The Year without a Santa Claus

In this time of commercialized carols and corporatized Christmas, can this creepy Rankin-Bass classic change the crusty core of Joe's curmudgeony heart? 

Short Review: Overall, the special is bad on every technical level. However, that doesn't matter. This is a classic and every should see it at least once. Hell, you'll see it multiple times this holiday season.

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. It's a Rankin-Bass Christmas special; regardless of your opinion, you've watched it sometime during this Christmas season.
2. The messages our pretty good.
3. Blue Christmas is very nice to listen to and watch.
4. The Misers are a lot of fun...even if they can be annoying.

What you will Hate:

1. The story is cheesy, goofy, and very shallow.
2. The characters look ugly and are very creepy.

Final Score: MUST SEE!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Episode 7: Happy Mayan New Year

Joe gives you guys his Mayan New Year resolutions and expectations for next year.

Check out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel at...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain?feature=mhee

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Licking his wounds from the previous review, Joe prepares to review his most anticipated film of the year.

Short Review: GO SEE IT NOW!!!!

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. The story is awesome and epic, everything we've come to expect from a Peter Jackson-Tolkien movie.
2. The characters are unique and interesting.
3. Thorin and Gandalf are given even larger roles than they are in the books, with more direct arcs in their character.
4. The music...nuff said.

What you will Hate:

1. The pacing is really bad at points.
2. Radagast the Brown is kind of goofy.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Random Video - My take on the New Youtube

WHAT THE HELL!!!!

Bambi

At the order of Cendoo, Joe begins taking his fan requests.

Short Review: Overall Bambi is just kind of meh. Its a really good nature film, but not very strong in the story.

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. The film is beautiful to look at.
2. The characters are sweet and nice.
3. It is a Disney classic for better of worse.

What you will Hate:

1. No real villain or conflict.
2. Some characters are just kind of bland.

Final Score: Check It Out

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Breaking Dawn, Part II

Now with the Twilight Saga finished and done, Joe prepares to tackle it and an old enemy once and for all...but he will need a bit of help.

Short Review: Its over! Its over! Its finished and over! The film is the best in the franchise, but that still doesn't mean its good. Only slightly entertaining.

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. Things are a little more light-hearted in this film.
2. The fight sequence is pretty intense and almost saves the whole franchise.

What you will Hate:

1. The CGI baby is creepy.
2. The twist at the end of the fight scene.
3. It is pretty boring throughout most of the movie.
4. The characters are still uninteresting.

Final Score: Borrow/Rental

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Wreck-It Ralph

Joe takes a look at the highly anticipated Disney video game feature, Wreck-It Ralph. Does it meet all expectations or is it game over for Disney.

Short Review: Wreck-It Ralph is the greatest video game movie ever made. You need to see this movie. It is absolutely worth the purchase price.

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. The references are well done and intelligent.
2. The film is emotional and the characters complex and well arced.
3. Disney seems to be reaching a second renaissance.

What you will Hate:

1. Vanellope can get a little annoying at times.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Halloweentown

At the behest/order of Cendoo, Joe takes a look at Disney Channel's Halloweentown. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


Short Review: uuuuhh...it... exists?

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. I got nothing.

What you will Hate:

1. Not much here either, sorry.
2. Well, the acting is kind of poor and the plot is predictable; but its a Disney Channel Original Movie.

Final Score: Borrow/Rental (probably being to kind)

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Cinema in Review Halloween special

Quick update,
The review of Halloweentown will be delayed until the 31st of October. It shall now become Cinema in Review's first Halloween special.

Random Video - I Sing at my Senior Talent Show

From my cancelled "Super Spectacular Graduation Special". This is me doing of my singing impressions at the 2012 Beavercreek High School Senior Talent Show.

Vampires Suck

After an email from a mysterious sender, Joe is forced to review the horrible 2010 "spoof film" Vampires Suck. Can he survive this horrible garbage or is this the final straw, and who sent him that email.

Short Review: FUUUUUUUUUUUCK THIS MOVIE!!!!!

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. Doing anything other than this movie.

What you will Hate:

1. Everything
2. This is not funny, its not a comedy.
3. The actors are bad, unfunny, and the story is based on a horrible series.
4. This is the Sonic the Hedgehog of spoof films, loud, obnoxious  and unstructured; which makes it unbearable.
5. The person who made me have to review this movie.
6. Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer.
7. There are so many pointless, senseless pop cultural references.

Final Score: BOMB!!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Random Video - Nostalgia Critic tribute

At the request of Cendoo from It's Tail Time, I have been asked to upload my Nostalgia Critic tribute from the Prince of Egypt all on its own. Hope you guys enjoy it. Originally published September 28, 2012.

Random Video - War for all Worlds TV Spot 1

Yet another random mash-up trailer. Using these to experiment with Vegas Movie Studio. Originally published August 1, 2012.

Random Video - War for all Worlds Theatrical Trailer

The first of several fan mash-up trailers for a old crossover idea I had. I hope you all enjoy it. Originally published July 26, 2012.

Random Video - Legend of Korra Parody audition

I audition for the Legend of Korra Abridged. My audition is for Shiro Shinobi, the narrator for the pro-bending matches. Originally published on June 11, 2012.

Random Video - I take a pie to the face

A day at Video Club ends with a pie to my face. Just Perfect. Originally published May 8, 2012.

Prince of Egypt

After two weeks on hiatus, Cinema in Review is back with a brand new intro. In this episode, Joe takes a look at the underrated Dreamworks classic, The Prince of Egypt.

Short Review: The Prince of Egypt is arguably the best Dreamworks movie ever made (at least in my opinion). It is equal to if not superior to the 1956 epic, The Ten Commandments. But the Prince of Egypt focuses on the relationship between Moses and Ramses and that is where the strength of this movie lies.

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. The music is almost superior to Hunchback at certain point.
2. Ramses is an incredible villain, Ralph Fiennes does a marvelous job.
3. The visuals are powerful and it comes off as an epic in its own right.

What you will Hate:

1. The music can come out of nowhere sometimes.
2. The assholes on the internet who want to get in debates.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Hunchback of Notre Dame

Joe takes a look at Disney's underrated renaissance musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Short Review: The Hunchback of Notre Dame is my favorite animated musical. Based on an incredibly dark and tragic book, Hunchback is incredibly ballsy and takes so many chances. However, there are a few moments that destroy moments of tone and this can be a serious problem.

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. The music is awesome!
2. Frollo is one of the greatest Disney villains ever made.
3. The story is dumbed-down, but is still the darkest of Disney films.

What you will Hate:

1. The gargoyles are kind of annoying (if you are an adult)
2. The tone of the film will sometimes switch at the drop of a dime.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Bionicle: The Mask of Light

Series Two starts off with a bang as we introduce Subs brand new body design.

Short Review: Bionicle: The Mask of Light is a really good kids movie. While it possesses a simple plot, it is wholesome and timeless which makes it already much better than some of the other crap they are given.

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. The lack of pop culture references
2. The unique and interesting back story
3. The timelessness of the film

What you will Hate:

1. The simple and predictable plot

Final Score: Check It Out

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Cinema in Review (SERIES TWO PREVIEW)

Not a full length review...just the intro to one. And a little word from the man himself. New video comes out this Friday.

Breaking Dawn, Part 1

Joe takes a look at the final film in the series; that and fights an evil twilight loving ninja.

Short Review: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...movie what now?

Video Review:



What you will Like:

1. A good nights sleep after watching this film.

What you will Hate:

1. Watch my review for every other Twilight film. If you don't know the problems by now, no cookie for you.

Final Score: BOMB!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Eclipse

Joe takes a look at the third film in the Twilight series. Though after a week in Tahiti, Subs may string Joe up for his opinion.

Short Review: Eclipse is better than the first two films. While it is not a good film, it is still an interesting viewing experience. It kills me to say it but if you get together with some friends to tear this movie apart, you will have great time.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. Getting together with friends to attack this movie.
2. The action scenes are actually pretty good.

What you will Hate:

1. There is nothing here.
2. The acting is atrocious. and unless you have company over for a roast' it will not be fun.
3. Bella is a horrible person!

Final Score: Borrow/Rental

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

The Dark Knight Rises

Joe takes a look at the conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy.

Short Review: The Dark Knight Rises is a great conclusion to an awesome trilogy. Everything works. The actors are top-notch and story is filled with dozens of twists. It concludes the Batman story in the most satisfying way possible.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. The acting is top-notch.
2. The story is filled with twists and turn.
3. Bane's reputation is saved from the abomination known as Batman and Robin.

What you will Hate:

1. It ends

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

New Moon

Joe takes a look at the second film in the so-called Twilight Saga. When you've hit rock bottom you can't get worse...right?

Short Review: New Moon is worse than the first movie. How do you do that? It possesses all the problems of the first film and adds more on as seasoning. Bella goes from being a boring, over-obsessive anti feminist; to being a cold-hearted manipulator. She uses the affections of all the men around her to get what she wants. The pacing is some of the worst I have ever seen. It is actually significantly worse than the first movie. While the werewolves, Charlie, and the Volutri are entertaining; they are not the focus, rather the boring and uninteresting romance is.

Video Review:


What you will Like:

1. Charlie is the best character
2. The werewolves are actually kind of interesting
3.  The Volutri are entertaining to watch.

What you will Hate:

1. Less than 30% of this film actually has a real plot.
2. All the fucking montages!
3. The pacing is horrible.
4. If the first film was entertaining to watch in its corniness, this movie is so depressing and moody, any campiness is sucked out to be morbid.
5. Bella is a horrible character. She has no respect for any of the characters, using them for her purposes only.
6. The acting is GOD AWFUL!!!
7. I had to pay a fine because it was overdue; I had to pay for this movie.

Final Score: BOMB!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

The Amazing Spider-Man

Joe takes a break from the Twilight Saga to take a look at the rebooted Spider-Man film. Is it a great piece of film or another Spider Man 3.

Short Review: The Amazing Spider-Man is a great addition to the Marvel movie line-up. The actors are so good, you feel like your watching the characters rather than some actors playing characters. The story is strong with a great and natural transformation for both the hero and villain.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. All of the actors do their job spectacularly.
2. The story is great and a refreshing experience from the Twilight films.
3. The Lizard is a GREAT villain!

What you will Hate:

1. Norman Osborn's reveal is kind of rough.
2. People leaving the theater wile the credits role
3. Peter's Parents should work for Shield.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Twilight

Joe takes a look (more of rant really) at the first film in the over-hyped monstrosity known as the Twilight Saga, but is he playing into a evil forces hand?

Short Review: Twilight is AWFUL! You don't need me to tell you this. It was made solely to profit off of the success of the much better Harry Potter franchise. The characters are all bland and most downright creepy or cruel. The pacing is the worst I have ever seen. GOD, THIS MOVIE IS SO BAD!!!

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. The movie is so bad at parts its actually kind of funny to watch
2. Two of the characters are actually good.

What you will Hate:

1. This is a drama, its not supposed to be comedic
2. Those two characters who are good are constantly mistreated by the story.
3. Everyone else is bland or forgettable
4. Bella is absolutely insufferable; she is cruel, stubborn, and a Mary Sue (though a bad one)
5. The story is absolute crap. Its a 35 minute TV show stretched out to 122 minutes. The music is bland except for ONE muse song which is pretty kick-ass.
6. NOTHING HAPPENS!
7. NOTHING HAPPENS!!
8. NOTHING HAPPENS!!!

Final Score: BOMB!!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Episode 6.1?: The Search

Not a full episode, just a quick and humorous update to Episode 6. They are making a new comic series after The Promise trilogy.



All audio and video is used for critical purposes and is used in fair use. It is protected under U.S. copyright law. Thank you to Korra Legacy for the footage.

Episode 6: Legend of Korra Retrospective

Joe takes a look at the Legend of Korra, the spin-off to one of his favorite tv franchises of all time. At 21 minutes, this is his longest vlog of all time. All audio and video is used in owned or used in fair use and protected by U.S. copyright law.


Next Episode: 3D Movies and Conversion


Prince James's Avatar Wiki Blog

It's Tail Time Forum

Brave

As Pixar month finally concludes; an evil mastermind begins his plans for domination, and Joe takes a peek at the latest in Pixar's line-up.

Short Review: Brave is a decent addition to a great legacy. The music and style of most of the film is beautiful and a lot of fun. Unfortunately, Brave wastes its potential by being too cutesy and possessing a weaker second act. However, a marvelous villain (who is more interesting than the main characters) and a solid first and third act make this more than an enjoyable experience.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. The music is absolutely bad-ass!
2. The Scottish highlands and general feel of the first and third act is a marvel to behold.
3.  Billy Connolly does a marvelous job as always.
4. Mor'du is the most interesting character in the entire film (seriously, I want a prequel with his story!)

What you will Hate:

1. A very weak, very generic second act.
2. The queen as a bear has a very kid movie feel about her.
3. The brothers are kind of annoying.

Final Score: MUST SEE!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Up

As Pixar Month draws to a close, Joe takes a look at the last of Pixar "classic movies". Will "Up" soar through the sky, or fall like a house.

Short Review: Up is a great, emotional adventure. The first 10 minutes are a cinematic marvel, and should be watched in every film school. The protagonist and his struggle is great and extremely relate-able, though many of the other characters fall a little flat in comparison. There are also too many pointless comedy characters that take away from the film overall.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. The first ten minutes are perhaps the most beautiful and moving pieces in cinematic history.
2. The music is absolutely perfect. It ties into the emotions on the screen and meshes great.
3. This is the second most emotional Pixar movie, only WALL-E is more emotional in my opinion. 

What you will Hate:

1. The villain is kind of one-dimensional
2. TOO MANY GOOFY COMEDY CHARACTERS!!!

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Episode 5: It's Tail Time

Joe has officially joined It's Tail Time.net and is making a change to the way these vlogs will work in the future. Be sure to check out the It's Tail Time forum and ask questions or post opinions on the topic and you might have it read on the next vlog.

Tune in next Sunday for Episode 6!

It's Tail Time Homepage

http://www.itstailtime.net/

Top 10

Joe gives his take on the best and the worst of various subjects.

Episode Guide:

1. 5 Worst Power Rangers Theme Songs
2. Top 10 Screamers (upcoming)

5 Worst Power Rangers theme songs

Joe begins his new series the Top 10 with a collaboration project with cendoo of litestudios and It'sTailTime.net. On his channel, they explore the the 5 best Power Rangers themes. On this site, we explore the 5 worst.

WALL-E

Joe takes a long look at his favorite Pixar movie. And gives the environmental trolls on the internet a good 1-2 at the same time.

Short Review: WALL-E is a beautifully constructed love story.  With the first act of this movie being completely silent, it ranks up among one of the most emotionally invested films I have ever watched. Though there are a few flaws. I enjoy watching this movie every time it's on and I recommend it to everyone.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. The love story is handled beautifully.
2. The music is handled really great, as it must compensate for the lack of dialog.
3. This is the most emotional movie of any Pixar movie, with only one in a close second. 

What you will Hate:

1. The second act is kind of rough.
2. The human characters are kind of odd, and can sometimes take away from the seriousness of the narrative.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Ratatouille

Joe takes a look at Pixar's first in a long line of successful artsy films. Pixar Month is entering its home stretch, and now things are looking up.

Short Review: Ratatouille is a great piece of cinematic art. Animated spectacularly and dealing with a unique premise executed brilliantly, Ratatouille is my third favorite Pixar film (behind Up and WALL-E). All of the characters are handled great, particularly Anton Ego who is one of the inspirations for me becoming a critic. You should absolutely check it out.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. The music and atmosphere is beautiful.
2. All of the characters are handled expertly; especially Anton.
3. A deep, complex message told in a tear-jerking monologue by the primary antagonist. 

What you will Hate:

1. The romance is a little heavy-handed.
2. The secondary antagonist is very one-dimensional.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Cars and Cars 2

Joe takes a look at the second Pixar franchise, unfortunately. Meanwhile a servant has some questions for his lord.

Short Review: Cars and Cars 2 is easily the worst two films in Pixar's line-up. Designed almost entirely for children, the Cars franchise has very little in actual content. Though the second movie is infinitely worse than the first. They might be solid films, but as far as other Pixar movies go; they just don't hold up.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. This is the last performance of both George Carlin and Paul Newman.
2. Some of the characters are very good.

What you will Hate:

1. The Mater jokes go way overboard, especially in the second movie.
2. The movie is designed exclusively for children. There is nothing here for adults.
3. The second is a typical espionage idiot movie.

Final Score: Check It Out

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

The Incredibles

Joe takes a look at Pixar's superhero piece. Is The Incredibles as great as The Dark Knight or just another Green Lantern.

Short Review: The Incredibles is in my opinion one of the best superhero movies ever made. Even if it isn't my favorite Pixar movie, I do think it is the most well-constructed of Pixar's films.  Deep and unique characters, it seems more oriented for adults than for children, though not by much. With a great villain in Syndrome, The Incredibles becomes an incredible experience and I wonder why there isn't a sequel.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. This is a unique character study of superheroes.
2. Syndrome is one of the most complex of Pixar villains.
3. The action scenes are done beautifully.

What you will Hate:

1. There is not a sequel to this movie.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check Out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel...
http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Finding Nemo

Joe takes a good long look at Pixar's fifth animated film, as Pixar Month is still going strong. Meanwhile, however, dark forces begin to move against our critic. Who are they and what do they want?

Short Review: Finding Nemo advanced the filed of computer generated water physics.  It is a solid movie in its own right. Though some of the characters are very overbearing; some like Gill, however, are extremely deep and unique. It is not Pixar's worst, but it is not the best either.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. Many of the characters are unique and interesting.
2. The story has some very dark moments.

What you will Hate:

1. Several of the characters are rather overbearing.
2. Many of the plot elements fall flat.

Final Score: Check It Out

Check out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel at...

http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Monsters, Inc.

Joe takes on Monsters, Inc., Pixar's fourth feature film. With the comedy and dark story, is it one of the best or one of the worst. Third entry in Pixar Month.

Short Review: Monsters, Inc. is a really decent film. It's a solid family film that manages to convey really powerful emotions in such a way that kids and adults can still get invested and interested

Video Review: 

What you will Like:

1. The animation is very sleek.
2. The characters save for the child are very good.
3. There are some very heavy hitting parts to this film.

What you will Hate:

1. Some of the villains are kind of one-dimensional.
2. The child actress isn't very good.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel at...

http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

A Bug's Life

Joe continues his celebration of Pixar Month with a review of Pixar's second film.

Short Review: A Bug's Life is not a good as the Toy Story series. The characters are kind of bland, though the villain is kind of cool. It advanced the the processing power of CGI films which would later on go to show the potential scale of future films. But other than that, the movie is good but kind of disappointing in examined among the other Pixar films.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. The stories is strong.
2. The villain, Hopper, is a really threatening villain.

What you will Hate:

1. The main character is bland. He doesn't grow with the movie.
2. The effects are kind of outdated.

Final Score: Must See!

Check out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel at...

http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain

Toy Story trilogy

Joe begins Pixar Month with a review of Pixars most notable franchise, the Toy Story trilogy. Will Pixar Month start off with a bang or a whimper.

Short Review: The Toy Story franchise is a really great series. The franchise is notable for being the first computer generated full-length feature film. The characters are complex and and the villains unique and fully developed.

Video Review:

What you will Like:

1. The animation is absolutely perfect.
2. The stories are always being trumped by the succeeding film.
3. The characters are unique and deeply characterized.

What you will Hate:

1. They are probably making a Toy Story 4.
2. The second movie is slightly less than the first or third movie.

Final Score: MUST OWN!!!

Check out Phoenix 8 Productions Youtube channel at...

http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixEntertain