Big Mouth season two is something that I didn’t expect to enjoy more than season one, but it succeeded. Whether it was being adaptive to the humor to make it less shocking or the delving of characters to make us understand them and wish for them to be happy. Season 2 of this show takes us on a huge roller coaster ride and it does not hold back on the recurring issues of puberty and hormones.
It also introduces us to the shame wizard as a new threat to Maurice and Connie (the monsters) as their influence will counteract with him, who’s only purpose is to impose self conscious thinking and doubt on the kids and make them feel ashamed and insecure about their feelings. We learn more about the kids as the season continues and toward the last half, things really get kind of crazy and can lead up to some nice future tie in episodes in season three. In a spoiler free review, we will talk about the introduction of new characters, the growth of some of the main characters and the lore of the monster verse that does get explored later on in the last couple of episodes.
Season one ended with Jay and Jessi starting some sort of relationship and running away, which ultimately leads to nowhere. Andrew and Maurice are still becoming corrupted by the hormones and Nick finally got his monster, who is ancient and the same monster that Coach Steve has, which does not bode well for Nick at all. The second season continues to delve into the characters continuing to learn more about their sexuality.
Exploring it either by kissing with their fronts or as one character does, hump a stuffed animal. It is only when we meet the new character, The Shame Wizard, who gives characters the uneasy and ashamed feelings about how they are acting and the even borderline feelings of depression that plagues them, when interacting with their fellow students. I like the introduction of him because in the first season, it seems like even though all of the kids were going through puberty, they were subtle about it and they didn’t show any kind of emotional attachments or understanding.
With the Shame Wizard around, he whispers to all the characters and gives them self-conscious thoughts, almost makes them shun sex and be introverted, not expressing their raging hormones. It is a nice addition because the monsters cannot do anything to the Shame Wizard at all and even though they try to outsmart him, it never succeeds. Adding him, makes it easy to not subtract any of the extra characters that take up this universe.
The main four characters have some roller coasters of emotions going on. Nick, starts learning about his monsters (plural but not really a spoiler) and is trying to figure out why they would give him some awkward and unnatural advice. Andrew just continues going down the rabbit hole into depravity and sexual awkwardness, shunning himself away from the girl he likes and even his close friends.

Big Mouth
Jay has continued to embrace his sexuality and goes full force into loving it without any hesitation with inanimate objects or people. Jessi is a sad case, still dealing with the fallout from last season with her parents drifting apart and like many teenagers, lashes out in anger because she wants to fix it and cannot. She has the biggest drop in emotions which leads to a new character being introduced only for her sanity. Keeping the spoilers away, I will not reveal it mostly because I’m not sure if it’ll come back in season 3 and turn into a plot device for her character arch.
Toward the end of season 2, we see the monster world of emotions and hormones. Every monster has a place they reside at and an office building, where they work. It’s a nice Monsters Inc. kind of place where the everyday emotion-monsters go about their usual routine, talking about their human clients and discussing progress and other issues. I love this concept and I hope that they’ll go back to it, having the humans travel to the monster world possibly creating some major issues and situations that cannot be solved in the human world.
Season 2 took all the awkward elements of season 1 and continued to add more and more, making it something special. It still has the cringe humor with Coach Steve and maybe some weirdness coming from some of the kids and their hormones, but it’s nothing that we cannot relate to. With the addition of some new characters, a new monster world and the continuing story arcs of the four main kids and their emotional ups and downs, it does make it addicting. A coming of age story that just happens to be rated MA. I enjoyed season 2, season 3 should be quite fascinating when it comes out.

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.
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Review: Pushpa: The Rise (2021)

Director: Sukumar
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5
Pushpa: The Rise is a raw, adrenaline-fueled ride that showcases the underbelly of the red sandalwood smuggling trade in Andhra Pradesh. Directed by Sukumar, this movie brilliantly blends high-octane action with emotionally driven storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of Telugu cinema and action dramas.
The narrative follows Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), a laborer in the red sandalwood trade, as he climbs the ranks to become a powerful figure. Born into poverty and scorned for his illegitimacy, Pushpa’s journey is marked by grit, ambition, and a fierce sense of self-respect. The film deftly balances the action-packed rise of Pushpa with moments of vulnerability, particularly in his tumultuous romance with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna).
The antagonist, Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), is introduced towards the film’s end, setting the stage for a gripping sequel. The climactic confrontation between Pushpa and Shekhawat is a masterclass in tension-building, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting Pushpa: The Rule.
Allu Arjun: This is Allu Arjun’s film through and through. His transformation into Pushpa is a revelation, from his rugged look to his unapologetic demeanor. His mannerisms, including the now-iconic shoulder rub and dialogue delivery, make Pushpa an unforgettable character.
Rashmika Mandanna: While her role as Srivalli adds emotional depth to the story, it feels slightly underutilized. However, her chemistry with Allu Arjun is undeniable.
Fahadh Faasil: Despite limited screen time, Fahadh delivers a chilling performance as the cold and calculating Shekhawat. His presence promises an explosive conflict in the sequel.
Sukumar’s direction is stellar, balancing mass appeal with nuanced storytelling. The screenplay maintains a brisk pace, seamlessly weaving action sequences with character development. The film’s raw and grounded tone is a departure from the glossy feel of many mainstream Telugu films, adding authenticity to the story.
Mirosław Kuba Brożek’s cinematography is stunning, capturing the lush forests of Andhra Pradesh and the gritty world of the red sandalwood trade.
Devi Sri Prasad’s music is another highlight. Tracks like “Srivalli” and “Oo Antava” became cultural phenomena, while the background score enhanced the film’s intensity.
Action Sequences: The action choreography is visceral and hard-hitting, perfectly complementing the film’s tone.
The film explores themes of ambition, class struggle, and self-respect. Pushpa’s refusal to bow down to societal norms resonates deeply, making him a relatable anti-hero. The story also critiques the systemic exploitation of laborers, adding a layer of social commentary.
Pushpa: The Rise is an exemplary action-drama that redefines the Telugu film industry’s global appeal. With a magnetic performance by Allu Arjun, stellar direction by Sukumar, and unforgettable music, it stands out as one of the best films of 2021. While it occasionally falters with some underdeveloped subplots, the overall experience is nothing short of spectacular.
4.5/5 Pushpa: The Rise is a cinematic feast that deserves its cult status. Whether you’re a fan of Telugu action films or a newcomer, this film is a must-watch. Its cliffhanger ending ensures that Pushpa: The Rule will be even bigger and better.