Despite everyone remaining at home this year, tradition still stood true at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. While many directors make regular appearances in Hall H each year, there is only one director that annually receives his own panel regardless of whether or not he has a movie to promote. Since 1995, Kevin Smith has graced the stage of San Diego Comic-Con to basically just chat with the fans. While this year is a little different, he makes up for it by filling our ears with everything he’s been up to in the past year, as well as some new projects on the horizon.
Smith began the panel exactly where he left off last year, presenting the first look at his most recent film, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. From October 2019 to February 2020, Smith hit the road along with his co-star and “hetero-life mate” Jason Mewes for the “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Roadshow Tour”. The dynamic duo took the movie from coast to coast and even overseas, packed to the rafters with diehard fans of the View Askewniverse. Days after the tour ended, COVID-19 shut everything down. However, Smith makes it clear that no pandemic is mighty enough to stop the Smodfather.
Ever since the fall of last year, Smith has been serving as showrunner for “Masters of the Universe: Revelation”, a Netflix sequel series to the popular 80s series “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”. While he couldn’t show us any trailers or official images (though he did tease us with a gag portrait of Skeletor in a suggestive pose), he informed us that dialogue recording has been completed and he has seen early animatics of the show.
Smith also plugged his new dedicated fan club site, That Kevin Smith Club. ThatKevinSmithClub.com includes a decade-long library of nearly all his weekly podcasts (the exception being Hollywood Babble-On, which is available at TheRalphReport.com), as well as countless interviews and TV appearances featuring Smith & Co. A welcome new addition to the Club is a morning show titled “Wake & Bake”, in which Smith reads from old production journals, unused screenplays, and of course does as the title suggests. The club has four tiers of membership that include different levels of access to the site’s content, as well as exclusive merchandise delivered to your door every 3 months. The tiers are Clerk ($5/month), Mallrat ($10/month), Funployee ($15/month) and Yoga Hoser ($30/month).
Next, Smith played to the fans of the horror genre, unveiling the first look at his long-in-development anthology film, “Killroy Was Here”. Filmed prior to “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot”, “Killroy” has been sitting on the back burner for nearly three years. Originally conceived as a Krampus-themed film co-written by Smith and his “Edumacation” co-host Andy Mcelfresh, “Killroy Was Here” provides a modern-day urban legend look at the character of Kilroy. Kilroy was made famous by American GIs that would draw the mysterious long-nosed figure peering over walls where they were stationed or had visited, including the caption “Kilroy Was Here”. In Smith’s version, Killroy (adding an extra L) was once Roy Huggins, a man left horribly disfigured after literally having his face melted. Smith describes his version of the character as “The Kid Avenger…ya know, if you F— with kids, Killroy will show up.” “Killroy Was Here” is targeting a release in early 2021.
Smith closed out the panel by giving an official announcement regarding his long-talked-about Mallrats sequel, “Twilight of the Mallrats”. Smith had been trying to get a Mallrats sequel off the ground for the better part of five years, but the success of “Reboot” renewed Universal’s interest. “Twilight of the Mallrats” will see Brodie Bruce (once again played by Jason Lee) dealing with the dying nature of his beloved mall in a post-pandemic world all while tackling fatherhood. The screenplay has been completed and filming is currently targeting a 2021 start date.
For more information on Kevin Smith and all his upcoming projects head over to ThatKevinSmithClub.com and be sure to check out That’s My Entertainment’s podcast, “An Askewed View” wherever you listen to podcasts!
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/331302312_912933399946968_2435872193535009731_n.png)
Streaming
Masters of the Air: A Gritty Tribute to the Heroes of the Skies
![](https://www.thatsmye.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/masters-of-the-air.webp)
Rating: 4.5/5
Apple TV’s Masters of the Air takes viewers on an intense journey through the harrowing experiences of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. This limited series, produced by the dynamic duo of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, delivers a gripping portrayal of the bravery and sacrifice of the young men who fought in the skies over Europe. With a focus on authenticity and emotional depth, Masters of the Air stands as a worthy successor to its predecessors, *Band of Brothers* and The Pacific.
The series excels in its meticulous attention to detail, from the period-accurate planes to the stark realism of aerial combat. The visual effects are nothing short of spectacular, immersing the audience in the chaos and danger of high-altitude warfare. The show’s cinematography captures the vastness of the skies and the claustrophobic confines of the bombers, adding to the tension that permeates every scene.
Masters of the Air is anchored by strong performances from its ensemble cast. The actors deliver nuanced portrayals of their characters, conveying the fear, camaraderie, and resolve that defined the Eighth Air Force’s mission. The series doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of war, including the psychological toll on the airmen and the devastating losses they endured.
However, *Masters of the Air* isn’t just about action and heroism. It also explores the complex moral dilemmas faced by the pilots and crew, adding layers to the narrative that elevate it above typical war dramas. The series’ pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of introspection amid the chaos, which deepens the emotional impact.
In conclusion, *Masters of the Air* is a powerful and moving tribute to the unsung heroes of the skies. Its combination of historical accuracy, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling makes it a must-watch for fans of war dramas and history buffs alike. Apple TV has once again proven its prowess in delivering top-tier original content, and *Masters of the Air* is a shining example of their commitment to quality storytelling.
With its emotionally charged narrative and breathtaking visuals, *Masters of the Air* earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. This series is not just a show—it’s an experience that honors the legacy of the brave airmen who risked everything for freedom.
Uncategorized
The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts
![](https://www.thatsmye.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/filters_quality95formatwebp-1.webp)
Rating: 10/10
If you’re a fan of fantasy worlds filled with magic, talking beasts, and a storyline that feels like a reimagined “Beauty and the Beast,” *The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts* is an anime you should not miss. Streaming on Crunchyroll, this underrated gem offers a fresh and engaging twist on the classic tale of love and sacrifice in a magical otherworld.
The anime takes place in a fantastical world where humans and beasts coexist in a fragile peace. The story follows Sariphi, a young girl who has been chosen as the 99th human sacrifice to the fearsome King of Beasts, Leonhart. However, instead of cowering in fear, Sariphi faces her fate with courage and empathy, qualities that intrigue the beastly king. As their relationship develops, Sariphi learns that Leonhart harbors a deep secret that could change the fate of both their worlds.
Sariphi, the protagonist, is a breath of fresh air in the world of anime heroines. Her unwavering kindness and bravery make her a relatable and admirable character. Leonhart, the King of Beasts, is a complex character whose tough exterior hides a heart full of vulnerability. The supporting cast, consisting of talking beasts and magical beings, adds depth and richness to the world-building, making every episode a visual and emotional treat.
The animation quality is top-notch, with beautiful, lush backgrounds that bring the magical world to life. The character designs, especially the talking beasts, are creative and detailed, adding to the fantastical atmosphere of the anime. The contrast between the dark, mysterious kingdom and the warmth of the characters’ interactions is visually striking and enhances the overall storytelling.
At its core, The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is a story about breaking down barriers, understanding the “other,” and the power of love to transform even the most hardened hearts. The anime explores themes of sacrifice, acceptance, and the courage to stand up against prejudice. It’s a story that resonates on many levels, making it more than just a simple fantasy tale.
With only one season and 24 episodes, *The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts* is a binge-worthy series that delivers a compelling story, memorable characters, and a beautifully crafted world. While it may not have the mainstream popularity of other fantasy anime, it’s a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. If you’re into magical worlds, talking beasts, and stories with heart, this anime is a must-watch.
This series is a great find on Crunchyroll for those who crave a blend of fantasy, magic, and heartfelt storytelling. Don’t miss out on this enchanting adventure!
Streaming
Ramen Akaneko – A Flavorful Journey into Culinary Magic
![](https://www.thatsmye.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ramen-Akaneko-03-38.jpg)
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Red Cat Ramen or Ramen Akaneko is a captivating and unique anime that blends the worlds of culinary artistry and magical realism, now streaming on Crunchyroll. The series centers on Yashiro Tamako,
a young girl who has a dislike of cats and applies for a part-time position at a ramen joint run by cats.
The anime unfolds as Tamako and the cat staff embark on a journey to revive the struggling ramen shop, which has fallen out of favor with the locals. Each episode showcases a different cat and their interaction with Tamako through the intricate process of running the restaurant from daily cat brushings to customer service. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, from rival chefs to eccentric food critics, each contributing to Tamako’s growth.
The story is not just about food; it’s about tradition, legacy, and the bonds that are forged through the act of cooking. The cat staff with their enigmatic personalities and vast wisdom, become both a mentors and friends to Tamako, helping her uncover the true essence of a restaurant.
Ramen Akaneko stands out in the anime world for its unique combination of culinary exploration and fantasy storytelling. The series is visually stunning, with each ramen dish meticulously animated to highlight the artistry involved in ramen-making. The anime doesn’t just stop at visuals; it delves deep into the cultural and emotional significance of ramen, offering viewers a rich, sensory experience.
The characters are well-developed, particularly Tamako, whose journey from a novice to a fully fledged staff member is both inspiring and relatable. The staff, with its mysterious aura, adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the story. Their dynamic relationship drives the narrative, making each episode feel like a new chapter in their evolving partnership.
Bunzo (文蔵)
Voiced by: Kenjiro Tsuda[3]
Sasaki (佐々木)
Voiced by: Noriaki Sugiyama[4]
Sabu (サブ)
Voiced by: Michiyo Murase[4]
Hana (ハナ)
Voiced by: Rie Kugimiya[4]
Krishna (クリシュナ, Kurishuna)
Voiced by: Saori Hayami[4]
Tamako Yashiro (社珠子, Yashiro Tamako)
Voiced by: Kurumi
The anime’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of light-hearted moments, intense culinary battles, and touching emotional scenes.
For fans of cooking anime, Ramen Akaneko is a feast for the senses. The attention to detail in the cooking sequences is impressive, and the way the show incorporates elements of fantasy makes it stand out from other food-themed anime. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast, a fantasy lover, or just looking for a heartwarming story, Ramen Akaneko is a delightful watch that should be on your must-see list this year.
Ramen Akaneko is a beautifully crafted anime that offers more than just a visual feast. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and the magic that happens when food is made with love and care. With its stunning animation, engaging characters, and heartwarming plot, this series is a must-watch for anime fans and foodies alike. Don’t miss out on this flavorful journey—head over to Crunchyroll and dive into the world of Ramen Akaneko.