Most people know who the Teen Titans are, from either the comic books or the varied TV shows, so fans proceeded to go grape-nuts upon hearing that a live-action version of the beloved gang was going to spear-head the launch of DC’s own pay-channel. Ditching any need for previous back-story, off we dive into DC’s Titans!
So here we have Rachel Roth (Teagan Croft), pretty little lonely goth chick who’s now beginning to manifest strange powers, and realizing her missing father is likely the source of most of her new woes. Detective Dick Grayson (Brenton Thwaites) of the Detroit police assigns himself to the Roth case, especially when some psycho hired bad guys proceed to chase after Rachel like their lives depended on it.
Meanwhile elsewhere, a presence has been downloaded into the body of what looked like a lady rent-a-companion who was involved with some very shady men, but now suddenly Kory (Anna Diop) has a mission to find Rachel Roth and get some answers, before its too late. And of course somewhere along the way, our reluctant heroes meet up with a young man with green hair, calls himself Gar (Ryan Potter), who has quite a few secrets of his own to share.
Dick Grayson, as we’re all quite aware, was Robin to Bruce Wayne’s Batman for some time, after his circus-performing parents were killed. Young Dick wants nothing to do with his absentee caretaker Wayne, and older Dick is absolutely certain his parents were actually executed by the Maroni crime family, so when Bruce takes his young charge and trains him in the ways of combat and investigation, Dick Grayson inevitably begins to chafe even more under the pressure.
His stint as Robin, while it may have afforded him training and combat reflexes unlike many others, also unleashed a highly destructive uncaring side of Grayson, and after lashing out violently one too many times, Dick finally leaves Wayne Enterprises, to try and make something out of his own life. But he just can’t seem to let go of that bulletproof case that has all his Robin gear in it, either.
Poor Rachel has no idea what’s going on, why all sorts of insane people are trying to hunt her down, or why her dark-mirror-twin is now talking back at her. The psycho family folk after her are actually known as the Nuclear family, and while each of them can (and is once in the course of the show) be easily replaced, all four of them give Dick and Rachel and even Kory when she catches up to them all, a run for their money.
Those of you familiar with the Titans’ origin stories know quite well why we shudder to hear that the Nuclear family and those who sent them after Rachel are in fact supposedly working to bring her father into power in this reality. Despite her powers of darkness and disturbing lineage, Rachel is a kind girl, always willing to try and help keep others with powers calm and safe, even at her own risk.
Kory is very different from the rest of the gang, and she’s far too aware of it for her own good. Her newfound presence downloaded into the body of a black lady escort with some serious fashion offenses notwithstanding, we’re all well aware that she’ll eventually become the beloved oddity known as Starfire, so that’s good.
Our green-haired boy Garfield, or Gar as he prefers to be called, he lives in this supposedly closed-down old mansion that actually has people of a sorts living in it. Fans of the comics will be delighted to be introduced to the various characters that comprise the Doom Patrol as they introduce Gar to the rest of the group. Also, ‘Doom Patrol’ is slated to be the next live-action DC show to be launched on this platform.
And what else? Hawk and Dove (Alan Ritchson and Minka Kelly) were introduced early on in the show, and the attention paid to their relationship was quite lovely. Fans of the Robin legacy should be pretty pleased with the portrayal of Jason Todd (Curran Walters), who shows up to warn an already-beleaguered Grayson of impending trouble. The infamous Donna Troy (Conor Leslie) shows up in another episode as well.
DC’s ‘Titans’ is a callback to all that is glorious and fan-atical about the DC-verse, and is worth a watch or five!
“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.
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
Review: Pushpa: The Rise (2021)
KGF: Chapter 2
Kyle Gallner May I?
A Review of Krampus: A Horror Fan’s Ultimate Christmas Treat
SDAFF 2024 presents ‘Dead Talents Society’: I hate this world!
Review of Black and White Spoon on Netflix
Y2K: Get up and Break Stuff!
Comic-Con 2024: Arthur C Clarke’s Venus Prime TV series
Comic-Con 2024: Max Collins’s TRUE NOIR
Comic-Con 2024: Will Wight’s Cradle
Interview With Heroes & Villains Creative Director Doug Johnson
Thatsmye Interviews: Les Weiler on Henchin’: the Series
