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Reviews
Zoey 102 (2023)
A Reboot We Didn't Need, but Good Nonetheless
Feels like yesterday I watched the final episode of "Zoey 101 (2005)". One of the cult classic Nickelodeon shows of the 2000's that ended too soon. Then when we got a subtle tease of a return back in. I was honestly looking forward to it, but then the controversy broke out about Dan Schneider and he was booted from the studio. Seemed like all possibility of a reboot coming out was unlikely. Fast forward to a few months ago, this was announced out of nowhere. "Zoey 102" seemed like a bittersweet idea, but I was wondering would it actually be good? "iCarly (2021)" may be doing well, but they were lucky.
We catch up with most of the PCA posse in present day. While the school may be no more and Lola Martinez, Dana Cruz, and Nicole Bristow are absent, Logan Reese and Quinn Pensky are getting married, Michael Barret is Michael Barret, Mark Del Figgalo and Stacey Dillsen are married, Dustin Brooks is now a father (talk about loaded), but Zoey Brooks is struggling between maintaining a steady career and reminiscing over her failed relationship with Chase Matthews. When Quinn asks Zoey to be her maid of honor, Zoey's ecstatic at first, but then she learns Chase is the best man and the wedding takes place on a big day for her occupation as a show producer. Zoey must make several compromises to ensure Quinn's wedding and her show's production doesn't fall apart while battling her conflicting feelings for her ex. Sounds like every 25-year old today.
Before going into this, I wasn't expecting a spectacle of comedy. Just an updated version of what we've seen before and an opportunity to go back to the past of being 8 years old, coming home from school and turning on Nickelodeon. And that's exactly what this is. A welcomed nostalgic resurrection.
Everyone naturally slips back into their original roles we knew them as. Now as successful adults or struggling to make a proper living. A relatable trope that's become more relevant now than before, sadly. But that's the tea when you're on your own and living your 20's.
The movie mostly centers around Zoey, no surprise there. The plot, though well-weaved, kinda comes off as generic. We've seen these ideas so much that nothing is really new here; though for what it is, it works and everything balances out and it actually sets up a possibility for a series reboot. I would not mind it since "iCarly (2008)" got it first. And "Victorious (2010)" could probably use one too since it didn't end with a proper finale.
This is a movie mostly made for the fans of "Zoey 101 (2005)". Casual audiences won't see anything new here. If you were a fan of the show in its time on Nick, you're gonna love this.
Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go (2021)
Hear Me Out!
I grew up watching Thomas the tank engine. Back when they were still using models for the show and there was no voice acting except for the narrator. I grew out of the show when I was about 5 or 6 and at that time, it was still models. And sometimes, people we can agree, we like to check in every once in a while to see how the show's doing. At age 12, I got curious and learned the show ditched the models and went full CGI. Part of me did miss the models, but most of me wished I had this growing up. All we had closest to it was the Magic Railroad (2000) movie. Then I check back in years later to see things have become more detailed, more diverse, and more story-driven elements (surprisingly). All while maintaining the fact it's a show for pre-schoolers. But around this time was when this was announced. At first I was extremely disappointed. Especially due to the fact the trains now act more human than they should, but here's where the show turns all negativity around for me. Ultimately guys, we have to understand times are changing. When we have kids, they're not gonna care for the old, they'll want the new. Thus this new take on Thomas & Friends is really a great idea and a great opportunity of reinvention and reintroduction to younger generations. The humor and mayhem that ensue is equivalent to that of SpongeBob SquarePants rather than solely sticking to the show's roots. This approach was probably also to make adults more satisfied watching this with their kids. Y'all can disagree, but I don't see much of an issue with this show. Y'all could say I have a few screws loose, but I doubt that. Besides this is our past that we all move away from as we grow older.
Super Mario Bros. (1993)
I Am Not Joking
Let's go back to 2009. I had just turned 10 and had just recently invested in the Mario franchise. I was so obsessed that I just couldn't get enough. I had all the games, toys, DVD's of the cartoon, and so-on. I discovered the Mario Bros. Movie while I was looking at live action recreations of the brothers. At first, the image I saw I thought was fake. It wasn't until I looked it up on IMDb only to find it was real. Upon discovering, I was destined to find a copy. At the time, there was still a Blockbuster in my hometown. I've been a handful of times, renting the cartoon. I guess every time I went, I glared over it. I vaguely remember seeing the art out of the corner of my eye, but it never caught my attention. When I found it available for rent, I took it home, watched it and I'm not joking when I say this. I loved it. It's not exactly like the game, but it's elements are there. For me, I felt like I was watching the Mario Bros and I still do today. For a lot of people who were alive when this movie came out, they shun this movie. But some praise it. And then when later generations discover it, they're bewildered. Now about the movie itself, the story is the basic plot. Princess gets kidnapped, Mario and Luigi go and save her. But have you wondered why Bowser always kidnapped her? Me too. In this, while it's not Princess Peach (Toadstool), but Princess Daisy instead, Daisy has a key that Koopa needs to merge dimensions with his world and the real world. I'm glad that the filmmakers gave Koopa a reason to kidnap the princess versus just taking her with no explanation. And for its effects, this movie has some very amazing practical effects. You just have to watch it to believe it. And while Bob Hoskins regrets making the movie, he really does a good job as Mario. Same with Leguizamo, Hopper, Mathis, and the rest of the cast and crew. I understand this movie isn't for everyone and left the cast and crew scarred, but personally I loved it because of the mere discovery of it and its still really good.