Most of us who watch films are familiar with the Purge series, those movies with a reorganized government instituting an annual purge night in the United States where any and all crime is legal for 12 hours.
The upper crust have massive parties to congratulate each-other, the middle class either batten down the hatches or prepare to fight, and of course the bottom rung folk just run wild through the streets. Some people go crazy with costumes, and some crawl into a hidey-hole and pull the entrance in after them, but everyone knows about Commencement Day coinciding with Purge Night, and that after the siren sounds, all hell is going to break loose.
Over here in the slums and already gang-ridden part of town, a former Marine (Gabriel Chavarria) now home searches through the grime and homeless folk for his missing sister, trolling down the streets in his lone car and night-vision goggles, giving a reason to use that surreal night-effects filter the Purge franchise is known for. The streets are clogged with killers and revelers, some in outlandish costumes and, yes, furry head-coverings of all kinds are being sold, to the murderers that qualify any and all Purge affiliates as Horror.
Across town in the business section one firm prepares to waive their rights to purge and work on a foreign business deal all through the night, only that one floor they’re working on can be guaranteed safe by security from all Purge activity, they’re adamant on this point. The team lead may be a bulldog about her job and getting these foreign contracts done by morning, but she’s of course up to some shady Purging nonsense all on her own later.
Elsewhere there’s a busload of fanatics in baby-blues, going to offer themselves up in glorious sacrifice to those who feel the need to Purge in that way. Yes true believers, they are the glory of their selfless giving, and they pray and fervently believe as best they can on the way to the killing grounds, that this really is the right thing to do. The people under those awful rabbit masks, gripping axes with which they’re going to rend another human into meat, might disagree, but by then the only people speaking are the ones still on the bus. Still chanting and waiting for their turn to be chosen, to participate in their own way, in the Purge.
Much further uptown, our nervous middle-class couple who want desperately to make the climb higher are attending a high-class ball, I mean fundraiser, at one of the Founding Father government party soirees. If you bother to pay attention to what plots there are in the Purge movies, you’ll recall the Founding Fathers government is quite cheerful about the violence and purgative effects of the Purge, and tonights’ party is no different. The guests are invited to sport masks of infamous and ultra-famous murderers of times past, including the likes of Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and even Lizzie Borden, as they mingle and further carve up the American way of life for themselves. And that’s hardly the worst thing likely to happen at a high-class Purge party – the night is young.
The series is being billed as a 10-part miniseries slated to run on the USA network every Tuesday night at 10/9c, so lock your doors and sharpen your cutlery, The Purge is here!
“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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