which is probably why Kieran parrots that back at Emma at the end of the episode. There should be no part of him that wouldn't want to smack the new sheriff for that. Except for the fact that he was completely 100% right. And they are making the same mistakes again.
I found it very interesting when Noah didn't tell Emma about the actual proof he had on Audrey. Which showed something interesting. He knew it was real and if Emma saw it she'd go to the police. He tells Emma, the die is cast. There is no going back. I have previously said that Audrey is the only person Noah would protect if he learned they were the killer. Maybe that's what he was doing in that moment. Because once he told Emma about the video there is no chance for him to back out. And since he believes she's the accomplice at this point, I get why he doesn't want to pull the trigger.
The mayor not wanting to sleep with the woman he took home from the bar was interesting. I have a hard time understanding why he took her home for another reason and DIDN'T sleep with her. Because it makes no sense not to sleep with her too. "That's not why you're here" sounds very mysterious and quirkycool, but the truth is, she was pretty attractive for a middle aged woman, and sleeping with her wouldn't have made her any less qualified for whatever job the mayor is offering. I like the mystery of that moment. But I do not for one second believe it. The Mayor is a dog and the woman was hot. He totally should have hit that.
It seems like whenever they don't have to do an episode about the fall-out from a major killing the show is allowed to be fun again. Which oddly make me want to see fewer killings and more maimings like the end of the episode. But this is a HORROR show! I should WANT to see killings! This is another reason the concept of a horror series was so ill-advised.
Still, this was a good episode. ****1/2.
Scream "Let The Right One In"
Arson, huh? That's new.
As much as a creep as Audrey seems for blocking Noah, I gotta say, the woman at the pharmacy angered me more. "Are you a big boy?" Gross. Absolutely gross.
I could have sworn Lang was either in on it or to do with it. I thought she was Leo Johnson. She isn't the killer but she was in the train-car. Guess not.
What is up with the Sheriff and Emma's mom? What are they talking about? Who did he call on the phone? Only really interesting mystery thing this episode.
So-so. ***.
Angie Tribeca "Organ Trail"
I like the euphemism of "knowing the streets". Angie knows them halfway. On her father's side. Hilarious.
Melanie Hutsell is still alive. She's still not funny though.
The biggest perk of curing cancer is that we can all go back to enjoying smoking and drinking again.
Not bad, although the dream sequence loop at the beginning got old quick. ***1/2.
Doctor Sleep By Stephen King
Looking at the book back cover and critic blurbs after reading this makes me laugh. Every critic quoted claims this is a terrifying, horrifying book that made then not want to turn the page. That is completely inaccurate. This may be a sequel to The Shining, but it isn't actually a horror book. Quite the contrary. It didn't make me dread turning the page, but it was so non-stop awesome that I actually enjoyed myself the entire way through (which is not always true of King's books).
King seems to have gained a sense of optimism as he's grown older, as none of the heroes from this book actually die. Which is really cool to me. Seeing the good guys win so completely over the bad guys is kind of cathartic for someone who grew up on Stephen King. Black House, another King sequel (that one to The Talisman) had a similar low body count and level of awesomeness. Doctor Sleep isn't as good as Black House. But it is like it in that it is far more compelling and enjoyable than the original book it was based on.
I honestly think Stephen King has gotten better with age. The only books of his I've outright loved before Bag Of Bones and the "Mature King" made his mark were The Stand and Eyes of the Dragon. Even books I liked like The Talisman and The Shining had their shares of problems. But a clean and sober King makes for a much more satisfying reading experience. And he doesn't seem to make as many of the racist and creepily sexual detours he did when he was on coke. The child orgy scene in IT still makes me shudder just thinking about it.
This book is about an adult Dan Torrance working at a hospice and using his gift of the Shining to help dying people cross over. But do you know what it's really about? Dan trying not to turn into his father. He becomes an alcoholic and unlike Jack goes to a 12 step program and gets better. And he has a mentoring relationship to a little girl with the Shining named Abra that mirrors his relationship to Dick Halloran in the original book. The life of Jack Torrance's lineage seems to keep going in cycles, and one of the major themes of the book is breaking those cycles. In fact, one of the terms for the deaths of the bad guys that is used is called "cycling." Everything seems to repeat itself, including the revelation that Abra tasted her first sip of alcohol by the end of the story. And I love a lot of the choices King made here including making Abra Dan's actual niece and Lucy Stone his sister. I also love that unlike the recent TV adaptation of The Shining, King doesn't gloss over Jack Torrance's faults from the original story. The sequel points out he had good in him but he also had legitimate bad in him. He wasn't simply misunderstood, and that was the thing that really bothered me about the TV adaptation. There is really no justification for Jack's violence and abusive streak, and I like that this seems to be the first time King isn't letting him off the hook.
Rose the Hat is a really memorable villain too. King is usually able to come up with pretty good ones, but Rose, a beautiful woman who wears a top hat and is secretly the leader of a cult of psychic vampires, is so great because she is confident, self-possessed, and completely in over her head when she has to face Dan and Abra. King has not been afraid to show his heroes owning the bad guys with an owning stick in his later novels (which was kind of the best thing about Black House) and I'm allowed to feel excited to see this monstrous woman easily defeated by a 13 year old girl and a recovering alcoholic. Dan Torrance is not the same level of awesome as Jack Sawyer in Black House. But I still got similar vibes.
I like that the thing that had been hanging over Dan the whole book, his darkest secret, the one that he forces himself to tell at the last AA meeting in the book, is ultimately a bigger and worse deal in his head than it was in reality. Because honestly? I kind of thought that the entire time too. Yeah, it was a scumbaggy thing to do to Deenie and her kid, but I have seen fictitious characters behave far worse, often in Stephen King books. It's the fact that this specific thing is what is eating Dan alive is what makes him a good guy. If I had that moment in my past, I would feel terrible and embarrassed. But it would not be the defining moment of my life. Because it is Dan's, that means he's a good person. It would not bother or mean as much to most people as it did him.
But, no, I was not actually scared at any point during this. Because like a LOT of King books that are sold in the horror section, the story isn't actually a horror story. I like that like Black House, Doctor Sleep simply used the original novel as a jumping off point, and then does its own thing. Black House had little to do with The Territories and Doctor Sleep has little to do with the Overlook Hotel. It's an entirely different kind of story, lacking the claustrophobia and terror of the original book. And I actually like it quite a bit better. *****.
Finding Dory
Finding Nemo was an amazing five star movie that moved me beyond words. Finding Dory is not. However Finding Nemo was ALSO the kind of movie where I wished I could just spend some more time with these characters. And on that Finding Dory delivered. As long as the movie wasn't terrible, I was always going to like it. It wasn't terrible. I liked it.
Let's get my major complaint out of the way. I think the concept was a little too dark, especially for such a light character as Dory. The short term memory loss thing was hilarious and endearing in the first movie, but if you think about it too hard, it's really kind of tragic and not funny. Toy Story has a similar problem built into its concept. Sure, the toys get a few more years with Bonnie now. But the underlying problem of the kid growing out of the toys remains, and they are just putting off the inevitable. It's because I know the toys are going to have to have a sad ending SOMETIME, which is the reason none of the Toy Story endings seemed all that happy to me. There is a darkness in that happiness.
The darkness of forgetting everything is a terrible concept to actually sit and think about. For one thing, we learned this is a Dory specific problem. Her parents don't seem to suffer from this, so they actually are broken when Dory gets lost in a way Dory herself is not. And it's got to kill them knowing that their daughter probably forgot all about them (and did). Dory finding her parents was nice, but I cannot imagine what fresh hell they must have been going through. It's like a kid with Down Syndrome who is abducted. Her parents can hope all they want that she'll someday find her way home. But deep down, knowing that she isn't really equipped to do that has got to be eating them alive. Marlin IS equipped to find Nemo (especially with Dory's help). For years until she met Marlin, Dory didn't have anyone. And it still took her a year of being with her new family to even realize something was up with her old one. It's a really dark and sad concept, which fortunately at least seems like it will have a happier, more permanent ending than poor Andy's doomed toys.
How did Dory's parents recognize her? She looks and sounds nothing like the cute little guppy that got lost. I kind of feel this is a plot point that should have been mentioned. Parents who lose kids they don't find until they are adults often do not recognize them at first at all. Dory's parent seem entirely too sure it is her.
I like Hank the Octopus precisely because for a great deal of the time, I couldn't tell if I should like him. During his first few scenes, there is every possibility he will turn out to be a villain. But he grows as attached to Dory as the audience has, and even if he doesn't believe Dory when she says she'll remember him, you can tell he wants to.
The end climax was a bit ridiculous, even for a Pixar movie. There is no way a bunch of fish should be able to catch a truck on the highway, and I pretty much rolled my eyes at the driving octopus. Still, "It's A Wonderful World" pretty much made all of the nonsense worth it.
Love that Sigourney Weaver is almost an omnipresent God in the film. I think this might be Pixar's first example of a celebrity playing themselves. And no, I don't count the punny Cars announcers.
"Unforgettable" was a great choice for the end title theme. Honestly, "Beyond the Sea" is one of the most memorable things about Finding Nemo, and it is one of the only movies where the end credits are an essential part of the appeal. That moment was even referenced on "Lost". This was not on that level. But at least the movie seemed to be aware they should try to MAKE it on that level. And that was enough for me.
Laughed at Gil's cameo at the end. It never ends for that guy.
I love Marlin saying "I know a guy" and the guy turning out to be Crush. Crush is and always HAS been The Guy.
I also loved Marlin trying to convince himself that the last thing he said to Dory before she disappeared wasn't actually as horrible as what Nemo pointed out his exact words were. He's not so much trying to rationalize it simply to make himself sound and feel better. I think part of him is appalled at the idea that that might wind up being what Dory ultimately thinks he thinks of her. And THAT is the truly horrible thing. I don't blame him for that.
Was the movie as great as the original? No. Did it need to be for me to enjoy it? No. ***1/2.
Piper
Dear lord, this was adorable. I want a Piper plushie. Now. Gimme gimme gimme. *****.
Teen Titans "TTG v PPG"
I'd normally complain about a crossover where one team is so clearly punked, but seriously, the Teen Titans are dumb and always have been. It's not like the Powerpuff Girls bested the DCAU Justice League or Young Justice.
I like that Robin is the first person ever to have heard the Narrator. That is pretty much a first in PPG history. And it works because Robin is nuts. I can accept it because of that. Robin is sort of the medium between our world and the fictitious world. Which is all kinds of awesome.
I expected the special to be 11 minutes of Teen Titans and then another 11 minutes for the Powerpuff Girls. I expected a half hour special. Instead this is just a noraml TTG with a guest cast. I'm fine with that. Pretty good. ****.
Batman Unlimited "System Failure"
So who pays for all the damages of Batman, Green Arrow, and Bane wrecking the city? **1/2.
Batman Unlimited "Some Assembly Required"
Mommy, Mommy, I want that!
I have to say, the fact that this show refuses to put up money for a voice cast was something I was VERY aware of this episode. You put five people in a room and nobody says anything, you notice. **1/2.
DC Super Hero Girls "New Beginnings"
The rest of the DCSHG shorts of season two take place AFTER the "Welcome To Super Hero High" TV special, but this one takes place before it. **.
DC Super Hero Girls "Hero Of The Month: Supergirl"
For some reason I like the shorter cartoons better. I can usually tolerate 90 seconds of this nonsense. ***.
DC Super Hero Girls "Batgirl vs. Supergirl"
I really shouldn't be as disappointed at the lame resolution as I am... but I still think it sucks. Just because awful endings like that are standard cartoon fare doesn't mean I should find it acceptable. "Nobody gets the cake!" is a trope that needed to be retired decades ago. 1/2.
DC Super Hero Girls "Quin-tessential Harley"
Good lord, this Harley's voice is like a jackhammer on my head. Sheesh. *.
DC Super Hero Girls "Hero Of The Month: Harley Quinn"
Remember how I said I could tolerate the 90 second cartoons? When they are focused around Harley, I am allowed to throw that claim out the window. *.
DC Super Hero Girls "License To Fly"
Dumb, even for this show. *.
Ultimate Spider-Man Vs. The Sinister 6 "Agent Web"
This Madame Web is quite different than the one on Spider-Man: The Animated Series. That version seemed dang near omnipotent, and hung around with the Beyonder. I'm not going to say I like this version better, but it WAS kind of cool to actually see her in action for once.
They never answered where Nova was. I'm a bit ticked about that, to be honest. But Madame Web and Crossbones makes up for a lot, especially since Spidey got the "Bonehead" wisecrack in, which was simply put, the greatest and funniest line on the original series (there used against Punisher). Mostly good week. ****.
Ultimate Spider-Man Vs. The Sinister 6 "Symbiote Saga: Part 1"
So, they aren't going to do the whole "reluctant vampire" thing with Morbius? That's a bit disappointing, especially since vampires are clearly a thing in the new Marveltoonverse, and their gimmick hasn't really been watered down. I kind of would have liked to have seen a vampire Morbius without suction cups on his hands who always talked about "plasma". Oh well.
The rest of the episode was boss. Carnage was a character from Spider-Man TAS they managed to vastly improve upon. The 90's show's problem was that they tried to bond the Symbiote to the serial killer from the comics without being allowed to say he was a serial killer. This show's solution is that it's the Symbiote itself that is crazy and the threat, and causes the trouble on its own. I'm still amazed the old show didn't think to either do that, or bond it with a different character. John Semper Jr. made SO many unforced errors on the 90's show. It did NOT need to be as bad as it was.
Hopefully, next episode Flash will have his sea-legs back, and stop being a nuisance. That was another thing that bugged me, but I let it slide because I think (and hope) it is not what the arc is ultimately going to be about. We'll see next week. Bring on Carnage Hulk! ****1/2.
Ultimate Spider-Man Vs. The Sinister 6 "Symbiote Saga: Part 2"
You know, once Harry learned the identity, and then decided to sacrifice himself, I really DID think they'd if not kill him off, appear to do so, and have his body be missing. What a great misdirect.
I like that when Hulk is having pleasant dreams he mutters "Hulk smash". That is what truly makes him happy. I also loved his "Good one, kid" upon being freed before he fell unconscious. I love the current animated versions of Hulk. Full stop.
Cool episode. *****.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy "Fox On The Run"
I liked the idea that Drax put a pin in his quest for revenge simply because at this point he thinks helping Gamora is more important. And it's not even a hard decision or something he struggles with. At this point, it is simply obvious. I love that this usually underwhelming cartoon was insightful enough to give that specific character that specific character growth. ***1/2.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy "Inhuman Touch"
I kind of think Peter's interaction with Maximus should have been more heavily monitored that it was. Perhaps somebody standing watch could have refused Peter giving the guy a pencil which is what caused all of the problems. Don't you think? ***.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy "Welcome Back"
Best episode so far and possibly the best episode of the series. If this doesn't wind up being my favorite episode, I'll be shocked.
The episode did everything right. Not only was the culture shock great for the aliens (Drax loves Earth junk food! Rocket marvels at duct tape and hoards a supply to take back with him!) but they also remembered to have culture shock for Peter too. Why was everyone looking at their cassette players? And they now make devices that can hold 10,000 songs? I regret he wasn't able to pick one up, but that might have made the ending TOO happy.
But seriously, how great is duct tape? I have heard it said it would work in outer space as far as patching up holes in space shuttles and spacesuits from the vacuum of space are concerned. It's one of those rare products that works exactly as described. I similarly love my double-sided Scotch invisible tape. There is no part of that that isn't a quality product.
I also love that ultimately Peter's bully had survivor's guilt. What a great and interesting tack to take. NEVER seen that before on a superhero toon. NEVER. I think Peter consented him to keeping his memories for a more selfless reason than simply wanting someone to remember how awesome he is. I think part of him didn't want Coogan to suffer with guilt anymore, and to always remember the kid he tormented turned out to have a far better life than Coogan feared. I think it was a measure of grace.
This is the best episode of the series and if another upcoming episode ever tops it, I'll be VERY happy. But also very surprised. *****.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "A Hero Discovered"
Do you know how I know this is going to be a good series? Because I was actually hurt and upset that Naare is evil (and so far unrepentantly so). That means I care for the characters right off the bat, and much more-so than the cast of Star Wars Rebels.
Roger is a hilarious character too. I'm going to like this show. ****.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "The Mines Of Graballa"
Master Shake as a The Hutt? Yes, please. SO hilarious, especially since there is no reason he should be speaking English. They didn't even bother having Jabba do that, so it makes no sense that this guy can while Jabba can't. Except that it makes Dana Snyder's voice performance funnier. ****1/2.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "Zander's Joyride"
The good:
I think the tension of the mess the characters were in was quite good and real and crazymaking. Not quite Doc Brown on the clock-tower, but in that ballpark.
The bad:
The resolution and tension release was beyond underwhelming. Part of the reason Doc Brown is awesome is because he succeeds and cheers in triumph as the Back to the Future theme swells. Having the Freemakers lose this adventure, even if the consequences are not as disastrous as they could be, means the crazymaking wasn't worth it.
Good to hear Thomas Lennon in a Star Wars project though. **1/2.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "The Lost Treasure Of Cloud City"
Aaaand it's Lando Calrissian's cape. Because of course it is. And then the episode delivers the blow: now he doesn't have to wear Han's clothes anymore! The Lego Star Wars franchise knows exactly what things about Star Wars to make fun of. And that moment at the end of Empire is one of the weirdest things in the saga. Super funny episode. *****.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "Peril On Kashyyyk"
What a weird spelling for the Wookie planet. Mostly good, but I don't think this franchise should be drawing attention to the fact that Wookies speak a different language. Because that just means Han Solo should either be speaking it, or Chewie should be speaking English. It makes no sense for both of them to speak their own native tongues and still understand each other perfectly.
Never draw attention to alien languages in sci-fi. Ever. Star Trek's Universal Translators raise more questions than they answer, and some aliens speaking a different language while some aliens speak English is something a sci-fi franchise should NEVER draw attention to. That's sci-fi 101. ***.
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures "Crossing Paths"
What is weird is that I don't care about Luke and Leia in the slightest. Because the show isn't about them, so it feels like a weird detour to have an ep focused on them. It was mostly good. But I more appreciated Roger getting repeatedly thrown up because he tastes so bad, than Leia's action Crowning Moment Of Awesome. ***.
The Lion Guard "The Imaginary Okapi"
Do you know what I like? Kion believes Beshte all along. And why wouldn't he? Beshte has never made up random cr*p before, and Ono and Bunga are dumb to ever believe differently. God, I wish Kion had just ONCE been a member of Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers. Could have saved the Rangers a lot of grief if they weren't led by a borderline narcissistic sociopath like Chip. ***1/2.
Girl Meets World "Girl Meets Upstate"
Good lord, that was like a half hour therapy session. Cloying and maudlin and totally annoying. It's kind of interesting to explore the psychology of characters on a drama. The only comedy I've seen do it successfully is Community. Episodes this insufferable are probably the reason why. My eyes practically rolled into the back of my head the entire time. 1/2.
12 Monkeys "Blood Washed Away"
I liked it. It was big and epic and horrible, as the series at its best. And yet... I am not as amazed at it as I should be. Because it is a time travel show that means I know for a fact Ramse, Deacon, and Jones' deaths will be retconned, so I'm not as devastated by them as the show wants me to be. What is interesting to me is that there are strong hints the Witness is either Cole or Cassie.
Do you know what I think would be better? If the Witness is Kylo Ren and Cassie and Cole's kid. And conceived in that very moment. And suddenly Cole has the same struggle that Ramse does in having to give up his kid to save the world. I would be unhappy if it were Cole or Cassie. If it is their kid, the next season will be dynamite.
Mostly good. ****.
Wayward Pines "City Upon A Hill"
I think this episode is a turning point, at least for how I view the series. First off, Theresa's death means the entire main season one cast is dead. All of them. Before this episode that would have angered me, but I kind of get what the show is going for now.
Pilcher's, and the humans, goals are futile. They are short-sighted. They are poorly planned. They are doomed to fail. The series finale, whenever it airs, will be Wayward Pines falling, and the Abbies killing every last human. And after seeing tonight I'm okay with that ending. The only decent human among this lot is Yedlin. I loved how he managed that crisis so masterfully. And of course, a guy this sensible cannot be listened to once the smoke clears.
The opening scene of the docile Abbies playing with their children before Pilcher slaughters them for no reason tells me the Abbies are the good guys and the humans are the bad guys. The humans attacked first. The Abbies are only defending their own. And learning that their brain functions are higher than humans' also show why they should and will be the last ones standing. They have the ability to adapt. Jason and Megan refuse to believe the Abbies are as smart as they are. They do not take the fact that they are learning and possibly smarter than them into account. And that is what is going to doom the town. Before I thought humanity shouldn't survive because it descending into fascism. But that was the tip of the iceberg. Pilcher planned for nothing and provided minimal meds and food. Human's extinction was set into motion by having a savior who was such a p*ss poor planner. And all of these errors are totally unforced. He didn't HAVE to slaughter those Abbies upon first seeing them. He chose to. And now humanity has an enemy that might be smarter than it is, and is totally invested in wiping it out. Maybe I shouldn't be mad about the show killing off the original cast. Maybe that is ultimately everyone's fate. And maybe it should be.
This episode was so great because it made me rethink everything I thought I knew about the show. Whenever a TV show can do that in the middle of the second season, that's a very good thing. *****.
Wayward Pines "Time Will Tell"
Fascinating. Here are my major impressions:
--David Pilcher was an idiot with delusions of godhood. What is the defining characteristic of species that went extinct? The failure to adapt. The fact that Pilcher did not even consider for one second doing that shows he was not mankind's savior. He was its damnation.
--Jason needs to die. Now. Not because I hate him (although I do) but the town will die a horrible death if he is in charge much longer, and he will not step aside unless he is killed. He's basically what would happen if Donald Trump was in charge of Noah's Ark.
--I like C.J. Mitchell. A lot. I haven't seem Djimon Hounsou in a ton of stuff, but he's really good. And as the voice of reason, he is ALWAYS ignored. I believe the series finale will be the death of every human. And I believe that when that happens, the audience will consider it a happy ending. I certainly will.
--Yedlin, man. He's trying. His sensibility came far too late. Maybe if he had been unfrozen at the beginning things would be different. But I suspect the fact that he is smart, knows what he is doing, a born leader, absolutely essential for the town's survival, and ignored by the people in charge means he is doomed. I'll be surprised if he doesn't die in the second season finale. There is a strong possibility this show may change leads every year and gradually kill off each previous season's entire cast during the course of the next one. I would have been bothered by that before last week. The flashback with the slaughter in the helicopter changed everything.
--The Abbies took a few generations to evolve into what they are now. They used to be half human. VERY interesting to learn that and it makes complete sense. It also makes the death of the world even more tragic if the Abbies recognized that is what was happening during each successive generation.
Holy cow. This season has been amazing. I really hope the series winds up having a better last scene that season one's finale had. Because it deserves a great ending. Because it is a great show. *****.
Wayward Pines "Past Judgment"
Yedlin seems to be amazed that "accidents happen" is an acceptable answer in Wayward Pines. I'm appalled his ex-wife offered it. It's pathetic.
I was 90% sure Jason was going to kill his wife until he didn't. I still think that kid's a psychopath.
Loved the Abbies offering the guy who let Margaret go a free pass. Chilling moment. I really hope Margaret isn't dead but I know she is. They wouldn't have used that specific flashback if she wasn't. God, Pilcher was such a monster. It is so ironic Pilcher conditioned everyone in Wayward Pines to consider the Abbies savages. It's the humans who are that. Full stop.
Arlene keep binoculars for "bird-watching". In her bedroom. Right. Arlene continues to be the best character on the show.
Loved Yedlin pointing out that he had been trying to establish a trust last week with Margaret which Jason stupidly broke because he's an idiot. And how sick is it that he has a bunker for himself and his wife and is willing to let the entire town go to pot? Jason needs to die. Now.
Next week looks great too. About time the problem of Jason is dealt with head-on. ****.
Scream "Jeepers Creepers"
I DON'T believe Audrey. I DO believe she was Piper's actual accomplice. There are two things about her story that do not track. First is the fact that we KNOW there was a second killer last year who attacked Will and Piper to create an alibi. That had to have been Audrey, especially since one of the masks seemed to have her DNA on it. And if she DID do that, that means she was a willing accomplice. The second thing that does not track, is that she appeared to be ready to kill Noah earlier in the season when he was seconds away from learning the truth. I will never forgive or forget that moment, and even if we want to be charitable and say she just wanted to knock him out, what would her endgame there have been? How could she have explained that? No, I think she was genuinely thinking about killing Noah. She obviously has no problems kidnapping and tormenting him. I have no idea why Noah doesn't appear angrier at that than he is.
I love the idea that Noah lied about his favorite movie to Riley because telling a girl you love "Psycho" is not something you do on a first date. Frankly, I think "Psycho" being someone's favorite movie IS genuinely alarming. But at least Noah is aware of that.
I loved Brooke this episode. I love how she determined Branson's alibi was bogus just based on body language. I'd almost be outraged that she's wrecking that guy's new relationship just to suss out a clue, if it didn't turn out that he WAS willing to sleep with Brooke after all. Guy is a total scuzzbag.
I love the moment where Stavos and Audrey tell each other frankly that they each think the other is the killer. What I love about that is that there is a strong possibility they are both right and only Stavos knows it. Even if Stavos didn't show Audrey his comic book, and he genuinely just likes drawing violent pictures of people he knows, I wouldn't have thought he was necessarily the killer. The mask his father discovered wouldn't do that either. He could just be a thorough researcher. But the fact that he wears the mask shirtless when he's alone is a giant red flag. If he's not the serial killer now, he will be one down the road. That's Buffalo Bill right there.
I kind of laughed at how Emma seemed upset that Kieran didn't tell her about the sheriff's threats, and he's all "You wouldn't pick up the freaking phone!". That's totally a teenage girl thing to do and it's still appalling. Frankly, how Emma has survived this long is beyond me. She is genuinely clueless. Look at Noah. Second he goes into the House of Mirrors alone he's like "This is dumb and I am a dumb person." Why doesn't Emma ever do that?
The Sheriff telling Kieran that if the kids had been more honest with law enforcement than his father might still be alive is way out of line. And also completely true. Which is probably why Kieran parrots that back at Emma at the end of the episode. There should be no part of him that wouldn't want to smack the new sheriff for that. Except for the fact that he was completely 100% right. And they are making the same mistakes again.
I found it very interesting when Noah didn't tell Emma about the actual proof he had on Audrey. Which showed something interesting. He knew it was real and if Emma saw it she'd go to the police. He tells Emma, the die is cast. There is no going back. I have previously said that Audrey is the only person Noah would protect if he learned they were the killer. Maybe that's what he was doing in that moment. Because once he told Emma about the video there is no chance for him to back out. And since he believes she's the accomplice at this point, I get why he doesn't want to pull the trigger.
The mayor not wanting to sleep with the woman he took home from the bar was interesting. I have a hard time understanding why he took her home for another reason and DIDN'T sleep with her. Because it makes no sense not to sleep with her too. "That's not why you're here" sounds very mysterious and quirkycool, but the truth is, she was pretty attractive for a middle aged woman, and sleeping with her wouldn't have made her any less qualified for whatever job the mayor is offering. I like the mystery of that moment. But I do not for one second believe it. The Mayor is a dog and the woman was hot. He totally should have hit that.
It seems like whenever they don't have to do an episode about the fall-out from a major killing the show is allowed to be fun again. Which oddly make me want to see fewer killings and more maimings like the end of the episode. But this is a HORROR show! I should WANT to see killings! This is another reason the concept of a horror series was so ill-advised.
Still, this was a good episode. ****1/2.
Scream "Let The Right One In"
Arson, huh? That's new.
As much as a creep as Audrey seems for blocking Noah, I gotta say, the woman at the pharmacy angered me more. "Are you a big boy?" Gross. Absolutely gross.
I could have sworn Lang was either in on it or to do with it. I thought she was Leo Johnson. She isn't the killer but she was in the train-car. Guess not.
What is up with the Sheriff and Emma's mom? What are they talking about? Who did he call on the phone? Only really interesting mystery thing this episode.
So-so. ***.
Angie Tribeca "Organ Trail"
I like the euphemism of "knowing the streets". Angie knows them halfway. On her father's side. Hilarious.
Melanie Hutsell is still alive. She's still not funny though.
The biggest perk of curing cancer is that we can all go back to enjoying smoking and drinking again.
Not bad, although the dream sequence loop at the beginning got old quick. ***1/2.
Doctor Sleep By Stephen King
Looking at the book back cover and critic blurbs after reading this makes me laugh. Every critic quoted claims this is a terrifying, horrifying book that made then not want to turn the page. That is completely inaccurate. This may be a sequel to The Shining, but it isn't actually a horror book. Quite the contrary. It didn't make me dread turning the page, but it was so non-stop awesome that I actually enjoyed myself the entire way through (which is not always true of King's books).
King seems to have gained a sense of optimism as he's grown older, as none of the heroes from this book actually die. Which is really cool to me. Seeing the good guys win so completely over the bad guys is kind of cathartic for someone who grew up on Stephen King. Black House, another King sequel (that one to The Talisman) had a similar low body count and level of awesomeness. Doctor Sleep isn't as good as Black House. But it is like it in that it is far more compelling and enjoyable than the original book it was based on.
I honestly think Stephen King has gotten better with age. The only books of his I've outright loved before Bag Of Bones and the "Mature King" made his mark were The Stand and Eyes of the Dragon. Even books I liked like The Talisman and The Shining had their shares of problems. But a clean and sober King makes for a much more satisfying reading experience. And he doesn't seem to make as many of the racist and creepily sexual detours he did when he was on coke. The child orgy scene in IT still makes me shudder just thinking about it.
This book is about an adult Dan Torrance working at a hospice and using his gift of the Shining to help dying people cross over. But do you know what it's really about? Dan trying not to turn into his father. He becomes an alcoholic and unlike Jack goes to a 12 step program and gets better. And he has a mentoring relationship to a little girl with the Shining named Abra that mirrors his relationship to Dick Halloran in the original book. The life of Jack Torrance's lineage seems to keep going in cycles, and one of the major themes of the book is breaking those cycles. In fact, one of the terms for the deaths of the bad guys that is used is called "cycling." Everything seems to repeat itself, including the revelation that Abra tasted her first sip of alcohol by the end of the story. And I love a lot of the choices King made here including making Abra Dan's actual niece and Lucy Stone his sister. I also love that unlike the recent TV adaptation of The Shining, King doesn't gloss over Jack Torrance's faults from the original story. The sequel points out he had good in him but he also had legitimate bad in him. He wasn't simply misunderstood, and that was the thing that really bothered me about the TV adaptation. There is really no justification for Jack's violence and abusive streak, and I like that this seems to be the first time King isn't letting him off the hook.
Rose the Hat is a really memorable villain too. King is usually able to come up with pretty good ones, but Rose, a beautiful woman who wears a top hat and is secretly the leader of a cult of psychic vampires, is so great because she is confident, self-possessed, and completely in over her head when she has to face Dan and Abra. King has not been afraid to show his heroes owning the bad guys with an owning stick in his later novels (which was kind of the best thing about Black House) and I'm allowed to feel excited to see this monstrous woman easily defeated by a 13 year old girl and a recovering alcoholic. Dan Torrance is not the same level of awesome as Jack Sawyer in Black House. But I still got similar vibes.
I like that the thing that had been hanging over Dan the whole book, his darkest secret, the one that he forces himself to tell at the last AA meeting in the book, is ultimately a bigger and worse deal in his head than it was in reality. Because honestly? I kind of thought that the entire time too. Yeah, it was a scumbaggy thing to do to Deenie and her kid, but I have seen fictitious characters behave far worse, often in Stephen King books. It's the fact that this specific thing is what is eating Dan alive is what makes him a good guy. If I had that moment in my past, I would feel terrible and embarrassed. But it would not be the defining moment of my life. Because it is Dan's, that means he's a good person. It would not bother or mean as much to most people as it did him.
But, no, I was not actually scared at any point during this. Because like a LOT of King books that are sold in the horror section, the story isn't actually a horror story. I like that like Black House, Doctor Sleep simply used the original novel as a jumping off point, and then does its own thing. Black House had little to do with The Territories and Doctor Sleep has little to do with the Overlook Hotel. It's an entirely different kind of story, lacking the claustrophobia and terror of the original book. And I actually like it quite a bit better. *****.
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Date: 2016-07-16 11:09 am (UTC)As for Wookie language, something that occurred to me recently... how come Chewbacca has a name that is completely unpronounceable in his own language? I mean, surely the closest he can manage is "Rrewrarrha"?
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Date: 2016-07-16 02:15 pm (UTC)And Chewie's name is precisely why nobody should be drawing attention to the fact that Wookies speak a different language.