In 1996, the Batman mythos was changed forever with the release of “Batman: The Long Halloween”. Originally written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Tim Sale, the 13-issue limited series has gone on to become one of the most iconic Batman stories of all time. The story picks up shortly after the events of Frank Miller’s “Batman: Year One”, which finds the Dark Knight still early in his career. A mysterious new killer has emerged in the Gotham underbelly known only as “Holiday”. Known for killing their victims only on holidays, this new assailant tests the sanity of not only our hero but also Police Commissioner James Gordon and recently elected District Attorney, Harvey Dent. As popular as the story is, it seems odd that it’s taken so long finally receive a proper adaptation.
Batman is conspicuous in his absence as the mob wars and the influx of classic villains dominate the news in Gotham City. District Attorney Harvey Dent (voiced by Josh Duhamel) and Police Commissioner James Gordon (Billy Burke) lament their missing colleague while hoping the Batsignal will finally get his attention early in Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two.
Much like the animated film adaptation of “The Dark Knight Returns”, “The Long Halloween” is separated into two separate parts. One could argue that this is simply an easy cash-grab for WB, but the duality lends itself well to the story. In fact, even some character arcs are fleshed out even more than the original graphic novel. Unlike most films in the DC Animated Universe, this film is set in its own separate continuity. This is established right from the start with composer Michael Gatt’s eerie, dark, and brooding score. It’s made clear that this story will not be one of a superheroic adventure, but rather, one of great tragedy.
Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two could be subtitled “Rise of the Villains” as most of Gotham City’s rogues’ gallery joins the fracas – including Mad Hatter and Scarecrow. Voiceover superstars John DiMaggio (Futurama, Batman: Under the Red Hood) and Robin Atkin Downes (The Strain, Constantine: City of Demons) provide the voices of Mad Hatter and Scarecrow, respectively.
The film begins exactly as does in the comic, with notorious crime-boss Johnny Viti murdered by Holiday on Halloween. Viti was the nephew of Carmine Falcone, the so-called “Godfather of Gotham” (interestingly enough, the character is drawn bearing a strong resemblance to Marlon Brando). Viti had been set to testify against Falcone in court, and so the Dark Knight (voiced by Jensen Ackles) is summoned by Gordon (Billy Burke) and Dent (Josh Duhamel) to investigate. Batman enlists the help of Catwoman, voiced by Naya Rivera in her final film role. Each month, on every major holiday, a new victim with ties to the Falcone family is murdered by Holiday, testing the patience and sanity of not only our heroes but our villains as well. Nearly every major Batman villain makes an appearance including Joker, Penguin, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Mad Hatter, and it goes without saying that by the end of part two we are introduced to Two-Face.
Poison Ivy takes command of Gotham City’s criminal forces – and Bruce Wayne’s mind – as Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two begins. Katee Sackhoff (The Mandalorian, Battlestar Galactica) provides the voice of Poison Ivy.
While the screenplay and performances for both films were top-notch, I couldn’t help but be thrown off a bit by the animation. Some of the illustrations are seamlessly replicated from the original comic, but the character’s movements are so stiff and one-dimensional it makes the animation look like a cheap, 60’s-era Saturday morning cartoon (Super-Friends, anyone?). Regardless, both films have garnered a very positive response and a combined Director’s Cut edition is set to be released sometime in 2022. I did find it intriguing to watch the story unfold at this day in age, seeing very similar scenes having unfolded in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 live-action epic, “The Dark Knight”. While not a direct adaptation, “The Dark Knight” borrowed very heavily from this series, especially when it came to depicting the origin of Two-Face. I would encourage any DC fan to pick this up for their home library, although I would probably wait until it’s released as a combined edition.
“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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