Welcome to Yummy Fruit Mountain, where Bobby (Anthony Padilla) and the other hedgehogs live. They all eat, obviously, yummy fruit (which to me look like pomegranates, for the record) and every season when the fruit ripens, all the hedgehogs race and vie against each-other to get to the very top of the tallest fruit and pluck that very first, finest fresh fruit of the season for himself. Almost always, in his pride and daring, is Bobby, the hero of our story.
Bobby seems to think he’s Sonic the Hedgehog or something, he loves to race around and strut and be the fastest and the best, but not so much contributing to the hedgehog community at large or being, well, kind and generous to others. When a wolverine named Maddox (Ian Hecox) who simply won’t take “no!” and “That’s mine!” for an answer when it comes to that yummy fruit, Bobby finds himself lost far from his mountain home, and with memory loss to top it off.
Essentially the rest of the movie is what you’d more or less expect – Bobby goes on a whirlwind adventure through the nearby city, helped along the way by cheerfully vague friends like Hubert the bird (Jon Heder), who initially swears no-name Bobby is a bird too, you know, his feathers just fell off when he fell off the choo-choo. Hubert actually makes Bobby some wings, which I thought was darned impressive.
Anyway, a whole bunch of other stuff happens, the animal gang gets captured because the humans nearby are having a virus issue, and of course, the Thinkman (Chevy Chase) of the lab just wants to murder all the critter carriers, while the little animal activist Scott (Max Mittelman) wants to check the animals out for the presence of the virus first.
Bobby encounters a whole other tribe of hedgehogs, even falling for their princess Rose (Jenn McAllister), but unfortunately these guys are pacifists, meaning no “spines up”, ever. The two opposing forces are about to come to a head, and perhaps a bunch of spines too, if only Bobby can convince them to act!
Bobby the hedgehog learns a great many good life lessons in his travels, not the least of which is that it’s perfectly welcome to ask others for help when you need it. To be brave and the first to the yummy fruit at the highest point of yummy fruit mountain’s tallest tree means little, if you have no-one to share your spoils with. And hey, an assault of bees, hedgehogs, birds, and even dogs against construction loggers and their machines always looks cool, no matter how improbable it might be.
Spending an hour and a half or so watching Bobby learn to be not quite so prideful isn’t bad. All the hedgehogs have weirdly colored spines; you get used to it. It is a movie translated from another language and sometimes the translation gets a bit fuzzy, but the general idea always comes across. Give Hedgehogs a roll!
“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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