![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
matt_zimmerAlso reviews for the latest episodes of Superman And Lois, and Gotham Knights, the series finale of The Flash, the series premiere of Gremlins: Secrets Of The Mogwai, the first six episodes of the second season of Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life, the latest episode of Mike Judge's Beavis And Butt-Head, and the comic book miniseries The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead.
Shazam!: Fury Of The Gods
I liked the first Shazam movie, but honestly I felt like it tried to do too much for the first outing. I felt the same way about Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice, but at least the first Shazam film was fun. This film's tone however feels much more solid and comfortable with itself. People will complain that the Sivana and Mr. Mind stuff has been put off for a third movie that will probably never happen, but the second tag was actually my least favorite thing about the movie.
I resented the hell out of Billy's fake-out death at the end, but I'll give the filmmaker's this: Bringing in Gal Gadot to cheaply retcon it makes me forgive it entirely. Funny how that works. Gal Gadot simply makes everything better. People wonder why I actually loved the critically reviled Wonder Woman 1984. That! That!
"Hi, Kaleesi!" You know what? Billy really shouldn't be watching Game Of Thrones. Am I crazy for thinking that?
Also how can Billy claim to have seen every Fast & Furious movie yet cannot recognize Queenie is standing right in front of him?
Captain Marvel was mentioned as a goof. But I did notice it.
Loved Billy's therapy session with the pediatrician at the beginning.
Captain Marvel purists will definitely object to the moral that anyone can be deserving of the power, but whether that flies against the comic's canon or not, it's the correct empowering moral. I would argue the comic suggesting only Billy's singular virtue and morality being worthy of that power was actually telling the story wrong for decades.
I yawned at the second tag but I laughed at the first tag with Billy being recruited for the Justice Society and him poking holes at how dumb it is that two organizations designed for the same purpose have the words "Justice" in the title. Billy's suggestion of "Avengers Society" is so good it's the comic book I want to see that can never exist for legal reasons. Darn.
The Skittles product placement was annoyingly blatant, but the thing I liked about that plotline is that Darla isn't afraid of the unicorn even for a second (even though she probably should be). I like that about Darla and it shows the selling point of doing the premise of kids as superheroes.
"Who wants their superpowers back?" Love the implications at the end that Billy shared the Shazam powers with the foster parents and Ann. Kind of would have wanted to see their superpowered forms, but in the unlikely event of a sequel I guess that's what that's for.
I had totally forgotten how great an actor the kid who plays Freddie is. I disapprove of child acting on general principle, but there is no question this specific kid has major talent.
The Wizard was a great deal of fun and Djimon Hounsou clearly had a blast playing him this time out.
Helen Mirren reading Steve's goofy letter was probably the funniest thing in the movie. I'm glad I didn't see this in the theater. I never would have heard the second half of it. The audience would be laughing too hard over it. It IS hilarious.
As a rule I don't like the Extended Universe. But this movie is a rare bright spot in the continuity. ****1/2.
Superman & Lois "The Dress"
I love the Kents. Clark and Lois lovingly cuddling at the end is why I watch the show. What great people to center a show around. We are very lucky.
I like that the fact that John Henry killed a guy is a concern, but not necessarily a dealbreaker. When he says it was him or him, it's not entirely true in fact (Superman could have apprehended him) but certainly in spirit. If he were cop that would have been considered a clean shooting. Superman is not expected to stop all clean police shootings either.
Matteo suggesting that John is a bad guy is a poor excuse for his mother trying to murder him. But the fact is throughout the episode he IS a bad guy. I'm glad Nat changed his mind at the end, but it's not something she should have needed to point out. It's not just Superman who was finding his tactics abhorrent. Sam (SAM!) thought they were out of line too.
I love the fact that Sam and Clark are so simpatico now. It's really interesting.
Lois' fear about losing her breasts is great drama because it's a real fear in this situation, and a real reality for women with cancer. While I disdain the fact that the show hasn't actually shown Lois losing her hair, I think this specific idea shows a woman with cancer's fear about her appearance fully.
I love that Clark collects baseball cards. Along with the DC Animated Universe Superman, the Clark on this show is the only other interpretation of the character I actually find remotely human and relatable. Few writers are interested in those aspects to Superman so they aren't present. But Clark is a real and lovable guy for selling the cards (including his mint Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card) to buy his girl a pretty dress.
I think the reason Jordan and Jonathan actually hug it out is because both of them are too terrified of Sarah to contradict her. Wouldn't you be?
I love this show and am really worried it hasn't been renewed yet. What is the CW waiting for? ****.
Gotham Knights "Dark Knight Of The Soul"
The show has done better, but the truth is it was still good and better than most of the Arrowverse.
That ending with Harvey on the recorder? Nice!
The cool thing about this being a new and weird continuity is that if it turns out Bruce DID kill Turner's parents, it wouldn't rock the DC Universe in any way. This continuity is sort of built for ideas like that. Batman being dead has turned out to be surprisingly freeing.
I haven't seen Emily Rose in anything since Haven went off the air. I'm sure she was cast in stuff (probably videogame roles) but I never saw it and it's the first time I've seen her onscreen in years. She actually still looks really great.
This show is above average television. ***1/2.
The Flash "A New World: Part 4: Finale"
The last five minutes were REALLY nice, and I won't diminish them. But everything else before it was a freaking slog. 11 seasons of the Arrowverse continuity for that? No. Not remotely worth it.
What bothers me is Arrow's finale pulled out all the stops regarding cameos and callbacks. I can't believe the Arrowverse ended with ZERO wrap-up for the Legends OR Constantine. What was the point of the final season if not for stuff like that? I would have preferred seeing them again before Oliver Queen, because Oliver Queen's story was finished and satisfying.
And even though Eddie made peace with the Flash I still am annoyed that he was essentially the Big Bad of the final episode.
Caitlin coming back was not a surprise but I was surprised they kept Frost dead. I was insisting ever since they killed her off in that punkass way that she wasn't really dead. I was 100% wrong the entire time, and when it comes to theories like that, I'm usually not. In my defense, it is still hard for me to reconcile a long-running show killing off such a major character in such a punkass way. The punkass deaths are the ones you retcon. Somebody needed to tell that to this show, and while they're at it explain this concept to Greg Weisman regarding Kid Flash on Young Justice too.
I'm glad I don't have to worry about this show and continuity anymore. And after Superman And Lois and Gotham Knights end, I sincerely wish Greg Berlanti is never involved in another DC project ever again. The DC Universe is worse for his fingers being in so many pots in recent years, and we need new blood and a new vision. I don't think that will wind up being James Gunn, but he can't do worse than Berlanti, so whatever. I'm a bit exhausted at this point, to be honest. **.
Gremlins: Secrets Of The Mogwai "Never Get Them Wet"
I loved the ending. Great iconic closing shot. And the bad guy's bit about the differences between explanations and excuses to deflect blame lets us know a lot about him.
And the scene at the beginning of the little Mogwais singing in the village was beyond adorable.
I love the positive Chinese representations in the series. To be honest, the films were a bit dodgy there. This feel more real and less stereotypical.
I don't love that Sam coincidentally named him "Gizmo". I understand why that needs to be for branding reasons, but I don't like it. It doesn't make sense.
The idea that Gizmo IS this old is not something I believe the films set up (although it's been awhile since I've seen them) but I don't think the idea contradicts anything either.
Positive impression. I wish more had been done with this property before now. ****.
Gremlins: Secrets Of The Mogwai "Never Feed Them After Midnight"
Oh no! Gremlins!
Greene is a refreshing villain because he has great powers of observation and deduction. It's a great and unusual skill to give a villain (it's almost exclusively the gift of a hero detective) and it really sets both him and the entire show apart.
And the scene of him swallowing the orb with Grandpa in it was horrific. But I don't think Grandpa is actually dead. I doubt they'd be allowed to get away with something that visually horrible if it were permanent.
I love Sam suggesting to Gizmo that the new Mogwais might be considered his kids. You know what? They might be at that.
I'm loving this show so far. ****.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "The Martian Chipmunks / Two And A Half Chipmunks / Koi Ride"
The Martian Chipmunks
Gyro Gearloose cameo. More on-brand for that character than the DuckTales 2017 version at any rate. ***.
Two And A Half Chipmunks
Okay, that was a weird cartoon. **1/2.
Koi Ride
Also weird. This show is weird. **1/2.
Episode Overall: **1/2.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Bee My Queen / Minimalism / The Nutcracker"
Bee My Queen
Something about bees and fascism. This cartoon is very hard to understand without dialogue. That is a failing. *.
Minimalism
Incomprehensible for the same reasons. *.
The Nutcracker
Are my entire reviews for the season going to boil down to me saying "Huh?" The show attempts plots that are too complex and need clarification through words to work. It's impossible to understand instead. *.
Episode Overall: *.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Cafe Con-Carmage / Miracle Munk / Crime And Poultry"
Cafe Con Carnage
Kind of a gross scam. It's like Yelp for chipmunks. ***.
Miracle Munk
For the record, it seems like characters legit died several times. Peg-Leg Pete is a menace. ****.
Crime And Poultry
The turkey judge was giving me strong vibes of the Hyperchicken lawyer from Futurama.
I laughed at the muscled, bench-pressing snail convict too. ***1/2.
Episode Overall: ***1/2.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Friends In Disguise / Down Memory Lane / Mini Golf Mayhem"
Friends In Disguise
The frogs are both silly and weird. ****.
Down Memory Lane
Donald is still a thing, but ripped Chip and Dale sort of make me throw up in my mouth a little. ***.
Mini Golf Mayhem
Why is Donald kissing the money? Does he have any idea of where it's been? Totally gross.
Also, why is it blue? **1/2.
Episode Overall: ***.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Artistic Differences / Cruisin' For A Bruisin' / Tap That Sap"
Artistic Differences
The show is often SO hard for me to understand without dialogue. *1/2.
Cruisin' For A Bruisin'
Return of Gyro Gearloose. Also blatant Steamboat Willie reference is blatant. **1/2.
Tap That Sap
I don't much like the cartoon but even I can admit that when Chip and Dale hug each other in either joy or terror it's pretty much adorable. ***.
Episode Overall: **1/2.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Gift Attack / Beetlemania / Nut My Parcel"
Gift Attack
You know what? I HATE "self-improvement" gifts. If somebody gives you a gym membership as a present, really that is nothing but a veiled insult. It should be viewed as such.
Interestingly, it's this premise (among other things) that has led me to believe the Chip and Dale on this show are an actual couple. Sharing a bed is another thing as it the alarming amount of face nuzzling they do. It's sort of cute. *****.
Beetlemania
Weird premise. ***.
Nut My Parcel
Like many of the shorts, it's incomprehensible to me without dialogue. *1/2.
Episode Overall: ***1/2.
Mike Judge's Beavis And Butt-Head "The Day Butt-Head Went Too Far / Spring Break"
The Day Butt-Head Went Too Far
It's probably lucky Beavis is as stupid as he is. He probably would have killed Butt-Head long ago if he weren't. And I would have cheered him on. ****.
Tom Anderson's War Stories
This shorts are proving that in his own way Tom Anderson was just as damaging in his youth as the boys are. ***.
Spring Break
This didn't really speak to me. And the video segments in both cartoons were kind of weak this week. **1/2,
Episode Overall: ***.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 1 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 1
Clever way to kill Cort (although it is retconned in "A Wind Through The Keyhole") and this is pretty much the story in which things go from bad to worse. ***1/2.
Poisoned Pen, Poisoned Book: The Fall Of Cortland Andrus
Robin Furth points out her initials are R.F. and that the psychic paper seen in the story is from Doctor Who (Which she incorrectly calls Dr. Who). ***1/2.
Matricide:
About Gabrielle's death. **1/2.
Issue Overall: ***1/2.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 2 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 2
Sheemie steals the show when he's confused for a Not-Man.
Roland gone a little too emo for my tastes. I get the guilt he feels for killing his mother but him acting like he actually DESERVES the rope is a bit much (which is me putting that mildly). ***1/2.
The Art And Discipline Of Creative Continuity
Robin Furth discusses the struggles of plotting the story based on what was in the books, and what she had to invent on her own. ****.
Issue Overall: ****.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 3 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 3
Cort's kind words about both Roland and Aileen on his deathbed are super rewarding and worth the price of admission. That is a horrific cover too.
Sheemie being Sheemie is also great.
Poor Bert. This really is the cruelest arc.
Speaking of which, that cliffhanger with Vannay being murdered slays me too. ****1/2.
Aileen Ritter And The Female Gunslinger
A nonfiction essay of Furth discussing coming at the story from a female perspective and how she wanted to do right by the women of Mid-World. ****.
Issue Overall: ****1/2.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 4 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 4
Poo's getting real. Things go from bad to worse in this devastating chapter. ***1/2.
The Many Legendary Rolands
Furth discusses the Roland from "Childe Roland To The Dark Tower Came" as well as other famous Rolands from history, myth, and legend. ****.
Issue Overall: ***1/2.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 5 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 5
Devastating. Heartbreaking. Effecting. ****1/2.
In Defense Of Gilead
Essay describing the weapons beneath the city in more detail. ****1/2.
Issue Overall: ****1/2.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 6 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 6
The last page of Marten raising Farson's flag over Gilead says everything. As does Farson slaughtering the women and children in hiding.
Dark, dark comic. ****.
Planning The Fall Of Gilead
Robin Furth details some of the struggles she faced while plotting this pivotal arc. ****.
Issue Overall: ****.
Shazam!: Fury Of The Gods
I liked the first Shazam movie, but honestly I felt like it tried to do too much for the first outing. I felt the same way about Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice, but at least the first Shazam film was fun. This film's tone however feels much more solid and comfortable with itself. People will complain that the Sivana and Mr. Mind stuff has been put off for a third movie that will probably never happen, but the second tag was actually my least favorite thing about the movie.
I resented the hell out of Billy's fake-out death at the end, but I'll give the filmmaker's this: Bringing in Gal Gadot to cheaply retcon it makes me forgive it entirely. Funny how that works. Gal Gadot simply makes everything better. People wonder why I actually loved the critically reviled Wonder Woman 1984. That! That!
"Hi, Kaleesi!" You know what? Billy really shouldn't be watching Game Of Thrones. Am I crazy for thinking that?
Also how can Billy claim to have seen every Fast & Furious movie yet cannot recognize Queenie is standing right in front of him?
Captain Marvel was mentioned as a goof. But I did notice it.
Loved Billy's therapy session with the pediatrician at the beginning.
Captain Marvel purists will definitely object to the moral that anyone can be deserving of the power, but whether that flies against the comic's canon or not, it's the correct empowering moral. I would argue the comic suggesting only Billy's singular virtue and morality being worthy of that power was actually telling the story wrong for decades.
I yawned at the second tag but I laughed at the first tag with Billy being recruited for the Justice Society and him poking holes at how dumb it is that two organizations designed for the same purpose have the words "Justice" in the title. Billy's suggestion of "Avengers Society" is so good it's the comic book I want to see that can never exist for legal reasons. Darn.
The Skittles product placement was annoyingly blatant, but the thing I liked about that plotline is that Darla isn't afraid of the unicorn even for a second (even though she probably should be). I like that about Darla and it shows the selling point of doing the premise of kids as superheroes.
"Who wants their superpowers back?" Love the implications at the end that Billy shared the Shazam powers with the foster parents and Ann. Kind of would have wanted to see their superpowered forms, but in the unlikely event of a sequel I guess that's what that's for.
I had totally forgotten how great an actor the kid who plays Freddie is. I disapprove of child acting on general principle, but there is no question this specific kid has major talent.
The Wizard was a great deal of fun and Djimon Hounsou clearly had a blast playing him this time out.
Helen Mirren reading Steve's goofy letter was probably the funniest thing in the movie. I'm glad I didn't see this in the theater. I never would have heard the second half of it. The audience would be laughing too hard over it. It IS hilarious.
As a rule I don't like the Extended Universe. But this movie is a rare bright spot in the continuity. ****1/2.
Superman & Lois "The Dress"
I love the Kents. Clark and Lois lovingly cuddling at the end is why I watch the show. What great people to center a show around. We are very lucky.
I like that the fact that John Henry killed a guy is a concern, but not necessarily a dealbreaker. When he says it was him or him, it's not entirely true in fact (Superman could have apprehended him) but certainly in spirit. If he were cop that would have been considered a clean shooting. Superman is not expected to stop all clean police shootings either.
Matteo suggesting that John is a bad guy is a poor excuse for his mother trying to murder him. But the fact is throughout the episode he IS a bad guy. I'm glad Nat changed his mind at the end, but it's not something she should have needed to point out. It's not just Superman who was finding his tactics abhorrent. Sam (SAM!) thought they were out of line too.
I love the fact that Sam and Clark are so simpatico now. It's really interesting.
Lois' fear about losing her breasts is great drama because it's a real fear in this situation, and a real reality for women with cancer. While I disdain the fact that the show hasn't actually shown Lois losing her hair, I think this specific idea shows a woman with cancer's fear about her appearance fully.
I love that Clark collects baseball cards. Along with the DC Animated Universe Superman, the Clark on this show is the only other interpretation of the character I actually find remotely human and relatable. Few writers are interested in those aspects to Superman so they aren't present. But Clark is a real and lovable guy for selling the cards (including his mint Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card) to buy his girl a pretty dress.
I think the reason Jordan and Jonathan actually hug it out is because both of them are too terrified of Sarah to contradict her. Wouldn't you be?
I love this show and am really worried it hasn't been renewed yet. What is the CW waiting for? ****.
Gotham Knights "Dark Knight Of The Soul"
The show has done better, but the truth is it was still good and better than most of the Arrowverse.
That ending with Harvey on the recorder? Nice!
The cool thing about this being a new and weird continuity is that if it turns out Bruce DID kill Turner's parents, it wouldn't rock the DC Universe in any way. This continuity is sort of built for ideas like that. Batman being dead has turned out to be surprisingly freeing.
I haven't seen Emily Rose in anything since Haven went off the air. I'm sure she was cast in stuff (probably videogame roles) but I never saw it and it's the first time I've seen her onscreen in years. She actually still looks really great.
This show is above average television. ***1/2.
The Flash "A New World: Part 4: Finale"
The last five minutes were REALLY nice, and I won't diminish them. But everything else before it was a freaking slog. 11 seasons of the Arrowverse continuity for that? No. Not remotely worth it.
What bothers me is Arrow's finale pulled out all the stops regarding cameos and callbacks. I can't believe the Arrowverse ended with ZERO wrap-up for the Legends OR Constantine. What was the point of the final season if not for stuff like that? I would have preferred seeing them again before Oliver Queen, because Oliver Queen's story was finished and satisfying.
And even though Eddie made peace with the Flash I still am annoyed that he was essentially the Big Bad of the final episode.
Caitlin coming back was not a surprise but I was surprised they kept Frost dead. I was insisting ever since they killed her off in that punkass way that she wasn't really dead. I was 100% wrong the entire time, and when it comes to theories like that, I'm usually not. In my defense, it is still hard for me to reconcile a long-running show killing off such a major character in such a punkass way. The punkass deaths are the ones you retcon. Somebody needed to tell that to this show, and while they're at it explain this concept to Greg Weisman regarding Kid Flash on Young Justice too.
I'm glad I don't have to worry about this show and continuity anymore. And after Superman And Lois and Gotham Knights end, I sincerely wish Greg Berlanti is never involved in another DC project ever again. The DC Universe is worse for his fingers being in so many pots in recent years, and we need new blood and a new vision. I don't think that will wind up being James Gunn, but he can't do worse than Berlanti, so whatever. I'm a bit exhausted at this point, to be honest. **.
Gremlins: Secrets Of The Mogwai "Never Get Them Wet"
I loved the ending. Great iconic closing shot. And the bad guy's bit about the differences between explanations and excuses to deflect blame lets us know a lot about him.
And the scene at the beginning of the little Mogwais singing in the village was beyond adorable.
I love the positive Chinese representations in the series. To be honest, the films were a bit dodgy there. This feel more real and less stereotypical.
I don't love that Sam coincidentally named him "Gizmo". I understand why that needs to be for branding reasons, but I don't like it. It doesn't make sense.
The idea that Gizmo IS this old is not something I believe the films set up (although it's been awhile since I've seen them) but I don't think the idea contradicts anything either.
Positive impression. I wish more had been done with this property before now. ****.
Gremlins: Secrets Of The Mogwai "Never Feed Them After Midnight"
Oh no! Gremlins!
Greene is a refreshing villain because he has great powers of observation and deduction. It's a great and unusual skill to give a villain (it's almost exclusively the gift of a hero detective) and it really sets both him and the entire show apart.
And the scene of him swallowing the orb with Grandpa in it was horrific. But I don't think Grandpa is actually dead. I doubt they'd be allowed to get away with something that visually horrible if it were permanent.
I love Sam suggesting to Gizmo that the new Mogwais might be considered his kids. You know what? They might be at that.
I'm loving this show so far. ****.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "The Martian Chipmunks / Two And A Half Chipmunks / Koi Ride"
The Martian Chipmunks
Gyro Gearloose cameo. More on-brand for that character than the DuckTales 2017 version at any rate. ***.
Two And A Half Chipmunks
Okay, that was a weird cartoon. **1/2.
Koi Ride
Also weird. This show is weird. **1/2.
Episode Overall: **1/2.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Bee My Queen / Minimalism / The Nutcracker"
Bee My Queen
Something about bees and fascism. This cartoon is very hard to understand without dialogue. That is a failing. *.
Minimalism
Incomprehensible for the same reasons. *.
The Nutcracker
Are my entire reviews for the season going to boil down to me saying "Huh?" The show attempts plots that are too complex and need clarification through words to work. It's impossible to understand instead. *.
Episode Overall: *.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Cafe Con-Carmage / Miracle Munk / Crime And Poultry"
Cafe Con Carnage
Kind of a gross scam. It's like Yelp for chipmunks. ***.
Miracle Munk
For the record, it seems like characters legit died several times. Peg-Leg Pete is a menace. ****.
Crime And Poultry
The turkey judge was giving me strong vibes of the Hyperchicken lawyer from Futurama.
I laughed at the muscled, bench-pressing snail convict too. ***1/2.
Episode Overall: ***1/2.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Friends In Disguise / Down Memory Lane / Mini Golf Mayhem"
Friends In Disguise
The frogs are both silly and weird. ****.
Down Memory Lane
Donald is still a thing, but ripped Chip and Dale sort of make me throw up in my mouth a little. ***.
Mini Golf Mayhem
Why is Donald kissing the money? Does he have any idea of where it's been? Totally gross.
Also, why is it blue? **1/2.
Episode Overall: ***.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Artistic Differences / Cruisin' For A Bruisin' / Tap That Sap"
Artistic Differences
The show is often SO hard for me to understand without dialogue. *1/2.
Cruisin' For A Bruisin'
Return of Gyro Gearloose. Also blatant Steamboat Willie reference is blatant. **1/2.
Tap That Sap
I don't much like the cartoon but even I can admit that when Chip and Dale hug each other in either joy or terror it's pretty much adorable. ***.
Episode Overall: **1/2.
Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life "Gift Attack / Beetlemania / Nut My Parcel"
Gift Attack
You know what? I HATE "self-improvement" gifts. If somebody gives you a gym membership as a present, really that is nothing but a veiled insult. It should be viewed as such.
Interestingly, it's this premise (among other things) that has led me to believe the Chip and Dale on this show are an actual couple. Sharing a bed is another thing as it the alarming amount of face nuzzling they do. It's sort of cute. *****.
Beetlemania
Weird premise. ***.
Nut My Parcel
Like many of the shorts, it's incomprehensible to me without dialogue. *1/2.
Episode Overall: ***1/2.
Mike Judge's Beavis And Butt-Head "The Day Butt-Head Went Too Far / Spring Break"
The Day Butt-Head Went Too Far
It's probably lucky Beavis is as stupid as he is. He probably would have killed Butt-Head long ago if he weren't. And I would have cheered him on. ****.
Tom Anderson's War Stories
This shorts are proving that in his own way Tom Anderson was just as damaging in his youth as the boys are. ***.
Spring Break
This didn't really speak to me. And the video segments in both cartoons were kind of weak this week. **1/2,
Episode Overall: ***.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 1 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 1
Clever way to kill Cort (although it is retconned in "A Wind Through The Keyhole") and this is pretty much the story in which things go from bad to worse. ***1/2.
Poisoned Pen, Poisoned Book: The Fall Of Cortland Andrus
Robin Furth points out her initials are R.F. and that the psychic paper seen in the story is from Doctor Who (Which she incorrectly calls Dr. Who). ***1/2.
Matricide:
About Gabrielle's death. **1/2.
Issue Overall: ***1/2.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 2 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 2
Sheemie steals the show when he's confused for a Not-Man.
Roland gone a little too emo for my tastes. I get the guilt he feels for killing his mother but him acting like he actually DESERVES the rope is a bit much (which is me putting that mildly). ***1/2.
The Art And Discipline Of Creative Continuity
Robin Furth discusses the struggles of plotting the story based on what was in the books, and what she had to invent on her own. ****.
Issue Overall: ****.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 3 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 3
Cort's kind words about both Roland and Aileen on his deathbed are super rewarding and worth the price of admission. That is a horrific cover too.
Sheemie being Sheemie is also great.
Poor Bert. This really is the cruelest arc.
Speaking of which, that cliffhanger with Vannay being murdered slays me too. ****1/2.
Aileen Ritter And The Female Gunslinger
A nonfiction essay of Furth discussing coming at the story from a female perspective and how she wanted to do right by the women of Mid-World. ****.
Issue Overall: ****1/2.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 4 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 4
Poo's getting real. Things go from bad to worse in this devastating chapter. ***1/2.
The Many Legendary Rolands
Furth discusses the Roland from "Childe Roland To The Dark Tower Came" as well as other famous Rolands from history, myth, and legend. ****.
Issue Overall: ***1/2.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 5 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 5
Devastating. Heartbreaking. Effecting. ****1/2.
In Defense Of Gilead
Essay describing the weapons beneath the city in more detail. ****1/2.
Issue Overall: ****1/2.
The Dark Tower: Fall Of Gilead 6 (Marvel Comics)
Fall Of Gilead: Part 6
The last page of Marten raising Farson's flag over Gilead says everything. As does Farson slaughtering the women and children in hiding.
Dark, dark comic. ****.
Planning The Fall Of Gilead
Robin Furth details some of the struggles she faced while plotting this pivotal arc. ****.
Issue Overall: ****.
