So a couple of years ago, we were introduced to an adorably smarmy and charming version of Lucifer Morningstar, the Devil himself who had grown weary of Hell and took off to Los Angeles of all places, for an eternal vacation amongst humanity.
Lucifer latched onto one Detective Chloe Decker, a former child star actor with a fair bit of human baggage, both personally and professionally, and thus we have the buddy-cop joy that is the FOX show Lucifer. The show is loosely based on the character of the same name from the DC Vertigo imprint, from master storytellers Neil Gaiman and Sam Keith.
The show also gave us the utter deliciousness that is Tom Ellis, the man who plays Lucifer Morningstar on the show, and is just as effortlessly charming in real life, plainly evidenced by his glorious manner at every last geeky convention he’s ever paneled for Lucifer at. His co-stars are always fun to have on the panel too, but let’s face it, just like his character on the show, it was Tom Ellis singing, or leading the others in ‘no sh*t there I was on the set’ stories, that we came to see.
And speaking of the shows other actors, ‘Lucifer’ is well-known for giving each their own separate storyline that intersects with Lucifers’ at interesting points, and often making them relatable to the audience in their own lives. Tons could be said about poor Chloe and her constant push-pull relationship with Lucifer, but most of the time we’re laughing at the screen, “I feel you, girl.” Therapist Linda only recently got the shock of her life, that angels really are for really-reals, and that more or less everything Lucifer was ranting about his Father and family was actually true.
Charlotte the lawyer, brilliantly played by everyone’s favorite Six Tricia Helfer, even after being divested of the powers of Mother-Goddess herself, struggles with the very basic human problem of being bad or being good. Amenadiel, Lucifer’s brother, oh he’s a bundle of angelic and human-like contradictions, but that propensity for martyrdom often rises to the top. Lucifer’s best gal Mazikeen, she runs around in her own skin most of the time, and it’s oh so delicious to see someone revel in being exactly what they are, especially for those of us out here who can’t.
This new season breathed life back into the career of Tom Welling, whom yes we all know from damn near a decade of Smallville, casting him as the hidden Caine and monkey in the wrench of Lucifer’s already complicated little world of L.A. Another biblical character with all sorts of very base human desires and complications is a brilliant move on the part of the Lucifer storytellers, and Welling pulls it off very well.
But now, due as far as I can discern only to a lack of good-enough ratings numbers, our beloved ‘Lucifer’ has been cancelled at FOX. Almost immediately there was an outcry from loyal fandom, and the campaign for #SaveLucifer only got louder when Tom Ellis himself took to Twitter to confirm the cancellation and state that he was gutted by the whole affair.
The show Brooklyn Nine-Nine was picked up after cancellation and large fan outcry by NBC, so Lucifer fans are refusing to give up just yet. Ellis came back to Twitter and said how blown away he was by the whole #SaveLucifer thing, and to keep fighting.
Rise up, my fellow Lucifans! Let your voice be heard, to the heavens and hells and all over fandom, we want to #SaveLucifer! Join the movement on Twitter, hell on all your social medias, don’t pluck the Devil from our Mondays!
“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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