So, here’s the deal. The movie is basically like watching a two-hour-long live-action version of the original anime series, it really is. The problem is those parts where the movie is not like the original beloved cartoon, and some of them are formidable.
Before we say what’s not so great about the film, let’s talk about what really is awesomesauce, where ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ shines like a philosopher’s stone among the rubble.
Despite magic being used very often in the movie, it is called ‘Fullmtal Alchemist’ after all, the CGI used to show the magical effects is sparing and only to enhance the scene, rather than take the whole thing over. Lust and her claws, Mustang and his conflagration blazes, even Ed and Al and their clap-stone-mosaic-explosion alchemy, it’s all to my eyes actually believable-looking. The one instance where loving CGI enhancement falters a little teensy bit is the reveal of the Tucker chimera, but that’s a major spoiler I won’t go into.
The main storyline is exactly the same as the original show, as I said, and this can only be a good thing. In this world of alchemy as commonplace, brothers Ed (Ryosuke Yamada) and Al (Atomu Mizuishi) Elric, after losing their mother, decide to take fate into literally their own hands and bring her back to life with magic.
Sadly the Law of Equivalent Exchange quite literally costs Ed and arm and a leg, and Al his entire body, to be replaced by a suit of armor Ed managed to scavenge at the last second. This act cements both Elric brothers as alchemical anomalies, and some time later they are recruited by Colonel Roy Mustang (Dean Fujioka) into the army as State Alchemists. Here is where the movie begins, with Ed and Al going off in search of the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, which could in theory get Al his entire body back.
The introductory story of the bogus Father Cornello (Kenjiro Ishimaru), the utter tragedy of what happens to Major Maes Hughes (Ryuta Sato) and his family, the outrageous blasphemy of Shou Tucker (Yo Oizumi), the evil Major General Hakuro (Fumiyo Kohinata), even the introduction of misbegotten Dr. Tim Marcoh (Jun Kunimura), all these important characters are played to their fullest in the live action movie, though with time management issues, it’s hard to give evry last character the emotional reaction they deserve. Especially Major Hughes, but then what happens to him is still considered to be one of the worst betrayals in long-running anime history.
Taking also into account everyone’s favorite automail mechanic Winry Rockwell (Tsubasa Honda), Colonel Mustang’s one-liners and his best aide Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye (Misako Renbutsu), the Elric brothers don’t lack for friends to combat the many enemies beginning to pile up. The Fuhrer King Bradley and his family are mentioned, but not in this beginning film, which can lead us to the hopeful assumption that there will be a live action sequel.
The homunculi are of course introduced in the film, the major ones being the manipulative Lust (Yasuko Matsuyuki), the face-changing Envy (Kanata Hongo), and of course the bottomless pit of Gluttony (Shinji Uchiyama). The extreme cost of making Philosopher’s Stones and Homunculi at all are way too high for the now-moral-minded Elric brothers, and indeed, as the cases the State Alchemists are investigating begin to coalesce, their collective mistaken past may be the one thing that leads the Elric brothers and their allies to saving everyone!
And now for the unmentioned elephant in the room, or live action movie. Much as I enjoyed this new live action movie and all the actors who threw themselves into these much-beloved roles, there is one thing that stands out – the voices. Specifically, the voices of both Ed and Al Elric.
In the anime, which really you probably should’ve seen before watching the live action movie, the Elric brothers are much younger and their voices clearly demonstrate this. Al is at least a few years younger than his brother and it was always so incongruous to hear a youngling voice come out of that empty suit of armor. But both Ed and Al in the film have the voices of teenagers, and seriously, it’s hard to get over.
The costuming is excellent and made with a keen, clear eye to the anime, right down to the summery yellow dress Winry wears and the State Alchemist uniforms of the military. As stated before, it may help to foster fan relations if you see at least an episode or two of the anime before watching the live action film, but all in all, the live action movie is a 2-hour romp through the world of the Elric brothers, made by and for fans that have loved ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ for decades!
Join the hunt for Philosopher’s Stones in ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ the movie, on Netflix now!
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.
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