Tag: Warner Bros.

Film Review: A Minecraft Movie (Warner Bros. Pictures)

By: Jesse Striewski

Here’s about as much that I honestly knew about Minecraft (the game) prior to entering the theater for A Minecraft Movie this past weekend; it was some sort of building block game that also included zombies and various other animals and weird creatures in it that my kid just ate up (and seemingly had to have anything Minecraft related) around six or seven years old at the time.

And here’s what I know about it now after watching the film on the big screen – still not much! That does not mean I didn’t find the new film starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black to be a fun ride of sheer video game escapism entertainment, similar to 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie (which coincidentally also featured Black in a voice role).

The simplest breakdown of the film’s events involves nerdy outcast Henry (Sebastian Hansen), his newly acquired friend and washed-up video game Champion Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (played brilliantly by Momoa), his older sister Natalie (Emma Myers), and their realtor Dawn (Danielle Brooks) all getting zapped through a portal into another world (or “Overworld”) after Garrison locates a magic orb and crystal that previously belonged to Steve (Black) in this very magical land (are you following me yet?).

Meanwhile good guy Steve, who’s been imprisoned by the evil piglin ruler of the Nether Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House) believes he needs to get these items back in order to rescue his wolf and faithful companion, Dennis, back from Malgosha. There’s plenty of fish-out-of-water jokes and running and screaming as events rapidly unfold along the way, but surprisingly it never loses its viewers’ attention.

Many critics have so far described the film as “mindless” or even a “cash grab” (what movie isn’t though?), but at the end of the day, it still maintains its heart. I may not have been much of a Minecraft connoisseur prior to going into the film per se, and I may have found some of the crowd interaction more distracting over anything else, but after catching it this past weekend, I can definitely say I’m willing to give it a try now more than I’ve ever been.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Film Review: The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (Warner Bros. Animation)

By: Shawn McKee

Nearly 40 years after Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) ushered in the golden age of animation revival, Warner Bros. has released its first fully animated Looney Tunes feature film.

The long road toward this milestone is one of constant studio re-branding and mixed results. Space Jam (1996) originated from the highly popular ’90s Nike commercials, featuring Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny. Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) continued the trend much later, for some reason with LeBron James in the lead.

Among these live-action animated crossovers, Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003) (directed by the great Joe Dante) was ultimately disappointing. All were not without charm or technical merits, but the latest incarnation returns to the basics. The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie successfully captures the original Looney Tunes spirit, delivering pure escapist entertainment to audiences of all ages.

The new science fiction comedy stars Porky Pig and Daffy Duck as lifelong friends born on the same farm. Petunia Pig (Porky’s love interest) is a welcomed addition of a Looney Tunes character rarely seen since the 1940s. The rest of the cast consists of humans and a gleeful, villainous alien billed as “The Invader” fantastically voiced by Peter MacNicol.

Kids will surely enjoy the onslaught of jokes, zany humor, and vivid animation. Adults and animation buffs alike are bound to find something worthwhile. Of course, one’s enjoyment may rely on how well the film represents the Looney Tunes brand. It doesn’t always hit the mark, but it does evoke the iconic pairing of Porky and Daffy from some of the greatest cartoons ever made.

The 1950s shorts Robin Hood Daffy, Rocket Squad, and the Duck Dodgers series, to name a few, were nothing short of brilliant thanks in part to legendary animators Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Friz Freleng, Chuck Jones, and Robert McKimson. The Day the Earth Blew Up pays tribute to their legacy with a traditionally 2D animated film released outside the saturated realm of CGI.

In 2023, Warner Bros. inexplicably shelved their live-action animated Coyote vs. Acme film, leaving an uncertain fate for future Looney Tunes projects. The Day the Earth Blew Up was originally supposed to be released streaming on HBO Max before being given a theatrical release. The made-for-streaming feel is undeniable, but the film rightfully deserves its place on the big screen.

The film’s golden-era aesthetics, impressive art design, and quality animation are a visual triumph. Despite some unevenness, it remains a fitting tribute to an increasingly lost art form. Emmy Award-winning voice actor Eric Bauza, known for voicing numerous Looney Tunes characters over the years, lends his talents to both Porky and Daffy. While he does fine, he steps into the unique legacy left by the inimitable Mel Blanc.

The premise follows Porky and Daffy as two perpetual screw-ups about to lose their home. In need of quick cash, they get jobs at the local gum factory. They soon discover an ominous intergalactic conspiracy involving tainted gum that leads to mind control of the population. Naturally, all hell breaks loose, and the world’s fate is in their hands.

The character portrayals are not without their flaws, particularly Daffy. While Porky plays the familiar good-natured straight-man role, Daffy comes off as a bit one-note. Any trace of his occasionally sharp-witted and cunning personality is mainly gone. In its place, his unrestrained, boisterous chaos dominates the film’s 90-minute duration.

Despite its modernized approach and occasional stumbles, the movie offers plenty to appreciate. Its bold vision, deep affection for the source material, and skillful blend of humor and heart showcase the power of artist-driven storytelling.

The Day the Earth Blew Up is an absurd and wild ride that hopefully encourages the making of more Looney Tunes features to come.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars