Lost in Space returns! Or is renewed, revamped, remade, something like that. After the original run of the show in the 60’s, and the 1998 movie starring a bunch of familiar faces, this new show breathes new life into an enduring classic, so let’s all get lost in space with our pals the Robinsons!
‘Swiss Family Robinson’ they sure ain’t. All the same familiar names are there: Maureen and John, the parental units; Judy and Penny and Will, their children. But each character has been upgraded and given a depth we honestly haven’t seen in those previous incarnations. Like with real life, we lay the blame and begin with the parents, John and Maureen Robinson.
Maureen (Molly Parker) I’ve taken to calling Mama Bear, and as the show goes on, it’s quite easy to see why. Poor beleaguered John (Toby Stephens) is a soldier, a very good one as it turns out, but because life on planet Earth is rapidly degrading, he has to go out and keep the peace more often than not, which means Maureen is left to run the household.
LOST IN SPACE
We see clearly in flashbacks in this first episode, that relations between Maureen and John are more than strained, they’re practically nonexistent. Of course Maureen is a scientist, but like any mother bear her main concern is for her children’s lives, so if anything threatens that, including but not limited to their own father, Mama Bear will not let anything stand in her way of remedying that quickly and brutally. One would think, given the military training John went through and his soldiering skills, that he would be the one to fear in the family – oh no, it’s the Mama Bear.
The children all have their own issues, as we clearly see from this very first episode. Judy (Taylor Russell) is already a credit to her families survival, brave and reckless and always wanting to prove herself to her mother, while Penny (Mina Sundwall) is struggling along, trying to decide who and what she wants to be inside the Robinsons.
LOST IN SPACE
And of course Will (Maxwell Jenkins), the smartest and youngest of the bunch, he wants to be a scientist too, but both his parents have their own ideas for what Will should be, and it isn’t until they get stuck on a strange planet together that these demands begin being presented.
So here we are, lost in space on a planet other than Earth, with the Jupiter 2 spaceship, as part of a fleet of other Jupiter spaceships. The Jupiter 2 crashed into the ice and just sank like a stone, and John’s demands that his children do their level best to help unearth (bad pun) the ship, which inevitably leads to two of his kids getting into serious trouble.
Judy went to save her little brother and of course got literally stuck, and though Will very smartly suggested using the surrounding environment to get Judy out, that idea leads to him and John getting separated. But that turns out to be the most fortuitous thing that could’ve happened, because despite leaving Will on his own to go and save his eldest daughter first, Will does fairly well on his own, thank you very much.
LOST IN SPACE
Or, mostly on his own. Will, the youngest and perhaps the bravest, and kindest for that matter, of the Robinsons, proves that friendly overtures really can be the one thing that saves humanity from destruction by, well, other species. The Robot, whom we were all missing from the Jupiter 2, has finally made its appearance, and hoo boy did he/it ever get an upgrade, like insanely so. Will Robinson, alone and frightened in a potentially hostile land, genuinely helped a stranger, and the Robot apparently comprehends enough to return that in kind. Remember that, for it will become vitally important.
Get yourself lost with the Robinsons on the brand new Lost in Space, on Netflix now!
“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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