I am a child of the 1980’s. I remember Saturday morning cartoons, breakfast with lots of sugary cereal and the awesome action figures. One of the shows I missed out on, and really didn’t have much of a desire to watch, was He-Man.
Maybe because it ended before I was able to start watching cartoons on my own or maybe watching Real Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and pro wrestling interested me more. One of the spin offs of He-Man was She-Ra. She was a female equivalent to He-Man and uses a similar weapon, a sword which transforms into a mighty warrior.
That’s the cliff-notes in my head that I remember of the original show. Netflix has relaunched She-Ra with new animation and hopefully some fun and original stories. With that in mind, I figured I should give the show a try. See if it makes me crave nostalgia of yesteryear or does it stand on its own two feet as a modern hit that both men and women could even enjoy. This will have spoilers. I will be breaking down what happens in the episode, my overall feelings of how the episode was and whether it is worth the recommendation.
The opening episode of She-Ra is very reminiscent of the Captain Marvel movie. Adora is training in a simulation room with some soldiers of the Horde, where they practice killing princesses because they have uncontrollable powers and society needs order. Adora was found as a baby by the teacher of the Horde, who has trained her to fight and serve Lord Hordak. Adora is pretty skilled as a tactician. With one of her best friends Catra, she is promoted up the ranks which will let her see actual battles. To celebrate the promotion, Adora and Catra sneak out of their training facility and ride into the woods. There are many stories about them, so they try to be careful, but end up being reckless.
Adora ends up falling off and while she is calling for Catra, she finds this glowing sword. When she touches it, a spirit calls for her and tells her to defend Etheria and Greyskull. Without any understanding, she ends up getting woken up by Catra. Adora is confused but goes back with Catra to their facility. After some nightmares, Adora sneaks back out to go look for the sword. In the woods, as she sees the light glowing, she runs into Princess Glimmer and her best friend Bow (a Green Arrow like archer).
They scuffle and as Adora becomes captive, Bow tries to make sense as to why Adora thinks what she is doing is good. Bow even makes the joke ‘have you even met a princess before’ to which Adora says she hasn’t. Like I said in the beginning, it has a very Captain Marvel feeling. You have a brainwashed or amnesic character, who is trained to be a fighter for what they perceive to be good, only to discover they have been manipulated or tricked.
While Adora hasn’t gotten that far yet, and doesn’t in the first episode, it really is foreshadowing the conflict of interest plot line. While they are all lost in the woods, a giant spider-like creature attacks Bow and Glitter. Adora grabs the sword and when she tries to save them, the spirit of the sword asks Adora once again if she will fight, Adora agrees. She then transforms into She-Ra, which ends the episode.
So, this is a nice way to start a show. Though Princess Glitter is kind of annoying with her trope of proving she is indeed a great fighter against the Horde, she is still immature and is slightly grating. Bow is a nice balance to Glimmer’s immaturity, grounded and has some nice lines that give him some personality as well. Adora is a nice character. She has some humor, but can turn on the seriousness when she needs to. She is that nice stock-heroine character type that is familiar but, over the season, will make it unique to her.
Overall, this series started off pretty promising with some background of the setting, some of the characters and the conflict that has been plaguing the area. I think this is a show made for both men and women. It doesn’t pander to any specific gender and the comedy and action can be enjoyed by everyone.

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.