Ah, the Marvel machine is still chugging right along. Out now for your viewing entertainment on the unlikely platform of the Freeform Channel, is Marvel’s ‘Cloak and Dagger’, the story of two teenage mutants who have a destiny together.
Based on the comic book series of the same name, Cloak and Dagger have been around since their debut appearance in a Spider-Man comic, way back in 1982. Both Tandy Bowen (Dagger) and Tyrone ‘Ty’ Johnson (Cloak) are runaways in New York City, who find themselves, fighting the synthetic heroin trade and other bad guy shenanigans, after nasty experiments turned them both into super-powered beings. The pair have been guest stars in many other comic book series, such as ‘Runaways’, the “Dark Avengers” and “Uncanny X-Men” crossover ‘Utopia’, more ‘Spider-Man’ of course, they shared the double-feature series ‘Strange Tales’ with Doctor Strange for awhile, and naturally had their own featured series running several times.
While the original idea for their characters came from the comic books, the television series adaptation varies widely in their interpretation. Set in New Orleans, we meet our protagonists. Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph) is a privileged young black guy who goes to a private school, has an ambitious mother and a devoted father, but he is consumed by the weight of the death of his brother during some gang-related nonsense, that happened when Tyrone was a child. Conversely, Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) is a young white girl who runs constantly from her drugged-out mother, a thief and a liar and a con-artist still reeling from the death of her beloved father when she was a child. Matter of fact, it’s this shared childhood trauma, which happened right around the Roxxon Oil Gulf Platform explosion, that brought them together as children; the light and the dark saved each-other from death at a very tender age.
Ty is in the process of discovering his abilities that lead him to take the mantle of Cloak, to enclose others in darkness and transport them and himself through the Marvel concept known as the Darkforce dimension. Poor Ty also, after living in a world of fears from the awful death of his brother, has the ability to witness other people’s fears, which I’m sure doesn’t help his mental state. Tandy on the other hand, can literally emit light daggers and use them to furious and dazzling effect. Despite her cynical approach to running away from everything in life, Tandy also has the ability to access the hopes of other people through contact, which sure explains the bright visions she has after touching certain people. None of these things are helping her already fragile state of being, as we see clearly in Tandy’s reaction to her erstwhile partner Liam’s declaration of love in Episode 2.
Given the current political climate of 2018, it’s a bold move on the part of the show-makers to do a privileged version of POC and a down-and-out white lifestyle. The shared desires that both Tandy and Tyrone have, to fight their fears or run from them, to find a safe haven home with people who genuinely care for them, is something most of humanity can agree upon, that transcends skin color, race boundary, or class privilege. Done in a similar bright-but-dark style that made Marvel’s ‘Runaways’ quite the sleeper hit, ‘Cloak and Dagger’ flies under the radar of giant-budget Marvel action romps, delivering a super-secret sleeper hit that everyone should experience at least once!
Catch all the MCU hidden easter eggs with ‘Cloak and Dagger’, on Freeform now!
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‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“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.
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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.
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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.