Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption Offers Audiences Five More Episodes Of Fun And Lessons

Posted on May 21, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/Hub

The latest release from the Hub network’s Pound Puppies series is just as fun as the previous pair of DVDs. This new release offers audiences five more episodes filled with entertainment and important lessons for both kids and their parents. Also included in this new collection of episodes is an adoption certificate that kids can print out and fill out for their very own. Just as impressive as the set’s episodes is the continued original artwork used throughout the series. Anyone that remembers Cartoon Network’s Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, will recognize the animation used for this series once again. Altogether, these factors make Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption just as fun as the previous collections of episodes from this update of the classic 80s series.

This latest release is so much enjoyable first and foremost because of the mix of entertainment and life lessons in each of its five episodes. Of course the inclusion of some well-known voice actors doesn’t hurt, either. This time out, audiences learn that even the smallest dog…er…person can accomplish great feats. This lesson is taught in the episode, “Snow Problem.” When a young husky puppy named Tundra ends up with the Pound Puppies, he and the others take on a group of bigger, tougher dogs in a sled race that ends up with the young pup winning the heart of one of the racers and being adopted. The spoof of the famed song, ‘Chariots of Fire’ is a nice addition to this episode. Viewers also learn that superstitions are superstitions for a reason in “Taboo.” When they meet the puppy named Taboo, the Pound Puppies discover why it is that he’s had such a hard time finding his person. Viewers will have to find out the truth behind his adoption problems for themselves when they pick up this new release. Viewers will especially enjoy the Wizard of Oz reference in this episode. In the disc’s opener, “King of the Heap”, one of the Pound Puppies is adopted by Junkyard Jim, instead of the newest additions to the pound named Elvis (voiced by Clancy Brown—Mr. Krabs from Spongebob Squarepants). This episode teaches viewers that it’s best to be themselves, rather than something that they’re not. Being one’s own self is what people admire most. The show’s writers are to be commended for these lessons, and the others included here along with its more fun moments. On a side note, voice actor John DiMaggio is back again as the voice of Niblet. Considering that Futurama is coming to an end yet again, hopefully Hub will keep this show around as he does quite the job as Niblet’s voice.

The collection of fun moments and lessons culled for the episodes in this latest set make it fun for the whole family. Older audiences will appreciate this set for more than just those factors, though. They will also enjoy the animation style used throughout the series. It’s quite similar to Cartoon Network’s former cartoon, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. What makes this animation style so impressive is that even if it was done via computer, its quality is such that it’s difficult to tell if it was done by hand, by computer, or a combination of both. If it was done by both computer and by hand, then it proves that the two animation styles can exist side by side. And that both styles can exist side by side, one can only hope that audiences will get much more of this style of animation and mix of fun and lessons in even more volumes of Pound Puppies episodes. Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption is available now in stores and online. It can be purchased online direct via the Shout! Factory store at
http://www.shoutfactory.com/?q=node/216951
.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to
http://www.facebook.com/philspicks
and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at
http://philspicks.wordpress.com
.

Animaniacs Volume Four A Fitting Sendoff For The Warners

Posted on February 11, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Warner Brothers Home Video

All good things must come to an end…or must they? Thanks to the good people at Warner Brothers Home Video, fans of the modern classic cartoon, Animaniacs, the laughs never have to come to an end now that the show’s fourth and final volume has finally seen the light of day. This latest volume of episodes is just as entertaining as the show’s previous volumes. The writers take no prisoners, going after everyone in pop culture from Disney and Hanna Barbera to Universal and even Fox. They’re not the only victims of the show’s witty writing. Even the best movies in Hollywood’s modern history aren’t safe as the show goes after the likes of The Maltese Falcon, Mary Poppins, and even The Sound of music just to name a few. And that’s just on the set’s first disc. The second and third discs are just as top heavy with laughs. Audiences will love that the show’s writers make a farce of all the serious TV specials out there with its very own “Very, Very, Very, Very Special Show.” The set’s third disc even includes a little holiday flavor in “The Christmas Tree.” Everyone’s favorite sour squirrel Slappy, takes center stage here. Her constant delivery makes for so many laughs.

The jokes are nonstop throughout all three discs of this outrageously hilarious cartoon. They’re just part of the show’s continued enjoyment. Along with nonstop laughs provided by the razor sharp comedy, the show also continues to show heart throughout various episodes as well as some educational content believe it or not. “Multiplication Song” teaches math and pokes fun at how drawn out it can be in the same breath. It’s that same brand of comedy established with shorts such as “Chalkboard Bungle”, “Planets Song” and “The Senses” (all from Season One). Audiences will love this continued tradition just as much as the show’s other laughs provided throughout all three discs in this set.

Animaniacs Volume Four offers audiences laughs from beginning to end in every short. Those laughs wouldn’t have been possible without solid writing and equally solid performance by the show’s cast who return once again in this final set of twenty-four episodes. Mauriche LaMarche (The Simpsons, Futurama) is back yet again as the voice of The Brain. And fellow veteran voice actor Frank Welker (Scooby Doo, The Real Ghostbusters, Tiny Toon Adventures, etc.) returns yet again as the voice of the dopey security guard Ralph, the equally dopey dog Runt (whose spoof of Dustin Hoffman’s Rain Man character Raymond Babbitt is as hilarious as ever), and many others. And even Tress MacNeille (The Simpsons, Futurama) is back once more. Having the whole team back again is a huge win as the chemistry built between cast members is a big part of its ability to effectively interpret the scripts and make them entertaining both for kids and parents even years after the show’s end.

The voice acting, the jokes, and heart from the first three volumes of Animaniacs episodes all remain in Animaniacs Volume Four. There is one other factor that makes this show timeless. That last factor is its animation. Yet again reference must be made to the difference in today’s computer generated “animation” and that done by hand from actual human animators. The animation that was a trademark of Animaniacs in previous seasons is just as solid in this new release. Save perhaps for Steven Spielberg’s other hit cartoon, Tiny Toon Adventures no other shows looked like this one. It really served as one more factor in developing the show’s identity, unlike so much “animated” content out there today. Combined with the show’s comedy and its heart, its animation goes into making this a wonderful way for this wacky show to go out. It’s available now in stores and online. It can be ordered online direct from Warner Home Video’s online store at
http://www.wbshop.com/product/steven+spielberg+presents+animaniacs+vol+4+1000023671.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search
.

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to
http://www.facebook.com/philspicks
and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at
http://philspicks.wordpress.com
.

Audiences Will “Love” Dreamworks’ New Madagascar Special

Posted on January 23, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Dreamworks Home Entertainment/Dreamworks Animation SKG/20th Century Fox/ 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Dreamworks Animations’ Madagascar movies comprise one of the company’s most successful franchises. It’s so successful in fact that it has even spawned a holiday special titled, Merry Madagascar. Now the Madagascar gang is back again for yet another holiday special. This time, love is in the air for the gang as Valentine’s Day nears. Ironically enough King Julian (once again voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen) gets his hands on a perfume called “Love Potion #9” that makes anyone that wears it irresistible. When the “love potion” is used on Marty, it leads to an unintended effect, which ends up in Marty and the rest of Alex’s friends learning a very valuable lesson about friendship and love. The moral lesson and the laughs together will keep audiences engaged throughout the course of the special’s near half-hour run time. To be exact, Madly Madagascar’s run time is closer to twenty-five minutes than thirty. Though chances are if it is ever run on television, it will reach the half-hour mark thanks to commercials.

The run-time aside, much of the reason for the enjoyment in this special comes from the special’s writing staff and the voice cast’s ability to interpret the script. The entire cast from the previous Madagascar movies is back once more, with one more addition. Phil LaMarr (Futurama) joins the cast as the voice of a wildlife official at a Safari camp who has to chase after the infamous penguins of Madagascar. That’s right, even the penguins are back, creating their own mischief as the love bug has hit their leader, too. The original voice actors behind the penguins have returned, too. Keeping all of this in mind, it’s no wonder that interpreting the script for this special was so simple for the cast as it had to have been old hat for everybody.

The cast’s interpretation of the writers’ script plays its own role (no pun intended) in the success of this latest special. Audiences will also appreciate that the CG-based “animation” used in all of the previous Madagascar installments was used in this special, too. That familiarity of sorts—as minor as it may be—will help make this new installment a welcome return for audiences of all ages. The pop culture references to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Robert Palmer, The Black Eyed Peas, and The Clovers also make for their own laughs. All of this combined with the script writing and voice acting will make Madly Madagascar a Valentines special that the whole family will enjoy year after year.

The main feature included in this new DVD release is enjoyable enough for the whole family. It’s only part of the overall enjoyment that families will get from this new release. Just as enjoyable are the bonus shorts included with it. Two bonus shorts are included on the disc. The first of the pair is a touching Pixar style piece titled, “First Flight” in which a rather unhappy man learns the meaning of happiness when a baby bird falls from its nest and he ends up teaching the young avian how to fly. It truly is a moving story as short as it is. And it will leave both kids and adults smiling and shedding at least some tears of joy. Being that the only dialogue here so to speak is the man and bird “talking” to each other through bird song, the music played a big role in the success of the story. It came through in a big way, too. It added so much emotion to the entire story. It goes to prove that Pixar just might have some competition next awards season if Dreamworks continues to try its hand with more animated shorts. And from the viewpoint of this critic, if this short is any indication, more shorts from Dreamworks would be welcome.

The second short of the pair is far less emotional. Instead it’s on the exact opposite end of the spectrum. It’s taken from Dreamworks’ Over The Hedge movie franchise. The short, titled, “Hammy’s Boomerang Adventure” is a laugh-a-minute short that follows Hammy and his friends in their discovery of a video camera. Hammy’s friends use it to play a prank on Hammy. The writing for this short harkens back to the days of the old Warner Brothers Looney Tunes shorts with its physical comedy between Hammy and the Boomerang. And as with the short’s companion Madagascar feature, the original voice actors from Over The Hedge have returned here adding to the hilarity. Adding even more enjoyment to the short is a little musical number from pop star Ben Folds. Folds performs a song titled, ‘Heist’ for the short’s end credits. It’s not that long, obviously. But it’s still a catchy little tune that will have viewers tapping their toes. It might even be enough to get audiences interested in hearing more of his music. His music combined with the equally enjoyable shorts and main feature from the Madagascar gang come together to make for a DVD that any audience will want to check out when it hits store shelves next Tuesday, January 29^th. It will also be available online. It can be ordered direct online via the 20^th Century Fox store at
http://www.foxconnect.com/madly-madagascar.html
.

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to
http://www.facebook.com/philspicks
and “Like” it or its companion page,
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141
. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at
http://philspicks.wordpress.com
.

Nicktoon’s Latest DVD Release More “Wild” Fun For The Whole Family

Posted on January 18, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Nickelodeon/Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory and Nickelodeon have kicked off the New Year in fine fashion. The two companies already have a somewhat busy slate of releases set in this still very young year. Next month sees the release of Rocko’s Modern Life: The Complete Series. Before that though, audiences of the fellow classic Nicktoon, The Wild Thornberrys finally get to see the final piece to the show’s second season. The Wild Thornberrys: Season 2 Part 3 is available in stores and online now. The Thornberrys’ “wild” globe hopping, adventures have only just begun with this last portion of Season 2, as there are still three more seasons left to be released. This time out, viewers finally get to see Eliza’s “origin” story so to speak, as it is finally revealed how she got her secret powers. Also Debbie inadvertently becomes mother to a baby Panda, only to find herself having become emotionally attached to it just like a real mother. And also Nigel’s life is in Eliza’s hands after he is stung by a poisonous fish during a search for an Angler Fish.

The adventures included in the final portion of The Wild Thornberrys Season 2 Part 3 continue to show just how strong the writing was for this classic Nicktoon in its infancy. As with so many other Nicktoons of its era, the episodes included in this double disc set continue to show just how much heart the show had (and still has today by comparison to other shows out there). Each episode in its own way continued to highlight the importance of family while balancing that with the show’s educational and even ecological aspects. Every episode included in this new set emphasizes educational aspects without even trying, by teaching about different animals of different regions of the world. That’s even the case in the set’s “origin” episode, “Gift of Gab.” It teaches not only geography but also biology. That lesson on biology is also echoed in the episode, “Black and White and Mom All Over.” Eliza’s sister Debbie learns a lesson of how wild animals connect to the first thing they see when they’re young after a baby panda mistakes her for its mother. That biology lesson is directly tied in to the show’s emphasis on another aspect that still makes it so enjoyable to this day. That aspect is its emphasis on family.

The educational role of The Wild Thornberrys is only part of what continues to make this such a fan favorite to this day. The show’s emphasis on family plays a role in its heart, too. As already noted, one of the episodes that shows that emphasis is “Black and White and Mom All Over.” That theme is also evident in “Bogged Down” in which it’s up to Eliza to save Nigel’s life. As excited as she is to be out with her father, one little error on her part nearly costs him his life. So Eliza has to put her squabbles with Debbie on the backburner in order to save her dad’s life. And in “Gift of Gab”, the family aspect is offered when Eliza tells the story of how she and Darwin first met and he essentially became part of the Thornberry family.

As much enjoyment as The Wild Thornberrys brings from its writing and its educational emphasis, the show’s animation also plays a role in its enjoyment. In a time when it would seem that the very art of creating hand drawn art is dying, this latest installment of the classic Nicktoon serves as yet another reminder of how much better hand drawn art is in comparison to the CG crafted material that currently permeates television stations across the spectrum. Just as with even older cartoons (on both television and in theaters), the animation of The Wild Thornberrys boasts a very specific style. While the show itself was one more creation from Arlene Klasky and Gabor Csupo (who also created the ultimate Nicktoon, Rugrats), the animation of this show was entirely different from that of Rugrats and the other cartoons which were created by the pair. The animation style really served as the most basic identifier of the cartoon. There was a certain roughness and definition all at once about it. Set against the likes of Rugrats, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, and Rocket Power, perhaps the closest that any of these comes to The Wild Thornberrys in terms of its animation style would be Aaahh!!! Real Monsters. Though, even that similarity is slight at best. That defining mark, added in to the equally impressive writing and work by a star cast of voice actors has made The Wild Thornberrys one of Nickelodeon’s elite Nicktoons. And thanks to the latest of the show’s DVD releases, it still holds that title to this day. The Wild Thornberrys Season 2 Part 3 is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered direct online via the Shout! Factory store at
http://www.shoutfactory.com/?q=node/216648
.

Tiny Toon Adventures Vol. 3 Another Wonderful Piece Of TV Nostalgia

Posted on January 14, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Amblin Entertainment/Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

The long wait is finally over, Toonsters. Nearly four years have passed since audiences were offered their last dose of Tiny Toon Adventures episodes. This past Tuesday, Warner Home Video released the long awaited third volume of shorts in its own two-disc set loaded with enough laughs, puns, sight gags, and pop culture references to make any classic cartoon fan happy. Would it have been nice to have a full thirty to thirty-five episode collection as with the previous pair of collections? Yes. But something’s better than nothing, considering how long audiences have waited. And this new set is something. It boasts some of the show’s best episodes. The episodes are just one part of what makes this collection so enjoyable. The original hand-drawn animation will bring back that sense of nostalgia for lovers of classic cartoons, too. And the use of some of the top voice talent in the industry then and now make for even more enjoyment. Altogether, it makes for one more must have for any original Tiny Toon fan and even for any of today’s younger viewers.

Tiny Toon Adventures Vol. 3: Crazy Crew Rescues boasts some of the best episodes from this modern classic cartoon. The show’s original audiences will love seeing classic episodes such as “Kon-Ducki” (which pays a little tribute to The Wizard of Oz and even The Bee Gees), “The Potty Years”, and its own take on the film noir classic, Sunset Boulevard in the episode, “Sepulveda Boulevard.” There is also a fun episode titled, “Toon Physics” which explains the differences between real physical science and that of cartoons. It isn’t the first cartoon to ever poke fun at the incredibility of cartoon physics. But it’s still just as funny as others of its sort. This episode features revered voice talent Maurice LaMarche (Futurama, The Simpsons, Animaniacs, Pinky & The Brain) as a spoof of legendary actor Orson Welles. Instead of Welles, his character here is a whale named—you guessed it—Orson Whales (ba-dump-bump-bump). This set also includes the “controversial” episode, “One Beer” in which Buster, Plucky, and Hampton show young audiences the dangers of drinking and driving. Along those same lines, there is even an episode that teaches the importance of childhood literacy in “Why Dizzy Can’t Read.” These are all just a handful of examples of what Tiny Toon Adventures Vol. 3: Crazy Crew Rescues has to offer both its original fans and their own kids. Everybody will undoubtedly have their own favorites from this set. And even with just two discs, this set boasts more than its share of great shorts.

The episodes alone make for loads of enjoyment for both the show’s now grown-up audience and for their own children. Adding to the enjoyment of this set is the continued original hand drawn animation. So much children’s programming today is not true animation. It is in large part CG-based programming. So unearthing this collection provides yet another reminder for older audiences of what real animation looks like. And it serves as an example for today’s younger audiences the importance of maintaining the classic art of actually drawing animation, rather than relying on technology for everything. The only downside to the animation here is that it isn’t as clear as with the show’s previous releases. It looks like the quality of the transfers with this set weren’t as solid as with the previous releases. But it’s not that bad. So while it does leave at least a little bit to be desired, it’s still nice to have this relic of a bygone era given new life.

The show’s original animation and its equally entertaining episodes make for so much enjoyment for audiences of all ages. The cherry on top for not just this set but also the show as a whole is the inclusion of some of the top voice actors in the industry. As already noted, veteran voice actor Maurice LaMarche is among the show’s ranks of well known actors. Also in the cast are the likes of: Frank Welker (The Real Ghostbusters, Scooby Doo, etc.), Charlie Adler (Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, The Superhero Squad Show, etc.), Tress MacNeille (The Simpsons, Futurama), Cree Summer (The Cosby Show, A Different World, Codename: Kids Next Door) and Don Messick (Garfield & Friends, A Pup Named Scooby Doo, The Flintstones, etc.). The chemistry between the cast was obvious throughout this new set of episodes, just as with the previous releases. Whether for the general comedic timing or the interactions with each other, the voice cast of Tiny Toon Adventures was the perfect choice. It was their interpretations of their characters that put the final touch on what was and still is today one of the best cartoons of the twentieth century. Tiny Toon Adventures Vol. 3: Crazy Crew Rescues is available in stores and online now. It can be ordered online via the Warner Brothers store at
http://www.wbshop.com/product/steven+spielberg+presents+tiny+toon+adventures+volume+3+1000311856.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search
.

Futurama Vol. 7 Shows the “Future” is Bright For This Show

Posted on January 8, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

Futurama is one of the best shows on Comedy Central today. Thank goodness the network went out on a limb and listened to the fans of this little show that could. After having been picked up and resurrected by Comedy Central, this hit show has shown time and again why it is the great show that it is. Now with the release of its seventh volume, Futurama continues to show why it is one of the elite prime time animated sitcoms out there today. In the show’s seventh volume, the show’s writers poke fun at the seemingly unending to do surrounding President Obama’s birth certificate in one episode. In another episode, audiences see Fry and Leela rekindle their romance after Fry and Bender go in search of a frozen mammoth. And in yet another, the show’s writers even poke fun at The Matrix when Fry goes to the Near Death Star to visit the professor’s parents. These episodes make for just some of the laughs throughout this collection’s thirteen episodes largely for the jokes. For those who really know their stuff, they’ll love just as much the inclusion of a pair of fellow veteran actors, as well as a reference to another late comic actor to this set. Add in some hilarious commentary and some deleted scenes and audiences get another great set of episodes in the show’s seventh volume. And all of that is just the beginning. Viewers will find even more great references and jokes when they check out this new set for themselves.

One of the factors that have always made Futurama a great show is that while it does use topical humor in its episodes, it doesn’t bog itself down in that brand of comedy unlike certain other sitcoms. However, when it does venture into the realm of topical humor, it still manages somehow to remain funny without trying to be too much above itself. That’s proven in the episode, “Decision 3012.” The show’s writers spoof the controversy raised by the “birthers” over President Barack Obama’s birth certificate in this episode. In the place of the president, the writers use a character named Chris Travers, who is a Senator running for Earth President. Long-time Futurama fans will appreciate the reference to the Futurama movie, Bender’s Big Score in this episode. Even Matt Groening and David X. Cohen make light of it in the episode’s bonus commentary. It’s that reference that ends up playing to the episode’s outcome, which viewers will have to find out for themselves when they pick up Futurama Vol. 7.

Futurama’s writers prove in Vol. 7 that they can tackle topical humor and still make funny episodes. They have also proven again that they’re able to balance keeping the show successful with standalone episodes while also maintaining at least one ongoing storyline in the romance between Leela and Fry. It would have been so easy for the show’s writers to let the show descend into a serial like so many others. But thankfully it didn’t. That’s evident in the episode, “Fun on a Bun.” Having already broken up again before this episode, an accident with a sausage maker leads Leela to reveal her true feelings for Fry. She shows her true feelings to Fry when the sausage maker accident leads to a revelation as to what really happened to Fry. Again, the show’s writers are to be commended for this episode as it proves yet again their ability to maintain a specific storyline without letting the show become a serial. Movie buffs and sci-fi buffs will especially appreciate the spoof of The Los World tossed into this episode.

As noted already, one of the biggest factors that has made Futurama so successful for so long is not just its ability to balance storylines and avoid becoming a serial, but also its ability to make completely outrageous random adventures for the Planet Express Crew. In one of its funniest episodes yet, audiences learn a long held secret surrounding Professor Farnsworth after he visits his parents at the Near Death Star. The writers take a playful stab at The Matrix trilogy both in dialogue and in visual form. Any true sci-fi geek will love this little jab. When the professor doesn’t show up at an awards ceremony that Fry is attending, Fry decides to go meet Hubert’s parents. The result will leave audiences laughing as it kind of turns the whole concept of the “boomerang child” on its ear by reversing it. This of course leads to a whole other revelation that will leave audiences laughing. The secret is something that’s been used many times before in many other shows. But the minimalist way in which it has been used here keeps it funny.

The episodes noted here are just samplings of the laughs audiences can expect to get from Futurama Volume Seven. Every viewer will find their own laughs throughout the course of the double disc set. It’s thanks to good writing and an equally able cast that every episode in this set is so enjoyable. The main cast is profiled throughout each episode’s commentary. Audiences will appreciate even more some of the bonus tidbits such as learning that fellow veteran voice actor Frank Welker (The Real Ghostbusters, What’s New Scooby Doo, etc.) joins the cast in a handful of episodes this time out. Welker’s talent makes for even more enjoyment in the episodes in which his talents are profiled.

The talent of the voice cast gives so much life to each episode. What viewers get in the final product is proof that that. That’s also just as evident in the deleted scenes included as bonuses to the set. Regardless of whether or not the scenes would have fit into the final product, they are more examples of the talent and chemistry of the voice cast. They serve to show how hard the cast and the writers alike work to offer viewers the best possible product, too so as to live up to the expectations of those audiences who helped so many years ago to show why this show deserved to be brought back. And they more than do that, making for yet another great set of episodes for any long-time fan of Futurama or even for those who are new to this incredible animated sitcom. One can only hope that considering this and everything else that makes this new set such a success, fans will see much more of this hit show in the very near “future.”

Futurama Volume Seven is available in stores and online now. It can be ordered online direct via 20^th Century Fox’s online store at
http://www.foxconnect.com
. After fans order the new set, they can also check out all the latest Futurama news online at
http://www.facebook.com/Futurama
and
http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/futurama
.

Cinderella III A Good Finisher For The Cinderella Franchise

Posted on December 7, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Cinderella III is a good finale for Disney’s Cinderella franchise. This franchise closer follows a tried and true formula but switches it up a little bit with an interesting twist that ties directly into the franchise’s second movie. It proves once again that true love will always overcome all obstacles. That includes an evil stepmother who would go to absolutely any length in order to get what she wants. Thus is the story behind Cinderella III.

Cinderella III returns to the conflict between young Cinderella who is already married to Prince Charming, and her evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine. When Anastasia (voiced once more by Tress MacNeille—The Simpsons, Futurama) discovers how Cinderella won over the prince in the first place and gets her hands on the fairy godmother’s wand, Lady Tremaine proceeds to use it to turn back time and try to keep Cinderella from ever being able to try on the fabled glass slipper that led to her happily ever after. The irony of the whole story comes from Anastasia. She ultimately plays a direct role in the final outcome of the story. Now on the surface, this goes completely against the final segment of Cinderella II. To that extent, some audiences may complain about an issue with continuity, since she was the one who caused Cinderella’s predicament in this story to begin with even after having found love in Cinderella II thanks to Cinderella. But the final credits of this story do at least make the attempt to tie everything back together.

The final credits provide more than just an attempt to tie the first two movies in the Cinderella franchise together. There is a final, funny moment that is tied in to the final moments of this story that will leave both parents and kids laughing. It’s a moment of two characters getting what comes to them. Who those characters are will be left to audiences who have yet to see this story for themselves. It’s a good finish to everything and makes amends for a story that would have made more sense had it been Cinderella II instead of the franchise’s third movie. Had this movie come second and Cinderella II come last, the entire franchise would have been near perfect because of how both sequels end. Nonetheless, it still is a good story for a sequel and a good watch for parents and kids alike both during the holidays and throughout the year.

The New Pound Puppies Is Fun For The Whole Family

Posted on October 14, 2012 by philspicks

Shout! Factory/Hasbro Studios/Hub

Dog is man’s best friend, it’s often said. Well dogs are also every child’s friends. And after seeing the new compilation DVD from Hasbro Studios and Shout Factory, the dogs of the new Pound Puppies will be a favorite of every child, and maybe even some adults out there, too. In this new single disc compilation, audiences get five episodes from the new series that will leave both parents and kids alike smiling and watching over and over again. In the first of the set’s five episodes, pound manager Leonard and his flunky Olaf have to track down his mother’s dog. Megastar Betty White guests in this episode. The compilation’s second episode is a heartwarming episode both for adults and kids alike as Cookie learns a valuable lesson about being a parent. Lauren Tom, Maurice LaMarche, and Cree Summer all add their guest vocal talents to this episode. And in one more episode, a new pup named Patches joins the gang. He looks up to the Pound Puppies so much that he, Cupcake, and Rebound form their own group called The Super Secret Pup Club. Of course, lots of laughs and mayhem ensue.This five-episode collection opens with the episode, “Bone Voyage.” Betty White (Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland) guest stars as the voice of Agatha, the mother of the pound’s manager, Leonard. Agatha has brought her puppy, Rebound, to the pound so that Leonard will look after Rebound while she goes on vacation. While Lucky and the others try to get Rebound to understand that Agatha will be back, Rebound sees Agatha leave and freaks out. She takes off after Agatha, causing not only the Pound Puppies to take chase, but so do Leonard and Olaf. They all end up on board the cruise liner on which Agatha has taken her vacation. Of course, lots of mayhem and laughs ensure. Viewers will have to see for themselves how things unravel. It does, of course, have a happy ending.

In one of the set’s deeper, more emotional episodes, Cookie learns a valuable lesson about being a parent when a young new pup named Cupcake is brought to the pound. This is one that parents will appreciate in their own way. Cookie becomes emotionally attached to Cupcake. So much so that she doesn’t want Cupcake getting adopted. In its own way, this is somewhat representative of parents letting their own children go as they get older. That likely wasn’t the primary intent. But parents will be able to relate to Cookie’s emotional ordeal. They may even be left a little bit teary eyed by the episode’s end. Lauren Tom (Futurama), Maurice Lamarche (Futurama, The Simpsons, Animaniacs, etc.) and Cree Summer (Rugrats, Codename: Kids Next Door, etc.) all add their guest vocals to this episode.

Once parents get over the emotional moments of “Mutternal Instincts”, they’ll find themselves laughing in “The Super Secret Pup Club.” Cree Summer returns again as Cupcake. Rebound is back again. The two team up with another new puppy named Patches. Patches is a young Dalmatian. He really looks up to the Pound Puppies. He tells them of the stories he’s heard of the Pound Puppies, and how he wants to be as great as them. So the trio forms its club and tries to emulate the Pound Puppies. But as is the course with any new puppy, the run off, forcing the others to hunt them down. This causes all sorts of trouble for the Pound Puppies. It also causes lots of laughs for audiences. Audiences will have to see for themselves what happens. Pound Puppies: Super Secret Pup Club will be available in stores and online Tuesday. It can be ordered online at
http://www.shoutfactorystore.com
.

philspicks

All the latest reviews and news in entertainment

Tag Archives: Futurama