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‘Suicide Squad Hell to Pay’: Heavens just not in your cards

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Return with us to the wonderful world of Suicide Squad, that rag-tag gang of villains and thugs and baddies that Amanda Waller put together as a last resort, to do the kind of nasty missions only scum are best at.

Though never called Suicide Squad, oh no, Waller (Vanessa Williams) refers to them as Task Force X. And the task force of cobbled-together villains has apparently had all kinds of different members at different times, for separate increasingly-difficult missions. Like the one we begin the movie with, where Waller sends Count Vertigo (Jim Pirri), Deadshot, Black Manta (Dave Fennoy), and crime couple Punch (Trevor Devall) and Jewelee (Julie Nathanson), after a thumb drive of leaked information on the career criminal Tobias Whale (Dave Fennoy). (Whom hopefully most of you will recognize as the main crime-lord in the new hit show Black Lightning) Still not entirely sure why this mission was included first, unless it was to underline Waller and Floyd Lawton (Christian Slater) a.k.a. Deadshot’s working relationship.

Fast forward awhile, and hey Waller’s discovered she’s terminally ill. Time to bring together another Task Force X, bringing Deadshot along for the ride but also adding some newer faces – Copperhead (Gideon Emery), the body-mod freak with the prehensile tail; the charmingly Australian veteran Captain Boomerang (Liam McIntyre); Killer Frost (Kristen Bauer van Straten), but trust me, not the one you know from the CW show; everyone’s favorite psycho-Betty Harley Quinn (Tara Strong); and grunting religious dude Bronze Tiger (Billy Brown). Their mission, should they choose to accept it and really they don’t have much choice, is to find a man calling himself Steel Maxum and retrieve the mystical black playing card emblazoned ‘Get Out Of Hell Free’.

After embarking on what has to be the worst road trip ever, all stuck together in an RV vehicle, the newfangled Task Force X comes across Maxum shaking his money-maker in a club, and of course nothing would do but have a giant fight against other bad guys who want Steel too! Professor Zoom (C. Thomas Howell), Silver Banshee (Julie Nathanson) and some schmo called Blockbuster (Dave Fennoy), they want Steel and thus the hell-card for their own, as do Scandal Savage (Dania Ramirez), Vandal Savage’s daughter, and her girlfriend Knockout (Cissy Jones), a rogue Fury from Apokolips. Whew! Everybody got that? Onward!

Why is everyone chasing after the ridiculous Maxum Steel (Greg Grunberg), thinking he has the black card? Well, he used to. Somehow, fans and friends and odds and ends, this smarmy dude ended up as a Dr. Fate, but a night of rick-rolling from Scandal and Knockout ended up with a missing get out of hell free card and a job firing from some entity called Nabu.

What does it all have to do with the price of cheese? More or less explained, having possession of the card when you die, allows one in theory to bypass Hell altogether and go straight to Heaven. But there’s no real way to test it, and for some reason a 50k+-year-old caveman believes in Hell, even perhaps moreso than he believes in love, or loyalty for that matter. Vandal Savage (Jim Pirri) never quite understood that how he treats the women in his life almost always, inexplicably at least to his mind, result in his downfall.

After figuring out what the mission is actually about, our Suiciders all have their own opinions about Heaven, and Hell, and the possibilities of going to either one, or if either one even exists at all. Despite his prickly exterior and stubborn religious doctrine, Bronze Tiger manages to keep his head clear and do the job he was assigned to, for the most part. Circumstances change, plans change, and one has to be able to roll with it, even if you’re a villain on a covert government assignment.

Or are we? We all know what Waller wants the card for, and our Squaders all agree, she’s the last person who deserves to have it. So who does, if anyone? Not Vandal Savage, that guy’s lived way too long as it is. Zoom has his own problems, always mucking about with other universes and timelines as he does, and that old expression, ‘I need that like I need a hole in the head’ isn’t funny anymore in his case.

Killer Frost and Professor Pyg are both self-possessed and unconcerned with other planes of existence, they don’t deserve it either. The choice eventually comes down to Deadshot himself, and what he does with the card in the end may surprise those of you who think he’s nothing but a villainous assassin. Lawton has done plenty of bad things, there’s no argument there, but his love for his daughter Zoe will outweigh any other influence and tip him in the even semi-right direction.

The movie itself is a great fun little romp of lots of bad and not-so-bad-but-hey-still-bad guys and dolls all kicking the snot out of each-other. One could even posit that the voice actors of ‘Hell to Pay’ sounded like they had a lot more fun than the real-life actors of the feature film, the predecessor. Moments of quality time are paid to each character so that a more even spread of story runs throughout the animated film, and the one-liners or even Copperhead moments where he just hisses and scares people, are great wacky fun.

Come join Task Force X, I mean, Suicide Squad, in their latest incarnation, ‘Suicide Squad Hell to Pay’, on DVD and Blu-ray now!

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‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless

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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?

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“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

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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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