We begin the episode with a PSA from an alternate-world Beast Boy, of all things, reminding us that this seasons main storyline thus far is the illegal trafficking of meta-humans. So what that in mind, off we go to the United Nations meta-humans summit, already in progress!
Not a single person, human or otherwise, is happy about the current state of affairs, mainly concerning the Justice League. Arguments about hamstringing metas and other Leaguers just trying to do their jobs are flying back and forth, with solid opinions offered from Atlantean and Themiscyrian representatives too.
And the announcement of resignations from several key Justice League members, in protest of their treatment from the U.N. and other world leaders, just doesn’t help anything. Matters are made even worse when the U.N. Secretary General, Lex Luthor himself, speaks his not-peace on the matter, and invites the Markovian ambassador to inform everyone that Markovia has a zero-tolerance policy on allowing in any vigilantes or so-called heroes, at all.
But that isn’t going to stop our Outsiders, not even slow them down! Superboy and Black Lightning are taking a super-cycle under the radar into Markovia to investigate the childrens hospital for clues, and Nightwing and Artemis are going undercover to the Markovian royalty coronation reception, to scope out potential suspects of meta trafficking.
The hotshot geneticist Dr. Ecks seems to be a good bet for a suspect, though the royal family physician Dr. Jace makes the list too. Prince Brion, the one not being crowned, has been speaking to Dr. Jace about trying to activate his dormant meta-genes too, while Prince Gregor seems to have been doing some nasty plotting of his own. Prince Brion and Dr. Ecks leave the party early, ostensibly to go and begin treatments to turn his meta-gene active, of course at the Markovian childrens hospital.
Artemis goes to the Markovian cemetery to retrieve gear left there, and discovers meta traffickers burying what they think are dead bodies, only to find one of them isn’t quite dead yet, and is in some serious need of rescuing.
Meanwhile back at the childrens hospital, Black Lightning and SuperBoy have managed to discover a secret hidden base in the morgue, full of dark experiments apparently being done to convert youngsters into meta-humans by force. An encounter with Count Vertigo and a plasmus creature he calls Otto leads to lots of fighting and a serious need to escape. But poor Jeff manages to hurt himself on the way out, and SuperBoy got himself captured!
Both Dr. Ecks and Dr. Jace have nasty secrets they’re hiding, some even involve Count Vertigo and the meta trafficking ring. But no-one expected Dr. Jace herself to be the one to put both SuperBoy and Prince Brion in the experimental cocoon chambers and flip the switch to start the black sludge filling them up!
Tune in next time to help our heroes hunt down meta-human traffickers, and save the Justice League from the United Nations’ wrath!
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“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.
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.