Episode 1: ‘Black Hat Society Part 1’
Welcome back to the insane supernatural world of Willard’s Mill, forever in progress! When we last left our heroes, heroines, bad guys and losers, Sheriff Evie was in a serious pickle, so let’s dive right in to save her, yet again!
Our favorite former Sheriff Stan Miller (John C. McGinley) can simply never catch a break, we know this. He knows damned well this alternate Willard’s Mill, with freaking Leon (Nate Mooney) as the Sheriff, simply isn’t right. Something’s not right, something’s missing, perhaps someone. And we all know by now, when our favorite curmudgeon Stan gets a bee in his bonnet, neither heaven nor the underworld will prevent him from getting to the bottom of things!
Willard’s Mill has a witches coven, because of course it does, duh. And inevitably, like all the other reluctant-grin-inducing humor of the town, this particular coven is called the Black Hat Society. The BHS has tons of prophecies and yes, this disappearance of Evie brings one of the major ones about Stan to the forefront. Stan is “the prophesied one”, after all. He has all kinds of stuff to take care of, but for right now, gotta go dig up a grave.
Anywhere else but Willard’s Mill, and we might look at you funny. But no, a wraith was buried in this nasty grave with the faded ‘Barret’ marker, and only Stan can deal with it!
Episode 2: ‘Black Hat Ssociety Part 2’
How exactly does a wraith in a grave from more than a hundred years ago still have eyes? What are wraith eyes like, anyways? Well whatever. Stan has the two eyeballs and uses them to go through a special room in the old Eccles farm to go way back to the 1600’s, to attend Evie Barret’s (Janet Varney) execution.
Wait, what? It turns out, Constable Thaddeus Eccles (Randall Newsome) was in charge of law, if you can call it that, in Willard’s Mill way back in somewhere around 1698 or so. And Eccles was a bad, bad man. Eckles sent his own daughter Constance, herself a budding witch, through time to do battle with anyone who might try to stop him here in the present, and that of course means fighting Stan and Evie and anyone else who might try to stop them!
Constance herself seems to have inherited her fathers sense of the ridiculous use of witchcraft and sorcery, which she clearly demonstrates when she smooshes together a pair of hapless teenagers to use as fodder sent against Stan and company. Stan’s own daughter Denise (Deborah Baker Jr.) usually gets the best one-liners of the show, everything from bad names for a home tooth-cleaning service to the smirking result of the two-in-one being hit by a car: “Teenagers sure are full of goo!”
Perhaps the best thing about our griping, forever-tired sourpuss of a retired Sheriff Stan, is his giant heart. For all that he bitches about all the supernatural nonsense going on around him, Stan never lets it get him down completely. He spent these first two episodes of Season 2 trying desperately to bring Evie back, and in the end, as he confronts Constance Eccles and could’ve killed her, his mercy and gigantic heart is what saved all of Willard’s Mill. And as a thank-you for Stan’s kindness, Constance Eccles left him a clue we all found intriguing: ‘Find Gerard Ducett, and may God help you.’
Don’t crap an apple, watch Stan Against Evil Season 2 on AMC.com now!
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“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.