Category Archives: Movies

Will Tom and Jerry be the new Chipmunks?

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When I was a kid, Tom and Jerry was one of my favorite cartoons. I don’t know why. I mean, I’d love to tell you that it was because it was quality entertainment, but I suspect it was because I enjoyed watching the little guy get to win for a change. The fact that the little guy often won with the help of a large mallet was even better, of course. (Yes, my other favorite cartoon was the perpetual battle between Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner.)

Still, despite my affinity for the cat-and-mouse duo, I find this recent movie news a little… perplexing:

Warner Bros. is turning to Tom and Jerry to create its own “Alvin and the Chipmunks”-like family franchise.

Plans are to bring the constantly warring cat and mouse to life as CG characters that run around in live-action settings.

Studio-based Dan Lin, currently producing the upcoming “Sherlock Holmes” and exec producer on “Terminator: Salvation,” will adapt the classic Hanna-Barbera property as an origin story that reveals how Tom and Jerry first meet and form their rivalry before getting lost in Chicago and reluctantly working together during an arduous journey home.

First of all, getting lost in Chicago and working together to get home…? And second… didn’t the Chipmunks movie kind of bomb? But hey, what do I know….

A tale of two rodents

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It was just a few days ago that I was talking about the Despereaux movie, and I still haven’t seen it, unfortunately. The holidays are a time for family togetherness and also, apparently, plagues. So, um, we haven’t been out to the movies yet. We’re far too busy tossing germs back and forth.

But I just read the review over at Toon Zone, and thought it was one of the most thoughtful pieces I’ve seen on it:

The Tale of Despereaux aspires to join the rarified company of classic animated fairy tales, but while the final film possesses ample charms, they are not quite enough to counterbalance the film’s flaws. In the end, The Tale of Despereaux tells a delightful story, but it doesn’t quite achieve the lift it needs to truly take flight.

I’m still disappointed, given how much we all loved the book, but I guess they can’t all be blockbusters.

On the other hand, thanks to my 4-year-old nephew I’ve now watched Ratatouille about four times in the last three days, and I’ve gotta say… it’s still good, every time. Talk about a movie that I never expected to be any good that completely blew away my expectations. The only problem with that movie is that it makes me hungry. But it’s a great flick.

So I guess that’s good news for Remy, but bad news for Despereaux. Sorry, Despereaux.

Despereaux struggling a bit

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Tomatometer is running at about 52% positive. Which means that the kids and I will probably still enjoy it, but still.

I mean, just look at this. Doesn’t this look like a movie that ought to be amazing?

(See more clips and read more about the movie at Collider.com.)

I’m still hoping to see it this week. I trust that Despereaux’s large ears will entertain me even during the less-than-stellar parts.

There will be no escaping Bakugan

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They’re on my floor, stuck on my lamps, and taking over my kitchen counter. My son has more Bakugan brawlers than I can count, and still he knows all of their names, stats, and special powers.

This is, by the way, the same kid who can’t remember to put on pants, sometimes. They don’t call it selective memory for nothing.

And so my life runneth over with Bakugan, but it looks like things are about to get even more Bakuganful (totally a word)—now we can stay tuned for the official Bakugan movie:

Universal and Stuber Prods. are hoping to capitalize on the latest toy craze among boys, entering into a deal with toy company Spin Master to bring “Bakugan Battle Brawlers” to the big screen.

[...]

“Bakugan” airs six days a week on Cartoon as one of its top shows.

No writers are on board, but the studio jumped at the chance to be in business with a toy that has a growing worldwide fan base. It also sparked to the concept and story line, which it believes will translate well into an all-ages action-adventure movie.

Soooo… will it be animated? Live-action? And most importantly… how long do you suppose I can hide this information from my son…?

You will likely be assimilated, and resistance is futile; so you may as well visit the Bakugan Store here at Ty’s for all of your Bakugan needs.

It’s a long wait ’til March for Monsters

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