Chelsea Robson, Author at Rotoscopers

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Chelsea Robson: Website<\/a>, & Instagram<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class="wp-block-list">\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class="\"wp-block-heading\" wp-block-heading"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class="wp-block-list">\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class="\"wp-block-heading\" wp-block-heading"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class="wp-block-list">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class="\"wp-block-heading\" wp-block-heading"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class="wp-block-list">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class="\"wp-block-heading\" wp-block-heading"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li>The CEO's <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<li>The eras of Disney Animation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CEO's <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<ul>\n<li>The eras of Disney Animation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CEO's <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Highlights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class="wp-block-list">\n<li>The eras of Disney Animation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CEO's <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<p>Listen to this episode on:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\"> Apple<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\">Spotify<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\"> Google Play<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\"> Stitcher<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\"> iHeart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class="\"wp-block-heading\" wp-block-heading"><strong>Highlights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The eras of Disney Animation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CEO's <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<p>Morgan and Chelsea cut right to what they think needs to be fixed about Walt Disney Animation. Jump on the Nerdy Couch and join along for this spicy podcast in episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to this episode on:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\"> Apple<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\">Spotify<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\"> Google Play<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\"> Stitcher<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\"> iHeart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Highlights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The eras of Disney Animation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CEO's <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> \n<iframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV9307098291&light=true\" width=\"100%\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>Morgan and Chelsea cut right to what they think needs to be fixed about Walt Disney Animation. Jump on the Nerdy Couch and join along for this spicy podcast in episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to this episode on:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\"> Apple<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\">Spotify<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\"> Google Play<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\"> Stitcher<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\"> iHeart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Highlights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The eras of Disney Animation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CEO's <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-ca773c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="ca773c7" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-422e1b1a elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle" data-id="422e1b1a" data-element_type="section" data-settings="{"background_background":"classic"}"> <div class="elementor-background-overlay"></div> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-66260058" data-id="66260058" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7beab944 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="7beab944" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"> <div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3d939b8e" data-id="3d939b8e" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-486021e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_post_author_elementor" data-id="486021e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_post_author_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class='jeg_custom_author_wrapper jnews_author_box_container jnews_module_62019_0_6913d1495105b author-main'> <div class="jeg_authorbox"> <div class="jeg_author_image"> <img alt='Chelsea Robson' src='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7fefa4457801cc31549bda486b298a25?s=80&d=mm&r=g' srcset='https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7fefa4457801cc31549bda486b298a25?s=160&d=mm&r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-80 photo' height='80' width='80' decoding='async'/> </div> <div class="jeg_author_content"> <h3 class="jeg_author_name"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/"> Chelsea Robson </a> </h3> <p class="jeg_author_desc"> Chelsea Robson, Co-host of the Animation Addicts Podcast, studied studio engineering and is a singer/songwriter and is know as "The World Traveler of the Podcast." She speaks fluent Portuguese, loves being outdoors, hiking small mountains, riding horses, and talking about human nature. </p> <div class="jeg_author_socials"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chelsearobson.com" class="url"><i class="fa fa-globe"></i></a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-e545853 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="e545853" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="elementor-spacer"> <div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-baf19a8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_element_header_elementor" data-id="baf19a8" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_element_header_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_block_heading jeg_block_heading_6 jeg_alignleft jnews_module_62019_1_6913d149528de "> <h3 class="jeg_block_title"><span>Latest Articles</span></h3> <style>.jnews_module_62019_1_6913d149528de.jeg_block_heading_6:after { background-color: #e62c91; }</style> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-d72494f elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_block_elementor" data-id="d72494f" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_block_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_postblock_5 jeg_postblock jeg_module_hook jeg_pagination_disable jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_3_6913d1495ca82 " data-unique="jnews_module_62019_3_6913d1495ca82"> <div class="jeg_block_container"> <div class="jeg_posts jeg_load_more_flag"><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/12/07/animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation/" aria-label="Read article: Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img fetchpriority="high" width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/277-Rotoscopers-5-350x250.png" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/277-Rotoscopers-5-350x250.png 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/277-Rotoscopers-5-120x86.png 120w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/277-Rotoscopers-5-750x536.png 750w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/podcasts/animation-addicts-podcast/" class="category-animation-addicts-podcast">Animation Addicts Podcast</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/12/07/animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation/">Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/12/07/animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> December 7, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/12/07/animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/12/07/animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/11/22/animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much/" aria-label="Read article: Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish – She Cared Too Much"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish – She Cared Too Much" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/277-Rotoscopers-4-350x250.png" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/277-Rotoscopers-4-350x250.png 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/277-Rotoscopers-4-120x86.png 120w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/277-Rotoscopers-4-750x536.png 750w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/podcasts/animation-addicts-podcast/" class="category-animation-addicts-podcast">Animation Addicts Podcast</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/11/22/animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much/">Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish – She Cared Too Much</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/11/22/animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> November 22, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/11/22/animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/11/22/animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick/" aria-label="Read article: ‘The Hill’ Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-hill-2023-350x250.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-hill-2023-350x250.jpg 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-hill-2023-120x86.jpg 120w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/reviews/live-action-reviews/" class="category-live-action-reviews">Live Action</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick/">‘The Hill’ Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> August 24, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>The Hill is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with...</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-movie-review/" aria-label="Read article: The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img loading="lazy" width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/THE-HILL-PHOTO2-350x250.webp" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/THE-HILL-PHOTO2-350x250.webp 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/THE-HILL-PHOTO2-120x86.webp 120w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/live-action/" class="category-live-action">Live Action</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-movie-review/">The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-movie-review/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> August 24, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-movie-review/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/24/the-hill-movie-review/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/23/gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing/" aria-label="Read article: Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img loading="lazy" width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GRAN-TURISMO-MOVIE-OFFICIAL-POSTER-350x250.webp" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GRAN-TURISMO-MOVIE-OFFICIAL-POSTER-350x250.webp 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GRAN-TURISMO-MOVIE-OFFICIAL-POSTER-120x86.webp 120w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GRAN-TURISMO-MOVIE-OFFICIAL-POSTER-750x536.webp 750w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/reviews/live-action-reviews/" class="category-live-action-reviews">Live Action</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/23/gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing/">Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/23/gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> August 23, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/23/gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/08/23/gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/16/elemental-review-a-solid-meh/" aria-label="Read article: ‘Elemental’ Review: A Solid Meh"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img loading="lazy" width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/elemental-ember-wade-350x250.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/elemental-ember-wade-350x250.jpg 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/elemental-ember-wade-120x86.jpg 120w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/elemental-ember-wade-750x536.jpg 750w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/elemental-ember-wade-1140x815.jpg 1140w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/reviews/animated-movies/" class="category-animated-movies">Animated Movies</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/16/elemental-review-a-solid-meh/">‘Elemental’ Review: A Solid Meh</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/16/elemental-review-a-solid-meh/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> June 16, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/16/elemental-review-a-solid-meh/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>At first glance, Elemental appeared to be a sequel to Inside Out with similar animation, making it feel neither new...</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/16/elemental-review-a-solid-meh/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/15/the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting/" aria-label="Read article: ‘The Flash’ Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img loading="lazy" width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-flash-ezra-miller-michael-keaton-sasha-calle-350x250.png" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-flash-ezra-miller-michael-keaton-sasha-calle-350x250.png 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-flash-ezra-miller-michael-keaton-sasha-calle-120x86.png 120w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-flash-ezra-miller-michael-keaton-sasha-calle-750x536.png 750w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/reviews/live-action-reviews/" class="category-live-action-reviews">Live Action</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/15/the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting/">‘The Flash’ Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/15/the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> June 15, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/15/the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>I watched The Flash, and I would watch it again. I enjoy superhero films as an escape—something I don’t have...</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/06/15/the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/31/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe/" aria-label="Read article: ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img loading="lazy" width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-miles-the-spot-350x250.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-miles-the-spot-350x250.jpg 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-miles-the-spot-120x86.jpg 120w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-miles-the-spot-750x536.jpg 750w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-miles-the-spot-1140x815.jpg 1140w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/reviews/animated-movies/" class="category-animated-movies">Animated Movies</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/31/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe/">‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/31/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> May 31, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/31/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>The only thing I want to do right now is talk about Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. It is phenomenal. Now,...</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/31/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/22/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake/" aria-label="Read article: ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy size-715 "><img loading="lazy" width="350" height="250" src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/assets/img/jeg-empty.png" class="attachment-jnews-350x250 size-jnews-350x250 lazyload wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" data-src="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-saving-eric-350x250.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-saving-eric-350x250.jpg 350w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-saving-eric-120x86.jpg 120w, https://www.rotoscopers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-saving-eric-750x536.jpg 750w" data-sizes="auto" data-expand="700" /></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/studios/disney/" class="category-disney">Disney</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/22/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake/">‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/22/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> May 22, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/22/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>I got to see The Little Mermaid (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it....</p> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/05/22/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake/" class="jeg_readmore">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text">Details</span></a> </div> </div> </article><article class="jeg_post jeg_pl_lg_2 format-standard"> <div class="jeg_thumb"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/04/04/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia/" aria-label="Read article: ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia"><div class="thumbnail-container animate-lazy no_thumbnail size-715 "></div></a> <div class="jeg_post_category"> <span><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/category/reviews/animated-movies/" class="category-animated-movies">Animated Movies</a></span> </div> </div> <div class="jeg_postblock_content"> <h3 class="jeg_post_title"> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/04/04/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia/">‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia</a> </h3> <div class="jeg_post_meta"><div class="jeg_meta_author"><span class="by">by</span> <a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/">Chelsea Robson</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_date"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/04/04/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia/"><i class="fa fa-clock-o"></i> April 4, 2023</a></div><div class="jeg_meta_comment"><a href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/2023/04/04/the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia/#comments" ><i class="fa fa-comment-o"></i> 0 </a></div></div> <div class="jeg_post_excerpt"> <p>I don't think The Super Mario Bros. 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08:25:00","post_date_gmt":"2023-12-07 15:25:00","post_content":"\n<iframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV9307098291&light=true\" width=\"100%\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>Morgan and Chelsea cut right to what they think needs to be fixed about Walt Disney Animation. Jump on the Nerdy Couch and join along for this spicy podcast in episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to this episode on:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\"> Apple<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\">Spotify<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\"> Google Play<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\"> Stitcher<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\"> iHeart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Highlights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The eras of Disney Animation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The CEO's <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking [he who must not be named]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking Jennifer Lee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We're talking about the Bob's<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you enjoyed this Nerdy Couch Discussion with the Rotoscopers! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\"> #AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Links Mentioned<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/wish-filmmakers-considered-going-full-2d-for-disneys-100th-anniversary-heres-why-they-didnt\">Wish Article<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Support the Show!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Rotoscopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find us online:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\"> Rotoscopers.com<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\"> Twitter<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave us a voicemail:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\"> rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a> or call <strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find the Hosts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Morgan Stradling:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\"> Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\">Website<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\"> <\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chelsea Robson: <a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a>  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #286: The Current State of Walt Disney Animation","post_excerpt":"In episode 286 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers discuss the current state of Walt Disney Animation","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-286-the-current-state-of-walt-disney-animation","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-12-06 20:45:12","post_modified_gmt":"2023-12-07 03:45:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62019","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61988,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-11-22 08:00:03","post_date_gmt":"2023-11-22 15:00:03","post_content":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm\/?e=ADV8785075803&light=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"200\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nMorgan and Chelsea are BACK! Just in time for Disney Animation's movie, Wish (2023). Gather all your talking animals and join along for this Wish podcast in episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Listen to this episode on: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/itunes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apple<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/spotify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/googleplay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Google Play<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/stitcher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stitcher<\/a>\u00a0| <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/iheart\">iHeart<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wish (2023)<\/span>\u00a0Podcast<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Highlights<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Main discussion: WISH\u00a0 (2023)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Welcome Back to the podcast!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We are \"chomping at the bit\" to talk about animation!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Don't fire your geniuses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We LOVE Disney but...<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Why the Mediterranean sea?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A cautionary tale of centralized power.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>So many characters.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What is her major flaw?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The art style... did we like it?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We talk about the songs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The problem with the queen.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easter eggs are everywhere!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The Spider-versificantion of animation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We rate it!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Another Tangent!<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe hope you enjoyed this Wish podcast review! Thank you so much for listening and for your support. Be sure to share the podcast with your friends, leave a 5-star review, and use the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?f=realtime&q=%23animationaddicts&src=typd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">#AnimationAddicts<\/a> and tag @rotoscopers when talking about this episode on social media!\r\n<h3>Links Mentioned<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Buy the soundtrack: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CL5B4SNJ?tag=therotos-20\">CD | Digital<\/a> | iTunes<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneyquotes.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DisneyQuotes.com<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Support the Show!<\/a><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/patreon\">Become a patron and join RotoNation!<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/amazon\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/audible\">Audible<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find the Rotoscopers<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Find us online: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\">Rotoscopers.com<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rotoscopers\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/rotoscopers\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebok.com\/rotoscopers\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, & <a href=\"http:\/\/www.therotoscopers.tumblr.com\/\">Tumblr.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leave us a voicemail: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/voicemails\">rotoscopers.com\/voicemails<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0<strong>(406) 646-6575<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.comnewsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Email newsletter<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Find The Hosts<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Morgan Stradling: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/\" data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.morganstradling.com\/youtube\">YouTube<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/morganstradling\">Instagram<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/morganstradling\">Twitter<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chelsea Robson:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lovesongsbychelsea.com\">Website<\/a>, &\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chelsearobson\">Instagram<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>\r\nThis post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you click and purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you!<\/em><\/p>","post_title":"Animation Addicts Podcast #285: Wish - She Cared Too Much","post_excerpt":"In episode 285 of the Animation Addicts Podcast, the Rotoscopers review Disney Animation's 'WISH' (2023).","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"animation-addicts-podcast-285-wish-she-cared-too-much","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-17 14:52:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-17 21:52:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61988","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62189,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 20:33:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-25 03:33:35","post_content":"<em>The Hill<\/em> is based on a true story about Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) who, as a child, was born with many different struggles. He was born basically unable to walk and had to wear braces up until about nine years old. And it is his dream-struggle-victory story on how he overcame those obstacles to be able to become a great baseball hitter.\r\n\r\n<em>The Hill<\/em> is basically a Christian-adjacent, if not Christian-centered, kind of a movie. Rickey is the son of a pastor who is totally convinced that instead of following his dream of being a baseball player, God has called Rickey to be a preacher of some kind. And it takes him most of his life to be able to convince his father, no, that's not what I want to do. Now, Rickey had overcome a lot in his life, and by watching it, it's... it's a lot. Throughout this whole time, he's taught himself how to hit baseballs and he was a very strong hitter. And when he was in high school, he was actually very close to being part of the Major League. It's during this time that he ends up getting injured again, and he has to decide, \"Is this really my goal and my dream, or do I have to quit and start something else?\" His father James, played by Dennis Quaid in here, you have a lot of the dynamic of the movie, is the father and son trying to resolve itself throughout this story.\r\n\r\nIn all, I felt like the story itself was very inspirational. If everything is as it was presented, if that's really his story, then wow, you've overcome a lot. And who doesn't love seeing a good dream-struggle-victory story that makes us all feel like you can do the impossible in our own lives, depending on what our dreams and goals are?\r\n\r\nAs a practicing Christian, nothing in this movie was at all offensive to me. And even compared to other Christian films, I thought that this was well done. But that's not a very high bar since Christian films tend to get in the way of themselves and try to push the message so much that they end up forgetting the actual story. <em>The Hill <\/em>didn't fall so much into that trap. More strategic editing choices could have shortened it quite a bit because it was kind of slow. And there were just moments where they were repeating the same talking points over and over and beating a dead horse.\r\n\r\nRickey's story is amazing.\u00a0 While he never really was the best hitter and he never made it to the big leagues, it's still inspiring to see exactly where he came from and motivates you overcome your own trials in your own ways. I left <em>The Hill<\/em> feeling very happy, uplifted, and fulfilled.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nwf77OlueYI&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Hill' Review: An Inspiring Feel-good Baseball Flick","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-review-an-inspiring-feel-good-baseball-flick","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:34:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:34:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62189","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61967,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-24 09:00:35","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-24 16:00:35","post_content":"<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nwf77OlueYI?si=wzSqKi2-2gcgvaRt\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h4><em>An Inspiring Journey<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" takes viewers on an inspiring journey, following the life of baseball player Rickey Hill, portrayed by Colin Ford. Despite facing a physical handicap, Rickey's relentless determination leads him to pursue a tryout with a legendary major league scout.\r\n<h4><em>Father-Son Dynamics<\/em><\/h4>\r\nAt its core, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Rickey and his father, a devout Baptist preacher played by Dennis Quaid. While his father envisions a future in preaching for Rickey, his son's unwavering passion for baseball creates a poignant conflict.\r\n<h4><em>Community Support<\/em><\/h4>\r\nRickey's pursuit of the major leagues is met with unwavering support from his community. They rally behind him, providing not only emotional encouragement but also financial assistance when his father's beliefs clash with his aspirations.\r\n<h4><em>Inspiration Abounds<\/em><\/h4>\r\n\"The Hill\" is a film that exudes inspiration. It showcases the resilience of individuals who chase their dreams against formidable odds. However, it's worth noting that the film's pacing occasionally feels sluggish, and some tighter editing could have enhanced the narrative's flow.\r\n<h4><em>Character Complexity<\/em><\/h4>\r\nWhile the inclusion of a love story adds depth to the plot, Rickey's character, portrayed by Colin Ford, may come across as one-dimensional. Although he faces moments of doubt and significant decisions, the most substantial transformation occurs within the story of his father, convincingly played by Dennis Quaid.\r\n<h4><em>A Balanced Verdict<\/em><\/h4>\r\nIn my assessment, \"The Hill\" deserves a 3\/5 star rating. While not without its flaws, it holds a unique appeal for its intended audience, particularly those who appreciate stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds with a Christian foundation, mirroring Rickey Hill's inspiring journey. It's a film that underscores the power of determination and community support, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.","post_title":"The Hill (2023) Movie Review: A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_excerpt":"A Heartfelt Sports Drama of Dreams and Relationships","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-hill-movie-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-08-23 17:47:51","post_modified_gmt":"2023-08-24 00:47:51","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":61960,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-08-23 12:27:42","post_date_gmt":"2023-08-23 19:27:42","post_content":"<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> (2023) masterfully finds its footing between heart-pounding action and touching storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe journey begins with Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom), a marketing executive on a mission to revive real-life racing's appeal for the digital generation. Things get intriguing when Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe), an adept gamer, rises to prominence. His triumph in Nissan-sponsored video game competitions paves the way for an inspiring underdog tale.\r\n\r\nA highlight worth mentioning is the film's commendable character development. Witnessing Jann's transformation under the guidance of former racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) and the touching relationship between Jann and his father, Steve Mardenborough (Djimon Hounsou), is deeply moving.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> seamlessly integrates top-tier CGI, enhancing the virtual gaming and heart-racing racing sequences.\r\n\r\nWhile the plot might seem a touch far-fetched, the knowledge that it's rooted in true events adds an extra layer of appreciation. The film embodies the classic \"Dream-Struggle-Victory\" narrative, celebrating the human spirit's resilience. In an era filled with flashy blockbusters and underlying agendas, <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> stands out as an agenda-free, character-driven narrative that echoes genuine triumphs.\r\n\r\n<em>Gran Turismo<\/em> reignites the belief in pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. It may not be flawless, but it's undeniably a very good film. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that leaves you with a sense of awe, reaffirming the power of determination and passion.\r\n\r\nPrepare for an engaging journey that will leave you thoroughly entertained. <em>Gran Turismo<\/em> is a worthwhile watch that strikes a balance between excitement and heart.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZD2E6gZefU?si=5sypohqmUYU8OG8G\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","post_title":"Gran Turismo (2023): An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_excerpt":"An Inspiring Tale of Dreams, Determination, and Real-Life Racing","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"gran-turismo-2023-review-dreams-determination-and-real-life-racing","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:39:28","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:39:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=61960","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62155,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-16 06:22:17","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-16 13:22:17","post_content":"At first glance, <em>Elemental<\/em> appeared to be a sequel to <em>Inside Out <\/em>with similar animation, making it feel neither new nor exciting. It just felt like something we've already seen.\r\n\r\nThe story is set in a world ruled by four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The main focus is on an immigrant fire family who moves to Elemental City to start a new life. They face numerous rejections until they finally find a place to set up a store made of molten rock, suitable for their fiery nature.\r\n\r\nTheir daughter, Ember (Leah Lewis), loves helping her dad (Ronnie del Carmen) at the store and dreams of taking it over one day. However, she has a temper problem. One day, her temper causes a massive explosion, bringing a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie) into the scene. Wade, a city inspector, issues numerous citations, threatening to shut down her dad's store. The story then takes an \"enemies to lovers\" turn, reminiscent of <em>Romeo and Juliet<\/em>.\r\n\r\nOne major problem I had was identifying the target audience. Pixar typically appeals to children with adult sensibilities, but <em>Elemental<\/em> leans heavily towards adult themes. As an adult who enjoys animated films, I didn't mind, but I doubt children would find it entertaining. The humor was sparse, with only a couple of jokes that got laughs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-large wp-image-62166\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-ember-family-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" \/> ELEMENTAL - Bernie, Ember and Cinder. \ufffd 2023 Disney\/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nI feel like the director (Peter Sohn) had a personal experience with a relationship that inspired this story of blending two very different elements\u2014fire and water. While the concept was romantic, it wasn't particularly funny or engaging. The film tries to tackle themes of intercultural and interracial relationships, but falls short by making the characters literal fire and water.\r\n\r\nThe film also portrays a prejudice against the fire people, likely due to their destructive nature. This felt a bit forced and didn't resonate with me. As someone who grew up in an immigrant family running a small business, I related to Ember's struggles. However, the film's portrayal of intercultural relationships felt very California-centric and out of touch with broader experiences.\r\n\r\nI also wish the film had included closed captioning. The parents speak with a made-up accent, making some dialogue hard to follow. Consistency in the accents was lacking, adding to the confusion.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/elemental-earth-water-fire-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nA major plot point involved the family bringing a blue flame lantern, symbolizing their traditions. This reminded me of <em>Fiddler on the Roof<\/em>, where traditions hold the community together. However, the film missed an opportunity to fully explore this theme. Instead of carrying the tradition with her, Ember sacrifices her relationship and love for the blue flame, which felt unresolved.\r\n\r\nThe story also tries to highlight the challenges of blending cultures in a relationship. However, making the characters fire and water seemed too simplistic and literal. Ember's temper is portrayed as a sign that she's not living her truth, a message I disagree with. Self-actualization as her only goal felt unbalanced, especially when Wade accepts her behavior without question, which isn't realistic or healthy.\r\n\r\nConsidering the cost of movie tickets and concessions, I'd advise picking another film or waiting until it hits Disney+. This one didn't justify the expense for me. Moreover, I don't think many parents will take their kids once they learn about the lesbian kiss scene. While Pixar has been incorporating more LGBTQ+ elements into their films, the box office results suggest mixed reactions. This isn't a judgment on the scene itself, but an observation of its potential impact on the film's marketability.\r\n\r\nOverall, the more I think about the elements of this story, the less I agree with it. The plot felt garbled and unfocused, trying to cram too many themes into one film.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jUN52J_wP0c&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Elemental' Review: A Solid Meh","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"elemental-review-a-solid-meh","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:40:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:40:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62155","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62154,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-06-15 06:22:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-15 13:22:12","post_content":"I watched <em>The Flash<\/em>, and I would watch it again.\r\n\r\nI enjoy superhero films as an escape\u2014something I don\u2019t have to think too much about. <em>The Flash <\/em>was exactly what I want from a superhero movie. While I could want more from it, as a summer flick that I could jump into without much connection to the characters, it was enjoyable. Throughout the entire movie, I was happy to be there, enjoying the cameos, Easter eggs, and surprise spoilers (which I won\u2019t share because I wished I hadn\u2019t known them).\r\n\r\nFor example, the fact that Michael Keaton is Batman is no secret, but it would have been great if it had been kept under wraps. Imagine the excitement of watching it for the first time with an audience, like in <em>Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em> when the other Spider-Men appear, and everyone is screaming. Those moments lose their impact when everyone knows they\u2019re coming.\r\n\r\nOutside of the DCEU, I have seen the CW version of <em>The Flash<\/em> and really liked the first couple of seasons. I was familiar enough with Barry Allen\u2019s origin story: when he was a child, his mom was killed, and his dad went to jail for her murder, despite being framed. Barry spends his adult life working in forensics to solve his mother\u2019s case and free his father. He gets struck by lightning, is exposed to chemicals, and gains super speed.\r\n\r\nAfter the events of <em>Batman v Superman<\/em>, Barry becomes friends with Bruce Wayne, who acts as a mentor. When something tragic happens, Barry loses control of his emotions, runs faster than ever, and ends up in a parallel zone where he can travel back in time. He decides to save his mother and free his father. Bruce advises against it, but Barry does it anyway, and that\u2019s where the movie starts.\r\n\r\nThis version stars the notorious Ezra Miller as\u00a0 Barry Allen \/ The Flash. Despite all the controversy surrounding him, he did a good job, even playing himself twice. The film had humor, character growth, and emotional moments. It\u2019s a film that even those unfamiliar with the DC canon, characters and universe would enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere aren't many movies I would watch again, but this one is an exception. If a group of friends wanted to see it, I\u2019d happily join them. That\u2019s the expectation you should have going into this film. They saved some good Easter eggs, which I won\u2019t spoil, but they were glorious when they appeared. I felt very fulfilled.\r\n\r\nI really liked the heavy metal music in certain scenes and the cool Spanish music during a memory scene with Barry\u2019s mom, who speaks Castilian Spanish. It added a nice touch.\r\n\r\nWhile DC hasn't had a lot of hits on their hands, <em>The Flash<\/em> manages to subvert expectations and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying superhero flick. Whether you're a die-hard DC fan or just looking for a fun movie night with friends, <em>The Flash<\/em> is an entertaining ride that leaves you eager for more superhero adventures.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6hWFtV7SLAg&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Flash' Review: A Superhero Escape Worth Revisiting","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-flash-review-a-superhero-escape-worth-revisiting","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 20:50:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-06 03:50:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62154","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62158,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-31 06:23:14","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-31 13:23:14","post_content":"The only thing I want to do right now is talk about <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. It is phenomenal.\r\n\r\nNow, I know some people are wondering what happened to Chelsea. Why is she so critical of the movies coming out, saying, \"I hate it\"? I still stand by my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/2023\/05\/22\/the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake\/\"><em>The Little Mermaid (2023)<\/em><\/a> review\u2014I hated it. However, everything bad I said about that movie can be completely flipped for this one. I was honestly left breathless and speechless at the end. I was stunned at how good <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> was and how deeply it drew me into the story. From the animation to the soundtrack, to the meticulous planning of the story, it was everything. It was a perfect movie. I haven't seen a movie like this in a very long time, and I just have to say\u2014it is phenomenal.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-gwen-1024x421.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" \/>\r\n\r\nI'm not going to give any spoilers because I want you to experience this movie as freshly as I did. I had already seen <em>Into the Spider-Verse<\/em>\u2014sorry, <em>Across the Spider-Verse<\/em>. What is up with this naming? That's the only bad thing I can say about this movie\u2014the name is too much. First, he goes \"into,\" then he goes \"across.\" Okay. I loved it.\r\n\r\nThe animation style in this film is worthy of a doctoral thesis. It was just so amazing. Every character had a distinct and defined animation style, color scheme, and unique attributes. If you are a Spider-Man fan, you will absolutely love this film. Even if you have never seen anything Spider-Man before, the film does a good job of catching you up. I had already seen the first one, so I didn't need all the recaps, but I understand why they included them for newcomers.\r\n\r\n<em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse<\/em> picks up a year and a half after the events of the first movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) has grown, both figuratively and literally. He's about 15 years old now, taking on more than most people his age. He struggles with having no friends or anyone to turn to, debating whether to confide in his parents while trying to keep everyone safe and do what he loves.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Spider-Man-Across-the-Spider-Verse-miles-morales-gwen-stacy-rio-jeff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"980\" height=\"490\" \/>\r\n\r\nWe also get more about Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), who is Spider-Gwen in her universe. She's moody and a drummer, struggling with the fact that she can't tell her dad who she really is. He thinks she killed Peter Parker, her best friend. Watching the movie, you know that's not true. These are characters we met in the first movie, but this time we dig deeper into their motivations and struggles. Everything is very humanizing, even though they are supernatural spider beings.\r\n\r\nThe overall arc of the story will leave you thinking and contemplating the story's deeper meanings. I loved how every Spider-character's storyline was treated with respect and love. The writers and directors clearly put their hearts into this movie, aiming to advance the story and the lore, not just to add their own spin.\r\n\r\nGo see <em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse\u00a0<\/em>and go see it yesterday. It's that good.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HJ_xQdTbrUU&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Review: Phenomenal in Every Universe","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-review-phenomenal-in-every-universe","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 16:53:23","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 23:53:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62158","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62132,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-05-22 06:38:22","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-22 13:38:22","post_content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I got to see <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023): under the sea, in all its live-action glory and... I hated it. And the bummer part of all of this is that <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u00a0could (and should) have been good.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the beginning, the filmmakers of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Little Mermaid<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (2023) stretched its premise thin like Laffy Taffy until it just fell apart. It opened with quote from Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of the original 1837 \"The Little Mermaid\" fairy tale: \"A mermaid has no tears and therefore she suffers so much more.\" I thought this might be a thematic element woven throughout the film; however, the movie fails to build upon the significance of \u201cmermaid tears\u201d at all. It felt like they read this in original tale and thought it would be cool to put it in and check off that box.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every once in a while, there would be a moment where I'd think, \"Oh wow, I'm starting to get into this.\" But like a wave crashing against the shore, it would dash all my hopes to the ground. One glaring issue is the film's color palette was so uninspired: dark and dreary, which is a 180-degree turn from the fun, bubble-gum undersea world of 1989 animated film. They were going for more sense of realism but it's a miss because at times you can hardly see what's going on.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-little-mermaid-2023-ariel-part-of-your-world-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" \/>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the main issues that kept me out of the story weren't even part of the story; it was the animation. Every time they went below the sea, it felt like we entered uncanny valley territory. Every time someone would flip their hair or swim, something would happen that took me out of the moment.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It seems like the director might have known this was an issue and told the actors to show emotion without moving their faces. This didn't work. All the characters seemed very flat and stone-faced. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, has a wonderful voice, but her ability to sing freely didn't come across. This could be a directional issue because it wasn't just her; Javier Bardem as King Triton and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula also seemed flat and unexpressive.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one was charming. Prince Eric, played by Jonah Hauer-King, had moments where he seemed charming, but overall, he lacked confidence. If you've seen some of the changes made to the plot, you might understand why. None of the changes seemed to benefit the characters; they left them lacking motivation and direction.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, <em>The Little Mermaid <\/em>(2023) added too many unnecessary elements while failing to capture the magic of the original animated film. Disney should have focused on creating a unique coherent story like they did with <em>Cinderella<\/em> (2015) rather than attempting to modernize and diversify it in ways that felt forced and ultimately unsatisfying.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Honestly, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who left my theater who hated it as much as I did because everybody else seemed very happy. And that is okay. I'm okay being that lone voice. But if you also end up seeing this and decide, \"No, I think she's right.\" Well, thank goodness I'm not alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\r\n<h4>Spoiler-Free <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XnQA5mt-DyA&ab_channel=Rotoscopers\r\n<h4>Spoiler <em>The Little Mermaid<\/em> (2023) Video Review<\/h4>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BSuaLOKCSGE","post_title":"'The Little Mermaid' (2023) Review: A Poor, Unfortunate Remake","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-little-mermaid-2023-review-a-poor-unfortunate-remake","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-06-05 15:54:18","post_modified_gmt":"2024-06-05 22:54:18","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62132","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":62126,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2023-04-04 22:39:59","post_date_gmt":"2023-04-05 05:39:59","post_content":"I don't think <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> is just the most anticipated animated movies of the year; I think this is one of <em>the<\/em> overall most anticipated films of the year.\r\n\r\n<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie <\/em>is a fun flick for families and Nintendo junkies alike. The film is based on the original Nintendo game \"Super Mario Brothers,\" and it tells the origin story of how the Brooklyn brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. They go against Bowser (Jack Black), join up with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), and embark on a whole journey together.\r\n\r\nThe water main in Brooklyn is busted, and as they go below street level, they fall into a utilities room that seems to have been abandoned for quite some time. They find a mysterious tube, walk into it, get sucked through this magical portal, and end up being separated. Luigi ends up in the Dark Kingdom, while Mario ends up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario says, \"Hey, I gotta find my brother,\" and he meets Toad. Toad says, \"Oh, you should talk to the princess.\" So they go meet the princess, and she says, \"Oh, we're about to be destroyed by Bowser, and I need to go find another army, so let's do a journey together.\" It's a simple story line but like a good plumber, it gets the job done.\r\n\r\nThe thing I appreciated most about this film is that it didn't offend my nostalgia. In today's world, that apparently has to be said. There have been so many movies that reimagine the original source material for modern audiences and end up turning it into something that isn't even close to what I grew up loving. Or even worse, they use this as an opportunity to lecture me with the subtlety of a frying pan getting smacked over my head.\r\n\r\nI don't appreciate it, but this wasn't that. Rest assured, you can go into <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie<\/em> and realize that they really did try to keep everything together. They tried to keep the characters kind of the same. If I had kids, I would take them to this, and it would just be a fun, light-hearted time at the movies. It's a little long, but overall, a positive experience.\r\n\r\nThe creators of this film really expected basically everybody going into it to be at least at a basic level of Mario understanding. You don't have to be a fanatic who has played every game; even just watching your siblings play through one of the original games is enough. The filmmakers expect you to know about the characters and the worlds. They expect you to be overjoyed with all of the Easter eggs they throw into this, (and believe me, there are a lot of Easter eggs!). Coming out Easter weekend\u2014how poetic.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-62146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-Super-Mario-Bros-Movie-karts-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn a way, the movie feels a bit contained. It felt like the writer (Matthew Fogel) had a list of all the worlds, characters, and major memories and aspects of the games that he wanted to include and basically pieced them all together. Kind of like one of those junior prom invites where they take all the candy bars, make a message out of it, and put it on a poster board. Like, \"I would feel like a 'Hundred Grand' and there would never be any 'Snickers' as we walked in together for the junior prom.\" I mean, all the words make sense, but that's just not how we talk, you know? It kind of felt like that while watching it.\r\n\r\nIt did not necessarily feel forced but just lacked a lot of natural flow to the story. I would say it was 100% true to the lore of the games, which is good but also the safe thing. I'm sure they had the heads of Nintendo looking down on them like, \"Mess this up, and we will crush you.\" But going back to the junior prom invitation, it just kind of lacked cohesion and felt like a check-box storyline.\r\n\r\nI think they were kind of going off what the <em>The LEGO Movie<\/em> did, which totally worked for them because it's LEGO. It's like what they do\u2014they throw all the LEGO in a box, and whatever storyline comes out is what comes out. They kind of tied everything together with the live-action ending, which they didn't have with this. Nintendo had already been down the live-action route with Mario once before in the 90s, and must have decided, \"No, we're not doing that.\"\r\n\r\nI'd say all of the characters completed a story arc in a satisfying way, but if you have played the games, then it was also pretty predictable. But at the same time, the animation was done in such a way that there were times where I felt genuine suspense. I got totally caught up in the score as well. I feel like the composer had so much fun taking some of these core memory melodies and making them more thematic and theatrical. He did a great job, and I was highly impressed with that. It was a fun feeling every time, once again, nostalgia.\r\n\r\nEvery couple of minutes, I felt like Chris Pratt did a good job with his voice acting. It didn't sound overtly like Chris Pratt. He tried to have some type of a character voice, so you didn't really think, \"Oh, that's Chris Pratt,\" when he's talking, which is so important, especially for such an iconic character. You don't want to be looking at this character thinking, \"That's Chris Pratt.\"\r\n\r\nIt was a similar feeling with Bowser. I didn't quite know who it was at first, but then when I saw in the credits that it was Jack Black, I was like, \"Oh yeah, of course it was Jack Black.\" With Bowser, I felt like they did a good job at setting up the boss-level expectations of him at the very beginning. He just comes in and destroys stuff, but I felt like toward the middle, they played more toward the kiddos with a more jokey Bowser. I don't know if I liked that or not. It definitely left you with the impression that this guy's crazy.\r\n\r\nThen there was Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong. I'm just going to say I've never been a huge Seth Rogen fan, but now I'm over it. He is the epitome of Seth Rogen playing Donkey Kong, who is also trying to be Seth Rogen, and I just don't like it.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-62145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/the-super-mario-bros-movie-mario-peach.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/>\r\n\r\nNow, Princess Peach. There were rumors that originally the screenwriter was trying to make her more of a boss woman or boss girl to the point where it was almost her taking over the script and becoming the main character of the \"Super Mario Brothers\" movie, which Nintendo was not a fan of. I appreciated that they stepped in and said, \"No, we're not going to do this, and we're going to leave Peach as she is.\" But the thing is: she <em>is<\/em> a bit of a boss girl in the fact that she basically has no flaws or weaknesses.\r\n\r\nWhen you're creating a story, you don't ever want any character to be only one-sided and only have strengths. I felt like she only had strengths, to the extent that they were almost afraid to give women weaknesses at all. There's a give and take to every relationship, and if one person has all the strengths and isn't the mentor, then it's just like, \"Why am I here?\" If the other person is perfect, then why don't they just do it?\r\n\r\nThe filmmakers did a good job of making sure Peach didn't take over the film, but I still feel like they could have done better by giving her a need for Mario. In the story of the games, you are always trying to rescue the princess. But apparently, in the negotiation, she's not going to be the boss girl, but she's also not going to be saved. They can't have her actually be in Bowser's captivity and need to be saved. Instead, they put all the weaknesses on Luigi, making him incompetent in all things. They don't give him his moment until the very end when they say, \"Good job, you stood up for something.\" But they didn't build it very well. Everyone needs to have strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs to be needed. They had Luigi be the one that needed to be saved, while Peach is like, \"Fine, I'll come along with you,\" which is not how the story goes.\r\n\r\nIn the end, they weren't 100% true to the lore and the story suffered slightly because of that. But overall, the voice acting was good. You're watching this movie, and you see all these different things like level one, level two. You see so many Easter eggs, so for someone who is just a die-hard Nintendo junkie fan, this is going to be wonderful and exciting. Even for someone who is just a casual fan or a fan from childhood, it's enjoyable.\r\n\r\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1WKOF1YMxc0&ab_channel=Rotoscopers","post_title":"'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' Review: A Power Up of Nostalgia","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"the-super-mario-bros-movie-review-a-power-up-of-nostalgia","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-20 09:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-20 16:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.rotoscopers.com\/?p=62126","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":6},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"jnews_block_5"};</script> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-100774e elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_archive_pagination_elementor" data-id="100774e" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="jnews_archive_pagination_elementor.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <div class="jeg_navigation jeg_pagination jeg_col_3o3 jnews_module_62019_4_6913d14ab4be9 jeg_pagenav_1 jeg_aligncenter no_pageinfo"> <span class="page_info">Page 6 of 26</span> <a class="page_nav prev" data-id="5" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/"><span class="navtext">Previous</span></a> <a class='page_number' data-id='1' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/'>1</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='5' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/5/'>5</a> <span class='page_number active'>6</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='7' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/'>7</a> <span class="page_number dots">…</span> <a class='page_number' data-id='26' href='https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/26/'>26</a> <a class="page_nav next" data-id="7" href="https://www.rotoscopers.com/author/chelsea-robson/page/7/"><span class="navtext">Next</span></a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element 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