Photo credit: David Giesbrecht/Amazon Prime Video
The Tick is back! After two previous television adaptations, everyone’s favorite satirical superhero is returning to the small screen. “The Tick” tells the story of Arthur, an accountant with no superpowers attempting to track own the world’s most dastardly villain. After a chance meeting with an unlikely hero in a blue costume, the two fight together to uncover the mystery of “The Terror”. That’s My Entertainment was lucky enough to get the chance to speak with Arthur himself, Griffin Newman! Check out his thoughts on the upcoming series below!
TH: What attracted you to The Tick? Did you read the comics or see the previous TV adaptations?
GN: I had watched the previous TV shows and was already a fan before I even got the job, so being a fan is really what attracted me to the material. It wasn’t until I was cast that I actually started reading the comics and becoming more familiar with them. I honestly would’ve been excited to play the homeless guy on the street or literally anything on the show so getting to play Arthur has been overwhelmingly rewarding.
TH: Now that superheroes have pretty much taken over pop culture it seems like the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a satirical take. How do you think audiences will perceive this unique take on the superhero?
GN: I usually think of the first Shrek film, and how it was a satire on fairy tales and all the famous Disney movies. Part of what made it so successful is the audience already knows all the tropes, all the characters; they don’t have to spend time on explaining who the Three Little Pigs are. The other two Tick TV shows played to an audience that didn’t necessarily know all the superhero tropes, but now that we’re in a time where superheroes have pretty much taken over, I can’t imagine a more perfect time for “The Tick”. One thing I really love is that if you think about it, we are the only superhero TV show currently running that isn’t tied in to any other show. You don’t have to watch 5 or 6 other shows just to understand who certain characters are or learn their tropes, you just already know them. I also love how our show isn’t necessarily so much about superheroes as it is about an idea of a hero and standing up for what’s right.
TH: This cast is incredible. Yourself, Peter Serafinowicz, Valorie Curry, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael Cerveris. What was it like getting to work with such an amazing group of actors?
GN: It’s overwhelming. In fact, it’s funny because they’re so incredible and sometimes you get so into watching them as a fan you miss your cue. I’ve worked on a lot of stuff and while I have worked with great people in the past I can say this is the only time I’ve worked on a show where everyone is great. It’s a really rare thing and makes the show much more fun because as an actor, sometimes you may work with people who are great when the cameras are rolling, but the second they stop they’re less inclined to talk.
TH: What I really loved about the pilot episode is that while the series is titled “The Tick”, the main focus really seems to be on Arthur and his journey to exposing The Terror’s still at large. Could you talk about your process in embodying the character?
GN: For me, the whole struggle of Arthur; always being doubted, but still having a real sense of what’s right all relates to being an actor. I’ve spent years going on auditions and facing failure on a regular basis. Most people give up in the face of a 90% failure rate, but just constantly keeping your head up and moving onto the next big thing is very similar to Arthur. So during the process I thought about how I felt during those struggles.
TH: Unlike most superheroes, Arthur doesn’t seem to have a cool superhero alias. What name would you give him?
GN: I think “The Moth” is pretty obvious. In the prior adaptations, the joke was always sort of that he never does come up with a cool alter-ego. In fact, you’ll see a little later on in the series there’s a great moment where he kind of uses his own name as his alter-ego and I think it’s a great representation of how honest Arthur is.
The pilot episode of “The Tick” is available now on Amazon Prime Video. All remaining episodes will be available on Friday, August 25, 2017.
“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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