After the death of his adoptive father, jack-of-all-trades, and master of none Hakan Demir discovers he’s actually part of an ancient secret order sworn to protect the city of Istanbul from all threats!
The city of Istanbul has been around for a very very long time, and the Ottoman Empire Turks who lived there took their legacy in life and love in the city very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that they formed the ancient order of Loyal Ones, humans sworn to help the one known as the Protector, the one blessed by the sacred Ottoman tunic and relics, to save the city from the evil designs of the Immortals.
Hakan (Cagatay Ulusoy) is entirely unimpressed with the idea that he has to save the entire city of Istanbul, even with the help of the Loyal Ones and his personal trainer-cum-nemesis, Zeynep, the daughter of the leader of the Loyal Ones, Kemal (Yurdaer Okur). Zeynep (Hazar Erguclu) herself is even less impressed with the idea that Hakan is the Protector, the one they’ve been waiting and training and praying for, this nobody devil-may-care wastrel of a guy who’s generally content to run scams from the antique store his adoptive father had in the bazaar, before getting saddled with saving the world, or at least the whole city of Istanbul. Which might as well be the world, for all that Hakan is prepared for it!
Though the first season of ‘The Protector’ generally deals with a single Immortal villain, the savvy and dangerous businessman Faysal Erdem (Okan Yalabik), later episodes of the show reveal that there were at one time a whole cadre of Immortals. And Faysal may be their leader, but he has only ever had one single focused goal amidst all this other nastiness: bring his beloved wife, Ruya (Burcin Terzioglu), back to life from the dead. Faysal freely admits he will commit any and all atrocities, up to and far past destroying the whole ancient city of Istanbul, to accomplish his one desire above any other.
Full of intrigue and betrayal from the past, and the rise of heroism here in the present, ‘The Protector’ demonstrates that the journey from nobody to champion is a messy, stupid, dangerous, and fraught thing, and well worth every single torturous step. Someone has to protect the people from the bad guys, it might as well be someone who, until just recently, was one of them – common, blissfully ignorant, but ultimately more or less content. Even as the Protector, entrenched deep in the war with the Immortals, goaded on by the Loyal Ones, and beset on all sides by a battle, not of his own making, Hakan never forgot the people of Istanbul and how much he loved all of them.
Boasting three seasons of gorgeous scenery directly from the ancient city of Istanbul, a wonderful cast, and an easily understood “I just want to be loved” storyline, ‘The Protector’ is a superb sendup of Turkish cinema, found on Netflix!
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“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.
Movie
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“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.
Movie
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
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.