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Reviews
Mickey Mouse: Ku'u Lei Melody (2016)
One of the funniest, sweetest episodes possible.
This episode has everything. Classic Mickey/Goofy/Donald comedy. Their friendship is highlighted here in the best possible way. All three working together, getting into hilarious antics and situations. It's classic Disney fun. The animation is at its best here. The color palette is vibrant and striking. The story is simple, and it doesn't have a really deep message that it's trying to convey, but at the same time, it hardly needs to. That simplicity allows for the audience to draw their own interpretations, and besides, a simple story like this works for Mickey Mouse. Finally, the ending is absolutely sweet. It works so well that Minnie was the spirit/voice that Mickey had been searching for. It makes for such a wholesome, sweet ending as they join in song together. Not to mention the song itself, which is really catchy and beautiful, too. This episode has everything. It's truly an homage to classic Disney and the old Mickey Mouse shorts. 10/10.
Never Hike Alone 2 (2023)
Really enjoyable movie
I absolutely love how this movie intertwined with the first film. Very clever writing in that sense, especially the remake of the first film's ending scene when Jason attacks the paramedics. The production value, especially the editing, is immaculate. Just perfect. I would say my biggest criticism is I think Jason is shown too much in the beginning. What made the first movie great is the slow burn to his reveal. Maybe that's just me. Of course, it's a fan film, so it's not going to be like a Hollywood movie. The acting is spotty here and there, but it doesn't take away from the movie. Other than that, it's a really good finale to a great trilogy.
Reba (2001)
Such a great show
This show is such a good comfort show. The characters (well...most of them anyway), are extremely likable. Even Barbara Jean, the MISTRESS of all characters, who is hilariously portrayed by Melissa Peterman. She provides about 80% of the show's comedy, next to Van of course. So many funny moments and one-liners, too. I'd definitely recommend the earlier seasons, but even the later seasons are really good too. Reba's comedic timing and facial expressions are the highlight of her performance that makes the jokes twice as funny. She did such an amazing job portraying the character. It's such a great show!
Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends: Fearless Freddie (2006)
Wasted potential
Personally, I liked Freddie as a character. They could've developed a really interesting backstory for him. They set up Freddie's relationship with Sir Handel, and that could have been the main conflict. Freddie learning how things have changed since he was last there. They set up his friendship with Sir Handel and instead of focusing on that they shifted to Freddie racing Skarloey and Rheneas. What was the lesson to be learned? They could've had an episode about change. Freddie is old and things are different now. He has to learn to adapt to that change around younger engines. I'm not sure. 5/10.
Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails (2009)
Too much narration
I would say this movie is not perfect by any means. It truly marked the end of the model series (whole season 12 did that as well), and Spencer's reasoning for wanting Hiro destroyed is never explained in full. However, my biggest gripe with this movie is its narration. Every single action is narrated, when it can be seen onscreen! He never shuts up and lets the visuals speak for themselves. For instance the chase scene with Hiro would have been so much more impactful had the narration been cut out completely. Even a small child can comprehend what's happening. It doesn't need further explanation.
United We Fall (2020)
Horrible
The characters, notably the grandmother and the brother in law, are arguably the most annoying, unlikeable characters in the show. Every scene they're in makes me want to strangle them. They're so rude and callous and it's more mean spirited than it is funny because they never get their comeuppance. I get that real life isn't like that. Not everybody learns their lesson, but come on. Somebody punch these characters in the face! The humor is so flat and unfunny, the laugh track is overused and stupid, the jokes are terrible, the actors have so little to work with. All I can say is I'm glad it's cancelled.
Thomas & Friends: Journey Beyond Sodor (2017)
Been there, done that
I wasn't all too impressed with this movie on my first watch. I did not care for the characters being able to unrealistically move their bodies, and I especially didn't care for the needless musical numbers. Also, the whole "Thomas goes to the mainland" felt overused. We've seen him do this in various episodes, and even one of the movies. It didn't feel like a genuinely epic journey. "We can't do anything" is really catchy, however. I loved seeing James take a more prominent role, but this movie felt too "meh" to really be on the same level as other Thomas movies. It didn't feel new or exciting.
Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends: Henry's Forest (1992)
My favorite from Season 3
This episode hits all the emotional beats it needs. Henry gets more depth as a character, the writing is so powerful and cleverly set up. The payoff at the end was so heartwarming. The score is gorgeous as well. This episode sums up Thomas as a whole: great characters who stick up for each other, meaningful plots/stories that have depth and substance, incredible model work and set pieces, intense action sequences, and overall, just good writing and storytelling. It's such a feel good story that will leave you feeling all warm and mushy inside, without being too sentimental. One of the best episodes.
Thomas & Friends: Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure (2015)
Best Thomas Movie To Date
This movie had anything and everything one could have asked for out of a Thomas film. Everyone felt so in character, especially Thomas, who was an incredible protagonist. He exhibited the cheeky, yet heroic personality that Thomas is known for. The animation is the best it's ever been, and they were so brave to experiment with a darker tone. Seeing Thomas in a high-stakes chase with a fierce villain was very surreal. The SCORE? Very cinematic. This movie is so much fun, and you can tell the crew devoted a lot of time and love to craft this epic masterpiece. I said it once, I'll say it again. Absolutely phenomenal.
Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends: Push Me, Pull You (2008)
So mediocre
I guess I understand the lesson they were trying to teach with this episode. The importance of asking for help. But if that's the case, it was executed so poorly. Skarloey is just an idiot the entire time and crashes into everything. What is he supposed to learn? Not to be stupid? It might've been a forgivable episode IF Skarloey had felt very pompous for being picked to pull the train so he feels "too good" to help his friends, making his choice to give Rheneas the puppet show train more rewarding. Or maybe he feels to prideful to ask for help to pull such a big train. Overall, not a good episode.
Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends: The Deputation (1986)
Classic Thomas. There are Better Episodes
I think my only problem with this episode would be its pacing. It is a bit slow, and not much really happens, but nonetheless, the ending is so wholesome when the twins learn they get to stay and everyone celebrates with them. I also love that the characters worked together to keep Donald and Douglas on the railway. It really shows how tightly knit these characters are. Also find this episode unique since there is a clear absence of Thomas himself, which is very rare imo. It's nice to see these other characters taking the spotlight instead. To me, there are better episodes, but this is still classic.