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#SquadGoals (2018)
I Finally Figured Who The Main Conflict Really Is
Gillian Brady (Alexa Mansour) was the hidden main villainess from the 2018 film, Deadly Scholars (alternately titled, #SquadGoals).
Gillian was the best friend of Samantha Hodges (the main protagonist) and Nate Squires; having known the latter since kindergarten. The three of them were up for an important scholarship, along with Jordan Reynolds, Rudy Kampion, and Brittany Gomez. However, Gillian was also obsessively in love with Nate, and in a twisted plan to attempt to win his affections, she devised a murderous scheme to make sure that he received the scholarship.
Gillian's machination began with killing Jordan, doing so by lacing Angela Dodds' lip gloss with peanut oil--knowing that Jordan had a peanut allergy. It was at the beginning of the film, during rehearsal of the school's play, that Jordan succumbed to the effects after he kissed Angela. Gillian's next target was Brittany, who she went after at Rudy's party at his house, which is where she also made an attempt to flirt with Nate, only to realize that Nate had an eye for Samantha. The villainess publicized a photo of Jordan (who Brittany was dating) making out with Lance Hobart, getting the photo from Nate's computer, and then originally planned to drug her and set her up to be accused of driving drunk. However, the evil Gillian instead decided to kill Brittany, using a knife belonging to Rudy's father to commit the murder.
Angela was accused of Jordan's death due to Gillian's actions, which later included setting up Rudy as a school drug dealer by planting drugs and the knife in his locker. Samantha even believed that Nate was the one behind the leaking of the photo of Jordan and Lance, and informed her suspicions to Gillian. Gillian stated that Nate saved the photo, but revealed that she was the one who publicized it, and it was there that she unleashed a knife and pointed it at Samantha, completing her reveal as the killer. She revealed her affections for Nate, stating that it was the reason why she transferred to the high school six months prior, while also lashing out at Samantha for (in Gillian's mind) stealing Nate from her. She stated that Nate was her best friend and soulmate, and that she did everything for him, while also saying that she killed Brittany because she was angered by her complaining and that she was going to kill her, too.
At that moment, Samantha thanked Gillian for confessing her evil deeds, and then called out Nate, who revealed that he had been recording Gillian's whole confession to reveal to the entire school. Seeing this caused Gillian to become enraged that Samantha and Nate had outwitted her, and that all her attempts to win Nate's love had been for nothing now that Nate knew her true evil self. At that point, Gillian simply decided to eliminate both of them, only for Samantha to throw powdered lye at Gillian to distract her. Nate then clocked Gillian with his camera, which only prompted Gillian to pursue Nate and attempt to kill him, but Gillian's attempt to kill Nate was then permanently stopped when Samantha struck Gillian with a wooden plank, killing her.
Summerhood (2008)
Kid's Movie for Grown-Ups or Grown-Up Movie for Kids
Pubes, kissing and hand jobs are all a part of camp in the coming of age film "Summerhood" where the characters are adults in kid skin costumes.
The film is a laugh a second ride of a great story combined with stellar acting and direction from Jacob Medjuck who also co-starred in the movie. Based at a summer camp where the inhabitants are children under the age of 12 or so the story follows one group of friends who share the same cabin. When not arguing or throwing around f-bombs or other various curse words the kids are scheming and getting along nicely. None of the characters have real names. Instead they have given nicknames such as Fetus, Reckless and Sundae. With most films at the Santa Barbara Film Festival being dramatic, foreign or unheard of "Summerhood" brings something new and different. With a simple concept it's not trying to be experimental or edgy, shocking or dark. This is a great movie that moves, inspires and makes you laugh with genuine chuckles.
The acting is superb. Especially from Lucian Maisel the nine-year-old kid named Fetus. With an accent and voice that belongs to a forty-year-old, Maisel plays the character more grown up than the adults in the flick. His portrayal is sweet and heartbreaking as the awkward kid at camp with a lot of friends and a crush on a fellow camper.
Reckless played by Scott Beaudin plays the sly and suave older kid in the cabin with a lot to say and a lot of ideas. The one day legend, the kid roams with his curly hair and baseball T with a self approved sense of achievement.
Medjuck plays the lazy legend Careless who after a risky pant less stunt is placed on job as being camp counselor to Fetus's cabin. While he is a grown man who at first appears to be a half-hearted person, surprises as he provides the campers with a shimmer of life and support.
The design of the camp is perfect and eccentric. The whole camp is covered in a sweet graffiti as the cabins are strewn with the camper's belongings and own personal touches from the clothes to the rafters where the kids sit and play.
With the script littered with cussing and sexual language the dialogue is quick and hilarious. With some great life lessons and intellect coming form the kids and Careless, The skin can't help but prickle with goose-bumps as you listen to the words in the simple scenes.
The relationship of the actors are so relaxed that it feels as if they have spent summer after summer together at camp before making the movie. The cinematography is usually bright and sunny capturing the day. Shots of the bridge at night are almost magical and awe inducing as the opening scene shows Careless and his friend sword fighting with broom sticks.
If looking forward to a film to appear at the best of the fest "Summerhood" is one that shouldn't be missed. It has loads of sprit, comedy and entertainment without being over done or cheesy. Nothing bad can be said about this genuine film.
Super Mouse and the Roborats (1989)
The Whole Story and The Full Truth
"Super Mouse and the Robo Rats" is a 1989 Filipino action-comedy fantasy film directed by Tony Y. Reyes. The film stars Joey de Leon as Mickey, the protagonist. The movie combines elements of action, comedy, and fantasy, creating an entertaining and engaging cinematic experience. The story revolves around Mickey, a young man who discovers his extraordinary powers and his true identity as the son of the powerful and malevolent Master Robo-rat, the leader of the Robo-rat clan.
SuperMouse And The Robo-Rats (dir. Tony Y. Reyes, 1989) Orphaned baby is left at a fair and grows into a carnival barker (Joey de Leon) who transforms via a magic amulet into a mouse-eared, whiskered superhero and saves his carnie friends from Paquito Diaz's goons, bank robbers, and a spaceship full of Robo-Rats. Gap-toothed Rene Requiestas is at his best playing hapless Doro the Magician, and Joey and Rene's bug-eyed dwarf sidekick from Starzan (Noel "Ungga" Ayala) performs a karaoke love song FROM HELL. The best bit, however, is the Star Wars moment when the lead Robo-Rat (a furry and bewhiskered Ruel Vernal) takes off his Darth Vader helmet and announces to Joey in a helium voice "I am your father..."! With Manilyn Reynes, Carmina Villaroel and Lucita Soriano.
Plot Summary:
The film opens by introducing Mickey as a young boy who has always wondered about his exceptional abilities. However, it's not until the day his foster parent passes away that Mickey learns the shocking truth about his lineage. He discovers that he is the son of the sinister Master Robo-rat, the leader of the Robo-rat clan, a group with nefarious intentions to conquer the world.
This revelation puts Mickey in a moral dilemma as he must now choose between embracing his bloodline and becoming a part of the Robo-rat clan's malevolent plans or using his powers for good and protecting the people he has come to care for.
As Mickey grapples with his identity crisis, he forms bonds with the people around him who become his allies. Together, they face a series of challenges and encounters with the Robo-rat clan as they attempt to thwart the clan's plans for world domination. Throughout the film, comedic elements are interwoven into the action and fantasy elements, providing moments of lightheartedness and humor.
Mickey's internal struggle is a central theme of the film as he must confront his own heritage and decide what kind of person he wants to be. As he trains and hones his powers, he realizes the importance of using them responsibly and for the greater good.
The climax of the film features a high-stakes showdown between Mickey and his father, Master Robo-rat. This confrontation not only tests Mickey's physical abilities but also his emotional resolve. Ultimately, Mickey's love for the world he has grown to cherish triumphs over the darkness that runs in his bloodline. He chooses to fight against his father's malevolent ambitions, leading to a climactic battle that showcases his growth as a character.
Themes:
The film explores themes of identity, choices, and the struggle between good and evil. Mickey's journey of self-discovery and the conflict he faces in choosing his path serve as allegorical representations of the universal struggle between one's upbringing and personal convictions.
Spoilers:
In the end, Mickey's determination and newfound understanding of his powers lead him to defeat Master Robo-rat and thwart the Robo-rat clan's plans. He embraces his role as a hero and protector, using his abilities for the betterment of society.
"Super Mouse and the Robo Rats" is a fun-filled and action-packed movie that not only entertains with its fantastical elements and comedic moments but also delivers a message about the power of choice and the ability to rise above one's origins. The film's blend of action, comedy, and fantasy, along with its underlying themes, make it a memorable and engaging cinematic experience.
Spoofs and References
Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures (TV Series 1987-1988)
Mickey's costume are references to Mighty Mouse.
Starzan: Shouting Star of the Jungle (1989)
Kempee appears in cameo in a Starzan character.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
Roborat and the aliens' mask are resembles to Darth Vader
DID YOU KNOW...
Manilyn Reynes parodied her trademark song "Sayang Na Sayang Lang" with Noel Ayala during the scene in which Paeng (Ayala) is trying to win Dora's (Reynes) love. After Mickey (Joey De Leon) rejected Dora's (Manilyn Reynes) admiration for him because he's far too old for her, he told her that if he ever had a son, he'd permit him to have a romantic relationship with Dora. This is a reference to De Leon's real-life son, Keempee De Leon, who was often paired with Reynes in films and TV shows during the late '80s and early '90s. Keempee would appear near the end of this film wearing a costume similar to what his father wore in the Starzan films after Mickey told Dora that he found the perfect guy for her. The character name of Joey De Leon refers to Mickey Mouse, while the other character name of Joey De Leon refers to a popular rat poisoning product, Dora.
Nothing interesting happens until SEVENTY MINUTES into the movie. The main guy finally transforms into Super Mouse. He his very rodent-like and it is good. I don't remember roborats but there are a lot of Darth Vader looking space guys, maybe they were secretly roborats? In Tagalog with no English subs. I've wanted to see this for so long, I even put a bounty on it years ago. Then I got it and sat on it for another five years. It's the Haseena Atom Bomb of 2018. The hunt was far more thrilling than the final reckoning.
Made by the same guy who did Alyas Batman en Robin (1991), a favorite of mine back when I was obsessed with foreign rip-offs and also Batman 66 and all that parodied it. Sadly this didn't give me the same excitement as Alyas but Tony Y. Reyes also made a movie called Goosebusters so I haven't lost hope. I must learn about the goose busting children of Manila.
Wow. This movie is...something. You need to see it to believe it I honestly don't know how to explain it. Plan to re-watch when drunk.
Awful, eye-marring party movie full of rancid humour, bad acting and terrible flying FX. With robots, transvestites, furry suits, songs and a lovesick midget.
Honestly, seeing Noel Ayala sing 'Sayang na Sayang' is funny.
Despite its parodies and references, Super Mouse and the Roborats has received positive reception; 6,7 out of 10 from the Internet Movie Database.
Silk Road (2021)
Everything That's Happened Within and Toward
Even if the viewer is unaware that the crime drama "Silk Road" is grounded in a true narrative, the film quickly hints, within its initial 10 minutes, at the protagonist's imminent entanglement in a significant and illicit affair. Helmed by writer and director Tiller Russell, "Silk Road" recounts the events when a bold tech entrepreneur named Ross Ulbricht launched a darknet platform called Silk Road, designed as an online marketplace for the trade of illegal goods using cryptocurrency. Ulbricht's motivation stemmed from his aversion to conventional employment.
The film narrates a story marked by arrogance and avarice, although it somewhat oversimplifies the complexities involved. While the majority of the cast delivers commendable performances, the movie suffers from moments of exaggerated melodrama, evidently contrived for cinematic effect. Moreover, it inaccurately portrays aspects of the U. S. Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) investigation into the case.
Although Silk Road is commonly associated with the illegal drug trade, the website also facilitated transactions involving weapons, stolen identity information, and even hired assassins. Ulbricht's arrest in 2013, at the age of 29, revealed that Silk Road had operated for two years, amassing a net worth estimated at $28 million. Ulbricht received a double life sentence plus 40 years without parole in 2015, convicted of money laundering, computer hacking, and conspiracy charges. Despite attempts by Ulbricht and his supporters to reduce his sentence, this information is widely known.
The movie predominantly attracts viewers out of curiosity about Ulbricht's rapid ascent as a cybercriminal and the subsequent collapse of his enterprise. However, "Silk Road" dedicates considerable time to the fictional DEA agent Rick Bowden (played by Jason Clarke), engaged in a "cat and mouse" pursuit of Ulbricht. This character, exhibiting a quick temper and personal troubles, is a composite representation of real law enforcement agents involved in the Ulbricht investigation.
While Jason Clarke's acting is commendable, the film's extensive exploration of Rick's personal life, including alcoholism and marital issues, appears extraneous and fails to address key questions about Ulbricht. Details such as Rick's special-needs daughter and financial concerns seem unrelated to the central narrative.
The movie begins with a cheeky disclaimer stating, "This story is true. Except for what we made up and changed." Based on David Kushner's Rolling Stone article, the film is not to be confused with the 2017 Norwegian "Silk Road" movie on the same subject.
In the opening scene set in San Francisco in 2013, Ross, voiced-over, expresses his frustration with societal barriers, foreshadowing his arrest. The film alternates between Ross and Rick's timelines, covering the years 2010 to 2013. Ross, a well-educated entrepreneur in Austin, Texas, embraces libertarian ideals, influenced by Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises. His encounter with Julia (played by Alexandra Shipp) leads to a serious relationship, while Rick, a DEA agent, navigates personal and professional challenges.
As Ross and Julia's relationship intensifies, familial tensions reveal Ross' pattern of failed business ventures and his father's disappointment. Ross' Silk Road venture is born out of a desire for quick success, and the film portrays his modest lifestyle despite considerable wealth. The Gawker interview catapults Silk Road into the media spotlight, triggering law enforcement scrutiny.
The film introduces a subplot where Rick enlists an informant to navigate darknet activities. However, Rick's purported lack of knowledge about cryptocurrency and Silk Road seems implausible. Personal and professional clashes unfold as the FBI joins the investigation. Despite its focus on Rick's personal struggles and the impact on his marriage, the film overlooks crucial details about Ross' rapid establishment of Silk Road.
"Silk Road" takes liberties in portraying Rick as a rogue agent and implies personal resentments toward millennials. While countering Ross' claim of running a "victimless" business, the film misses an opportunity to explore Silk Road's broader network of contributors. This oversight hinders the narrative's potential for a more nuanced exploration of Ulbricht's enterprise.
Welcome to Acapulco (2019)
Movie Spoiler and Full Analysis
Matt Booth (played by Michael Kingsbaker) is a video game designer who dreams of creating a successful game that will make him a household name in the gaming industry. However, his efforts have been met with disappointment and little recognition. Matt Booth has one shot to save his career by unveiling his biggest project yet at the Video Game Awards in New Mexico. Matt's plans go awry when he encounters an old friend at the airport just before his flight. They indulge in heavy drinking, and as a result, Matt boards the wrong plane. Instead of arriving in New Mexico, Matt finds himself in Acapulco, Mexico. Upon landing, he quickly realizes his mistake but is unable to rectify it. He finds himself on the run from high-powered criminals, deadly hitmen and the Feds, all looking for a mysterious package that he has allegedly smuggled through customs yet knows nothing about. During the event, Matt encounters the beautiful and mysterious femme fatale named Anna (played by Ana Serradilla). Unbeknownst to him, Anna is a spy on a dangerous mission involving stolen top-secret technology. In the midst of chaos at the convention, Matt gets entangled in a whirlwind of events that leads to him being mistakenly believed to possess the stolen technology.
Suddenly, Matt finds himself in a mind-bending twist as he is somehow transported into the virtual world of his own video game. Matt has to become a real-life version of the video-game characters he designs to evade an awkward situation he's put himself in after a wild night. In this immersive and action-packed virtual reality, he must navigate through various challenges and obstacles while trying to prove his innocence and unravel the conspiracy behind the stolen technology. As the lines between reality and the game blur, Matt must rely on his wit, creativity, and newfound virtual abilities to outsmart the game's challenges, survive the real-world threats, and clear his name. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with Anna, who is initially suspicious of his intentions but eventually becomes an ally in his quest. Matt and Adriana confront the masterminds behind the conspiracy.
Matt is in the midst of launching his new video game and needs to impress publishers at a meeting in New Mexico to secure a deal. However, after a night of heavy drinking at an airport bar, Matt wakes up on a plane and realizes he's in Acapulco, Mexico. Confused and hungover, Matt's attempts to get back to New Mexico are derailed when he becomes entangled in a web of violence and espionage. He finds himself pursued by various parties, including the Feds, the C. I. A., mercenaries, and more. It turns out that Matt unknowingly brought a package into the country that these groups are after. As Matt navigates the dangerous situation he's in, he crosses paths with a mysterious and capable woman named Adriana. She seems to have her own agenda and becomes an integral part of Matt's journey to survive and unravel the mysteries surrounding the package. Throughout the movie, there are various action sequences filled with gunfire, explosions, and chase scenes. The film blends elements of video game imagery, as Matt's perspective is sometimes presented with game-like visual effects, including health bars and attack names. However, despite the action-packed premise, the movie suffers from several shortcomings. The character of Matt often breaks the fourth wall with his commentary, which can interrupt the flow of the action and become repetitive. Additionally, the treatment of female characters in the film has been criticized. Adriana, while a capable character, is sometimes reduced to a protector/love interest role, and other female characters are used in exploitative ways for shock value. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to the package and the people pursuing it than meets the eye. Characters like Raphael (portrayed by director Iván), bring some entertaining moments to the film. In the end, it is a mix of action, comedy, and intrigue. The film's potential is somewhat hindered by its reliance on certain tropes and its treatment of female characters. While there are enjoyable elements, such as the action sequences and the central mystery, the movie's execution falls short of its potential.
As Matt navigates the chaotic world of Acapulco, he continues to find himself in increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations. Anna, the mysterious femme fatale, becomes his reluctant ally as they both try to evade the various factions chasing them. The stolen technology, it turns out, is a powerful prototype of a mind-controlling device that can manipulate reality within the virtual world, and its potential for harm is immense. Matt's journey takes him through a series of action-packed sequences where he harnesses his video game design skills to manipulate the virtual world, fighting off enemies and solving puzzles. Meanwhile, in the real world, Matt's friends and associates, including his gaming industry peers, are worried about his disappearance and launch their own investigation. As Matt and Anna dig deeper into the conspiracy, they discover that the mastermind behind the theft of the mind-controlling device is none other than Matt's old friend, who he encountered at the airport before the fateful flight. It turns out that his friend had been working with a criminal organization to steal the technology for their own nefarious purposes. Matt and Anna manage to infiltrate the villain's lair, a high-tech facility hidden within Acapulco, and confront the criminals responsible for the chaos. A climactic battle ensues, combining elements of both the virtual and real worlds. Matt uses his newfound virtual abilities to create imaginative traps and strategies, while Anna showcases her spy skills and combat prowess. In a tense showdown, Matt faces off against his old friend, who is now consumed by greed and power. With the help of Anna and his ingenuity, Matt manages to defeat his friend and disable the mind-controlling device, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. The movie concludes with Matt and Anna emerging victorious, having thwarted the criminal organization's plans. The virtual world seamlessly merges with reality, and they return to the real Acapulco. Despite the chaos and danger, Matt's adventure has given him a new sense of confidence and inspiration. He decides to channel his experiences into his video game designs, incorporating elements from his wild journey. As the story ends, Matt's innovative game becomes a massive hit at the Video Game Awards, fulfilling his dreams of success in the gaming industry. He also forms a genuine bond with Anna, and while their paths may diverge, their connection remains strong. The movie closes with a sense of triumph, as Matt's life has been forever changed by his unexpected and exhilarating escapade in "Welcome to Acapulco."
Toupie et Binou: Le Film (2023)
Thoughts and Opinions of/for The Movie's Official Teaser
Personally I wished the teaser trailer of said movie could have cameo characters in the background including...
FIRST ROW: Becky, Little Ellen, Little Helen, Freckle (from Little Ellen); Bobby, Lola, Juliette (from Berry Bees); Rebecca, Hailey, Aliya (from Hailey and the Hero Hearts)
SECOND ROW: Blaine (from Nelly the Knight); Leo (from Il Mondo Di Leo); Casey, Paloma, Piper (from 2D-ified Piper's Pony Tales); Jo, Twyla, Emilia, Zoe, Bike Bob (from Topo Gigio Cartoon)
THIRD ROW: Ollie, Pixie, Alice (from Go Away Unicorn!); Abigail, Pru, Lucky (from Spirit: Fast Friends)
FOURTH ROW: Addison, Brandon, Luke, Nendia, Skye, Graham, Hugo, Michaela, Kaia, Eliot (from Gisele's Mashup Adventures)
FIFTH ROW: Arnold, Carlos, Dorothy Ann, Jyoti, Keisha, Ralphie, Tim, Wanda (from Rides Again Joanna Cole Specials)
Little Ellen (2021)
Please Sign My Petition, It Will Help Save The Day
Hey,
I just signed the petition "Pretty Please Feel Free to Bring Back "Little Ellen" for WB (Give Her a 2nd Chance)" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
Our goal is to reach 100 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here:
If you want, share and pass it along with everyone, so the world can know or hear about this.
I was wondering if you could please actually sign my petition like, y'know... maybe should do it right now.
May I respectfully request you pretty please feel free to share/show it to the world, copy the link and pass it along to your other friends, everyone's gonna wanna know.