Fresh Take - WHAT IF Season 2 Spoiler-Free Thoughts

 Available on Disney Plus

Synopsis (from IMDB):

Exploring pivotal moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and turning them on their head, leading the audience into uncharted territory. 

Thoughts

This was one of my most anticipated shows in 2023. I enjoyed season 1 and was looking forward to what they were going to do in season 2. The animation, much like season 1, is sharp and crisp. The show just looks great from top to bottom. Another thing that I liked was that a good number of the episodes were homages to popular films such as Blade Runner, Die Hard, and Death Race. They were fun and done in a way that was interesting and relevant. My favorite episode this season was probably episode 8. It was a fun take on a lot of very English tropes and it also kinda hit ya in the feels a little by the end. I also love the introduction of Kahhori into the MCU. Hoping she stays around for awhile as I liked the story and her powerset. The voice cast is great most of the voices come from actors portraying their characters from the live action movies. However, there are a few who didn't reprise their roles, those roles were voiced mostly by actors who have voiced those characters before in either video games or cartoons. The overall feel of the season was great and releasing an episode a day was the cherry on top for me. 

The only negatives I can think of is one small nitpick but um, can we get some X-Men love at some point or at least Deadpool. I'm sure Ryan Reynolds or Nolan North can be available, just saying. Also 9 episodes just feel uneven how about a nice round 10 episode season next. Seriously though, I didn't find anything bad about this season. 

For Parents

The episodes range a little over thrity minutes and are fun watches. Unlike last season where a good number of the episodes were depressing, this season is more balanced in my opinion. There is humor, action, and drama in each episode and I like the setup.  

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this season greatly. I think they did a great job of balancing out the episodes. I loved the homages to different movies. I think the animation is great and the individual stories in the episodes were done well. Season 3 was announced and I am looking forward to that as well. Have you watched season 2 of WHAT IF? What was your favorite episode? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. 

Trailer

Fresh Take - Rebel Moon Part One: A Child of Fire Spoiler-Free Thoughts

 Available on NetFlix

Synopsis (from IMDB):

When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora, a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival. Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors - outsiders, insurgents, peasants and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge. As the shadow of an entire Realm bears down on the unlikeliest of moons, a battle over the fate of a galaxy is waged, and in the process, a new army of heroes is formed.

Thoughts

If you read the synopsis and you're saying to yourself, 'hey that sounds a lot like Seven Samurai', or the american version The Magnificent Seven. Well that's because its a lot like that, especially in this film. The film borrows a lot from Star Wars and Seven Samurai while trying to be its own thing. If you know anything about Zack Synder the man knows how to make a movie look visually stunning. Rebel Moon is no different, I loved the look of the movie. The planets all looked unique the aliens and creatures looked very well done.  For the most part I didn't mind the dialogue, it never really felt hokey or forced during any parts of the film. I even liked the themes of the film as well. I cannot forget about the action. The action in this film is pretty good, I didn't mind the choreography. By now if you have seen any of Synder's previous works then you know what to expect as far as that is concerned.

The main problem that I have with this film is that it feels like there was a lot missing. There are a few scenes where it felt like there should have been more there. I am wondering if this film is getting a Director's Cut because I am thinking it could use one. Also, I know that use of slo-mo is a Synder staple but he goes way overboard in my opinion with its use. There are a couple of fight scenes where it felt like it was slo-mo every 30 seconds and then there would be a brief pause and back into slo-mo. It got to a point where it became noticable and it really started to get on my nerves. The main villain of this film felt very one dimensional I am hoping that they go into his story and motivations in the next one because I like the actor that portrays him, Ed Skrein. 

For Parents

This movie is rated PG-13 and it has a 2 hr and 15 minute runtime. The movie is paced well and nothing really drags, outside of the gratuitous slo-mo shots. There isn't any gore and blood for that matter now that I think about it. There is, however, a sexual assault scene you see the aftermath of it in the trailer. There is a lot of action here so keep that in mind.

Final Thoughts

This movie is perfect for Netflix and streaming services. I am glad also that a part two was already announced and is coming in April of 2024. That being said if I had to give this a rating it would probably be a RENTAL. It can be a fun movie but personally, I feel there are story beats missing and unfortunately there are movies that it is paying homage to that have done what they're trying to do better in my opinion. That doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to part two as this film does some interesting things it just didn't blow my mind. Have you seen Rebel Moon Part ONE: A Child of Fire? What did you think? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. Thanks for reading. Please share the blog if you like it and don't forget to comment. 

Trailer

Fresh Take - Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Spoiler-Free Thoughts

 Available in Theaters

Synopsis (from IMDB)

Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father's death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisioned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kindgom and save Aquaman's family, and the world, form irreversible destruction.

Thoughts

I enjoyed the first Aquaman and for the most part the majority of the cast is back for this outing. This time we see Arthur trying to balance having a family and being king of Atlantis. I enjoyed the film as I thought that it was a just a fun movie. The CG and other effects were done well and consistent throughout the film. I like the look of the film as some of the designs on the 'old tech' felt like they came straight from the comics. I think the movie shines when it is Orm and Arthur together. It feels like Jason Momoa was just having fun and having Patrick Wilson be the straight man for most of the movie just worked for me. Another thing that I like is the pacing and how James Wan can make you feel worry for the characters. There is a scene much like the Trench scene from the first film and I actually thought for a minute that this may not have a happy ending. There are a few tense moments that I thought were shot really well and felt appropriately intense. Just a small spoiler but for those worried, Amber Heard isn't in the movie that much the bulk of the movie does revolve around Orm, Arthur, and Black Manta. The soundtrack is pretty good as well. 

While I did enjoy the pacing of this movie there were a couple of scenes that I wished were fleshed out a little more. Also, I kind of wanted to know a little more about the black Trident and the main villain. I have a feeling that there is a lot on the cutting room floor as some scenes feel like something was missing.  

For Parents

This movie is rated PG-13 and has a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. The pacing is good and the movie doesn't drag. Something is always happening and it doesn't slow down which actually works in this movie. There is one mid credits scene but it is just a in joke from the movie. The action is pretty good and there are some tense moments but nothing gratuitous. I think its perfect for an afternoon show.

Final Thoughts

I think its perfect for a MATINEE. I think if you liked the first one, you will more than likely enjoy this film as well. While the movie did have some controversy the past couple of years I think that this one wasn't bad and if this is the last movie for the old DCEU its a nice end. I liked how they wrapped everything up. Have you seen Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom? What did you think? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. 

Trailer

Fresh Take - Hammer Volume 1 - 4 Spoiler-Free Thoughts

 Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and whereever books are sold

Thoughts On The Story

Another series from SaturdayAM this one is from author Jey Odin.  Hammer follows the adventures of 14 year old Stud Hammer, who is constantly left on his own by his father who regularly goes on expeditions that he writes about in his journals. Stud himself isn't like normal kids and can turn his hands into hammers among other things (more on that later). 

Hope you liked my paraphrased synopsis. This title is a very fun read to me. At its core its essentially about a boy trying to find his dad and make friends. One of the things that I like about this story is how relatable Stud is, there were a couple of times in the first volume where I was thinking to myself, 'kid your dad sucks'. However, the more the story opens up you realize that his dad isn't anime & manga's worst dad (that honor goes to either Endeavor, Goku, or Ging Freecs) but he is truly trying to keep him safe. I still think his dad should have at least told him by now, but that's just me. We meet some interesting characters in these first volumes I like Detective Dan from the Ocean Kingdom and I'm  really enjoying Brymm (currently my favorite side character). I like the world building in this one and I am interested in learning more. I like the interepretation of the Genies here. I am a fan of mythology and I am glad to see them represented in this way as normally I feel that when it comes to Genies people think about Aladdin and if you read some stories you would know that, that isn't normally how things go. I want to go into some other things but that would be delving into spoiler territory. The cliffhangar in volume 4 sets up some very interesting plot threads.

Thoughts On The Artwork

I dig the artwork in this title. It kind of reminds me of the Craig McCraken, Genndy Tartakovsky animation in the late 90s/early 2000s. The art is clean and you can tell what's going on from panel to panel. The action is great too. I like how the breakdown of the powers and how that is used in the different kingdoms. There are a couple of fights I would love to see how it would be animated just because of how clean the art is in my opinion. 

For Parents

This series rated Y which is essentially for readers 10 and up. I like the balance of action and comedy in it. The themes while they can get deep I think they are things that people can relate to and it a fun and easy read. I can't recommend this one enough.

Overall Thoughts

Just to be clear I am really feeling this one. There is just a lot to like here in my opinion. The story is interesting. The characters are fun, we're learning more and more about the world. The action is very good and the character motivations make sense (especially in volume 4). I am looking forward to seeing where this goes in the future. So have you read Hammer? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. What other SaturdayAM titles have you read and what are you taking a liking to? As always thanks for reading. If you like this blog please feel free to share it out and comment. I appreciate the support.

Fresh Take - Apple Black Vol 1 - 4 Thoughts Spoiler-Free of Course

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble also may want to check your local Comic Shop

Thoughts On The Story

If you know me then you know I am a fan of all things anime, manga, comic book, and cartoon (80s kid FOR LIFE!!!!). I would probably say within in the last 15 years I have been way more into manga. Mainly because I like the more "book" feel and I like that it is usually one authors story that they are telling. That being said late last year I came across SaturdayAM and this title, Apple Black. I am a huge fan of what SaturdayAM is doing and I am fan of a number of their titles. Thought I would start off with Apple Black by Odunze Oguguo. 

The story goes like this; 'Many years ago, fruits called "Black" turned humans into sorcerers. Blessed by Merlin the god of sorcery, with the Arodhis arm, the young sorcerer Sano has the ultimate wand.'

I am digging the story because I like the concept and the mystery revolving around the 'Dawn of the Infinite Night' and Sano's role in it. The closest comparison I can make as far as what I have read so far is imagine Harry Potter meets Fairy Tail meets Naruto. I like the characters that we meet with Opal probably being my favorite so far. I also like the way the world is explained especially the power levels. This shonen style manga, my favorite kind, and I feel that everything that has been revealed so far is balanced and makes sense. There are a few plot threads that are very interesting and I can't wait to see where they lead. 

Thoughts On The Artwork

I tend to like art that is 'clean' when it comes to manga. What I mean by 'clean' is that I can tell what is going on in the panels. This title has a lot of action in it, hence why I made the Fairy Tail and Naruto comparisons. I can easily tell what's happening in every panel and they even throw in some colored pages in each volume. Just so you know the SaturdayAM books are read from left to right. Manga tantokbans from Japan are read right to left just in case you are wondering. 

For Parents

This book is rated T for Teens 13 and up. It has a lot of action and violence in it, its basically your standard super hero style comic/manga. There are a few fights in here where it does get brutal. I would check out the first volume if you're curious.

Overall Thoughts

I am really digging this title. I think there is a very good balance of action and comedy. There are a few moments where things get deep, I really want to say what it is but I'll be going in to spoiler territory if I do. What I will say is Volume 4 upped the ante and I am really interested in seeing where Volume 5 goes. If I had to rate this anything I would give it.....

Have you read Apple Black? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. If you haven't had a chance check out the SaturdayAM website, app.saturday-am.com, also you may want to pick up the 2024 Annual book. Thanks for reading and don't forget to check out the YouTube and Twitch channels for the Fresh Take and Wingin IT Podcasts.